Breast Implants Exchange
Breast augmentation cosmetic surgery is a very effective procedure with high rates of success. However, a woman may need to exchange or replace breast implants at least once in her lifetime. An experienced plastic surgeon will apprise the patient about the possibility of breast implant exchange at the time of the primary procedure itself.
The exchange procedure may or may not be more complicated than the primary surgery. In any case, breast revision plastic surgery must be performed only by a qualified and experienced surgeon. Dr. Brian J. Parker is a dedicated cosmetic surgeon providing breast implant exchange and other breast surgeries to patients in Las Vegas and surrounding areas.
Need for Breast Implant Exchange
Breast implant exchange cosmetic surgery may be required for a variety of reasons. If one or both of the original implants have developed capsular contracture or have become damaged, misshaped, mal-positioned or poorly aligned, the patient will required this plastic surgery. In some cases, the woman may have a desire to increase or decrease the size of her breasts, and may opt for this procedure to suit her aesthetic needs.
New and advanced qualities in highly cohesive silicone implants may be preferred by some women, who are already having old quality silicone or saline implants. In all such cases, the cosmetic surgeon may recommend a breast implant exchange procedure to meet the patient’s aesthetic goals. As an experienced plastic surgeon in Las Vegas, Dr. Parker will recommend this procedure only after determining the suitability of the candidate.
When the Exchange is not suitable?
The surgeon may recommend against the idea of voluntary breast implant exchange in the following conditions:
- Cancer or pre-cancer growths are detected in the breast tissue.
- The candidate has a persistent or untreated infection in some part of the body.
- The woman is pregnant or breastfeeding.
- The woman has a medical condition that may obstruct the healing process.
- Poor blood circulation has occurred following a previous surgery or radiotherapy.
Procedure
Breast implant exchange procedure is performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. The procedure may involve exchange of one or both the implants. Sometimes the procedure may be performed in conjunction with breast lift. The complexity of the surgery will depend on why the patient needs a replacement of implants. If the goal is to switch over from saline to silicone implants, or opt for a new size of implants, the procedure is likely to be simple.
The surgeon will use the existing scars to make the incision, and remove the old implants through the incision. In case of a rupture or leakage, the surgeon will also remove any rupture material or debris from the implant cavity. The new implants will be placed into the existing cavity, which is already there, adjusted into position, and the incisions will be closed with sutures.
Recovery
Bruising and swelling will occur for a few days, and the degree of pain will vary between patients. If the earlier implants were in the front of the muscle, it will require a transition period until the muscle stretches and accommodates the new implant. Most patients can resume their regular activities or go to work within 10 to 14 days.
If you would like to learn more about the plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Brian J. Parker by contacting us at (702) 240-9500.