What to Know Before Changing Your Breast Implant Size
According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), silicone breast implants and saline breast implants should be replaced at least every 10-15 years. Some women may be able to extend the lifetime of their breast implants past the suggested replacement date. However, there is a good chance that most women will need to replace either breast implants due to leakage, a rupture, migration, or unevenness.
Arguably, there is no “right” answer as to how often you should have your breast implants re[laceed and/or how long breast implants last as many different factors influence the longevity of the breast implant like the type of implant (silicone vs. saline), thee natural aging process, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, etc.
Aside from breast implants needing to be swapped out due to age or issue, many women opt to swap their breast implants for other reasons like preference (i.e., implant size is too large or too small).
If you are considering changing your breast implant size, this is the post for you! Today we are walking through what you need to know before changing your breast implant size so that you can make an informed decision regarding your body and health.
Let’s dive in!
Aside from breast implants needing to be swapped out due to age or issue, many women opt to swap their breast implants for other reasons like preference (i.e., implant size is too large or too small).
CONSULTATION
Breast implant exchange surgery is a procedure performed to remove an existing pair of breast implants or, sometimes, a single implant if the issue involves breast asymmetry. The old implants are replaced with new implants.
Before deciding on a breast implant size, make sure you first consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. You should never settle on any type of plastic surgery without first consulting with a doctor. Further, a consultation with a trusted, experienced plastic surgeon will provide you much-need guidance regarding your current situation by walking you through the options regarding size, shape, type (silicone gel vs. saline), and implant size for the replacement.
CHOOSING NEW IMPLANTS
After or during your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon, you will need to consider your aesthetic goals. Are breast implants too large? Too small? Not perky enough? These are just a few items to consider. Although size is important, shape and breast profile contribute to the overall aesthetic look of your breast implants, placement (underneath or on top of the muscle), implant profile, implant shape, breast lift or no lift, and type.
Ask your plastic surgeon for before and after pictures with all of the above options. A visual example is the best way for you to determine what new implants you like! Also, your plastic surgeon should help you identify based on your aesthetic goals and body size/frame how to proceed forward.
*During a breast implant swamp, many women add additional surgeries like a tummy tuck or liposuction. At WellSpring Plastic Surgery, we offer liposuction, gluteal enhancement, arm lifts, and complete mommy makeovers. Reach out to our office for more information!
BREAST IMPLANT REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE
If you have already undergone breast augmentation, you are familiar with the surgical procedure as breast replacement surgery is similar to breast augmentation surgery. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and the incision site is will generally be the same as with the initial breast augmentation (*some cases may vary).
Again, every case and every person is unique. When in doubt or if you have questions, always consult your plastic surgeon.
If it has been a while since your last surgery or you need a quick refresh, check out our blog, where we break down five things you should do to prepare for your first cosmetic surgery.
Recovery from Breast Implant Replacement
After your breast implant exchange, you can generally expect to be in recovery for 3 to 7 days. Similar to your initial breast augmentation, you will likely experience mild swelling and bruising for the first week or so. Hoover, you will be able to return to work a few days post-surgery and can resume physical activity after three to four weeks (*consult your doctor beforehand).
Most women state that recovery from breast implant replacement was much shorter than their initial surgery, and around 8 to 12 weeks post-surgery, most women see final results.
Breast replacement procedures are an excellent choice if you are unhappy with your current breast implant size or notice a few changes that you would like to correct, like sagging. Remember when you are considering a breast replacement procedure that this surgery is also an excellent opportunity to add on additional procedures that you have been considering to maximize your downtime and results.
At Wellspring Plastic Surgery we offer complimentary consultations to ensure our patients are completely informed, comfortable and receive the best results.
Call us at 512-600-2888 to set up your consultation!
