Why Breast Implant Replacement Surgery is More Common Than you Think

Beauty portrait of a young brunette woman isolated on pink backgroundBreast augmentation surgery is well-established as a safe and effective way for women to achieve larger, fuller, and more proportionate-looking breasts. Over recent years, improvements in materials and techniques have also allowed for a more natural appearance after augmentation and a reduction in the likelihood of visible scars or complications.

However, there are several reasons why patients who have had breast augmentation will need to undergo implant replacement surgery. Most of these are for aesthetic reasons, and although the procedure itself is similar to the original augmentation procedure, there are a few key differences.

One of the reasons someone may choose to undergo implant replacement surgery is simply they wish to change the size of their implants to either bigger or smaller.  Patient who have lost some volume due to having children, weight gain or loss and would like to obtain more volume may choose a bigger size implants.  On the other hand, some women feel the implants they have are too big and would like to exchange them for a smaller size to better fit their lifestyle.

Another reason that can be slightly more urgent is the rupture, deflation, or other defects in the implant itself. There can also be some shifting in the implants that creates asymmetry across the chest. While these situations generally do not cause significant health concerns, they should be resolved sooner than later to prevent further complications.

Although the procedure to replace the affected implant(s) is relatively similar to breast augmentation, the recovery time is usually less, as the body has already adjusted to the difference in size between the implant(s) and the original size and shape of the breasts.

Generally, most patients have the most pain and discomfort during the first few days after the procedure. However, this rarely exceeds what can be managed with over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication. Many patients can return to work within a week, and the swelling will continue to subside in the following months.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Schaffer and his expert team in San Antonio, TX, can answer all your questions about breast implant replacement surgery and discuss a potential recovery plan. Call the office at 210-227-3223 or visit www.eschaffer.com to schedule a consultation.

Posted in: Breast Implant Replacement

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