Breast revision surgery
Breast procedures
Breast revision surgery
Breast revision surgery in California and Florida (Beverly hills, Newport beach, Orange County, Miami)
While modern breast implants are very durable and can last a very long time, it’s not realistic to expect them to last for the rest of your life. Breast implant technology is continuing to improve. However, it is likely that implants will need to be replaced particularly in the course of a young patient’s life.
Common reasons why women opt for breast augmentation revision surgery include:
- Improvement in appearance of the initial augmentation
- Desired change in breast size
- Replacement of a ruptured breast implant
- The desire to switch to a different breast implant style
- Address long-term changes in the augmented breast
- Correction factors associated with your initial procedure such as scar tissue
- development or unsatisfactory implant position.
Common Cosmetic Considerations for Breast Augmentation Revision
You may have some cosmetic concerns about your breast augmentation results.
The Size and Shape Do Not Seem to Fit
A specific cup size cannot be guaranteed with any breast augmentation because every implant fits each woman’s figure slightly differently depending on your individual physical traits. Cup sizes also vary with the bra manufacturer. However, if you feel the need to go smaller or larger with your breast implants, this type of revision surgery should be discussed in detail with the plastic surgeon. Placing both a smaller or larger implant will change the shape of the breast. Going much smaller may necessitate a lift while going much larger may look less natural. Making too small a change might not make a meaningful difference. Individual goals and expectations must be discussed and considered.
Silicone Is Now a More Appealing Choice to You Than Saline
If you have been living with saline implants for years, you may want to switch to the more natural feel of silicone implants. With fifth generation silicone implant technology, such as the gummy bear implant, you may want to consider replacing older silicone implants with new cohesive gel implants.
In consultation with the plastic surgeon, you can discuss the pros and cons of replacing your implants to help you decide whether it is a reasonable time to do so.
You Are Experiencing Sagging
Although breast implants add volume to your breasts, breast augmentation itself does not reduce sagging of the breasts. If you have had large implants for a while, are getting older, and experiencing the unwanted effects of gravity, now may be the time to think about a revision surgery, including a breast lift to address sagging of the breasts.
You Want Your Implants Removed
Explantation (implant removal) may be the right procedure for you if you wish to remove your breast implants and not have them replaced. As some women age, they prefer to reduce their breast size and live without implants.
Many women want to combine a breast lift procedure with explantation to potentially help their breasts remain somewhat perkier in appearance since removal of the implant can result in some sagging. The plastic surgeon can help you determine what the right procedure might be for you.
Correcting Unsatisfactory Results with Breast Augmentation Revision
Even in the hands of a well-qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon a perfect result cannot be obtained.
The plastic surgeon may be able to improve upon your outcome with breast augmentation revision. To find out about your specific options, schedule an appointment for a detailed, personalized evaluation and consultation.
Capsular Contracture
The body’s normal response to a foreign object, such as a breast implant, is to form a thin capsule or scar tissue. Generally with breast implants, this tissue is not substantial enough to be easily seen or felt. However, in some instances, a thicker capsule forms that can squeeze the implant and make it feel too hard. This can also alter the breast contour, creating an unnatural appearance.
While not all cases of capsular contracture can be successfully treated, newer available materials might decrease the rate or recurrent capsular contracture following breast augmentation revision surgery.
Malpositioned Implant
Implant position impacts the appearance of the breasts. With revision surgery, the plastic surgeon may be able to improve malpositioned implants, such as:
- Implants that fall too far to the side
- Implants that sit too low (bottoming out)
- Implants that sit too high
- Implants that are positioned too closely together (causing a joined breast appearance or synmastia)
Rippling and Irregularities in Contours
Rippling can occur with larger implants or with thinner patients who have less natural breast tissue covering the implant. Newer generation, more cohesive implants, as well as fat grafting, may decrease the appearance of implant rippling.
Contour irregularities, like the “double bubble” sometimes seen adjacent to the old natural breast fold, can occur for several reasons, including descent of the implant.
The plastic surgeon may be able to improve these issues with breast augmentation revision surgery, but as with other indications, it is important to consider the likelihood of improvement, along with goals and expectations.
Rupture of the Breast Implant
A rupture is a tear or hole in the implant shell that is often due to wear and tear. Saline implants may experience a rapid size decrease after rupture. Silicone implants made from a more cohesive gel tend to maintain shape and volume better even after the shell ruptures. Although the rupture of either saline or silicone implants may not adversely affect your health, you will likely want to replace the ruptured implant.
With all these potential consequences after breast augmentation surgery, eventually, it is likely that you will need a breast augmentation revision and this is not uncommon after a few years. There are a different set of challenges associated with revision procedures than are encountered during the initial breast augmentation surgery, and it’s important that your surgeon understands the unique issues that need be addressed during revision surgery.