30+ Years of Experience

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10,000+ Breast Surgeries Performed

Texas Super Doctor

Breast Implant Exchange in Houston

If you have problems with your breast implants or would like to exchange your implants, Dr. Vitenas is an expert with over 30 years of experience performing breast impant exchanges and repairs.

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Discover why patients from across the U.S. and around the world choose Dr. Vitenas as the premier surgeon for naturally-appearing breasts.

“Dr. Vitenas and his staff are always so nice and professional. I always feel welcomed when I walk in the door. I had breast implants exchange and liposuction done 10 weeks ago. I am extremely happy with my results! I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

Breast Implant Exchange Before & After Photo

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Each Patient is Unique and Individual Results May Vary

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    Experience the Comforting Benefits of Implant Exchange

    Uncover the allure of self-confidence and satisfaction with the Breast Implant Exchange. This groundbreaking procedure, catered to your personal aspirations, strives to enhance the outcomes of a previous augmentation and alleviate any discomfort, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

    About Breast Implant Exchange Surgery

    Breast augmentation is an extremely popular cosmetic procedure performed over 300,000 times a year across the United States. While most patients are thrilled with their breast enhancement results, some women find that their breasts are larger or smaller than desired. Others may be bothered by rippling, asymmetry, or other issues with their implants. Breast implant exchange offers a solution to revise and refine the results of initial breast augmentation surgery when implants need to be replaced.
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    Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Vitenas provides breast implant exchange in Houston to help women obtain the beautiful, proportional breasts they want. With decades of experience performing thousands of plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Vitenas has the skill and artistry to exchange current implants for new ones that better match your aesthetic goals.

    Breast Implant Exchange with Dr. Paul Vitenas

    Breast implant exchange utilizes a surgical technique to safely remove existing breast implants and replace them with new implants selected to achieve your cosmetic goals. The exchange provides an opportunity to change implant size, shape, type, and position to get an appearance that is precisely what you want. Issues like deflation, capsular contracture, and size dissatisfaction may prompt women to consider exchanging their saline breast implants for new ones.
    Dr. V exceeded the results I was expecting for my surgery. Pain was kept at an absolute minimum. I’m still surprised at that, because I’d had implants and a tummy tuck before and had a lot more pain then. Plus he corrected a serious defect to the point that you have to know I had it to even notice it.
    Real Patient Review
    The Ideal Implant Exchange Candidate

    Dr. Vitenas takes a highly customized, patient-centered approach to breast implant exchange:

    • A thorough initial consultation is conducted to understand your concerns with your current implants and learn about your desired outcome. Measurements are taken, and implant size is determined to meet your goals.
    • The implant exchange procedure is performed under general anesthesia at Dr. Vitenas’ accredited surgery center. Old implants are removed and replaced with carefully selected new saline or silicone implants through small incisions.
    • Dr. Vitenas employs advanced techniques to minimize scarring and allow for a smooth, properly positioned implant. The implant size, type, and placement can be adjusted.

    The Ideal Implant Exchange Candidate

    Breast implant exchange is ideal for women who have undergone breast augmentation in the past and desire some form of correction for their current implants. Possible reasons include size adjustment, correction of rippling or asymmetry, switching of saline and silicone types, or replacement of aged implants.

    Good candidates for implant exchange should be in overall good health and hold realistic expectations about the scope of improvement possible.

    Before scheduling breast implant exchange surgery, a consultation visit with Dr. Vitenas is required. This appointment will allow Dr. Vitenas to fully evaluate your needs and candidacy, take measurements, and help you select optimal implant specifications to fulfill your goals.

    Women showing her breasts after an implant revision

    When to Consider Implant Exchange

    There are various common reasons women choose to undergo breast implant exchange surgery:
    • Breast size dissatisfaction – Some women find their initial implants make their breasts too small or too large and wish to adjust the size up or down. Weight gain or loss after the original procedure can also prompt a size change.
    • Improve breast shape/proportion – Implant exchange may be performed to alter implant dimensions or position to improve aesthetic shape and breast symmetry.
    • Switch saline for silicone implants – Today’s silicone implants have a more natural look and feel and are made to last a lifetime. Patients seeking enhanced natural and long-term results may opt to exchange their saline implants for silicone implants.
    • Capsular contracture – An implant exchange is often necessary when tight scar tissue around an implant causes pain, distortion, and hardness.
    • Deflated saline implants – While uncommon, saline implants can deflate due to a valve leak or tear in the implant shell. Deflated saline implants should be replaced.
    • Breast ptosis – Some women develop sagging or “bottoming out” of their augmented breasts over time. A breast lift accompanying implant exchange can rejuvenate breast position and shape.

    Recovering After Breast Implant Exchange

    The recovery period after breast implant exchange surgery is generally brief, with minimal discomfort. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities a few days after the procedure.

    Prescription medicine helps manage any mild post-op pain or soreness. Your breasts may feel tight and swollen initially as healing occurs. Swelling and bruising typically subside quicker than the initial breast augmentation procedure.

    Dr. Vitenas will place all incision sutures internally using absorbable stitches. No suture removal is necessary. He may recommend wearing a supportive sports bra as you heal or suggest wearing no bra. Avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for 6 weeks post-op.

    Be diligent about follow-up appointments so Dr. Vitenas can monitor your progress. Complete results become apparent over three to six months as residual swelling dissipates.

    The Myth of a 10-Year Breast Implant Shelf Life

    When breast implants were first introduced, it was commonly thought they would need replacement after about 10 years. However, today’s breast implants are made from extremely durable materials and can often last 15-20 years or longer with proper care. Many women are now going longer without needing an exchange.

    There are a few factors that influence breast implant longevity:

    • Implant type – Over the years, implant manufacturing has tremendously improved the quality of the implants we have today. Silicone gel implants tend to have greater durability and implant rupture resistance than saline. The cohesive gel in modern implants lends stability as well as longevity.
    • Surgical technique – Precise, gentle handling of implants during surgery helps maintain implant integrity. Following all post-op care instructions also prevents premature failure.
    • Regular monitoring – Getting periodic exams to check implant condition allows early detection of any issues.
    • Individual health/lifestyle – Major weight fluctuations, intense physical activity, and other health issues may contribute to implant wear. A stable, healthy lifestyle helps implants last.

    Cost of Breast Implant Exchange

    The cost of breast implant exchange varies and is influenced by the complexity of the operation, the type of implants chosen, and whether additional procedures, such as a breast lift, are necessary. The starting price for the removal of breast implants is $9,000. Your personalized quote, which will reflect your specific needs and goals, will be provided by Dr. Vitenas during your consultation. He offers various payment options to make this vital breast revision surgery more accessible. To get a better understanding of the breast implant exchange cost and the payment options available, we encourage you to reach out to our friendly staff.

    Breast Implant Exchange FAQ

    Breast implant exchange is a surgical procedure designed to replace existing breast implants with new ones. It may be done for aesthetic purposes or to address medical issues with the current implants.

    • Dissatisfaction with current implant size, shape, feel, or position
    • Aging or deflation of old saline/silicone implants
    • Development of capsular contracture or asymmetry
    • Desire to switch from saline to silicone implants
    • New advances in implant technology and options

    Good candidates are women currently with breast implants who are generally healthy and have realistic goals for implant exchange. It is best to wait until after pregnancy and breastfeeding is finished.

    Incisions are typically placed under the breast in the breast crease fold, allowing for discreet scarring. Dr. Vitenas will determine the optimal incision placement based on factors like implant size and surgical goals.

    Breast implant exchange surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Dr. Vitenas will make small incisions to access the implants, remove the old implants/capsules, irrigate the pockets, insert new implants, and suture the incisions closed in layers.

    Breast implant exchange recovery time is usually quick, with most patients resuming normal activities within 3-5 days. There may be some initial discomfort managed with medication. Swelling and bruising typically subside within a couple of weeks. Breast shape continues improving over 3-6 months.

    Most patients feel ready to return to work within just 2-3 days following their implant exchange procedure. Desk work duties are possible immediately, while physical jobs may require more time off.

    As with any surgery,  there are pros and cons of breast implant exchange. Risks may include bleeding, infection, capsular contracture, implant malposition/leak, loss of nipple sensation, asymmetry, and unfavorable scarring. Dr. Vitenas takes precautions to minimize risks.

    Dr. Vitenas performs breast implant exchange surgery at his accredited Houston Surgery Center located within the Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery building. This allows a private, comfortable experience.

    Many factors can influence the cost of having breast implants removed. One factor is the type of implants you choose to replace them with. The complexity of the surgery also influences the price. The cost of breast implant removeal can start at $9,000. During your free consultation appointment, Dr. Vitenas will give you a realistic quote for this cosmetic surgery.

    After your breast implant exchange procedure, you can expect some mild discomfort that will be managed with prescribed medication, as well as swelling, bruising, and tightness in the breast area as your body heals. There may be temporary changes in nipple sensitivity. You'll notice improvement within a couple of weeks as major swelling goes down. Contact the doctor right away if you have any concerning symptoms like severe pain, bleeding, fever, or redness. Overall you can look forward to enjoying your revitalized, youthful breast contour after this transformative procedure.