Breast implants are not something that are intended to last a lifetime. It may not help your appearance if you want to get an implant exchange but it is important for your overall health.

As time passes, a woman may wish to get her breast implants changed. Even if the breast implant exchange may be done because of capsular contraction or leaking implants, sometimes it is done to change the cup size.

When is the right time to get an implant exchange

• If you got saline implants which may have been punctured or which may have changed their shape.
• If you want to change the size of the implants in order to get smaller or larger breasts.  
• If you are suffering from a case of scar tissue tightening or if the implants need to be repositioned.
• If your body has changed because of pregnancy and weight fluctuations.

What happens with the breast implant revision?

The exchange surgery is the same as your breast augmentation surgery. You’ll be given anesthesia and the surgical incision will be made at the breasts. The incision site will be in the same place of the first surgery unless the plastic surgeon recommends otherwise. However, since there are already implant pockets from the old implants, the implant exchange will be easier compared to the original augmentation and it will require a shorter recovery period.

However, sometimes you may need to get separate surgeries. One will be to remove the implants and the second one will be to put in new ones. Whenever possible, you will have only one single surgery; the plastic surgeon will remove the old implants and place the new ones in the pocket.

Who is a candidate for implant exchange surgery?

Whenever there is a problem with the breast augmentation surgery, it is advised that you should go see the plastic surgeon who did the first surgery. This is because the plastic surgeon will be aware of which method and material was used and will have the history of your case.