Breast implant revision is reconstructive plastic surgery. The procedure can be either for medical or cosmetic reasons. The most common reasons include to repair a complication or change the size, shape, or type of the implant.
Breast implant revision is about rectifying any complications or dissatisfactory results from prior breast augmentation. The revision aims to restore youthful contour and appearance to your preference.
Why is it Necessary?
Plastic surgery is not a standard procedure because it is tailored to fit your expectations. The procedure’s main principle is producing safe and satisfying outcomes tailored to your idea of the result.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Revision
Recent studies show there are ideal candidates for breast implant revision. You must have had a breast augmentation done in the past for you to require a revision appointment. Be ready for the procedure psychologically, mentally, and physically. Being prepared helps you manage your expectations and have a smooth recovery.
It is advisable to do your research for information about what is necessary and what the procedure entails. The following conditions are common reasons why most patients consider and qualify for breast implant revision surgery:
1. Bottoming Out
This is when the implants that were previously placed well start dropping low on your breasts, making the nipples appear too high. It can feel uncomfortable and distort the general contour and appearance of your breasts.
Your doctor during the surgery will reposition your implant and secure them with a biologic scaffolding material called strattice. The scaffolding will hold the old or new implants in place and prevent any future bottoming out.
2. Capsular Contracture
Sometimes the body forms capsules after surgery, and it is normal. It is a scar tissue around the breast implant where incisions were made. However, the scar sometimes becomes thicker and more rigid, thus tightening around the implant. It is known as capsular contracture, and it calls for a revision.
The doctor only needs to remove the breast implant and capsule, then place your breast implant in a different position. The procedure will improve your comfort and produce better results for that contour you want. It is necessary to always feel comfortable with your breast implants for any discomfort is a sign of a problem.
3. Implant Downsizing
According to research conducted, a fair number of patients who get breast augmentation need to downsize. The reasons for downsizing are unique for every patient has their ideal breast size in mind. It is perfectly alright to downsize, although downsizing causes ptosis.
Ptosis is a condition that causes redundant breast skin and droopy breasts. Therefore, downsizing requires two procedures, replacing the breast implant sizes and shapes and a breast-lift mastopexy. A breast-lift mastopexy manages the extra skin around your breast.
4. Rippling
Rippling is a condition that is generally seen in exceptionally slender individuals. Ripples form on the surface of the breast after breast augmentation. There are two ways to revise this condition, but they effectively achieve the desired results.
The first option of treating rippling is camouflage that is using your fat for fat grafting. The other option is to pad the overlying soft tissue with the biologic scaffolding material.
5. Ruptured Implants
A large number of breast implant revisions are because of ruptured or leaking implants. In your daily activities, you may have an accident and rupture your implants or cause them to leak. You should rectify it as soon as possible.
The ruptured implants need to be removed and replaced if needed. You can change the type of implant after a consultation with your doctor considering your options. Breast implant revision is about your expectations being met if and when possible.
6. Symmastia
In medicine, symmastia is a condition where the breast implants’ pockets merge to appear as one in the middle of your chest. It is the condition commonly called ‘uni-boob’, and it is not a desirable appearance.
Your doctor can conduct a procedure to reposition your breast implant pockets using your breast capsule material. If it is weak, your doctor will use a strattice to correct the problem.
What You Should Know
The breast implant revision is the same as any other surgery in terms of process. According to health journals and publications, it is always essential to make sure you know all you can before committing to any type of surgery, and the same can be said about breast implant revision.
About the Procedure
Before any surgery, always consult your doctor about the procedure and all it is about. This exercise helps you manage your expectations and be realistic about the recovery process. It also prepares you psychologically on how the surgery will influence your life. Some of the things you need to discuss with your doctor include:
- The type of anesthesia. Breast implant revision procedures are performed with general anesthesia.
- Length of the procedure. On average most procedures take about half an hour to two and a half hours. The duration of the process depends on the type of breast implant revision you are in for.
- Estimated recovery time. Depending on the type of breast implant revision, the recovery time varies, and you should be aware of this information before you get into surgery.
- Preparations. It is crucial knowing what to do or not do when waiting for a breast implant revision. Your doctor can walk you through what is expected, and you can research publications as well.
- Side effects. Breast implant revision side effects are primarily similar to those of breast augmentation, breast soreness, swelling, or bruising can be expected. The pain mostly goes away after two post-op days.
