Breast Implant Exchange
Breast implant exchange in Scottsdale is a highly personalized procedure for patients who want to change their breast size or shape, replace older implants, or address concerns with their existing implants. Your consultation with Dr. Aimé begins with understanding what you would like to change and creating a surgical plan based on your current implants, anatomy, and goals.
Breast implant exchange can range from a relatively straightforward replacement of existing implants to a more complex revision involving changes to the breast tissue, implant pocket, or surrounding capsule. Dr. Victoria Aimé begins by evaluating your current implants, breast shape and symmetry, skin and tissue quality, implant position, and any changes that have occurred since your previous surgery.
Your reasons for considering an exchange are equally important. You may want to go larger or smaller, change the shape or feel of your implants, replace a ruptured or deflated implant, or simply prefer a different result than you have now. Your existing implants and operative history are reviewed whenever possible, and new implant options are selected based on your current anatomy and goals.
Not every implant exchange requires the same operation. Depending on your findings, the procedure may involve implant replacement alone or may be combined with adjustment of the implant pocket, treatment of the surrounding capsule, fat grafting, or a breast lift. This individualized approach allows Dr. Aimé to address both the implants themselves and the factors affecting the overall shape and appearance of the breasts.
What you need to know
Every procedure and treatment we offer is thoughtfully designed to meet your unique goals, lifestyle, and anatomy. Below, you’ll find key details about what to expect—from how the procedure works to recovery guidance and ideal candidacy—so you can feel informed, confident, and empowered at every step of your journey.
An overview of the procedure
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Every patient heals at a different pace, but recovery generally follows a predictable progression. The timeline below provides a guide to what you may expect during the early healing period and as you gradually return to normal activities.
Day of Surgery
You will generally go home the same day with a responsible adult and detailed postoperative instructions. Your supportive surgical bra will already be in place, and long-acting local anesthetic administered during surgery helps with early discomfort.
Begin taking short, frequent walks once you are safely able. You may eat and drink as tolerated and should focus on hydration and adequate nutrition. Swelling, tightness, pressure, and soreness are expected.
Dr. Aimé will check in with you that evening and you will have her direct contact information should questions or concerns arise.
Days 1-3
Soreness, pressure, swelling, and tightness are common during the first few days. Swelling may increase during this period, often reaching its maximum around days 2–4. The long-acting numbing medication used during surgery typically wears off around day 3, so discomfort may temporarily become more noticeable.
Continue short, frequent walks and avoid lifting more than 10 pounds. You may shower beginning the day after surgery and should shower by day 3. Allow soap and water to gently run over the incisions without scrubbing them.
Continue sleeping on your back and avoid sleeping on your side or stomach.
Weeks 1-2
Most patients feel substantially better during the first one to two weeks. After a straightforward implant exchange, patients with desk-based or non-physical jobs may feel comfortable returning to work within several days. More extensive revision surgery or a physically demanding job may require additional time away.
Continue the 10-pound lifting restriction and avoid repetitive pushing, pulling, strenuous upper-body movements, or activities that cause pain or significant pulling across the breasts.
Dr. Aimé will monitor your incisions, swelling, implant position, and early healing during your postoperative visits. Driving can generally resume once you are no longer taking narcotic or other sedating medications and can comfortably perform all necessary driving and emergency maneuvers.
Weeks 24
Light exercise can generally begin around two weeks if healing is progressing appropriately, although restrictions may be extended when significant pocket reconstruction, capsule surgery, or other revision work has been performed.
Increase activity gradually. If an activity causes pain, pulling, increased swelling, or unusual discomfort, reduce the intensity and allow additional time to heal.
Scar care can begin once the incisions are completely closed and healing well, typically between two and four weeks. Submersion in a pool, bath, or other body of water should also wait until the incisions are completely healed.
Temporary changes in breast or nipple sensation, including numbness, increased sensitivity, tingling, or brief “zingers,” can occur as the tissues and nerves recover.
Weeks 4-6
More moderate exercise can generally resume around four weeks if recovery is progressing normally. Patients who have undergone more extensive pocket reconstruction or other revision procedures may need to maintain restrictions longer.
The breasts and implants continue to soften and settle as swelling resolves. If the implant size, profile, or pocket was changed, the breasts may look or feel different from your previous augmentation during this settling process, and one side may settle somewhat faster than the other.
Continue sleeping on your back until approximately six weeks unless Dr. Aimé has advised otherwise.
After Week 6
Most patients can gradually return to regular exercise and normal activity after approximately six weeks if healing is progressing appropriately. Ease back into your previous exercise routine rather than immediately returning to your prior intensity or weights.
You may generally resume side or stomach sleeping and wear underwire bras once the incisions have healed appropriately. Continue scar care and sun protection as recommended.
Although most activity restrictions have ended, your results will continue to evolve. Swelling decreases, the implants and surrounding tissues soften and settle, sensation continues to recover, and scars mature over the following months. Your individual recovery may differ if your implant exchange included more extensive revision of the capsule, implant pocket, or surrounding breast tissues.
Everything from the beginning through surgery and recovery was such a pleasant experience.
“I recently underwent a submentoplasty procedure performed by the incredibly talented plastic surgeon, Dr Aimé. My decision to have submentoplasty was not taken lightly and Dr Aimé made sure to thoroughly explain the entire procedure to me during our consultation.”
The total cost of surgery varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, operating time, anesthesia requirements, and the surgical facility used.
Our consultation fee is $150 and includes a comprehensive evaluation, surgical planning discussion, and personalized recommendations.
Surgical quotes are valid for 90 days from the date they are provided. To secure pricing, the procedure must be booked within this time frame; the surgical date itself may be scheduled beyond 90 days, based on availability and patient preference.
A $500 surgical reservation fee is due at the time of booking and is applied toward your total surgical cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions our patients ask about this procedure. Whether you’re just starting your research or preparing for surgery, this section is here to help you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
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Learn about related procedures
Breast Lift with Implants
A breast lift with implants is a highly personalized procedure that can address both breast sagging and loss of volume or fullness. Your consultation with Dr. Aimé begins with understanding the changes you would like to make and creating a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and goals.
Fat Transfer to Breasts
Fat transfer breast augmentation enhances breast size and shape by using your own fat, harvested from other areas of your body, for a soft, natural result.
Breast Revision
Breast revision surgery addresses complications or aesthetic concerns from previous breast procedures, offering improved shape, symmetry, and satisfaction.
Breast Reduction
Experience relief from discomfort and feel confident in your body with breast reduction surgery in Scottsdale, performed by Dr. Victoria Aimé.
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Stay connected and informed by following Dr. Aimé on social media. Her content focuses on real-world, practical education in plastic surgery—addressing common patient questions, breaking down new innovations and research, and offering honest insight into what to expect from both surgical and non-surgical procedures. You’ll also find highlights of patient journeys and results (with permission), helping demystify the process while keeping things educational, transparent, and engaging.
