Can Exchange for Smaller Implants be Done 6 months after Capsulectomy?

Dear nsan4d,

you should be able to exchange implants 6 months after capsulectomy. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you so much for your honest and vulnerable message — your frustration is real, and you’re absolutely not alone in feeling this way.You’ve gone through:
Implant ruptureImplant exchange with size increaseUnilateral capsulectomyAnd now deep regret about your new size and shapeThis is more than cosmetic — it’s emotional, physical, and psychological.Let’s address your main question directly:
Can an implant exchange or downsizing be done safely at 6 months?Yes, in many cases — including post-capsulectomy — a secondary implant exchange can be safely performed around the 6-month mark, especially when:Healing is stableScar tissue is softAnd the patient is emotionally and physically readyYou’re absolutely correct that smaller implants may require capsulorrhaphy (tightening of the internal pocket), and that this is easier to do once the capsule is more mature — but waiting a full year is not always necessary, especially if the patient is suffering.In fact, the longer an oversized implant stays in place, the more it stretches skin and worsens long-term results, as you’ve correctly pointed out.
Emotional well-being matters tooIt’s not just about tissue healing — your mental health and body image matter just as much. Living with a result that makes you miserable every day is not a sustainable plan, and it’s completely understandable that you’re seeking help now.

I am concerned by reading your posted text and questions that you are unclear that you can have an exchange in six months. In my opinion after 47 years of practicing Plastic surgery, there is no reason why an exchange cannot be done, but it would be better to do a virtual consultation so we could better discuss your situation. But since you did not post any photos of before surgery or after surgery, it’s hard to give a more detailed explanation looking forward to do a virtual consult with you so we can determine what would be the best course for you at this point in regards.