For a little more (or a little less) oomph in your breast size, consider a breast implant exchange. This procedure replaces your old breast implants with new ones. While size changes are the most common reason for an implant exchange, Dr. Yegiyants also performs this procedure to change breast implant type (saline to silicone) or to repair an implant complication like capsular contracture or a leak.
If you need to make a change with your breast implants, contact us to schedule a consultation for a breast implant exchange in Santa Barbara, CA.
What Happens During an Implant Exchange?
During a breast implant exchange, your existing breast implants are swapped out for new implants. Dr. Yegiyants will reopen your incision, remove the old implant, and place the new implant inside of the breast. Then the incisions are sutured closed. If the exchange surgery is being performed due to a complication like capsular contracture, Dr. Yegiyants will repair the breast tissue before placing the new implant.
Most patients return home the day of their procedure. Most patients are ready to return to work and resume driving about a week after surgery. Limit strenuous activities and exercise until you’re fully healed, usually several weeks after surgery.
How Much Bigger/Smaller Can I Go?
One of the most common reasons for an implant exchange is a desire to change breast size. Some women feel their breasts are still too small after breast augmentation and wish they had chosen a larger breast implant. Other women enjoy their augmented breasts for many years but desire a smaller breast size as they get older. An implant exchange can solve these size problems by replacing the existing implant with one of a different size.
The ideal size for your implants will depend on your anatomy. The amount of natural breast tissue you have and the size of your chest wall are two important factors for determining breast implant size. Dr. Yegiyants will explain the limits of your anatomy and help you select appropriately sized implants for your frame.
If you’re hoping for a large decrease in size, a breast lift may need to be performed with your implant exchange. A lift removes excess skin and reshapes the breast tissues so they sit higher on the chest wall.
I Have Sagging After Pregnancy. Will an Implant Exchange Correct It?
An implant exchange doesn’t correct breast sagging, but a breast lift can be paired with your procedure to improve breast position and shape. Many women include a breast lift and implant exchange in their mommy makeover.
How Does Breast Implant Exchange Recovery Compare to a First-Time Breast Augmentation?
Most patients report that their breast implant exchange recovery is similar to their recovery after their initial breast augmentation.
Learn more about breast implant exchange with Dr. Sara Yegiyants by calling our office at (805) 682-1731.