Breast implant exchange under local anesthesia?

Question

I had breast augmentation surgery 2 months ago. My Surgeon put 275 cc in the right and 300 cc on the left as he was trying to fix some asymmetry. The right breast looks a lot smaller and the left is also wider. I’d like to have the 275 cc swapped out for 300 cc. They were placed under the muscle. My question is what is the recovery like with an implant swap? It will be done in his surgical center but under local anesthesia. Can I drive myself? Does time off work need to be taken? Drop again?

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend general anesthesia.  The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Leia6820,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Much will depend on exactly what was done during the procedure.  "Dropping and fluffing" (a process wherein breasts may appear to be larger as breast implant "settle") may not necessarily occur with revisionary breast surgery.  "Dropping and fluffing" (a process wherein breasts may appear to be larger as breast implant "settle") may not necessarily occur with revisionary breast surgery.Your plastic surgeon, knowing exactly what procedure is planned will be your best resource when it comes to more specific information and advice. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Leia6820,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. An uncomplicated implant revision like the one you are describing could be done under local anesthesia.  However, both you and your surgeon need to be on the same page about this.  I doubt that you will be able to drive yourself home, however. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

Breast implant exchange under local anesthesia?

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