It’s important to know that after receiving breast implants, results are not permanent and they may require replacement during your lifetime. You should expect to have future visits with Dr. Fugo to discuss changes in your breasts.
Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour. Dial 845.565.7040 to learn more or to schedule a breast implant exchange consultation at our New Windsor office!
What is Breast Implant Exchange?
Breast implant exchange NY is a surgical procedure that removes or replaces breast implants placed during breast augmentation. The procedure may be indicated for medical reasons or it may be the patient’s personal choice. To provide a satisfactory aesthetic outcome, a cosmetic procedure may be performed during or after breast implant removal. Removal of breast implants is frequently followed by replacement with a different implant type (such as silicone gel) or a breast lift (mastopexy) procedure.
What are the Reasons for Breast Implant Exchange?
You may believe that breast implants no longer fit into your lifestyle or you may decide that a different implant size or type is appropriate. In either of these cases, breast implant removal will be necessary.
- Change in size preferences
- Switch from saline to silicone
- Decision to remove implants
Medical indications for breast implant removal may include trauma, disease, or a surgery complication. Complications of breast augmentation may necessitate breast implant removal or revision surgery. Some of these complications are as follows:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant displacement
- Visible implant rippling
- Ruptured implant
- Nipple malposition
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Implant Exchange?
A person who wants or needs to remove and replace their breast implants is a candidate for breast implant exchange. Most of the reasons boil down to either personal preference or a breast implant setback:
- Switching from saline to silicone (or silicone to saline)
- Changing the size of the breast implants (smaller or larger)
- Removing breast implants affected by capsular contracture, rippling, malposition, or some other undesirable event
- Over time, the breasts have begun to sag and new implants and a lift would be beneficial
There are many other reasons and Dr. Fugo can help you decide if an exchange is right for you.
What Happens During Surgery?
Breast implant removal is a relatively straightforward procedure. The implant is typically approached through the same surgical incisions as your original breast augmentation. Surgery may be as short as one hour, but this will vary depending on your particular condition.
What is the Recovery and Aftercare like for Breast Implant Exchange?
The downtime and recovery can vary considerably, from just a few days to several weeks. This depends upon the patient and the particular surgery necessary to achieve the desired results. It is rarely as significant as the original breast augmentation surgery. Pain and soreness are generally mild and will persist for a few days but can be well managed with pain relievers. You should be able to return to work in 3-4 days. You will be up and walking around immediately following surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for two to six weeks, case dependent.
We will provide clear and thorough instructions related to aftercare, including:
- When you can shower after surgery
- Caring for the incisions and keeping the area clean
- How to care for dressings and bandages
- What to eat
- What activities to avoid in the initial healing stage
We’ll schedule follow-up appointments with you and make sure you have all the information you need before returning home from surgery.
Are There Risks to Breast Implant Exchange Surgery?
Removal of breast implants carries a possibility for an undesirable aesthetic outcome, especially if you’ve had them for several years. When breast augmentation is first performed, the skin stretches to accommodate the implants. If they are removed, it is likely that your skin will not shrink back to a satisfactory state.
While it is possible that your breasts will return to their pre-augmentation appearance, most patients will benefit from another cosmetic procedure. Dr. Fugo may recommend a breast lift to tighten the tissues and excess skin. To meet your appearance goals, he or she may also recommend a different implant size or different implant type.
How Safe is Breast Implant Exchange?
All surgical procedures carry the risk of certain complications. Choosing a qualified, experienced, trained plastic surgeon is a good first step in mitigating your risks, which may include:
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Asymmetrical results
- Hematoma
- Capsular contracture
Breast implant exchange is a commonly performed procedure with an extremely low rate of complications. Dr. Fugo will first make sure you are a good candidate for surgery. Then he will inform you of all potential risks as well as the benefits, and help you decide if you are ready for breast implant exchange.
Patient Testimonials
“Dr. Fugo is extremely kind, knowledgeable, and won’t steer you in the wrong direction. All of the doctors/assistants there are professional and helpful. Great office, great staff.” – C.O.
“Extremely satisfied with the quality and professionalism provided by Dr. Fugo and his entire staff. I highly recommend him as a doctor who takes pride in working with patients to meet their needs and expectations.” – R.W.
“Dr Fugo is amazing he has done 3 surgeries for me and I’ve never had a bad experience. He makes you feel so comfortable and his sense of humor is amazing. I would not trust anyone but him with my body” – J.M.
“Dr. Fugo is extremely kind, knowledgeable, and won’t steer you in the wrong direction. All of the doctors/assistants there are professional and helpful. Great office, great staff.” – C.O.
“Extremely satisfied with the quality and professionalism provided by Dr. Fugo and his entire staff. I highly recommend him as a doctor who takes pride in working with patients to meet their needs and expectations.” – R.W.
How Long Do the Results of Breast Implant Exchange last?
The results of breast implant exchange should be life-long. Done once, done right, you should never have to do it again. Results may be affected by:
- The natural aging process, which causes skin to lose elasticity and sag
- The continued effects of gravity, including droopiness
- Any pregnancies in your future, which tend to change the shape and volume of the breasts
- Weight fluctuations, which can cause the breasts to basically become larger and then deflate with major weight loss
Although it’s normal to notice some changes as the years pass, most breast implant patients find that their breasts remain perky and full many years down the road.
How Often Should You Have a Breast Implant Exchange?
There is no schedule for breast implant exchanges. It doesn’t need to be performed until and unless some reason for doing so arises. In general, today’s breast implants are warrantied for life. Scheduled exchange is simply not necessary unless one of the situations described above arises.
How Long Will the Breast Implant Exchange Procedure Take?
The surgery will likely take between one to three hours. It depends on what steps are being taken in your procedure and whether a mastopexy is being performed simultaneously. After Dr. Fugo has planned out your surgery, we can provide you with an accurate timeline. Then you will be able to plan for your surgical day and arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
How to Prepare for Breast Implant Exchange?
Preparing for surgery should include:
- Scheduling the consultation to discuss the procedure
- Talking to Dr. Fugo about what you would like to change and your expectations
- Going through your medical history with Dr. Fugo
- Scheduling the surgical appointment
- Clearing your calendar for the weeks following surgery so you can focus on your recovery
- Arranging to take seven to 10 days off from work
- Filling any prescriptions Dr. Fugo provides
- Prepping your home with a comfortable recovery spot and pre-made meals
- Making sure there is coverage for childcare, work activities, chores, etc.
- Avoiding aspirin and herbal supplements that can increase bleeding
- Staying hydrated in the days leading up to surgery
- Avoiding alcohol
- Eating well and getting plenty of rest
- Gathering clothing that buttons up in the front so you don’t have to pull the garment over your head and chest while you heal
- Making sure you have slip-on shoes so you don’t have to bend over to tie laces in the initial days of recovery
We will provide you with a complete list of pre-care and post-operative instructions in advance of your surgery day.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more information! You can also give us a call at 845.565.7040, and our staff will provide with the assistance you need. Our practice serves New Windsor, NY & all nearby areas.
