Breast

Breast implant Revision

We specialize in revision breast augmentation for patients who are not satisfied with their results after undergoing breast augmentation at other practices. These patients' unhappiness may arise from the implant shape, size, or placement or because of a post-surgical complication such as wrinkling, implant displacement, capsular contracture (hardening around the implant) or symmastia (implants drift together).

Reasons for Revision Breast implant

After their first breast augmentation, many women discover that they actually want their breasts to be larger or smaller than the results achieved during the initial procedure.

Different Implant Size

This is the most common reason that patients seek revision surgery. During this type of revision procedure, the same incision is used to remove the old implants and insert a different implant based on the patient's individual body. Small adjustments may be required in order to accommodate the new breast size.

Patients seeking changes to their implant size are advised to wait at least three months after the initial procedure before undergoing revision augmentation. After three months, swelling has subsided and the implants have settled, allowing patients to evaluate the true size of their implants. From there, revisions can be made if desired.

Implant Leaks/Ruptures

Saline breast implants that begin to leak are often noticeable, as the leaking breast will gradually decrease in size. Patients with silicone implant leaks may notice small changes in the shape of the breast, but should have any suspected leaks or ruptures confirmed by a plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon may perform an evaluation through a mammogram or MRI to evaluate the status of your implants.

A leaking or ruptured implant should be replaced right away. This type of revision can be done through the same incision as the initial procedure. The procedure is often easier and less painful than the first procedure, and patients can benefit from a faster recovery as well.

Implant Complications

There is always a risk of certain complications and side effects from a breast augmentation procedure. Some of these complications may include wrinkling and rippling of the implant, capsular contracture and shifting of the implants. Wrinkling and rippling occur most often in women with thin skin or a small amount of natural breast tissue. These ripples can often be felt when touching the breast and may even be visible under the skin. Capsular contracture involves hardening of the breasts and a change in shape as well as scar tissue developing around the implant.

There are several solutions available to help correct these complications. Changing the size, shape, position or type of implant is often helpful in relieving these problems and correcting the look and feel of the breasts.