Breast Implant Replacement NYC | Dr. Mesa Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Breast Implant Exchange New York City and New Jersey

Although not guaranteed to last a lifetime, breast implants have been known to last a lifetime. However, sometimes they have to be replaced. Exchanging implants is a concept that every woman should accept before undergoing breast augmentation.

Exchanging might be because there is a problem. Or it might be because the woman wants to make a change. Breast implant exchange in New Jersey and New York City is the choice of many women who want to be their most confident and lead their best life.

Once you’ve decided to pursue breast implant exchange with Dr. John Mesa in our New Jersey or New York City area practice, you make sure you have found the right surgeon and the right technique to meet your expectations.

How do I know if I am a candidate for breast implant exchange?

Patients are usually candidates for breast implant exchange if they have:

Breast Implant Leaks: The original silicone implant may have ruptured or might be leaking. The original saline implant may have leaked and is now deflated.
Change the breast implant type: Some women choose to switch from saline filled to silicone filled breast implants or vice versa. This is often done after evaluating the pros and cons of each type. In some women with saline filled breast implants and thin breast tissue may have visible rippling. This is less prevalent with silicone filled implants. That would be one possible reason for an exchange.
New generation breast implant options available in the market: Older silicone filled breast implants from the 1980’s and early 1990’s are often replaced with newer products. (while the older version had thinner walls and was more prone to leaking, the new versions like the Gummy Bear Breast Implants are more resistant and do not leak).

Change in breast implant size: Some women find that over time their needs may have changed. Or the body may have changed due to weight changes or pregnancy. This can mean that a larger or smaller size breast implant might be desired.
Capsular Contraction (scar tissue): One of the complications that may arise from breast augmentation with implants is excess scar tissue formation around the implants. Sometimes the scar tissue can cause the breast and breast implant to feel hard or tight. It might even cause the implant to rupture. Capsular formation around the breast implant is one reason women elect to replace their implants is to remove that excess scar tissue.
Change in breast implant shape and position: Some women elect to have a new implant inserted in order to change the position or the shape. The new gummy bear breast implants come with the option of tear drop shape that could give the augmented breast a more natural shape in the upper pole and cleavage area.

Where are the incisions made for breast implant exchange?

Dr. Mesa, a Board Certified Cosmetic Latin Plastic Surgeon, usually performs breast implant exchange through the original surgical scar if it is indicated. However, incisions for breast implant exchange can be placed in multiple areas depending on the technique. They can be made in the crease where the breast meets the chest (inframammary fold), around the areola (the darker skin surrounding your nipple -periareolar), or in the armpit. These incisions are discreetly placed where scarring will be least noticeable. Dr. Mesa most commonly uses the inframammary incision for breast implant exchange because it is the one that has been demonstrated to give more control to the breast implant pocket and therefore more reliable results.

What should I expect during breast implant exchange surgery?

You will undergo breast implant exchange under general anesthesia at one of the fully accredited hospitals or surgery center operating rooms where Dr. John Mesa routinely performs surgery in New Jersey or New York City. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours to complete. Dr. Mesa closes the incisions with dissolving stitches and places you in a supportive bra for your comfort during the recovery. Generally, breast augmentation with breast implants is performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to have a close friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center and care for you for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.

What should I expect after breast implant exchange plastic surgery?

Patients may have varying degrees of temporary bruising, swelling, and some discomfort. Dr. Mesa will prescribe medication to help you with any soreness after surgery. You will wear a special support bra after surgery. You will be up and moving around the day of surgery. Depending on your type of employment, you may return to work between 7-14 days after your breast procedure. Stitches will dissolve and do not need to be removed. Swelling in your breasts may take a few weeks to disappear. Dr. Mesa will closely follow your recovery to ensure you are able to resume normal exercising and activities.

FAQ

Is breast-feeding possible after getting breast implant exchange in New Jersey and New York City?

If you have breast-fed a baby before augmentation, it is very likely you can do so after surgery. Statistically, small-breasted women have more difficulty breast-feeding, so augmentation rarely changes a woman’s ability to breast-feed.

Are there potential side effects after breast implant exchange?

There are some risks associated with breast implant exchange; however, few patients experience problems:

Capsular formation (scar tissue): scar build up around the implant can cause encapsulation that can be relieved, as necessary, with surgery. This is more common with silicone implants.
Numbness: usually temporary, numbness may occur in the breast skin or nipple.
Leaking implant: the saline (salt water) solution is harmless and will be absorbed by the body and the implant will need to be replaced. An MRI scan is recommended to determine if a silicone implant has leaked.

How are mammograms affected after breast implant exchange?

Depending upon your age and health history, continue to have mammograms on a regular basis. These are some of the facts about mammograms in patients that have undergone breast implant exchange:

Subglandular implant placement makes mammograms more difficult. In this position, there is a slightly higher risk of forming scar tissue that contracts around the implants
Rippling of the implant is more likely to be visible in the subglandular position.
Submuscular implant placement allows mammograms to be taken more easily. In this position, you are less likely to form scar tissue around the implant and to have visible surface irregularities.

Why not go to an Obstetrician, Gynecologists, Internists, Primary Care Physician, Dentists and “cosmetologists” for breast implant exchange?

Practitioners like Obstetricians or Gynecologist and other doctors who are not formally residency-trained and Board Certified to perform breast implant exchange plastic surgery have been found to suffer a much higher rate of complications, as it’s a side interest to them, and not a treatment they’re certified to do all day long. One of the most common complaints is minimal improvement, asymmetries, “operated look”, etc.

Only a licensed professional with the knowledge, training and skills required to achieve optimum results should perform breast implant exchange plastic surgery. Look for a plastic surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and who has completed his training at some of the top residency and fellowship institutions.