If your breast implants have reached the end of their lifespan, no longer match your goals, or are causing concerns such as firmness or asymmetry, a breast implant exchange offers an opportunity to refresh and elevate your results. This procedure replaces your current implants with new ones—often improving comfort, appearance, and confidence.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Most women replace their implants for reasons including: a change in size preference, natural aging of the implant, desire to switch from saline to silicone, or the need to address capsular contracture or rupture.
At Finesse Plastic Surgery, Dr. Justin West—a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience in breast revision surgery—provides highly customized implant exchange to help patients achieve natural, balanced, and long-lasting results.
You may be a good candidate for breast implant exchange if:
• Your implants have reached 10–20 years of age
• You desire a different size or type of implant
• You're experiencing capsular contracture or other complications
• Your aesthetic goals have evolved
• You want to take advantage of modern implant technology
• You're experiencing implant-related issues affecting comfort or appearance
A consultation with Dr. West will help determine the best timing and approach for your implant exchange.
During your consultation, we'll evaluate your current implants and discuss your goals.
• Reasons for exchange: size change, complications, or preference
• Whether to switch from saline to silicone
• Options for capsular contracture or malposition
• Whether a lift should be combined with exchange
A physical exam and photographs help guide your personalized approach.
Breast implant exchange is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia, customized to your anatomy and goals.
Dr. West uses your original incision whenever possible. The existing implant is removed, often alongside partial or total capsulectomy if scar tissue is present.
The implant pocket may be reshaped or repositioned to improve support, correct asymmetry, or accommodate new implants.
New implants—saline, silicone, or cohesive-gel—are placed into the optimized pocket. Placement (above vs. below the muscle) may be changed based on your anatomy.
A breast lift or fat grafting may be added to refine contour, improve symmetry, and enhance natural softness.
Recovery from implant exchange is often easier than your first augmentation. If extensive capsule removal or a lift is performed, recovery may be similar to your original surgery.
• First week: Rest, light activity, surgical bra
• 2–4 weeks: Return to routine activities, gradual swelling reduction
• 4–6 weeks: Resume most activities including light exercise
• 3–6 months: Final results as implants settle naturally
Most patients find recovery more comfortable than their initial augmentation, as the body has already adapted to implants.
Use our Treatment Planner to explore options and estimate your personalized treatment timeline.
Start Planning →Patients who undergo breast implant exchange consistently report:
✔ Improved comfort and appearance
✔ Better alignment with current aesthetic goals
✔ Enhanced confidence and satisfaction
✔ Resolution of implant-related complications
✔ Access to modern implant technology
✔ Long-lasting, natural-looking results
With proper care and regular follow-up, your new implants can provide beautiful results for many years.
View real results from Breast Implant Exchange procedures performed by Dr. Justin West.
Gallery cases coming soon.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Justin West to discuss your breast implant exchange goals.
230 S Main Street, Suite 210, Orange, CA 92868