What is Breast Implant Exchange?
This plastic surgical procedure involves removing the existing breast implants and replacing them with new implants that are a better match for your individual cosmetic preferences.
Breast implants don’t last forever.
Whether you have had implant complications or simply wish to change the size or type of your current implants, Dr. Brandon Lambiris strives to deliver the best breast implant exchange Sarasota has to offer at his private practice, West Coast Plastic Surgery.
This plastic surgical procedure involves removing the existing breast implants and replacing them with new implants that are a better match for your individual cosmetic preferences.
Healthy individuals who have realistic expectations and refrain from using nicotine products are ideal candidates for breast implant exchange. Women must not be pregnant at the time of the operation.
Several reasons may have led you to consider breast implant replacement surgery.
As a progressive disease, capsular contracture only worsens over time. If left untreated, a mild case of capsular contracture can eventually develop into uncomfortable feelings of pain or pressure on the chest as well as distorted implants that appear to ride high or excessively tight. In these cases, Dr. Lambiris performs a capsulectomy with implant removal or replacement.
All implants eventually leak. Saline implants can leak rapidly and cause noticeable asymmetry in the first 24 to 48 hours. Silicone implants can leak slowly over many years. Since the process is gradual and difficult to detect with a visual examination, an MRI may be ordered to diagnose silent rupture. In cases of unilateral implant leaking, Dr. Lambiris routinely replaces both implants.
Pre-operative breast asymmetry often becomes more obvious after receiving breast implants. To correct breast asymmetry, it sometimes necessitates implant replacement with two different size breast implants to create an even and balanced look.
When breast implants have shifted out of pocket, developed a ‘double bubble’, or slid to the side, a breast implant revision may be required. He may correct these issues with sutures and new implants if necessary.
While extremely rare, autoimmune problems from breast implants are a possibility in some patients. In this case, Dr. Lambiris may suggest implant removal without replacement, a process known as explantation.
While extremely rare, autoimmune problems from breast implants are a possibility in some patients. In this case, Dr. Lambiris may suggest implant removal without replacement, a process known as explantation.
Older breast implant styles have newer and more modern alternatives today. There have been several manufacturing advancements in the last decade that have made new breast implant styles look and feel more natural than ever before.
Since implants can last a decade or longer in some cases, it is normal to have a change of heart regarding the style or size of implants you selected initially. Changing personal attitudes and cultural trends concerning breast aesthetics are two of the biggest factors that spur a desire to exchange implants for new ones. Replacing implants that are too big or small can make you feel more like yourself and may improve the fit of clothing.
Breast implant puckering is most often visible on the lateral edge of saline or silicone implants. Thinning skin, minimal body fat, or selecting an implant size that is not suitable for your frame are the main causes of implant rippling. Dr. Lambiris may suggest placing the new implants under the muscle to hide the edge of the implant with an extra layer of padding from the pectoral muscle.
Breast implants do not have a set expiration date, however as time passes the risk of an implant defect rises. The implant shell wears down over time and may require replacing. If you have had breast implants for significantly longer than a decade, it may be time to replace the implants with new ones to give yourself peace of mind and avoid an unanticipated removal or replacement surgery in the future.
Breast implant exchange is a day procedure. An anesthetist administers general anesthesia so there is no pain during the surgery. Dr. Lambiris removes the implants and may perform a capsulectomy to remove scar tissue surrounding the implants. He then places new implants into the breast pocket and closes the incision with dissolving sutures.
Dr. Lambiris may ask you to wear a compression bra to reduce swelling.
You will need a ride home from the surgical center since it is not safe to drive for 24 hours after anesthesia. Mild to moderate discomfort is expected after the surgery. Dr. Lambiris may supply prescription medications for pain relief. Most of the inflammation resolves in the first six months. Our Sarasota breast implant exchange patients commonly return to work and driving within a few days. Exercise is prohibited for six weeks with the exception of walking which lowers the risk of blood clots postoperatively.
After surgery, you can expect to feel more confident in the appearance of your breasts. New breast implants can last for a decade on average.
To find out more about changing your implants for new ones, book your consultation with Dr. Brandon Lambiris today. Call (941) 366-9818 or click the booking link on this page to schedule your appointment. Dr. Lambiris is a highly regarded board certified plastic surgeon serving patients in Sarasota, North Port, Bradenton, and surrounding areas in South West Florida.
The average breast implant exchange cost nationally is $8,125. Depending on the extent of surgery, office location, and what the procedure entails, the national price ranges from $2,650 to $13,500. You may pay more or less than the national average. The surgeon fee, facility fee, and anesthesia costs are usually included in these figures. Prescription medications and aftercare may cost extra. To learn more about the cost of breast implant exchange based on your individual needs, schedule a personalized consultation with Brandon Lambiris MD.
Insurance does not cover breast implant revision in most cases.
Yes, all surgery leaves scars. Dr. Lambiris hides the scar either in the inframammary or transaxillary fold where it is not readily visible.
Breast implants come with a warranty. Warranty terms vary among implant manufacturers. If you have a breast revision surgery within the warrantied timeframe for an eligible reason, part of your implant removal or replacement surgery may be covered.
It takes around a year for surgical scars to fade. Silicone strips and scar gels promote optimal scar healing. Scar treatments such as dermabrasion and surgical revision are available to refine the scars if needed, although the scar fades to a fine line in most cases without intervention. If you or a family member have a history of poor scarring, let Dr. Lambiris know about this during your consultation.
Dr. Brandon Lambiris believes everyone deserves the opportunity to look their best. If you’ve dreamed of having plastic surgery to unlock your true potential, we encourage you to join us for a consultation. Experience the real difference plastic surgery can have on your life at West Coast Plastic Surgery in Sarasota, FL.
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Fri: 8:30am - 2:00pm