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Unfortunately, not everyone is satisfied with the results of their breast augmentation surgery. This may be caused by cosmetic changes after the operation or just a change in your aesthetic preferences over time.
This page discusses breast revision to replace your breast implants (implant exchange/replacement). Patients also have the option to remove their breast implants without replacement. Learn more about getting breast implant replacements in Atlanta!
Breast implant revision is suitable for any patient who has undergone cosmetic breast surgery and is unhappy with the results.
Candidates should be fully healed from their initial surgery before undergoing revision surgery; we typically ask that patients wait six months post-op to allow their breast tissue and implants to settle into place.
Exceptions may be made for patients experiencing complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture. These patients usually require implant removal and replacement right away to ensure their safety.
No matter why you are dissatisfied with the results of your primary breast augmentation, you can meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons for a complimentary breast revision surgery consultation and evaluation. Breast Implant Exchange is commonly used for:
- Replacing a ruptured silicone gel implant
- Replacing a deflated saline-filled implant
- Relieving capsular contracture (tight scar tissue around an implant that makes the breast mound too firm)
- Changing the breast implant size to achieve larger or smaller breasts
- Changing implant placement from submuscular to subglandular or vice versa
- Switching a silicone gel breast implant for a saline-filled implant or vice versa
- If you want to learn more about reasons for breast revision, visit our blog.
IMPROVED BREAST SIZE AND SHAPE
After breast surgery, some patients are not satisfied with their breast contours or the breast size their implants achieved. This may occur immediately after surgery or decades later.
Breast revision allows you to replace your breast implants with those of a different size or shape. You may also choose to move your implants from under the muscle to over the muscle (or vice versa). Your surgeon may also adjust your breast pocket that holds the implants to keep them in the correct position to achieve the breast contours you seek.
CORRECTION OF BREAST IMPLANT COMPLICATIONS
If you experience a complication such as breast implant rupture or capsular contracture, breast implant replacement surgery becomes necessary.
A rupture occurs when the outer shell of an implant breaks. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue around the breast implant squeezes the implant. It is often caused by infection or an overstimulated immune response.
This operation removes the damaged or constricted implant and replaces it with a new one.
BREAST INCISIONS
During a breast implant replacement surgery, your surgeon will most often use the same incisions from your primary surgery to access your breast tissue and implants. This prevents adding more visible scarring and may allow your surgeon to improve the appearance of scars that healed poorly.
BREAST IMPLANT REPLACEMENT TECHNIQUES
Your surgeon will then carefully remove your breast implants and replace them with the new ones of your choosing. You can learn more about your replacement breast implant options here.
One or more of the following options may be used during your procedure:
- Opening a contracted scar tissue capsule to release the tension around the implant (capsulotomy)
- Removing the implant and scar tissue capsule entirely (capsulectomy)
- Breast lifting techniques, especially if going from a large implant to a smaller one
Many patients find that recovery from breast revision surgery in Atlanta is easier than that of their initial breast surgery. We will supply you with tips and instructions on keeping yourself comfortable and safe during your recovery.
You will need several follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor the healing process.
Most patients can return to their normal daily activities in about one week. They may resume full activity, including exercise, in three to six weeks.
Patients must be careful of their drains, which are placed during surgery and removed after a few weeks of recovery. These help reduce the buildup of excess fluid as you heal.
Each patient’s recovery process is different depending on the type and extent of their surgery. Your Advanced Aesthetics surgeon will discuss what to expect from your recovery in more detail.
Most patients will start to see their breast revision results in four to six weeks as swelling subsides. After six weeks, most patients can see their final results.
The cost of breast implant replacement in Atlanta can vary significantly. This is because each surgery is customized to address unique concerns.
No two breast revision procedures are the same. Some patients may want new implants that cost more (or less) than their original implants. Some patients may prefer to combine their revision with a breast lift. All of these factors and more will impact the cost of breast implant replacement.
Most insurance policies will not cover revision procedures for cosmetic reasons. However, many health insurance plans will cover breast implant removal if it is performed for medical reasons, such as treating capsular contracture or a ruptured breast implant. While implant removal may be covered, insurance companies do not generally cover the cost of surgery to replace the implants.
Talk with your health insurance provider to determine what your policy covers.
Most patients need to replace their breast implants within 10 to 20 years of their initial placement. However, some breast implants have lasted longer than 20 years.
You can also learn more about how long breast implants last.
When you meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, they will ask you about your previous breast surgery and examine your physical condition. They will also ask you about your aesthetic goals and ensure that you understand what breast implant replacement surgery can do for you. Finally, they will recommend a treatment plan and answer any questions you have about your upcoming operation.
When you choose to replace your breast implants, you can select new implants identical to your current ones or change to another type. You can switch from saline to silicone or the other way around. You can change from round implants to shaped implants to change your breast contours. You can also change the size of your implants to enlarge or shrink your breasts.
You can learn more about your breast implant options.
While all plastic surgery carries a degree of risk, breast revision is usually safe. On rare occasions, complications can occur.
These complications may include:
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Unfavorable scarring
- Unfavorable breast contours
- Capsular contracture
- Excess bleeding
