With so many women having breast augmentation, some are bound to want (or need) to replace their implants. If you are looking for a breast implant exchange in Orange County, you need to research what breast implant exchange is and why you can have the procedure.
If you are unsatisfied with your breast implants for one reason or another, you may consider having a breast implant exchange.
This article will look at a general overview of breast implant exchange, why people choose to have it, and the recovery from an implant exchange in Orange County.
Read on to learn more.
Table of Contents
Overview
A breast implant exchange is also known as a breast revision surgery. While most people are satisfied by the results of their breast augmentation, you can get an implant exchange if you are dissatisfied with the results or have some issues with your implants.
A breast implant exchange involves removing the implant(s) from a previous breast augmentation and replacing it/them with new implant(s).
Breast implants are not meant to last forever; they typically have a lifespan of at least 10 to 15 years.
Reasons to Have an Implant Exchange
Different people have different reasons why they need to have a breast implant exchange in Orange County.
Some of them that may prompt you to get an implant exchange include:
- The implant has reached the end of its useful life
- Unsatisfactory results from a previous breast augmentation
- You want a different size of breasts implants
- You want a different shape of breast implants
- You desire to change the type of implant (e.g., from saline to silicone)
- Your implant has ruptured; this may be a slow leak or a complete deflation
- If the scar tissue around the implant has hardened (capsule contracture)
- If you have a breast implant illness (BII)
- If you a drastic change in the breast tissue; from weight gain or loss and pregnancy
- If the breast implant has shifted
No matter your reasons for having a breast implant exchange, you need to talk with your surgeon to decide if you are a ideal candidate for an implant exchange.
Recovery From an Implant Exchange Surgery
Recovery from an implant exchange surgery is often similar to or faster than the original breast augmentation because the implant pocket is there. However, implant exchange surgery recovery depends on an individual and the procedure. Implants put under the muscles take longer to heal than those above the muscles.
You may have more severe symptoms when recovering from an implant exchange than in the original surgery, as secondary surgical procedures are typically more complex. During the first week after the implant exchange, you will experience significant pain and discomfort. The doctor will give you pain medication to help with the pain.
The breasts will be swollen and bruised in the first weeks of recovery. You will also have some tenderness and numbness around the breasts. Some patients experience changes in nipple sensation after an implant exchange surgery in Orange County.
When recovering from a breast implant exchange, you should take at least one week off work and get a lot of rest after the surgery. It would be best if you also avoided strenuous activities and breast stimulation. But, if your work involves a lot of strenuous work, you may consider taking more time off. So your doctor will advise you when you can resume strenuous activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Exchange
What Are the likely Complications From a Breast Implant Exchange?
Like other surgeries, implant exchange comes with risks. Some of the possible complications from a breast implant exchange include:
- Negative reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Excessive bleeding
- Prolonged pain and discomfort
- Infection
- Slow wound healing
- Capsule contracture
- Implant rupture or rippling
- Breast asymmetry
- Excess scarring
Am I a Good Candidate for Implant Exchange Surgery?
You are a good candidate for a breast implant exchange if:
- You are a nonsmoker
- You are healthy
- You have a stable weight
- You are unsatisfied with either the size, shape, or appearance of your breast implants
- You have realistic expectations of the surgery
How Long Does It Take To Recover From an Implant Exchange Surgery?
It often takes six weeks to recover from breast implant surgery. However, you should know that every patient is different, and the recovery time may vary from one patient to the other.
After How Long Should I Wear a Regular Bra After an Implant Exchange?
You should wait at least six weeks before wearing your regular bra. Wear a support bra throughout the recovery period.
