Why Breast Revision

The good news is that if your expectations from the breast augmentation procedure were unmet, you can opt for a surgery termed ‘breast revision’. A breast revision involves removing and/or replacing the silicone or saline implants inserted in the breast pocket during the breast augmentation procedure.

The surgeon may change the type or size of the implants in order to remedy the former complications and give you the beautiful appearance you had originally envisioned.

Some of the common errors corrected with a breast revision surgery are:

  • Wrong choice of implant size
  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant ripping
  • Leakage or rupture of implant
  • Implant displacement

It is natural to feel confused about whether or not you should opt for a breast revision procedure for correcting the shape and size of your new breasts. Even when there is perfect planning of the breast augmentation surgery, it is possible for changes to occur over a period of time. Here are a few reasons that usually prompt patients to take a decision in favor of surgery:

  • There is a deflation of the saline implants or an MRI or X-Ray indicates a shell leakage in a silicone implant
  • If you feel the incision tissue tightening near the implant, also known as capsular contraction
  • Shifting of breast implants from original position
  • If there is change in the breast tissue due to weight gain/loss or skin stretching
  • If you wish to alter the size of your breast/implant

Options in Breast Revision

Just like you had various choices of implant styles and sizes to choose from in your breast augmentation surgery, the same is true for a breast revision. Most patients choose either saline or silicone gel implants for their revision procedure. A saline breast implant contains sterile saline solution or saltwater. When deflated due to leakage, it gets absorbed and is naturally removed from the body. Saline implants are of two kinds: Single lumen and Double lumen. The latest double lumen saline implants come with internal shells designed for making them feel similar to silicone gel implants.

These implants are also equipped to maintain a better shape and harbor less risk of tissue tightening or capsular contracture. The second choice of implants i.e. silicone gel implants contain a gel that is filled in before the surgery. Longer incisions might be required for these implants. If there is leakage, the body won’t absorb the gel in the implants. Hence, routine checkups are needed (once in a couple of years) for monitoring the implant status. There are also some patients who might wish to completely remove the implants.

Such candidates might be looking to achieve their former breast appearance. In such cases, the surgeon will remove the old implants by making an incision around the areola, beneath the breast, or through the original incision. This procedure involves the removal of extra scar tissue. The procedure is completed with the insertion of tiny, temporary tubes in the breast pockets (for draining excess liquid or blood) and the application bandages after sutures have been placed.

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Recovery

A breast revision surgery is mostly performed under the effect of general anesthesia, just like a breast augmentation surgery. The length of the surgery may vary from anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Time taken depends on the specific style of revision needed for a patient.

After a breast revision procedure, a patient can typically expect to get back to their work routine within one or two weeks. However, doctors recommend avoiding all sorts of vigorous physical activities for at least three weeks. It takes about two weeks for the visible bruising to subside, whereas swelling starts to improve within three weeks.

A detailed assessment consultation is scheduled with each breast revision candidate and helps them understand the procedure and its pros and cons before scheduling a date for the surgery. Proper instructions for surgery preparation are also provided to each potential patient.

Get the most from life

Dr. Paul Nassif understands the importance of feeling confident in your appearance. He works with patients to enhance their natural beauty and allow them to get the most out of life. If you are interested in an appointment with Dr. Nassif, contact our office to schedule your consultation.

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