Breast Revision Surgery

Reasons For Revision Surgery

Breast revision often corrects complications related to breast implants. The surgery focuses on removal, replacement, or making a switch from saline to silicone-based implants. Listed below are the most common cases where a patient may be a candidate for this treatment.

Breast Implant Removal

Individuals who wish to undergo breast augmentation do so to increase breast size primarily for aesthetics. However, after breast augmentation, some women may be dissatisfied with their results and opt to revert back to their normal breast size. Others may want to remove their implants because of health concerns or other personal reasons. Breast revision surgery is a process where the implant is removed and the skin over the breast is tightened to make sure the breast sits in a natural position and looks normal.

Ruptured Implant

Despite the guarantee that implants are safe, and leakages are uncommon, there are some rare cases when a shell breaks down. If it is filled with saline, the solution will be absorbed by the body, and there will be a noticeable deflation of the breast. In the case of silicone implants, the gel will settle where it is originally placed and often the only way to verify it rupture is with an MRI.

Capsular Contracture

The tissues surrounding the implant may develop scars over time, which creates a capsular contracture. The scar tissue tightens around the implant and causes the implant to be displaced or distorted. The patient often will feel discomfort and the severe hardening of the breast. This is corrected by a capsulectomy in which the scar tissue is surgically removed. Based on statistics, there are more occurrences of contracture with saline implants compared to silicone-based ones.

Breast Rippling

A noticeable rippling may sometimes be seen underneath or on the side of the breast. This is generally more common among patients who have little breast tissue volume and who are thin. Although not really a complication, the unnatural wrinkling may cause discomfort and an unsightly appearance. Rippling is most common with saline implants.

Breast Size

Breast implants vary in size, texture, shape, and base. Some patients may be unhappy with how the breast looks and may consider a revision surgery to improve their appearance according to their preference. Some patients also later realize that they’d rather have silicone instead of saline. All preferences will be considered to modify the augmented breast.

Explantation (Implant Removal)

Some women are just “over” having large breasts. Some women have regrets about their initial decision to undergo breast augmentation in the first place. A certain subset of women notice increases in bra size as they age. Another subgroup of patients has aged and they are simply unconcerned about their breast size or appearance.

Explantation can be done with or without breast lift surgery. Having a simultaneous breast lift reshapes the breast to a rounder, perkier and more youthful contour. Without the breast lift, patient should expect a more deflated and sagging breast appearance.