Implant Exchange

A small number of augmentation patients do not experience problems with capsules or normal breast texture but may consider simple implant exchange due to dissatisfaction with palpable implants (such as the edge and wrinkles of saline implants) or breast size, concerns about implant leakage or rupture with the approaching lifespan of implants, or actual implant rupture. Technically, this is a relatively simple procedure. Depending on whether one wants to increase or decrease implant size, change saline to silicone implants, or fix already ruptured or leaked implants, implant exchange can be performed through the original incision as long as patients have healthy and soft breasts. The surgery would only take approximately 1 h to complete. Because it does not require the dissection or cutting of capsules, no postoperative massage is needed in most cases. One can almost immediately return to normal life and work. This is also a breast maintenance surgery when implants reach the end of their lifespan.

Surgical conditions

Duration

0.5hr (both sides)
  • Type of anesthesia: IV sedation or general anesthesia
  • Type of incision: Previous incision or transaxillary, periareolar, or inframammary incision
  • Recovery: Within 1–2 days
  • Removal of stitches: 7–10 days

General instructions

No food and water on the day of surgery

0hr
  • Frequent physical therapeutic exercises such as axillary stretching should be performed for 1 month postoperatively.
  • Scar care should be continued for 3–6 months.

Ideal candidates

  • Those who have no problems with capsules but would simply like larger implants.
  • Those who are unsatisfied with the texture of saline implants and would like silicone implants.
  • Those with implants reaching the end of their lifespan who would like to change to new ones.
  • Those who are suspected to have implant leakage or rupture and require revision with new implants.

Possible complications

  • Wound adhesion
  • Hypertrophic scarring

Surgical advantages

  1. Immediate change of breast size according to patients’ needs.

  2. Short procedure and quick recovery.

  3. No postoperative massage required.

  4. Extended period of implant use.

Surgical drawbacks

  1. Size of the breast cannot be markedly changed.

  2. Breast shape cannot be changed.

  3. Need to care for wound and scar.

Before & After

These photographs represent typical results, but not everyone who undergoes plastic surgery will achieve the same.

Implant Exchange – D to C 

Implant Exchange – D to D 

Implant Replacement – Single Side