*This information about Breast Implant Exchange was reviewed by our esteemed surgeons. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
BREAST IMPLANT EXCHANGE & REMOVAL IN ATLANTA
BREAST IMPLANT EXCHANGE
Breast implant exchange is a surgical procedure performed to remove and replace one (or both) implants from a previous breast augmentation surgery. Patients are motivated to exchange their breast implants for a number of reasons, such as:
When the original implant has begun to leak (or has ruptured entirely), the breast may change shape or size as the implant deflates. Saline implant rupture is immediately obvious because of the rapid deflation, and although saline leakage is not harmful to the body, prompt removal and replacement is typically optimal for aesthetic reasons. Silicone leakage is more gradual and difficult to detect—patients with a ruptured silicone implant may present with swollen, painful breasts, or a burning or tingling sensation in the breast region. Silicone leakage may have negative health implications, and silicone implants must be exchanged as soon as the rupture is detected.
Selecting the perfect size, shape, texture and profile for your breast implants can be a difficult process, and some patients find that they are dissatisfied with the final aesthetic results of their initial breast augmentation procedure. The colloquial term “grapefruit breasts” describes implants that are too large or overfilled, giving the patient a top-heavy appearance—patients may elect to exchange their implants for a smaller size to rectify this situation. In other cases, patients may seek to replace their saline implants with the silicone variety, to achieve a more natural feel, or to replace their conservatively sized implants with a larger implant. With the broad range of implant varieties available, there is no need for any patient to be unhappy with the look and feel of her implants, and breast implant exchange surgery offers a second chance to patients whose breast surgery goals have yet to be realized.
Implants may need to be replaced to correct placement issues that have developed over time, as a result of implant slippage or the incorrect placement of the implants during the original surgery. Implant placement issues include implants that hang too low on the chest, or have moved laterally outward and appear to be situated under the armpits. Improperly placed implants may also appear too far apart or too close together. Patients may notice the development of unsightly wrinkles, ripples or ridges on or around the breast region, or the appearance of a “double bubble,” when an overly large implant causes a constricted breast to sit on a visible implant, thereby creating a “pyramid on a dome” look. In most cases, all of the aforementioned implant placement issues can be rectified with breast implant exchange surgery.
At Muse Plastic Surgery, located in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Wright Jones and Dr. Sabine Lovell are skillful and compassionate plastic surgeons who understand the importance of having authentic-looking and natural-feeling breasts.
Our plastic surgeons are well-versed in the diagnosis and correction of breast surgery complications, and will work closely with you to address any physical or aesthetic problems stemming from past breast augmentation surgeries, taking great care to ensure that you are 100% happy with your final breast surgery outcome.
IMPLANT EXCHANGE PROCEDURE AND RECOVERY
Breast implant exchange is a safe, outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about 1-2 hours, although the exact time will vary depending on the unique details of each patient’s case. During the procedure, Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell will make an incision in the same location as the original incision, in order to remove the original implant, and replace it with the new one, generally in the same pocket (unless implant placement needs to be corrected). If the original implant has leaked due to rupture, the leaked fluid will be soaked up with a series of dry sponges.
Recovery after implant exchange surgery is generally less intensive than the recovery following the initial breast augmentation procedure. Incision site pain can typically be managed with OTC pain medication, and patients will be advised to rest for 24-48 hours and to keep a light pressure wrap around the breasts for the first 7 days after surgery.
CONTACT MUSE PLASTIC SURGERY
At Muse Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jones and Dr. Lovell focus not on changing the core aesthetic components of their patients, but rather on using cosmetic enhancement procedures to help them become the absolute best that they can be. Our plastic surgeons believe in the importance of having well-informed patients, and will take the time to explain all of your breast implant exchange options and procedural details so that you feel completely comfortable about your surgery.
If you would like additional information about having your breast implant exchange performed at Muse Plastic Surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Jones or Dr. Lovell.
Contact us by clicking here, calling the office at 404.994.5937 or emailing us at info@museplasticsurgery.com
