Breast Implant Exchange at The Self Institute

Breast Surgery

Breast Implant Exchange

Update your size or style, or replace aging implants — refreshed results designed around you.

Quick answer

A breast implant exchange with Dr. Katie Armstrong replaces existing implants to refresh your size, shape or implant type for a natural, updated result.

Treats

Implant size or style

Back to normal

1–2 weeks

Exercise

Weeks 4–6

The results shown online are just a small selection — a fuller gallery of representative before-and-after results may be viewed privately during your consultation.

Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Katie Armstrong, MD, MSc, FRCSCLast reviewed

Overview

What is breast implant exchange?

Breast implant exchange (implant revision) replaces existing implants with new ones — to change size or profile, switch implant type, or address implants that have aged over time. It is a chance to refine your result to suit where you are now.

Depending on your goals and how your tissues have changed, exchange is often combined with a breast lift or capsule adjustment for the most natural, lasting outcome. Dr. Armstrong tailors the plan to your anatomy and what you would like to change.

Breast Implant Exchange imagery

The process

What to expect

  1. Step 1

    Consultation

    Meet with Dr. Armstrong to discuss your goals, explore your options, and receive personalized recommendations and a detailed quote.

  2. Step 2

    Surgical planning

    We confirm your procedure, select your surgery date, and provide guidance on the next steps.

  3. Step 3

    Pre-operative appointment

    About one month before surgery, our RN reviews your medical history in detail and explains how to prepare for surgery, what to expect on the day, and how to manage your post-operative care.

  4. Step 4

    Surgery day

    Your procedure is performed by Dr. Armstrong and her surgical team, with your safety and comfort closely monitored throughout.

  5. Step 5

    Recovery & follow-up

    Dr. Armstrong and her team monitor your healing, answer your questions, and support you throughout your recovery.

Candidacy

Am I a candidate?

A breast implant exchange tends to suit patients who recognize themselves in most of the points below. The only way to know for certain is an in-person assessment, and Dr. Armstrong will confirm your candidacy at your consultation.

  • You have implants and would like a different size, profile or implant type
  • Your implants are aging, or your result has changed over time
  • You are in good general health and a non-smoker (or willing to stop around surgery)
  • You are open to combining a lift if your tissues would benefit
  • You have realistic expectations about scars and recovery

Healing, step by step

Recovery timeline

Every patient heals at their own pace. This is the typical arc, and your personal plan and follow-ups are tailored to you.

  1. Day 1

    Home the same day in a supportive surgical bra, with a helper for the first night.

  2. Week 1

    Soreness eases day by day — most patients return to light activity and desk-based work within 1–2 weeks.

  3. Weeks 2–4

    New implants begin to settle into position. Avoid lifting and chest-focused exertion.

  4. Weeks 4–6

    Cleared gradually for full activity and exercise, with scar care under way.

  5. Months 3–6

    The refined shape settles as swelling fully resolves.

Before & after

Breast Implant Exchange results

As patients consent to share their results, they appear here. In the meantime, Dr. Armstrong will walk you through representative breast implant exchange results, matched to your goals, at your consultation.

Your investment

Planning for Breast Implant Exchange

Every surgical plan is individual, and your exact quote is provided after your consultation. Starting prices are listed on our pricing page, and financing is available through our partner, Beautifi, should you wish to spread the cost over time. To begin, we invite you to book a consultation.

Before the procedure

About the procedure itself

Further reading

Articles you may find helpful

Why patients trust Dr. Katie Armstrong

Royal College–certified care

Dr. Katie Armstrong, MD, MSc, FRCSC, performs every procedure at an accredited surgical facility — guided by the philosophy she calls The Self Institute: considered consultations, candid advice and a plan designed around you.

Mississauga skyline at sunset

Your consultation

Ready to take the
first step?

Book a private consultation with Dr. Katie Armstrong. We'll take the time to understand your goals and answer every question.

Call (905) 247-5071