Breast Implant Upgrade: What to Expect

Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast Revision

Whether you are switching from saline to silicone, changing from silicone to saline, or being proactive about exchanging your implants before a potential leak/rupture occurs, the breast implant upgrade procedure is often significantly less time consuming than the initial breast augmentation operation. Using the same incision point from your original surgery, your current breast implants can be removed and replaced with the desired new implants, therefore decreasing the chance of any additional scarring. The operation is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.

If you are upgrading from saline to silicone, any scar tissue that possibly formed around your current breast implants will generally be extracted and will make for a more lengthy procedure. With a simple exchange of implants, most likely no extra dressing will be needed. For surgery removing extra scar tissue or replacement of existing implants to the textured implants, additional compression garments may be required to wear 4-6 weeks post-surgery to facilitate the healing process. Some minor bruising and/or swelling can often be expected, but pain medication can generally help alleviate any potential discomfort. Normal daily routines can often be resumed after a few days, but I recommend you avoid strenuous physical activity for at least four weeks.

Ultimately, it is important to note that the procedure and recovery for breast implant upgrade will be different for every individual. A more personalized outline for what to expect can be discussed at the time of your consultation.

– Dan Mills, MD, FACS

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