Reasons to Consider an Implant Exchange

Once your breast augmentation surgery is complete, implants are in place and you are thrilled with the results, most patients can expect their implants to keep the same great look for 10-25 years on average. However, over time, you may want a change, or maintenance may be needed. 

If you’ve already had the surgery, then you should know from your surgeon that there’s a likelihood that, at some point, you may want to have your implants revised, exchanged, or even removed. If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s essential to know that although implants can last up to 25 years, the average span before a breast implant exchange or other modification is needed is approximately ten years. 

All bodies change over time due to life changes like pregnancies, weight gain or loss, changes in lifestyle/activeness, and general aging. Those changes can affect your happiness with your implants and you may wish to seek corrective measures to maintain the youthful look and shape of your breasts. Below are the signs that it may be time to consider a breast implant exchange. 

Reasons You May Want to Exchange Your Implants  

Signs that you might need an implant exchange range from personal to visual to medical. Let’s look at some of the most common. 

•      A desire for a different size. Maybe you misjudged the size you wanted and would like to go with a larger size. Maybe your preferences have changed. There are also times when women want their breasts to be smaller and lighter because they may find that with age, heavier breasts cause back pain or are no longer desired due to a more active lifestyle. Whatever the reason, wanting to change breast size is the leading reason for an implant exchange.
•     One breast sits higher than the other, or the breasts look noticeably uneven. This signifies that an implant has migrated from where it originally was placed or has rotated.
•     Rippling in the breast area. This can result from an implant shifting as it settles into the skin, and it can also result from the implant material weakening over time and folding in on itself.
•   Deflated Implants. With saline implants, this is easy to notice because even a tiny leak will quickly cause the breast to appear deflated. When silicone implants rupture, it can be harder to detect because the silicone will attach to the tissue, potentially avoiding the reduced appearance. Other signs to watch for are a deformed shape, a burning sensation or other pain, swelling, tingling, and numbness in the breast.
•     Capsular contracture. Breast augmentation results in a firmer breast, but sometimes there can be excessive hardening over time due to the immune system rejecting the implant instead of allowing scar tissue to soften and create a more natural look and feel.   

Does Insurance Cover Implant Exchange Costs? 

One of the top questions plastic surgeons are asked is whether health insurance will cover or help with the costs of breast augmentation or implant exchange. 

Since most breast plastic surgery is done for cosmetic reasons, insurance does not contribute when it’s time to exchange or modify implants. However, even though your insurance might not help with implant exchange costs, you may not be without any financial support. Companies that make implants, like Allergan, Mentor, or Sientra, may provide a warranty. As with health insurance plans, the details vary by company. Some may only cover new implants, while others may cover surgeon fees and anesthesia. Reimbursement may also depend on the reason for the implant exchange. 

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Deutsch 

For breast augmentation in Atlanta, Dr. Deutsch of Perimeter Plastic Surgery is a field leader. Double board-certified and now with 25 years of experience in plastic surgery, Dr. Deutsch is at the top of his profession. 

In addition to his skill and experience, empathy and being a good listener are also among Dr. Deutsch’s strengths. From consultation to post-procedure recovery, Dr. Deutch will understand how vital your results are to you, and he will ask questions and provide answers to help you make the best decisions for you. 

If you think you’re a candidate for breast augmentation or an implant exchange, schedule a consultation with Dr. Deutsch today! Call (404) 255-0886.