5 Signs Breast Implant Revision Is Right for You

Breast implant revision typically involves the removal and replacement of old implants from a previous breast surgery. While some patients may opt to have their old implants removed and not replaced, most patients simply want a change in implant shape and/or size, and revision surgery takes care of this process.

With that said, the core reasons why patients seek breast implant revision can vary. For some, the motivation is purely cosmetic. For others, medical issues are the primary concern.

In this article, we’ll explore five main reasons why women seek breast implant revision.

5 Reasons to Seek a Breast Implant Revision

#1 – You’re unhappy with your initial results.

All breast augmentation procedures come with certain risks. Some risks and potential complications are safety related, such as the risk of infection, excessive bleeding, or wound separation.

However, there is also a risk of not liking your results. Naturally, by choosing a board certified plastic surgeons who have extensive breast augmentation surgery experience, you’re less likely to have an outcome you don’t like.

In addition, it’s important to be completely honest and straightforward about your desired results when discussing your surgery with your surgeon at your consultation appointment and any preoperative appointments thereafter. Provide details about exactly what you’re looking for, and don’t hesitate to bring in celebrity pictures or your own photographs if you think it will be beneficial.

Taking these steps can help avoid the need for an immediate revision after your initial breast augmentation. If you do need breast revision surgery, however, it may be a good idea to speak with new plastic surgeons, rather than the surgeon who performed your previous breast augmentation.

#2 – You desire a size change.

Quite often, patients seeking breast augmentation revision are doing so because they want to change the breast implant size. There are plenty of patients who want to go up a size or two with larger implants. But there are also numerous patients who decide that as they mature, they want a more modest breast size, so they want to come down a size or two.

Frequently, in addition to altering the size of a patient’s breast implants, we might also change the shape. More youthful new breast implants tend to be fuller on the top of the breasts in the upper pole. So, more mature patients may desire less volume here and a more natural teardrop appearance.

#3 – You’re experiencing the effects of aging.

Drooping and sagging breasts or overlying breast tissue can also be a reason for seeking revision breast surgery. Yes, even if you have breast implants, your breasts may still droop over time.  You may even want to consider a breast lift with augmentation.

This can also occur if the patient loses a significant amount of weight after getting their initial breast implants. Weight gain can change your breasts too as can pregnancy and the breast size fluctuations that often occur with breastfeeding.

#4 – Capsular contracture has developed.

It is possible for breast implants to develop a tightened scar tissue structure over time. This is commonly called capsular contracture, and this constitutes one of the most common reasons for revision surgery.

Capsular contracture is a complication that occurs when the scar tissue that forms around the implants (in the breast implant pocket) hardens to an uncomfortable degree. The patient may experience pain and tenderness in their breasts because of this condition, and it can also cause visual problems where the breasts look and feel uneven and hard.

Most commonly, capsular contracture occurs in the first six months after initial breast augmentation. But you may also notice it after a few years.

If you are experiencing capsular contracture from your primary breast augmentation but you would like to keep your breast implants or get new ones, you need to have a capsulectomy performed with your revision breast augmentation. This will remove both the breast implants and the scarred breast tissue adhering to the breast implants, and then your plastic surgeon can re-insert with a new implant placement if you want to keep them.

#5 – There’s been a leak or rupture in your breast implant.

Lastly, breast implant leaks and ruptures can occur because of an accident, injury, or an unknown reason. It can be difficult to detect a silicone implant rupture because the silicone implants are stable and will not change drastically in appearance after an implant rupture occurs.

On the other hand, when a saline implants rupture, it is noticeable right away. This is because the saline solution located within the implant will drain out of the implant capsule and be absorbed by the body. This is not inherently dangerous, but it will need to be addressed right away.

FAQ: Breast Implant Revision Surgery

How painful is breast implant revision?

Pain and discomfort following implant removal will vary depending on the situation. Most patients will experience a similar amount of pain as they experienced with their first breast augmentation.

Although this is not a standard or routine procedure, it will not be painful, but after the surgery, there may be some initial soreness and discomfort. This can usually be reduced with pain medication.

Is breast implant revision more expensive?

Yes, often the breast implant revision cost is higher than the initial breast implant surgery cost. This is generally because revision surgery is more complex and complicated than initial breast augmentation surgery.

How long does it take to recover from breast revision surgery?

After breast implant revision, expect 5-7 days of rest before work and 6+ weeks for full breast implant recovery. Be sure to attend all of your follow up visits to insure proper healing.

What are the restrictions after breast implant revision surgery?

For the initial 3-4 weeks, avoid lifting objects heavier than a gallon of milk (~10 pounds). After 6 weeks, gradually resume aerobic and lifting activities. Abdominal exercises should be postponed for at least 8 weeks.

Where can I find breast implant revision near me?

If you are looking for a plastic surgeon who can perform a breast implant revision procedure in the San Francisco Bay area, look no further than Dr. David Sieber, a double board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery.

Schedule a Consultation With Dr. David Sieber

The breast augmentation revision procedure is a delicate surgery requiring a skilled hand and extensive experience. We advise that you only choose a board certified plastic surgeon to perform this complex procedure.

Dr. David Sieber specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery procedures like breast implant revision. He is double board certified and highly sought after for his skill and expertise. To book a consultation for breast implant revision surgery with Dr. Sieber, please call our San Francisco practice today.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/six-reasons-to-get-your-breast-implants-replaced