Can a silicone breast implant be exchanged for larger size under local anesthesia?

Question

I've herd of this being done for saline implants. I am wondering if it can be done for silicone or is it a whole new surgery? I love my implants shape etc but wish they were larger. They are almost 1 year. Any advise is appreciated!

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear lulalandry, Thank you for your question. An implant exchange is not recommended under local anesthesia. Please consult with your Board Certified Operating Surgeon. Best of luck to you!

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear lulalandry,Almost any plastic surgical procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, but that does not make it the right choice. For your safety, comfort, and best results I recommend performing an implant revision under sedation or general anesthesia.Good luck,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.

·      Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

·      Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

·      RealSelf Top Doctor

·      Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

·      Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

·      RealSelf Top Doctor

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

Your safety and comfort are the most important considerations, and in most cases this means more than local anesthesia for implant exchange.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Implant exchange might be accomplished under local anesthesia. The difficulty lies in whether the pocket needs to be made larger to accommodate the larger implant. If so it becomes a more involved procedure and the surgeon may not know until he or she get in there to see. Yes it can be done under local anesthesia but I would not.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lulalandry,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, if your plastic surgeon has to correct the implant pocket, then local anesthesia is not he best solution. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to 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

Adolfo Sesto, MD · Answer

Hello Lulalandry. The answer of course is no, implants are not to be change under local anesthesia. I always use, in all my procedures IV sedation and when the patient is fully sleep, epidural is apply.28 year experience
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Practice in Dominican Republic

Ken Stewart, MD, FRCS Plast · Answer

The ammount of pain associated with implant exchange is usually  less than a primary procedure. However theircare variables; textured implants can be more difficult to remove. If the implant unexpectedly found to be ruptured additional steps maybe required. If the new implant is significantly larger capsulotomy maybevrequired to enlarge the pocket.
For all these reasons general anaesthetic is the norm.

Sutton Graham II, MD · Answer

Silicone implant exchange under local may be possible, but most plastic surgeons would choose additional anesthesia.  My recommendation would be to pick the most experienced and trusted plastic surgeon and follow his or her recommendations as to the type of anesthesia used.  This should give you the best result in terms of safety and appearance.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

The simple answer may be Yes but an examination is needed to see if you are a candidate.   So see your surgeon or other experts in the area and compare recommendations after a full examination Dr Corbin

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Yes, a breast implant exchange can be done under a local anesthetic. It is easier with saline implants but also done with silicone.

Can a silicone breast implant be exchanged for larger size under local anesthesia?

Answers (10)

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