Occasionally, breast implants must be replaced or revised to meet the patient’s desired aesthetic standard. A breast implant revision surgery has a similar process to other breast augmentation procedures. Learn more about implant revision before you schedule a consultation with Eric P. Bachelor, M.D. at East Bay Aesthetic Surgery in Pleasanton, CA.
Expectations
The process for this surgery includes removing your existing breast implants and placing new ones in the breast pocket. Usually, incisions for this surgery are made in the same areas as the original breast augmentation procedure. Depending on your aesthetic goals, your existing breast tissue may be altered to reshape the breast or reinforce the breast tissue.
This surgery will require the use of general anesthesia for sedation. However, you should be able to go back home after the procedure, as long as you make arrangements for transportation. Your incisions will be closed with sutures and sometimes drains. Overall, the entire process of implant revision surgery is similar to breast implant surgery.
Recovery
It will take several weeks or months to fully recover from this procedure. The first two weeks after your surgery will include extensive aftercare instructions, such as how to change surgical dressings, medications you should take, and activity restrictions. You will need to keep your incisions dry for at least 24 to 48 hours, after which bandages may be removed.
You will not be allowed to lift anything over your head, pick up objects weighing more than five to 10 pounds, or engage in any strenuous activity for at least seven to 10 days. Many women take time off work for at least a week or two to make the recovery process easier. During your recovery, you will need to wear a compression bra for several weeks while you heal.
Preparation
To prepare for implant revision, you will need to complete a few labs and exams, as well as a medical evaluation, to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure. You will likely need to complete a mammogram screening, as well as an ultrasound to get a better view of the implant. Sometimes, an MRI may also be ordered if there is a problem with your existing implant, such as capsular contracture.
At least two weeks before your surgery, you will need to stop smoking and using other tobacco products. You may need to stop taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs. Some herbal supplements like fish oil, vitamin E, and ginkgo can also increase blood thinning so you will need to discontinue these products until after your surgery.
Why Do People Have Implant Revision?
People have breast implant revision surgery for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, if a woman decides she no longer wants to have breast implants at all, breast implant removal surgery is used to remove the implants entirely. However, if a woman wants breast implants in some capacity, implant revision is a good treatment option. Other common reasons to revise implants include:
Implant Damage
Damage to the implant can cause the implant to rupture, leak, or deflate. Even if you have saline implants, it’s important to replace damaged implants as soon as possible. An implant can rupture after a direct impact, such as from an accident, or as a result of a low-quality implant. Leaks can happen gradually or all at once.
You may want to seek implant revision because your last mammogram showed early damage to your existing implants. Annual mammograms can be used to check on both the health of your natural breast tissue and your breast implants. Be sure to let the mammography technician know you have implants so your scan can be adjusted accordingly.
Alter Implant Size
Sometimes, you may not be satisfied with the size or shape of the implant. Even if you’ve had the implant for several years, you may decide that it is too large for your desired body shape, especially if you want to achieve a more natural-looking aesthetic. Likewise, you may decide that your current implants are too small for your ideal aesthetic.
Restore Implant Position
You can also use revision surgery to restore the position of your current implants. Sometimes, breast implants settle lower on the breast than you desire. The implant position can also change due to aging or breastfeeding. If there are any major changes in your natural breast tissue because of weight loss or weight gain, this can affect the outcome of your breast augmentation surgery.
Correct Implant Complications
Finally, this surgery can be used to correct implant complications. Sometimes, a delayed complication from your previous breast implant surgery can cause capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can be very uncomfortable because scar tissue squeezes the implant. The first signs of capsular contracture include asymmetry, pain, or tightness in the breasts.
What Are Your Breast Implant Options?
When you revise your implants, you will have the opportunity to update the implant material and shape. The two most common implant materials are saline and silicone, but you may also be able to use gummy bear implants to have a more natural-feeling texture. If your existing implants have a round shape, you may choose a teardrop shape for your implant revision to have a more natural breast profile.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Candidates for implant revision surgery include any women who are not happy with their existing breast implants. Ideal candidates include non-smokers (or women who are willing to quit smoking for a month), as well as women who are in good general health and who can maintain a steady weight. The best candidates for this surgery are women who have realistic expectations about what implant revision can accomplish.
Correct Your Breast Implant Concerns
Many women seek breast implant revision surgery to correct concerns such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or old implants. This procedure can help you achieve your ideal aesthetic so you can continue to feel confident about your appearance. Get in touch with us at East Bay Aesthetic Surgery., in Pleasanton, CA to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bachelor today.