What Is Breast Implant Exchange?
Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures in the United States. While most cases provide stunning results, sometimes, a woman can be dissatisfied with the results of her breasts and may need breast revision surgery. It is important to note that not all revision treatments are due to surgeon error. Other reasons may include the wish to have a larger or smaller implant, a visible irregularity, implants that don't fit with new lifestyle adjustments, implants that are aging, and more. Furthermore, some women need revision surgery for a particular medical condition. At HGH Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons offer Birmingham, AL and surrounding area women an opportunity to revise their results for a look they love.
What Are Common Reasons for Revision?
Breast implant revision may performed to take out an implant that no longer functions or is no longer desired. It may also be performed to change implant size or go from an implant to a fat transfer (or vice versa). Below are a few other common situations where a revision surgery might be needed:
Assymetry
This condition occurs when implants look out of balance. This could be because of an incorrectly sized implant, sagging on one side, or a different condition that may cause asymmetry. This revision begins with a proper diagnosis of what caused the asymmetry, followed by a revision surgery to resolve the problem. Finally, new implants can be placed to create a proportionate result.
Breast Size
There are times when the reason for a revision surgery is as straightforward as the desire to change to a smaller or larger size of breast implant. The original implant chosen could have been too big or too small, or a person's idea of the right look may have changed over time. In these cases, a different size of breast implant may be switched with the original to help a patient attain the desired outcome.
Capsular Contracture
This condition occurs when the delicate tissue that surrounds the implant becomes hard and thickens. While most augmentations do create some internal hardening, it shouldn't be felt or seen. In some cases, however, the hardened tissue could interfere with implant placement, which may change the breast shape and implant functionality, leading to an undesirable outcome. Scar tissue removal surgery would be needed in these cases to remove scarring.
Implant Rupture
While this is a rare occurrence, implant rupture can possibly occur. If a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation will take place quickly, and there will be a visible defect. Meanwhile, if a silicone implant ruptures, it is only seen through an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, if a rupture occurs, a corrective treatment will be required.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling occurs when there are wrinkles or ripples under the skin. This condition typically forms around the edge of the implant. Rippling is generally found in patients who are relatively thin. Often, this issue can be corrected by simply switching to a silicone implant.
Symmastia
This condition happens when breast implants are positioned too closely together. In most cases, this is because the breast implant used was the wrong shape and width. A revision treatment will correct this issue by utilizing an implant that fits a person's frame and looks balanced.
Benefits of Breast Revision
No matter the reason, breast implant revision can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Repositions implants (if needed)
- Corrects concerns from prior treatments
- Boosts confidence and self-image
- Replaces affected or deflated implants
- Improves total breast look and feel
- Adjusts implant size
- Gets rid of scar tissue
- Reduces pain and discomfort
- Fixes concerns like breast imbalance, rippling, implant moving, and so on
- Takes out old implants for a simplified look
- Improves breast volume and feel
Breast Implant Exchange Reviews
Dr Gunn is a fantastic Dr! I was absolutely miserable with the size of my Breast and implant’s. He did a huge breast revision on me. Not only did this made me feel like a completely different person. I like the way I look now. So much better. This doctor doesn’t realize change and the better quality of life he has given me. I highly recommend Dr. Gunn in his fantastic staff. They all went above and beyond to make me comfortable before the procedure during the procedure and after.. I also had Juvéderm put in my lips. It’s been 6 years since the last time I had it done. I had it done at a little spa before and wasn’t happy. Dr. Gunn and his staff made my lips look the way I wanted them to look! I will not ever get it done anywhere else. This practice is hands-down one of the best. Make sound nice professional and heartfelt
Dr Gunn is a fantastic Dr! I was absolutely miserable with the size of my Breast and implant’s. He did a huge breast revision on me. Not only did this made me feel like a completely different person. I like the way I look now. So much better. This doctor doesn’t realize change and the better quality of life he has given me. I highly recommend Dr. Gunn in his fantastic staff. They all went above and beyond to make me comfortable before the procedure during the procedure and after.. I also had Juvéderm put in my lips. It’s been 6 years since the last time I had it done. I had it done at a little spa before and wasn’t happy. Dr. Gunn and his staff made my lips look the way I wanted them to look! I will not ever get it done anywhere else. This practice is hands-down one of the best.Make sound nice professional and heartfelt
I would recommend Dr. Hedden to anyone. I recently had a breast implant exchange done in February 2025. And it went so well I did not even feel like I had a procedure. My initial breast augmentation was done in March 2017 and they were still looking great with no complications. I only did the exchange to go to a larger size and everything went as I hoped. Would most definitely recommend.
I had a breast implant exchange done a week ago by Dr. Halka and I’m in awe of him. I used Dr. Hedden for my original augmentation (20+ years ago) and I’m so glad I decided to use the practice again. First, and foremost, I woke up from the surgery thinking I hadn’t even had surgery because I felt NO PAIN. I was drunk feeling from the anesthesia but felt absolutely no pain, not even discomfort. I’m now a week in and I’ve still felt no pain. His work looks fantastic and his technique is second to none. (I did opt for Exparel) If you’re worried about pain control, look no further! I didn’t even touch the prescription pain meds, as there was no need. (Ibuprofen & Tylenol regimen obviously worked) On top of that, Dr. Halka was always available by email to answer any and all questions I had. Every single thing about this surgeon is amazing and I couldn’t recommend him more. Btw, I was able to have my consultation/pre-op and surgery in less than 3-weeks from the time I called to make an appointment.
Second to None! - I had a breast implant exchange done a week ago by Dr. Halka and I’m in awe of him. I used Dr. Hedden for my original augmentation (20+ years ago) and I’m so glad I decided to use the practice again. First, and foremost, I woke up from the surgery thinking I hadn’t even had surgery because I felt NO PAIN. I was drunk feeling from the anesthesia but felt absolutely no pain, not even discomfort. I’m now a week in and I’ve still felt no pain. His work looks fantastic and his technique is second to none. (I did opt for Exparel) If you’re worried about pain control, look no further! I didn’t even touch the prescription pain meds, as there was no need. (Ibuprofen & Tylenol regimen obviously worked) On top of that, Dr. Halka was always available by email to answer any and all questions I had. Every single thing about this surgeon is amazing and I couldn’t recommend him more. Btw, I was able to have my consultation/pre-op and surgery in less than 3-weeks from the time I called to make an appointment.
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
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Breast implant revision can help individuals achieve the desired look by addressing issues such as implant complications, size changes, or aesthetic concerns. The skilled team at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, AL offers personalized breast implant revision procedures tailored to meet each patient's unique goals. For those looking to enhance their appearance or correct issues with previous implants, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward renewed confidence and a more refined result.