Is there much swelling after an implant exchange?

Question

Is there much swelling after an implant exchange? I already have sub muscular implants that will exchanged Monday. I’m going just a little larger. Will they have to “top and fluff” since I already have a pocket? Thanks a bunch!!!

Christopher W. Chase, MD · Answer

Usually there is much less pain and swelling with a straightforward implant exchange, even if going up in size of the implant, compared to the original breast augmentation.  Therefore, recovery should be much easier.Thank you.

M. Jude LaBarbera, MD · Answer

There is usually minor swelling with a breast implant exchange procedure.  If the capsule is released to allow for a larger implant, you can have some swelling, but it is usually much less than the swelling associated with the initial breast augmentation.  Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Much will depend on exactly what is done during the procedure.  "Dropping and fluffing" (a process wherein breast implants round out the lower breast poles, and the breasts overall may may appear to be larger as breast implant "settle") may not necessarily occur with revisionary breast surgery.
For example, if the breast implant capsules of the  lower breast poles are incised (capsulotomy),  than some breast implant movement ("settling") may be expected over the course of the first several months after surgery.
 
 Your plastic surgeon who will be your best resource when it comes to accurate response and/or meaningful predictions.
 Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased.

Bao L. Phan, MD · Answer

Usually not if that’s all you are having.  If you are needing a capsulotomy to expand the pocket to accommodate a significantly larger implant or if you are needing a capsulectomy for a capsular contracture and/ or a Sub-muscular conversion for any reason then you will have more swelling.  Usually though it’s not as significant as the first breast augmentation done under the muscle.  Best wishes.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

There is very little swelling with breast augmentation or implant exchange.  If pocket revision is needed you may experience “drop and fluff.”  Folllow your surgeon’s post operative instructions for a nice recovery.

Is there much swelling after an implant exchange?

Answers (5)

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