Breast implant removal or exchange plastic surgery may be performed when a woman is unhappy with the results of her primary breast augmentation or when the implant has expired or become damaged.
But in many cases, women also choose implant removal and exchange in order to downsize or upgrade their existing breast implants. The purpose of this surgery is to restore and enhance breast appearance as well as the patient’s health and comfort.
Modern Body Contouring & Laser Center, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provides breast implant removal and exchange to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and surrounding communities.
Candidacy
Women who may experience breast implant complications, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, bottoming out or asymmetry, an implant removal or exchange surgery may be the right procedure to restore aesthetic appearance along with patient comfort. Other candidates may choose this plastic surgery procedure simply because of their changed cosmetic preferences.
Implant exchange could be an ideal option for candidates who feel that their original breast implants are either too small or too large, or they want to change the shape, texture, or material of the implants. In all cases, the candidate should be in good general health, be prepared to stop smoking as directed by the surgeon, and keep realistic expectations.
Surgical Procedure
Breast implant exchange or removal is a major surgery, which may be performed using general anesthesia. The first goal of the surgeon will be to use the same incision sites as the original implantation surgery so that post-surgical scarring gets minimized. After placing the incisions in discreet locations, the surgeon will remove the implant from the breast pocket.
The scar tissue is also usually removed at the time of implant removal, which could be done with an en bloc implant removal technique or the traditional capsulectomy surgery. As part of the implant exchange surgery, a new implant will be placed in the breast pocket. A new breast pocket may have to be created, depending on the new shape and size of the implant.
After the implant has been placed in the breast tissue, the surgeon will close the incisions and wrap the breasts in a compression bandage. If the patient has only chosen implant removal, but no exchange, she may need an additional breast lift procedure. It will be performed at the same time with the removal, and will create tighter and firmer breast appearance.
Recovery
The patient will be required to wear a special surgical bra for a few weeks to allow the breasts to firm up their new shape. Minor bruising, swelling, and mild pain are expected for the first few days. Prescription pain meds will help to keep the patient comfortable during this phase. Most patients are able to go back to their workplace or return to their regular routine in about 10 days.
Plastic surgeons at MBody receive patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and nearby areas for breast implant removal and exchange surgery.
Contact Us
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit or click here to contact us.
Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.
