Implant Exchange

Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Houston and Lake Jackson, TX

A breast implant exchange replaces silicone and saline implants once they reach the end of their functional lifespan. While breast revisions resolve aesthetic changes or medical complications, an exchange focuses specifically on updating the implants themselves.

Led by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. R. Scott Yarish and Dr. Janak Parikh, the team of specialists at Town & Country Plastic Surgeons + Medspa is dedicated to surgical excellence and patient safety. Both surgeons focus on delivering personalized care and transformative aesthetic results that uphold the highest professional standards.

To schedule a personal consultation and explore your implant exchange options, contact us online or call our office location nearest to you:

About Implant Exchange

It is a common misconception that breast implants are permanent lifetime devices. While advancements in silicone and saline technology have significantly improved durability, all implants are subject to gradual wear. Surgeons and manufacturers typically recommend replacement every 10 to 20 years, or sooner if necessary, to uphold the highest standards of safety and aesthetic quality. As time passes, the shell of the implant may weaken, which increases the potential for saline implants to deflate and silicone implants to rupture. (1) Furthermore, natural physical changes, such as those caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the aging process, can impact the position and appearance of the original devices. During an exchange, many patients choose to transition to more advanced implant technology that provides a different profile or a more authentic texture. (2)

Motivations for Exchanging Breast Implants

The choice to undergo an implant exchange often goes beyond the age of the device, frequently driven by new aesthetic goals or the resolution of physical complications. Some patients find that their personal style has evolved, leading them to prefer a more understated, natural look over a more prominent one, or the reverse. Additionally, some may develop capsular contracture, a condition where firm scar tissue tightens around the implant, resulting in distortion or hardness. Removing both the existing implant and the surrounding scar tissue can alleviate physical discomfort and restore a more natural, supple breast contour.

Benefits

An implant exchange provides a variety of aesthetic and functional advantages, most notably the transition to advanced technology. Modern devices are engineered for greater structural cohesion and increased resilience against wear. For individuals facing clinical concerns, this surgery effectively addresses issues such as silicone rupture or firm scar tissue, prioritizing patient safety and physical comfort. Beyond medical necessity, the procedure can restore youthful symmetry and volume that may have diminished through natural changes. Ultimately, many women experience renewed confidence and personal satisfaction when their results better reflect their current aesthetic preferences and wellness goals.

Candidates

Potential candidates for this procedure are women who are in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations for their surgical outcome. Specifically, Dr. Yarish and Dr. Parikh look for candidates who:

  • Are non-smokers or are willing to quit for several weeks before and after surgery to ensure proper healing.
  • Possess implants that are nearing the 10-20 year mark or are showing signs of rupture or displacement.
  • Desire a change in implant size, shape, or material due to shifting personal preferences.

Personal Consultation

During this in-person meeting, Dr. Yarish or Dr. Parikh will perform a meticulous physical examination to evaluate the current state of your implants and breast tissue, specifically checking for shifting, thinning, or scar tissue buildup (capsular contracture). We will review your full medical history and discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as firmness or changes in breast shape. This collaborative meeting allows us to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals, whether that involves a simple exchange or a more complex revision.

To start planning your implant exchange and schedule a personal consultation, contact Town & Country online or call one of our office locations directly:

Preparation

Proper preparation is essential for a smooth surgical experience and recovery. Your surgical team will provide you with personalized preoperative instructions, which will include the following steps:

  • Complete all required lab tests and medical imaging (mammograms or MRIs) to assess implant integrity.
  • Adjust or avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners and certain supplements, as directed by your surgeon.
  • Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from your surgery appointment and assist you during the first 48 hours.
  • Schedule time off from work and other commitments.
  • Set up a “recovery station” at home with pillows, medications, and easy-to-reach essentials.

Procedure

Dr. Yarish or Dr. Parikh will perform your implant exchange as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia for your comfort and safety, typically lasting between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Our surgeons often utilize the original incision sites to minimize new scarring, carefully reopening them to access the existing implant pocket. Once they remove the existing implants, your surgeon will inspect the area; if capsular contracture is present, they will perform a capsulectomy to remove hardened scar tissue, which may be sent to a pathology lab for further clinical evaluation.

After performing any meticulous pocket adjustments to ensure proper symmetry and positioning, your surgeon will ensure the new implants are secure. Finally, they will close the incisions with fine sutures that encourage natural-looking results and clean, discreet healing.

Recovery

Because the breast tissue has already been stretched to accommodate the original devices, the recovery following an exchange is often simpler and more comfortable than the initial augmentation. However, if Dr. Parikh or Dr. Yarish must address scar tissue via a capsulectomy, this timeline may differ. In the days immediately following surgery, patients typically experience varying levels of swelling and soreness. You can manage this discomfort through prescribed medications, significant rest, and the continuous use of a medical-grade compression bra.

While every patient heals at a different rate, the typical progression includes:

  • The First 48 Hours: Focus on rest and minimizing activity. Wear your compression garment as instructed.
  • One Week Post-Op: Most individuals can return to sedentary work within seven days. Our surgeons advocate for short, gentle walks to stimulate blood flow and aid in a healthy recovery.
  • Four to Six Weeks: High-impact exercise and heavy lifting must be avoided during this time. You may gradually resume more strenuous activities only after receiving clearance from your surgeon.

Be sure to follow all post-operative guidance and attend scheduled clinical visits to protect the integrity and success of your aesthetic results.

Results

The full refinement of your surgical results will emerge as residual swelling resolves over the coming months. Once the healing process is complete, your new implants should provide the intended profile and volume, offering a revitalized silhouette with improved balance. Dr. Yarish and Dr. Parikh are committed to providing personalized care and surgical precision to achieve an authentic, sophisticated look that boosts your confidence for years to come. To support long-term success, we recommend regular clinical follow-ups to assess the integrity of your implants and monitor your overall breast health.

Cost of Implant Exchange in Houston and Lake Jackson

The cost of your implant exchange will depend on the specific details of your treatment plan, including the complexity of the pocket adjustment, the new implant type, the necessity of a capsulectomy, and anesthesia fees. During your consultation, your surgeon will provide you with a detailed price list that accurately reflects your personalized plan.

To schedule a personal consultation and start exploring your options for an implant exchange, contact Town & Country online or call our office closest to you:

FAQ

How do I know when it is time for an implant exchange?

Common indicators include having implants that are over 10 years old, visible deflation, persistent firmness or tightness (capsular contracture), or if your aesthetic goals have changed.

Will I have new scars after an implant exchange?

Our surgeons strive to use your existing scars from the original augmentation, meaning that most patients do not acquire new scarring unless a breast lift is also performed.

What is the difference between a revision and an exchange?

A breast implant exchange focuses specifically on replacing the devices themselves, while a revision is a broader term for correcting medical complications or significant aesthetic changes to the breast tissue.

What are the risks associated with an implant exchange?

As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, hematoma, or adverse reaction to anesthesia. Specific to implants, risks may include future capsular contracture or aesthetic dissatisfaction.

How long does the implant exchange procedure take?

The surgery typically takes between 1 to 4 hours, depending on whether your surgeon is performing a straightforward exchange or if more complex work, like scar tissue removal, is required.

References

  1. Gossman W, Shikhman R, Moufarrege R. Breast Implant Rupture. Nih.gov. Published November 11, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459308/
  2. Denney BD, Cohn AB, Bosworth JW, Kumbla PA. Revision Breast Augmentation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2021;35(02):098-109. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727272