Breast Implant Exchange
In our experience, breast augmentation patients tend to be some of the happiest patients. Over time, some women who have enhanced their breasts with breast augmentation may wonder what can be done to further enhance how their breasts look and feel. The breasts change over the years due to lifestyle choices, the natural aging process, poor healing, implant settling, or implants just wearing out. Equipped with a thorough knowledge of modern surgical techniques and anatomy, George Alexander, MD, FACS, is a highly sought after leader in his field and is regarded as one of the top plastic surgeons in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a consistent award-winning and board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Alexander performs breast implant exchange to treat these imperfections and deliver beautiful world-class results.
What Breast Implant Exchange Can Improve
Breast Appearance
Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and aging can affect the results of breast augmentation. Sometimes, the outcome of the initial surgery is simply unsatisfactory. Breast implant exchange may allow patients to improve their breast imperfections and obtain the bustline of their dreams.
Post-Op Complications
Post-operative healing complications can cause breast imperfections. Breast implant exchange can revitalize a patient’s self-confidence and produce pleasing results. During surgery, implants can be replaced with new, modern implants, and the breasts can be enhanced to a more attractive look and feel.
Positioning Concerns
Sometimes poor pocket placement can cause breast implant malposition. Natural changes in the breasts over time can also contribute to breast asymmetry. With breast implant exchange, Dr. Alexander can improve the appearance of unbalanced breasts to create a stunning and more symmetrical bustline.
“I found out about Dr. Alexander through a friend that got her breast augmentation done by him. I did a lot of research and read a lot of reviews from different doctors and always found myself back to Dr. Alexander. So I finally decided to go for it and get my second breast augmentation done by him and I could not be happier with them, I love them so much more. I told Dr. Alexander what I liked and with his expertise I trusted him. Dr. Alexander and his staff were so friendly, sweet and amazing, they really have made my experience delightful. If I ever need anything else done this is the place I will be, I definitely recommend Dr. Alexander. Thank you so much!!”
“Dr. Alexander did my breast surgery 10 years ago. He did an amazing job and I was very happy with the outcome. Last year I decided that I did not want the implants anymore so I went back to Dr. Alexander and had them removed. Again, he did such a great job and I just could not be more happy!! The whole process was very easy and smooth. Dr. Alexander always takes time to explain everything and answer all my questions. The office staff is the best I have ever seen! Always so helpful and nice!”
“Dr. Alexander did my revision breast augmentation. He did an absolutely amazing job and corrected all of my concerns. He is also extremely professional and has good bedside manner. I would highly recommend this doctor!”
Breast Implant Exchange Options
Implant Aesthetic
Implant Size
Over time, a person’s preferences and lifestyle often evolve. A breast augmentation patient may decide to exchange her implants for larger or smaller ones, depending on her aesthetic goals.
Implant Type
Many breast augmentation patients who opted for saline implants decide to replace them with silicone implants years later. Silicone implants typically ripple less and tend to feel like natural breast tissue as compared to saline implants. Silicone implants are the current “gold standard” and almost always provide the best results in breast augmentation patients.
Pocket Placement
To correct implant malpositioning and asymmetry, Dr. Alexander may alter the breast implant pocket placement and size. This technique is designed to restore a balanced and natural appearance to the breasts.
Correction of Complication
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue constricts around one or both implants, distorting the breasts. Should a patient experience this issue, Dr. Alexander usually performs a capsulectomy to remove the capsules. The implants can be removed or replaced during this procedure.
Implant Rupture
When a saline implant ruptures, it deflates rather quickly, resulting in a noticeably smaller breast within hours to days. A silicone implant rupture may not be noticed because the silicone gel typically stays in place, but it can be identified with an MRI scan. To correct this complication, your plastic surgeon would remove or replace the implants as soon as possible.
Implant Removal
Some patients want to have their breast implants taken out altogether. Implant removal involves surgically removing the breast implants and sometimes the scar tissue capsule. This procedure can usually be performed through the original breast augmentation incisions to minimize the development of additional scars, but it can often best be accomplished with crease incisions.
Combination
If a patient develops significant sagging (ptosis) of the breasts, breast lift surgery may be an appropriate approach. A breast lift involves removing excess skin, uplifting the existing breast tissue, and tightening the surface of the breasts. This surgery can be performed after an implant removal procedure or in conjunction with implant replacement to produce a more youthful appearance.
Concerns
Recovery
While full recovery can take up to six weeks, most patients can resume working after one week. Aftercare instructions, along with a personalized recovery timeline, will be provided during the consultation. Patients may engage in aerobic exercise four to six weeks after surgery, as advised by Dr. Alexander.
Scars
Surgery will result in scars, but Dr. Alexander creates all incisions precisely and uses advanced techniques to minimize the appearance of scarring. If suitable, he utilizes the same incision location that was used during the previous surgery. Fortunately, scars tend to fade and blend into the surrounding skin as time passes.
Cost
Dr. Alexander has over 20 years of experience with breast surgery and possesses multiple board certifications. Because every patient has unique anatomical needs and aesthetic goals, Dr. Alexander develops entirely customized surgical plans to deliver world-class results. He uniquely combines both art and science to provide the best results for each patient.
The cost of breast implant exchange surgery varies depending on many factors, including implant type, surgical technique, and anesthesia fees. You will receive an exact price after discussing your expectations during your consultation.
Comfort
Pain will be minimal if the implants are only replaced. The discomfort after implant removal or capsulectomy is similar to that of breast augmentation. Over the last decade, Dr. Alexander has implemented a dual local anesthetic technique that has improved patient comfort considerably. Any post-op pain should be controlled with oral medication prescribed by Dr. Alexander. The bulk of discomfort is experienced during the first 48 hours of recovery and then steadily decreases in most patients.
FAQ
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for breast implant exchange is by scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Most patients qualify for this procedure if they have had breast augmentation in the past and can relate to the following:
- Hardened breasts
- Breast deformities
- Unsatisfactory results
- Breast asymmetry
Breast implant exchange usually takes one to two hours to complete, depending on the techniques used and the desired extent of enhancement.
Dr. Alexander performs all breast implant exchange procedures with general anesthesia. You sleep while he works.
Breast implant exchange is considered to have long-lasting results. However, aging and lifestyle factors do alter the appearance of the breasts over time.
More information about breast implants and breast implant safety can be found on the FDA’s website.