Breast Implant Exchange
Breast Implant Replacement Surgery in Charlotte
Breast Implant Exchange
Breast Implant Exchange Surgery
Breast implant technology has come a long way

Thanks to recent advances in medical science, today’s implants come with a very long lifespan; in fact, newer implants may last for the duration of a woman’s life. For those who received breast augmentation 20 years ago, however, the implants may ultimately need to be swapped out for newer, more durable models.

At H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, we’re pleased to provide breast implant exchange surgery to our patients. We believe that, with the right surgical approach, implants can be long-term devices. We’re happy to talk further about exchanging older implants for newer, longer-lasting options.

Thanks to recent advances in medical science, today’s implants come with a very long lifespan; in fact, newer implants may last for the duration of a woman’s life. For those who received breast augmentation 20 years ago, however, the implants may ultimately need to be swapped out for newer, more durable models.

At H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, we’re pleased to provide breast implant exchange surgery to our patients. We believe that, with the right surgical approach, implants can be long-term devices. We’re happy to talk further about exchanging older implants for newer, longer-lasting options.

Overview of Breast Implant Exchange Surgery

The process of removing a breast implant and replacing it with a new one is more complicated than you might assume. When any device is implanted within the body, your body will create new tissue that encapsulates it; this is the body’s way of healing and adapting to the presence of the new device. Capsules inevitably happen with most any type of bodily implant and also with breast implants. When having a breast implant exchange procedure, these capsules must be removed completely along with the old implants. If the breast capsules are not addressed properly, your provider cannot ensure that your new implants will position well or sit appropriately.

It’s also important to note when patients come in for a breast implant exchange, they may also need a breast lift due to time and gravity causing their breasts to sag. Sometimes, a breast lift or mastopexy is recommended to help tighten the skin and breast tissue, and restore the breasts to a youthful, perky appearance. However, not all patients require a breast lift, and your surgeon will discuss with you what you may need for your specific circumstances.

In most cases, our surgeons are able to remove the older implants through the original incision sites, which minimizes any additional scarring. Old capsules are removed as needed, and a breast lift may also be performed. Before the breast implant exchange surgery, you’ll have a full consultation with your surgeon, who can tell you more about what you can expect from the process and even show you before and after photos of patients just like you.

If you’re ready to set up a consultation about your breast implant exchange, contact H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery at your next opportunity.

What can I expect from a breast implant exchange surgery?

Breast implant exchange surgery is an outpatient procedure, performed under general anesthesia. In most cases, patients will be in and out of surgery in a few hours, and back home to recover same-day.

The breast implant exchange surgery recovery process can vary depending on the nature of the exchange: generally, women who increase the size of their implants will have a little more discomfort than those who get new implants of a similar size.

Although still very tolerable, patients will endure the worst of the pain during the first two to three days following their surgery; medication is available to help minimize this discomfort. There may also be some swelling and bruising that lasts for a few weeks. Patients will be advised to forgo strenuous physical activity, especially lifting, for a few weeks; however, most patients can resume the majority of their regular activities, including driving and sitting at a computer, within two weeks.

While most women will notice results immediately, there may be some swelling present for three to six months; as such, it may take that much time before the implants settle into their final position and the full results can be discerned.

Are You a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Exchange?

At H/K/B Cosmetic Surgery, patient safety is our top concern. We will always evaluate a full medical history of each patient, ensuring they are eligible for a safe, successful procedure.

The best candidates for breast implant exchange surgery:

  • Are in good health overall, and don’t have any medical conditions that would keep them from proper healing.
  • Wish to change the size or feel of their breast implants; or, have had an implant rupture or become malpositioned.
  • Have reasonable expectations about the results of their breast implant exchange, and about the breast implant exchange surgery recovery period.

If you’re unsure whether you’re a good candidate for breast implant exchange surgery, we’re happy to talk with you further during your consultation at H/K/B. This one-on-one meeting will also allow us to qualify you and verify that your surgery will be safe and low-risk.

Breast Implant Exchange
H/K/B Before / After
Before / After

We are dedicated to guiding each individual through their unique journey by providing exceptional care in order to achieve exceptional results. View our plastic surgery Before and After photos gallery to see real patient results at H/K/B.

H/K/B Before / After
Before / After

We are dedicated to guiding each individual through their unique journey by providing exceptional care in order to achieve exceptional results. View our plastic surgery Before and After photos gallery to see real patient results at H/K/B.