Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Breast Implant Revision
Breast implant revision surgery can address a variety of concerns following breast augmentation, including implant malfunction, capsular contracture, and dissatisfaction with breast size, among others. Revisions may involve changing the implant, fixing post-op sagging, or aligning asymmetrical breasts.
Breast implant revision aims to improve the proportion, symmetry, and overall appearance of your breasts. Some of the reasons why this procedure is needed are:
- Capsular contracture (increased scar tissue covering the implant)
- Displacement of implants
- Leakage (MRI scan is required to see if silicone breast implants are leaking)
- Implant deflation (volume loss of implants by leakage of saline)
- Changes in breast tissue (weight change and skin stretching may change the shape and volume of your breasts)
If one of the conditions mentioned above is available, you are an eligible candidate for this procedure. Apart from these, this procedure will help if you want to make a change in the size of your breasts.
Why is breast revision surgery necessary?
Both breast tissues are not even equal in size. Despite the maximum precaution and effort to provide symmetry in the operation with serious planning and measurement, both breast tissues may not show improvement, in the same way, sutures may loosen over time, water retention(swelling) related cysts may develop, breast implants may be rotated by pressing the tissue over incisions or deformity might occur due to the formation of capsular contracture. As a result, you can discuss with the doctor and have detailed information in cases where there is a difference above 5-10% which is accepted as normal asymmetry and it is possible to get results without surgery.
Patients who have natural breast tissue may demand larger breasts in time or patients, who have breast implants for longer than 20 years and need a replacement, are eligible for breast revision surgery.
The capsule is formed around all breast implants. However, when this capsule is quite thick and it crushes the implants and creates a deformity in the breast, the capsule removal surgery will be necessary. This is called capsule excision.
Providing your doctor with complete and accurate information about your medical history is vital to the success of the surgery. Your doctor will want to know why you want a breast implant revision, the size of the breast you desire, and any other points you're uncomfortable with related to the appearance of your breasts.
If you have plans such as weight loss or pregnancy, be sure to inform your doctor about these plans.
Your doctor will examine your breasts and take photos of them. The factors your doctor will take into consideration are:
- The quality of your breast tissue and skin
- The size and shape of your breasts
- The position of the areola and nipples
Preparation for Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Your doctor may ask you to get a mammography before surgery. Some drugs may increase the risk of bleeding. You should stay away from such kinds of medication as aspirin during your surgery. If you are smoking, your doctor will ask you to stop it because it extends the recovery period.