04 Mar 2026 | by Vickram Jay Tandon, MD, FACS
An appropriately sized breast implant is one of the most versatile tools in my body contouring arsenal. Changing the shape of your breasts by increasing volume has the power to positively impact the appearance of the entire torso. It may make the waist look more nipped and the abdomen look longer and leaner. However, desirable breast aesthetics are like all fashion. They change with the times. The “look” that you desired when you first placed your breast implants in your 20’s, for example, may not be the same look that you want now. Furthermore, while a breast implant is a long-lasting device, it is not a life-long device. This is all to say that you may find yourself wanting to exchange your current implants for a new pair. Understanding the cost of a breast implant exchange means understanding the potential variables involved in your procedure. Here are some things to consider.
Breast Implant Exchange Consultation in Boston
First things first, schedule an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself, who specializes in breast surgery. If your original surgeon is still in practice and you have a good, on-going relationship, start there. But if not, find someone new who performs a lot of breast revision surgery. During our meeting, I will listen to what bothers you about your current implants. I will ask about your medical history, family history and all available information on your specific implant, original surgery and how your body responded. Then, I will perform a through physical exam to assess:
• Skin tone & texture
• Health of breast implants
• Nipple position in relation to inframammary fold
As mentioned, some patients may simply want a new look. Currently, a smaller, more athletic breast shape is en vogue. Other patients, however, may be having an issue with their implants.
Breast Implant Exchange or Breast Revision Surgery?
The terms breast implant exchange and breast revision surgery can be confusing as they are often used interchangeably. A breast implant exchange is typically the moniker used to describe the procedure in which we replace breast implants for:
• Size
• Style
• Age
Breast revision surgery, on the other hand, is a procedure to address an issue or problem with your breast implants such as:
• Implant rupture
• Capsular Contracture
• Breast asymmetry
• Implant malposition
The cost of either is going to depend on exactly what needs to be done to improve the appearance of your breast.
Variables that Affect Cost of Breast Implant Exchange
Any aesthetic procedure has to be individualized to your anatomy, desired outcome and lifestyle. This is true for a breast implant exchange and breast revision surgery. However, there are certain variables that may affect the cost of your procedure.
These include:
• Complexity of prior breast augmentation procedure
• Need for breast lift or breast pocket reconstruction
• Presence of scar tissue or contracture
• Implant type and support materials, if needed
A breast implant exchange is almost never as easy as swapping out your current implants for another set of the same size. Besides the fact that many breast revision patients want a different size implant, life, in the form of age, hormones and weight gain/loss, has often taken its toll on the skin and tissues of your chest so that they are no longer strong enough to hold a new implant in place. A breast lift or the addition of soft tissue support (STS) may be necessary to achieve your desired goal. This may also be the case for those patients who want to go smaller as there can be a need to lift and tighten excess tissue so that your nipples are centered on the chest mound. All of these options will be discussed with you in detail during your initial consultation. Furthermore, once I examine you in person, I will be able to give you a realistic idea of what it will cost to rejuvenate your breasts. To find out more about breast implant exchange, breast revision surgery, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Vickram Tandon at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call 617-402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
