Implant Exchange

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and Sugar Land, TX

Implant Exchange Avante Plastic Surgery Dr. Ahmadi

Implant exchange is a procedure that replaces current breast implants with new ones. We can modify the size, shape, and type of implant you have to enhance your appearance according to your underlying anatomy and aesthetic goals. The procedure is highly customizable; we offer several different types of implants to choose from.

At Avante Plastic Surgery, we specialize in innovative body contouring procedures designed to help our patients look their best. Dr. Ahmadi is a board-certified surgeon who has helped many patients enhance their breasts with customizable procedures.

Contact our office to learn how implant exchange can enhance the appearance of your breasts for a smoother, curvier look and natural-looking figure:

About Implant Exchange

Changes to the breasts after pregnancy, aging, and hormonal fluctuations are normal, but can impact your self-esteem and ability to find bras and clothes that fit well. Whether you previously received breast augmentation and noticed changes to your breasts, or your aesthetic preferences changed, exchanging your implants can enhance the size and shape of your breasts. Implant exchange can improve breast projection, increase or decrease volume, and help you achieve a more natural appearance.

Is Implant Exchange Right For Me?

Many patients choose to receive implant exchange for aesthetic reasons, but there are many reasons to receive the procedure. For example, we can replace implants that are causing rippling or have ruptured and are affecting the shape of your breasts. Or, if your implants shift position, Dr. Ahmadi can place new implants and secure them in the breast mound. If you’ve become dissatisfied with the size of your implants, we can increase or decrease the size of the breasts. Some patients may want to change the size of their implants after experiencing weight fluctuations. In these cases, we can perform an implant exchange to rebalance your proportions.

Some patients develop scar tissue around an implant that can cause pain or discomfort. This is known as capsular contracture. If you experience this, Dr. Ahmadi can perform a capsulectomy to remove the implant and the surrounding scar tissue to create a new pocket within the breast to improve your comfort.

Types of Implants

There are several different types of implants, including:

  • Saline: Saltwater-filled implants can be prefilled or are inflated after placement.
  • Silicone: Silicone gel closely mimics the natural movement and feel of the breasts. Silicone implants are always pre-filled.
  • Gummy Bear: Dr. Ahmadi can place a slightly firmer silicone implant filled with a cohesive silicone-based gel to improve your breast projection.

Implant Profiles

We also offer different implant profiles depending on your desired breast shape and aesthetic goals:

  • Low: Low-profile implants provide patients with a more subtle enhancement with less emphasis on projection.
  • Moderate: Moderate-profile implants enhance both the size and shape of the breasts, but in a way that is not dramatic or unnatural.
  • High: For a fuller and rounder appearance, Dr. Ahmadi can place high-profile implants. (1)

Benefits

There are several benefits to implant exchange, including:

  • Balanced body proportions: Many patients find that implant exchange improves their body proportions for a curvier and more natural appearance.
  • Increased or decreased breast volume: Depending on your aesthetic goals, you can enjoy fuller or smaller breasts that you can feel confident about after implant exchange.
  • Improved self-esteem: Implant exchange can restore your self-confidence.
  • Customizable procedure: We can adjust the size, shape, and type of implant to suit your needs for a personalized procedure.

Candidates

Candidates for implant exchange would like to replace their current implants to improve the appearance of their breasts. Ideal candidates for implant exchange are nonsmokers who are at a stable weight. If you smoke, you will need to stop temporarily before your procedure. You will also need to have realistic expectations about the results you can achieve with an implant exchange.

To learn more about additional breast enhancement procedures, see our blog!

Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Ahmadi will perform a physical examination and ask about your aesthetic goals to determine the best type of implant for your needs.

If you would like to increase the volume of your breasts, Dr. Ahmadi can recommend larger implants for a curvier, fuller appearance. He can also recommend the best implant profiles for the size and shape of your breasts. He will ask about your medical history and current medications as well.

Preparation

To prepare for implant exchange, you will need to:

  • Stop taking medications and supplements that thin the blood
  • Refrain from smoking or using any products that contain nicotine
  • Eat healthy, nutritious meals
  • Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours per night)
  • Ask someone you trust to drive you home and assist you
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure that could damage the skin and delay your appointment

Procedure

During the procedure, you will receive anesthesia for your comfort. Dr. Ahmadi will mark your skin for surgery and make an incision along the natural curves of the breast. The specific type of incision he makes will depend on the type of implant you receive. There are several different types of incisions he can make depending on your needs:

  • Areolar: This incision follows along the areola’s edge.
  • Inframammary: Dr. Ahmadi can make an incision along the lower breast crease beneath the breast mound for a discreet scar.
  • Inverted T: To place larger implants, he can make an incision that extends vertically from the lower edge of the areola and horizontally along the inframammary crease.

After making incisions, Dr. Ahmadi will remove the current implant. Depending on the condition of the breast pocket, he can remove scar tissue and place the new implant into the breast. He can place the implant above the chest muscle (subglandular) or below it (subfascial). (2) After placing the breast implant, he will close the incisions with dissolvable stitches.

Recovery

After the procedure, we will monitor you in our recovery room. You will need to schedule follow-up appointments so Dr. Ahmadi can track your progress.

During your recovery, you must refrain from strenuous physical exercise for several weeks. Dr. Ahmadi will let you know when it is alright to return to your normal routine. Swelling and discomfort in the treated area is normal; Dr. Ahmadi may prescribe medications to help you recover comfortably at home. It can take around 6 weeks or longer for the implants to settle into their new position. During this time, you may need to wear a compression garment to support the breasts.

Results

Implant Exchange Avante Plastic Surgery Dr. Ahmadi

Enhancing the size and shape of your breasts with an implant exchange can improve your confidence. After implant exchange, you can enjoy more balanced body proportions and an appearance that coincides with your aesthetic preferences.

The Cost of Implant Exchange in Houston

The cost of your implant exchange will depend on the type of implants you are receiving, as well as your aesthetic goals. We can provide you with an all-inclusive quote during your personal consultation.

To schedule your personal consultation, fill out our contact form or reach our Sugar Land or Houston offices at (281) 265-2639.

FAQ

How long will the results of breast implant exchange last?

You can enjoy years-long results if you take good care of your body and maintain a stable weight. All implants must be replaced after about 10-15 years, or sooner if necessary. If you experience capsular contracture, rippling, or an implant rupture before the 10-15 year mark, you will need to get your implants replaced to address the issue. Patients who receive silicone implants must receive MRIs to monitor the integrity of their implants. If you receive saline implants, implant rupture will be noticeable without the need for an MRI.

Do I have to change the size and shape of my implants during implant exchange?

Not necessarily; if you are happy with the current shape and size of your implants, we can replace them with very similar implants to maintain their appearance. However, if you would like to adjust the size and shape of your implants, we can place larger or smaller implants to help you achieve your desired look.

Can I return to my normal activities after the implant exchange?

You will need to dedicate an adequate amount of time to recovery after your implant exchange. You can return to some routine activities, like light desk work, after a minimal recovery period of 1-2 weeks. However, you must refrain from strenuous exercise until your surgeon indicates it is okay to do so.

How long does implant exchange recovery take?

This length of your recovery depends on your specific procedure. Full recovery can take about 4-6 weeks. We can answer any additional questions you may have during your consultation.

References

  1. Wan D, Rohrich RJ. Making Sense of Implant “Profile” in Breast Augmentation. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 2017;5(5):e1343. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001343
  2. Graf RM, Junior IM, de Paula DR, Ono MCC, Urban LABD, Freitas RS. Subfascial versus Subglandular Breast Augmentation: A Randomized Prospective Evaluation Considering a 5-Year Follow-Up. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2021;148(4):760-770. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000008384