All About Breast Implant Exchange in Orange County

Breast implant exchange (also known as “breast revision”) can address a variety of concerns for those who've had previous breast augmentation surgery and are finding themselves dissatisfied with the results or simply desiring a new look and feel. We use customized corrective techniques to restore an attractive appearance for the most common concerns, including implant rupture, rippling, capsular contracture, asymmetry, or sagging.

In some cases, women are simply looking to swap older saline implants with new silicone gel implants for a more natural feel. In any event, it is important that women follow all safety precautions and take proper care of their implants for the best outcomes. To learn more about how we can help you with breast implant exchange in Newport Beach, reach out to our practice and set up your consultation with a helpful member of our team.

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Breast Implant Exchange at a Glance

The Procedure

Surgical, General Anesthesia

Your Recovery

One to Two Weeks

Final Results

Four to Six Months

Frequently Combined With

Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, Mommy Makeover

Reasons for Breast Implant Exchange

In some cases, women are unhappy with their surgical outcome (in a way that is typically size-related) and find themselves seeking breast implant exchange in Orange County. Other women trade older saline implants for gummy bear breast implants that use a more cohesive silicone gel. 

It’s recommended that those with breast implants replace their implants every 10 years for breast health. Here are some of the primary reasons that an individual might be interested in breast implant exchange.

Rippling

Rippling can be felt or even seen through the skin and may develop as a result of a thinning of the tissue covering the implant.

Capsular Contracture

Excess scar tissue may cause some women to experience firmness, visible distortion, and discomfort, creating a hardened breast that feels and looks unnatural.

Rupture or Deflation

Though not very common, these issues can sometimes occur. Saline implant deflation or silicone gel implant rupture can make implant exchange a requirement.

Placement Revision

In some cases, the implant can migrate or change position. Changes in position can also occur over time or due to pregnancy and nursing.

Size Revision

Current implants can be replaced with smaller- or larger-sized implants due to lifestyle changes, to appear more natural, or for other cosmetic reasons.

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Do I Need a Breast Implant Exchange?

Saline Implant Issues

Saline implant ruptures are immediately obvious. The deflation of the implant will be instantly apparent, and correction will be necessary.

Silicone Gel Implant Issues

Current silicone gel / “gummy bear” implants will maintain their shape if torn or ruptured, so regular MRI screenings are required for rupture detection.

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Your Surgical Experience

Well in advance of your breast implant exchange procedure, you’ll meet with your surgeon, and discuss the details of your surgery. It’s important to note here that breast implant exchange is never exactly the same. Not only do we believe in creating customized treatment plans that are directly tailored to our patients and their goals, but breast implant exchange can be performed for a wide variety of reasons and to accomplish a range of goals.

Your surgeon will work with you to discuss the particulars of your procedure in detail, ensuring that you know exactly what you can expect from your surgical experience. It’s likely that your breast revision surgery will take between two and four hours to complete, and it’ll be performed under general anesthesia. You’ll be able to return home on the same day, but you will need a friend to drive you as your anesthesia wears off.

We’ll ensure that you have detailed aftercare instructions and anything you might need to stay comfortable as you make your way through the recovery process after surgery. During your consultation, you’ll get a very clear idea of exactly what you can expect, and our team will remain available to you at all times, so we can answer any questions and address any concerns that might come up during recovery.

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Our Award-Winning Team

When it comes to creating your ideal figure, the award-winning team at CosmetiCare is here to help. Offering you a truly elevated level of care and expertise, our team will address your most deeply-held cosmetic concerns, and you’ll enjoy naturalistic results that truly enhance your existing beauty.

If you’d like to learn more about the surgical and non-surgical solutions we offer, a member of our team is standing by and ready to connect you with some of the very best surgical results Orange County has to offer. Simply reach out to our Newport Beach location and set up your consultation today.

Meet Our Doctors

Journey to the Best You

Here’s what to expect during your surgical journey with CosmetiCare:

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Consultation

Discuss your options and ask any questions that you may have with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

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Simulation

Want to see your New Look Now? Virtually “try on” any procedure free-of-cost using our photo simulation tool.

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Surgery

Get ready to look & feel your best with one of our renowned board-certified plastic surgeons performing your surgery.

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Recovery

Trust our staff to guide you through the recovery process, providing tips and tools to make it as smooth as possible.

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I LOVE my new boobs!! Dr. West is such a talented surgeon. I had been putting off my surgery for years and I'm so glad I finally pulled the trigger and went with him. Everyone at CosmetiCare treated me like family. From my consultation, all the way to the morning of surgery I felt at home. The anesthesiologist and nurse in the surgery center were both so good at keeping me calm too. I will be a patient for life!

Jen W.

FAQ

How much does breast implant exchange surgery cost?

What will my scars look like after breast implant exchange (breast revision)?

How do I choose my breast implant size?

Can I get smaller or larger breast implants than I had before?

How would I know if I have a ruptured breast implant?

Should I be concerned about the recent breast implant recall and its link to raising the risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL?

What's the difference between gummy bear and saline implants?

How long does it take to recover from breast implant exchange surgery?

How often do you have to exchange breast implants?

Will insurance cover breast implant exchange surgery?

Can I still breastfeed after breast implant exchange?

What is a breast implant revision?

What is the difference between a breast implant exchange and a breast implant revision?

How much does breast implant exchange surgery cost?

Breast implant exchange usually has a starting price of $7,900 for silicone implants and $6,400 for saline implants. During your consultation for a breast implant exchange at CosmetiCare in Newport Beach, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will prescribe the perfect treatment plan and provide you with an estimate to achieve your aesthetic goals.

We also offer up to 24-month financing options to help our patients pay off the cost of their procedure over time. In just minutes, you can apply here to see what you are pre-qualified for before your consultation.

What will my scars look like after breast implant exchange (breast revision)?

You’ll have scars from the breast implant exchange incisions, and the placement and shape of the scarring will depend on the type of implant used and the entry point used by your doctor to achieve your overall breast augmentation goals. Rest assured, these scars should fade over a year or two, becoming less noticeable.

CosmetiCare in Newport Beach offers comprehensive scar treatment solutions. During your consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons, they’ll discuss the recovery and healing process and how to minimize scarring post-procedure.

How do I choose my breast implant size?

We love this question. We will create a simulation so you can try on your breast implant exchange procedure during your consultation with us in Orange County. This helps our patients truly understand how the procedure outcome can look and fosters a collaborative dialogue between you and your plastic surgeon.

Can I get smaller or larger breast implants than I had before?

We know that every woman has a unique body and individual aesthetic needs. For this reason, we take the time during your breast implant exchange consultation in Orange County to learn what your goals are. This helps our plastic surgeons determine what course of action will achieve the best result, whether a breast lift, and or augmentation, and what type of implant and placement is ideal for you.

How would I know if I have a ruptured breast implant?

Though not very common, saline implant deflation or silicone gel implant rupture is another reason women may undergo a breast implant exchange/revision.

  • Saline implant ruptures are immediately obvious, and deflation will be apparent.
  • Current silicone gel or “gummy bear” implants will maintain their shape if torn or ruptured, so regular MRI screenings are required for rupture detection.

Should I be concerned about the recent breast implant recall and its link to raising the risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL?

In 2020, Allergan began contacting patients who may not be aware of the July 2019, recall of BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders.

Textured breast implants have been shown to raise the risk of a type of cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. This risk is very small, the disease is very rare and treatable, and only certain textured implants (Allergan Biocell) have been recalled due to a greater association with the disease.

If you are not aware of the BIOCELL recall or do not know the type of implant you have, you should:

  • Visit BIOCELLinformation.com to see if Allergan can provide your implant information.
  • Contact your initial surgeon to determine if they can provide your implant information.

As board-certified plastic surgeons, our patient’s health and safety are of utmost concern. As such, we’re committed to only using fully FDA-compliant breast implants and continue to stay abreast of any updates made by our manufacturers and the FDA.

What's the difference between gummy bear and saline implants?

Before considering the cost factor of a breast implant exchange procedure in Orange County, the patient should look at the attributes of each option and make an informed choice with their plastic surgeon. The main advantage of silicone implants is that they are the softest breast implants on the market – some call them “gummy bear” implants because they are the most natural-looking and the most natural-feeling breast implant. Saline implants are relatively cheaper, but they are also harder. Patients who want a more “augmented” look may favor the saline implant due to its shape.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant exchange surgery?

The recovery period following breast implant exchange surgery is similar to recovering from the initial breast augmentation procedure. Most patients return to work after one to two weeks, with reaching or lifting to be avoided for an additional three to four weeks.

At your consultation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will discuss the procedure outlining recovery, healing, and realistic expectations so you leave well-equipped to make the best decision.

How often do you have to exchange breast implants?

We recommend implants get replaced every 10 – 15 years to maintain breast health. Additionally, there are many other reasons patients choose to undergo breast implant exchange or breast revision.

In some cases, women are unhappy with their surgical outcomes (typically size-related). In other cases, women are looking to trade older saline implants for gummy bear breast implants using cohesive silicone gel for a more natural feel and appearance.

Will insurance cover breast implant exchange surgery?

Breast implant exchange (or breast revision) is cosmetic surgery, so it’s not covered by insurance.

Breast implant exchange (or breast revision) is cosmetic surgery, so it’s not covered by insurance.

Can I still breastfeed after breast implant exchange?

In most breast implant exchanges, sensation and breast ductal tissue is preserved, so the ability to breastfeed should remain intact. However, recent research* shows that any breast surgery – specifically the incision around the nipple—can potentially damage milk ducts, so there is a risk of insufficient milk production.

*Source: International Breastfeeding Journal

What is a breast implant revision?

A breast implant revision in Orange County typically involves removing or replacing your original silicone or saline breast implants. Patients considering this procedure usually change the size or type of their existing implants and/or revise any complications from their prior breast augmentation procedure.

What is the difference between a breast implant exchange and a breast implant revision?

A breast implant exchange and a breast implant revision or “breast augmentation revision” can be the same, depending on the extent of your procedure. Breast implant exchange is when you swap old breast implants for new ones. A breast implant revision is any type of capsule work due to capsular contracture, going from over the muscle to under the muscle, changing implant types from saline to gummy bear, or even downsizing.

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