Breast Implant Exchange

Breast implants are a safe and popular choice for women who want to have larger breasts or differently shaped breasts. But breast implants do not last forever. They need to be replaced for various reasons due to aging, desire for a breast size or shape change, or treatment of capsular contracture. Part of the process of having breast implants requires exchanging them at some point in the future.

Before and After Photos

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After procedure

Breast implant exchange is an outpatient surgery done under general anesthesia. After the procedure, there will be visible fine skin sutures in the incisions, some bruising and swelling.

Breast implant exchange is not a painful procedure, but mild discomfort and feeling of tightness in the operated area is expected for a few days to a few weeks after surgery. Bruising and swelling are usually the cause of the discomfort. However, it can be treated with preoperative and postoperative medication and supplementation, ice and anti-inflammatories. Swelling can be minimal or more intense depending on how many procedures need to be done in surgery to make the results the most beautiful and natural possible.

Sutures are removed between 10-15 days after the surgery if needed. Return to normal daily activities between 2-3 weeks. Expect at least 4 weeks for committing to major social events as residual swelling can remain for some patients after surgery. We are all different, so it is hard to predict who will get more or less swelling and bruising.

General preoperative recommendations

What to avoid before surgery

1. DO NOT take any aspirin for 7-10 days before your scheduled procedure. Do not take NSAIDS (Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen) for 5 days before surgery. You may take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) if needed for aches or pains. Please contact the office at if you have any questions about any medications that you are taking or if you are prescribed aspirin by your cardiologist or Primary Care Provider (PCP).
2. Discontinue Vitamin E 10 days before surgery.
3. Avoid the following herbal supplements for 10 days before surgery: Echinacea, Ephedra / Phentermine (used for weight loss), Feverfew, Fish Oils, Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, Goldenseal, Kava-Kava, Licorice, Saw Palmetto, St. John’s Wort and Valerian.
4. Stop Smoking. The harmful effects of smoking can cause tissue death, infection, and open wounds. It also makes you age faster!
5. Alcohol can promote swelling of the surgical area and it is best to avoid alcohol intake for at least one week before surgery.

What to take before surgery

1. Dr Miotto will instruct you to begin using medications and supplements to help speed up healing when you come in for your preoperative visit.

General postoperative recommendations

1. You MUST have a responsible adult to transport you home and stay with you for a full twenty-four hours after your surgery.
2. You will be unable to drive if you are taking narcotics.
3. It is common to feel sluggish for a few days as the anesthesia works its way out of your system.
4. It is recommended to elevate the head with two to three pillows after all facial procedures.
5. Your initial post-operative appointment will be scheduled by your Patient Care Coordinator.

Activity

1. For your safety, we require that you have a responsible adult stay with you for twenty-four hours after your surgery for general help, as you may find your balance and judgement impaired.
2. Please refrain from physical activity that will increase your heart rate or blood pressure for 2 weeks after surgery. However, bed rest is NOT recommended, and you should be walking at normal pace after the procedure.
3. Frequent walking will decrease the risk of post-operative blood clots (mostly after general anesthesia).
4. Sexual activity can safely be resumed 2 weeks following surgery. Please discuss with Dr Miotto as needed.

Bathing

1. You can shower twenty-four hours after surgery. You may clean the incisions as instructed by Dr Miotto or her nurses after the procedure.
2. Do not submerge yourself into a tub/pool until all wounds have healed (usually in 3 weeks).
3. Do not scrub the surgical sites, however you can allow soapy water to run over them.
4. Avoid lotions on the surgical sites for 2 weeks, but you can moisturize any other areas as desired.

Returning to Work

1. Recovery time will vary; however, most patients return to work within one to 2 weeks after the procedure, within one week you will have a feel for your specific limitations and will be able to determine how comfortable you will be with resuming your daily activities and workload.

Diet

1. Immediately following surgery, it is best to eat bland, easily-digested food and avoid excess sugar and salt. Healthy proteins (eggs, lean meat, beans, nuts), rice, fruits and cooked vegetables (broccoli, peppers, sweet potatoes) will provide your body with nutrients essential for healing.
2. Eat a few bites of food before taking pain medications as these can cause nausea.
3. A diet low in sodium will help minimize swelling and water retention.
4. Drink plenty of water! Drinking low sugar sports drinks and protein shakes are recommended.

Final Results

1. Keep in mind that our goal in aesthetic surgery is improvement and not perfection. You will be followed closely after surgery to assure that you heal well and have the best possible results.
2. It can take months for the very final results of your surgery be apparent. After 12 weeks, you can expect your results to be mostly permanent. Expect subtle changes in swelling and healing (including the appearance of scarring) to continue to appear for up to twelve months.
3. It is important for you to keep open communication with your physician and return for your follow up visits. We will take pre and post pictures along the way and look at the final results together.

Dr. Gabriele C. Miotto is a Brazillian-American plastic surgeon specialized in aesthetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures, specially of the face, eyes, nose, breast and liposuction. Call (404) 850-5851 for your consultation.

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