Breast Implant Exchange
What is a Breast Implant Exchange?
You may be asking yourself, “Do you need to replace breast implants every 10 years?” The answer is a resounding “no”. You do not need to routinely replace breast implants for safety reasons. However, if you are unhappy with the size and shape of your breast, or the style of implant, a breast implant exchange is a great procedure to help you restore confidence in your appearance. If you have implants that are ruptured, that is also an indication for a breast implant exchange.
How is Breast Implant Exchange Surgery Done?
Many times the surgeon can utilize the scars made to place the implants during the initial surgery. The old implants are removed, and new implants are placed. Sometimes the capsule (the protective scar around the implant) is altered by removing it, releasing in order to accommodate a bigger implant, or tightening it with sutures to fit snugly around a smaller implant. If a more significant revision procedure is necessary, your surgeon may change the implant position to be above of below the muscle (whichever is a new placement), and may offer a GalaFlex Mesh “Internal Bra” to help reinforce the implant to keep it in better position for longer. If you are significantly reducing the size of the implant, sometimes a breast lift (mastopexy) is also necessary to position the nipple-areola complex in the ideal location and remove the loose skin. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient.
Who is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Exchange Surgery?
A good candidate for a breast implant exchange is anybody with good overall health who has a ruptured implant, significant capsular contracture, or simply desires an improvement in the size and shape of their breasts. Women with textured implants who are concerned about ALCL may also want to change their implants to a smooth shell, but this is not the official recommendation of any professional society or governmental agency (simply patient preference).
What is the Recovery for Breast Implant Exchange?
The recovery isn’t bad at all. It is pretty similar to the first procedure, and actually ends up being easier because much of the implant pocket is already created and your breasts/chest are used to having an implant in position. You’ll be a bit sore for a few days, the discomfort is easily controlled with medications. Most patients are out to dinner the following day, and driving after several days. You can shower the next day, but no soaking in water, heavy lifting, or strenuous activity for 1 month to allow for the tissue on the inside to heal properly.
Can I Keep My Breast Implants?
Different surgical centers have different policies regarding this. Please ask your surgeon if this is possible. In some instances, such as a rupture, the breast implant companies may require the surgeon to send back the implants for verification and testing.
Who is the Best Breast Implant Exchange Surgeon in Chicago?
There is no “best” surgeon for any procedure. But, there are some qualifications and credentials that improve the chance that you will achieve your desired result safely. Make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Make sure they have experience with complex breast reconstruction and breast augmentation revision procedures, and offer mesh support such as GalaFlex, AlloDerm, or Strattice. Make sure they operate in a fully accredited facility. If the procedure is not being done in a hospital, make sure they have privileges at a local hospital to do the procedure you are getting done. Make sure they have completed an accredited residency or fellowship program. Read their reviews to get a sense of what other patients have experienced. Check out their before/after pictures to get a sense of their technical and artistic style, and see if they operate on patients that appear similar to you.
And most importantly, schedule a consultation with that doctor to see if they are a good “fit” for you. Every doctor has his or her own personality and approach to patient care, so you will want to see if you like that particular approach. Do they inspire confidence and trust? Are they calming and reassuring? Do they take the time to answer your questions? Do they discuss alternative approaches and say why those approaches may or may not work? Do they seem like they will continue to care for you after the procedure?
There is no “best breast implant exchange surgeon”, but there is a “best” surgeon for you. You just may need to consult with several to find the right one. Hopefully Dr. Krochmal is on your “short list” of Oak Brook and Arlington Heights plastic surgeons to interview. We’re happy to help Shape Your Future!