Breast

Renew Your Breasts, Renew Your Confidence

A Surgical Solution for Implant Revision

Update older breast implants — addressing rupture, capsular contracture, or simply a desire for a change in size, shape, or feel.

Breast Implant Exchange at a Glance

  • Overview

    Breast implant exchange — also called revision surgery — replaces old breast implants with new ones. It's a common step for women whose implants are older, who have experienced a complication, or who simply want a change in size, shape, or feel. The surgery may be as simple as swapping the implants, or may involve removing some or all of the implant capsule (capsulectomy) or making cuts in the capsule (capsulotomies) to improve breast shape.

  • Recovery

    Recovery is similar to the initial breast augmentation but can be more intense, particularly if a capsulectomy is performed. Drains may be required. Swelling and bruising are expected, and a compression garment is worn to aid in healing. Most patients return to work within one week, with a full return to normal activities in about six weeks.

  • Results

    Results are immediate and transformative — providing a refreshed and more aesthetically pleasing breast contour. The procedure also resolves complications such as a ruptured implant or capsular contracture, offering a renewed sense of comfort and confidence.

Breast Implant Exchange

Am I a Good Candidate?

You are an excellent candidate for an implant exchange if you are unhappy with the appearance or feel of your current breast implants, or if they have been in place for more than 10–15 years. This is also an ideal solution for women experiencing complications — a ruptured implant, capsular contracture (a hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), or implant displacement. The best candidates are in good overall health and have realistic expectations. Whether you want a change in size, shape, or simply want to update aging implants, our surgeons will create a personalized plan. We require patients to be nicotine-free for 6–8 weeks before and after surgery to improve healing.

What Do Scars Look Like?

Breast implant exchange requires an incision. Our surgeons typically use the original incision from your initial breast augmentation to avoid creating new scars. The incision may be lengthened to accommodate a larger implant or to perform a breast lift or capsulectomy. While the scar is a permanent part of your breast, it fades over time and can be well-concealed with clothing.

More Details About Breast Implant Exchange

Why Implants Need to Be Exchanged

Why Implants Need to Be Exchanged

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and there are several reasons they may need to be exchanged. The most common reason is simply the passage of time — most modern implants have a lifespan of 10–15 years, after which the risk of rupture or other complications increases. Other reasons include a change in your body or personal preference, or the development of a complication such as capsular contracture (a hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), a rippled appearance, or a ruptured implant.

A Comprehensive Approach to Breast Revision

An implant exchange is often part of a more comprehensive breast revision plan. In cases where the breast has also sagged, we may recommend combining the exchange with a breast lift to restore a more youthful, lifted contour. If the scar capsule has hardened, a capsulectomy (removal of the capsule) may be performed for a more natural and comfortable result. If the implants are malpositioned, your surgeon may recommend the placement of an absorbable surgical mesh to act as an internal bra and support the new implant position.

Surgeon's Notes

Richard K Green, MD, FACS
Dr. Green MD, FACS

Implants are not lifetime devices — what to know before exchange

Patients often arrive thinking implants last forever. They don't. Most modern implants have a manufacturer-quoted lifespan of about 10–15 years, after which the risk of rupture and capsular contracture begins climbing meaningfully. That doesn't mean you must exchange at year 15 if everything looks and feels fine — but it does mean you should be having a real conversation about what to watch for. I see patients in three categories: those who want to refresh aging but problem-free implants (straightforward exchange), those dealing with a clear complication (the exchange is also a fix), and those who've changed their preferences over time (we use the exchange as a chance to revise size, shape, or implant type). Each of these is a different surgery, and the planning starts at consultation.

Breast Implant Exchange

Breast Implant Exchange Recovery & Results Timeline

Please remember this is just a guide for Breast Implant Exchange recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.

1

Day 1 – 3

You will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. A compression garment will be worn to help with healing.

2

1 – 2 Weeks

The majority of swelling and bruising will have subsided. You can typically return to work and light, non-strenuous activities.

3

3 – 4 Weeks

The remaining swelling continues to resolve. You can gradually return to a full exercise routine, but avoid heavy lifting and chest exercises.

4

6 Weeks – 3 Months

The final contour of your breasts will be fully apparent and stable. You can return to all of your normal activities.

Your Surgeons

Jane Namkung, MD

Jane Namkung

MD
Richard K Green, MD, FACS

Richard K. Green

MD, FACS

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation to discuss Breast Implant Exchange with our board-certified surgeons.

(360) 823-0860 Request Consultation