Breast implants are a type of aesthetic plastic surgery that many women elect to receive to gain a confidence boost or address insecurities involving their breast appearance.
However, not all breast implant procedures go according to plan. This could be due to a variety of reasons, but the result is all the same: a need to undergo breast revision surgery.
For those considering Beverly Hills breast revision surgery, this guide is meant to ease concerns and address some of the most common questions.
Why People Opt To Recieve Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Breast implant revision surgery is a complex and highly personalized surgical procedure, and participants elect to receive it for a variety of reasons. Understanding the reasons that patients elect to correct their previous breast surgery can be very valuable for those considering it themselves.
Complications from Primary Breast Augmentation Surgery
Several complications from initial breast augmentation surgery or breast implant surgery can necessitate an implant revision, including:
- Capsular Contracture: This issue usually presents itself when the scar tissue that can often form around the implant tightens and squeezes it, causing pain and discomfort and distorting its appearance. Revision breast surgery is often required to remove the scar tissue and replace the implants.
- Implant Rippling: Visible wrinkles or ripples can sometimes be seen through the skin, often occurring with saline implants but can also affect silicone implants. This issue may require implant revision or implant replacement to improve the breast’s appearance.
- Implant Rupture: A breach in the breast implant’s outer shell, whether a silicone implant rupture or saline implant, necessitates immediate breast revision surgery to remove or replace the compromised implant.
Changes in Patient’s Preference or Cosmetic Concerns
Over time, a patient’s aesthetic goals or preferences may change, leading to the desire for:
- More Extensive or Smaller Implants: Patients may seek a revision augmentation mammoplasty to change the size of their implants to better suit their current aesthetic goals or lifestyle.
- Breast Size Adjustments and Symmetry: Achieving a more balanced appearance or adjusting breast size to reflect personal changes can motivate a revision procedure.
- Fat Grafting: Some opt for fat transfer with implant revision to achieve a more natural look or improve breast contour.
Pre-Operative Considerations for Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Before proceeding with breast revision surgery or breast implant replacement, essential pre-operative steps have to be taken to ensure a successful outcome tailored to the patient’s needs and goals. Here are the three initial steps in order:
Step One: Initial Consultation
- Clarifying Patient’s Goals: Understanding the patient’s reasons for seeking revision, whether for cosmetic adjustments, addressing complications like capsular contracture, or changing implant size.
- Outlining Potential Outcomes: Discussing realistic expectations and potential risks sets a clear path forward.
- Developing a Surgical Plan: Tailoring the approach based on individual anatomy and previous surgeries to achieve the best aesthetic and functional outcome.
Step Two: Medical History Review
- Risk Management: Identifying any factors that could influence surgical risk or recovery.
- Understanding Previous Interventions: Details of past breast surgeries inform the strategy for addressing scar tissue, the breast implant pocket, and other unique challenges.
Step Three: Breast Evaluation
- Assess Suitability for Revision: Evaluating the condition of breast tissues, overlying skin, and existing implant pocket determines the feasibility of desired adjustments.
- Customize the Procedure: Insights from the evaluation guide decisions on implant selection, placement, and surgical techniques to address typical issues like asymmetry or implant malposition.
Surgical Plan Options And Common Techniques
Revision cosmetic breast surgery encompasses a range of procedures tailored to address the the particular concerns and goals of the patients who are dissatisfied with their previous breast augmentation results. Experienced breast explant surgeons will consider various factors and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Types Of Breast Implant Revision Procedures
- Implant Removal and Replacement: This procedure involves removing old implants and, in many cases, replacing them with new breast implants. The choice between saline and silicone implants depends on the patient’s preference, body type, and the surgeon’s recommendation.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): This procedure is often performed in conjunction with implant revision to address sagging breasts or changes following weight loss or age-related volume loss. A breast lift can completely transform the breast profile in addition to or instead of implant exchange.
- Revision Breast Augmentation: Tailored to address specific issues such as capsular contracture, implant malposition, or dissatisfaction with implant size. This procedure may include adjustments to the implant pocket to accommodate the new implants or correct the positioning appropriately.
Specific Techniques For Breast Revision Surgery
- Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM): This matrix is utilized for structural support and to improve the outcomes in cases of implant malposition or to reinforce the implant pocket in revision surgery.
- Fat Transfer: A technique gaining popularity for adding natural-looking volume and correcting contour irregularities without needing larger implants. Fat grafting can be particularly useful for addressing minor asymmetries or enhancing soft tissue coverage over implants.
- Addressing Implant Malposition: Specialized surgical techniques are employed to correct malpositioned implants, such as those that have shifted from their original place, creating a “double bubble” effect or affecting the inframammary fold.
How Often Do Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced?
Breast implants, whether saline or silicone, are not guaranteed to last a lifetime and may need to be replaced at some point.
The necessity for replacement can be due to various factors, including rupture of the implant, capsular contracture, and cosmetic concerns such as a desire for a different size or changes in breast tissues due to age-related changes or weight gain.
While there’s no set timeframe for replacement, many plastic surgeons suggest evaluating implant condition every 10 to 15 years.
However, if there are no issues or concerns with the breast implants, replacement may not be necessary.
Post-Surgery Recovery And Care
The initial healing process varies, typically lasting a few weeks, during which patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising. Pain is generally manageable with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers recommended by your board certified surgeon.
Long-Term Breast Implant Surgery Recovery
Maintaining the appearance of breasts after revision surgery and ensuring long-term satisfaction involves regular self-examinations and possibly routine imaging, as recommended, to monitor the condition of breast implants.
Lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a stable weight and avoiding smoking, contribute to the longevity of the results.
Follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon are also crucial. They aid in monitoring your healing progress, assessing the settling of implants, and addressing any concerns.
These visits are an opportunity to ensure that the breast revision recovery is on track and to discuss any adjustments or additional treatments that may enhance the outcome.
Questions and Answers
Can Breast Implant Revision Correct Asymmetry and Implant Malposition?
Yes, breast implant revision surgery is specifically designed to address issues such as breast reduction, breast asymmetry, and implant malposition. These concerns may arise from the initial breast augmentation, changes in breast tissue over time, or complications from previous surgeries.
Revision procedures often involve adjusting the implant pocket, replacing or removing the current implants, and utilizing techniques like acellular dermal matrix to achieve better symmetry and implant placement.
An experienced plastic surgeon can assess the extent of asymmetry or malposition and recommend the most effective treatment plan.
What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Implant Revision Surgery?
As with any surgery, a breast revision operation may carry certain risks or potential complications, including infection, bleeding, continued dissatisfaction with breast appearance, and the possibility of needing additional surgeries.
Specific to breast revision, there are risks related to the removal of scar tissue, changes to the implant pocket, and the handling of overlying breast tissue.
However, selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in revision breast surgery significantly minimizes these risks. It ensures that the procedure is tailored to meet the patient’s goals and address their concerns with the highest standard of care.
How Much Does Breast Implant Revision Cost?
The cost of breast implant revision surgery can vary widely depending on factors such as geographic location, surgeon’s experience, complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and any additional treatments needed.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Revision Surgery Today!
If you’ve had a previous breast augmentation that has let you down, it might be time for your breast implant removal or revision surgery.
Dr. Charles Galanis is a board certified plastic surgeon who can handle your breast augmentation revision procedure with tact and precision, whether you’ve been a patient prior or are a new visitor to the practice.
Schedule a consultation today to finally achieve the results you’ve been seeking!
