After your revision, you can expect some bruising, swelling, itching, and tightness, as well as numbness and tingling. Patients typically return to work or their regular daily routine (if not physically demanding) one to two weeks after breast implant revision or exchange surgery.
You should avoid strenuous activities for three weeks or until cleared to resume by Dr. Boll. Bruising often lasts about two weeks, and swelling will subside considerably by the third week, though some minor swelling may persist for up to two months or more.
Dr. Boll does her best to make the new incisions in the same place as your previous breast surgery to reduce or eliminate additional scarring. However, when choosing larger implants or including a breast lift, an additional incision is likely necessary.
Either way, Dr. Boll uses incision and suturing techniques that minimize your scars and make them less visible. Breast surgery scars fade nicely and blend in with the surrounding skin.
The final results of your breast implant exchange or revision surgery will initially be masked by bruising and swelling. It will take about six weeks for all the swelling to resolve, and your breasts will feel softer and more natural. However, your breast implant exchange results will not be final until the implants “settle” or “drop,” which can take about four months.
When breast implant complications are involved, recovery may last a bit longer. In some cases, final results can take six to 12 months, so it’s essential to give your breast implants time to fully establish their ultimate position and shape.
The cost of your implant exchange or breast implant revision will vary depending on the reason for your surgery, the extent of correction required, techniques used, additional procedures or treatments, and many other factors.
Dr. Boll will provide an accurate breast revision cost estimate following your consultation. She offers financing plans to help make the cost of cosmetic surgery more manageable.
Many women believe they must exchange their breast implants after 10 years, and while this is the average number of years breast implants last, it is only an estimate. Your implants may last much longer, or you may need to replace them sooner if a complication arises.
Mothers who received their implants before their final pregnancy often choose to replace them when they’ve completed their families.
Including a breast lift is often advised when switching to a smaller breast implant to prevent sagging and help keep them looking firm and perky for longer.
Usually, old breast implants can be removed and new implants placed during the same surgery, even when complications are involved. However, some cases may require separate surgeries, such as infection, or when tissue expanders are needed to accommodate larger implants.
Depending on the size of your implants and how long you’ve had them, if removed, you may need a breast lift to ensure your natural breasts are well-positioned and firm. Otherwise, breast sagging is likely.
The first step is contacting Dr. Jennifer Boll’s Tempe, Arizona, office for a breast revision consultation by calling (480) 833-5200. A friendly and helpful member of our staff will be happy to set up your appointment.
Dr. Boll is a double board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients seeking non-surgical cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery, including breast revision, in the greater Phoenix area and beyond.
