Breast Implant Revision: Q&A

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Recovery After Implant Exchange/mastoplexy

I've scheduled surgery for 07/08, & will be exchanging old 450cc saline for silicone, mod+ profile, under muscle, w/ full lift. One PS I went to said I'd need to be in a reclining position 50 min out of every hour for 2 wks post surgery to keep the lower part of the areola from changing shape, etc. Is this extreme? Also, I want to go smaller but not too small. Will the lift, combined with going subpectoral, and silicone change the illusion of size? Too much projection now so thinking 375-400cc.

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exchange lift recovery

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by MRH40 in Mississippi

Doctor Answers (9)
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Reclining Position Recommendation after Implant exchange

Each surgeon bases his recommendations based on his experience. That being said in my practice I usually recommend sleeping with your back elevated for the first week then any position. Speak with your surgeon and follow his advice is probably the best recommendation.

Implant Size for Revisionary Breast Surgery

Thank you for the question. I personally think you're taking too much responsibility in trying to determine the exact implant size prior to surgery. Communication with your surgeon will be crucial to help you achieve your goals. I find the use of goal pictures to be very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C cup” or "fake looking" or "top heavy" means different things to different people... more

Implant exchange with a breast lift

Exchanging your implants from saline to silicone with have a slight difference in appearance, but moreso in the feel. Changing the position of the implants to a subpectoral will have an effect on your post-op recovery as it is generally more painful. The breast lift should help with redistributing you breast tissue over the new implant and prevent any shape problems with the exchange.

Breast Implant Revision

Fifty to seventy five ccs is not a significant reduction in size. The only way you may appear to have a real reduction in size is by going from pre to post muscular placement with this amount of actual size reduction. This may not even give you what you want. You need to discuss your desires thoroughly with your surgeon. As for surgeon, I would personally run from the one who suggested that you recline for most of 2 weeks. This is absolutely absurd. There is no data whatsoever to... more

Breast lift mastopexy implant exchange

Since each breast is only made up of only two components,volume and envelope, and since you are having an implant exchange (volume) and mastopexy (envelope adjustment), you should be able to go to any size you choose (consistent with your body type) and still have nice looking breasts. If your volume now is too large, count on losing a bra cup size for every 200cc smaller you go. Once the volume is set (under the muscle is safest) the skin is tailored to the correct... more

Implant exchange and lift

Replacing your implants to go only 50 cc's smaller is not a big difference. Placing them under the muscle will be a bit more uncomfortable. Inever heard to be in a reclining position. I do not think that will do anything.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Post-op recovery after implant exchange and breast lift

When breast implants are being exchanged from over the muscle to under, you will have to avoid vigorous physical activity for a while because of the surgery around the muscle. The breast lift (mastopexy) adds a layer of complexity but not necessarily additional recovery time. Good support is needed during the healing phase. The recommendation for reclining is not one that I have heard of but I do recommend that you follow your own surgeon's advice.

Recovery switching to sub-muscular breast imlpants

Ordinarily implant replacement or exchange is fairly easy as the pocket is already established and the hard work behind. Switching to a sub-muscular pocket will involve a week of recovery, just like those who will be having implants for the first time. The reclining bit makes no sense and a being up and about in a good support bra should suffice. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd