Breast Augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery. Whether placed for reconstructive or cosmetic reasons, Breast Implant Revision is needed from time to time. Today, we will discuss the most common reasons patients seek Breast Augmentation Revision.
Breast Implant Maintenance
Breast Augmentation Revision for Capsular Contracture. Notice the decreased volume, increased hardness and irritated red color in the before picture on the left. After release, the breast are softened and expanded.
(To view uncensored before and after photos, click on the image.)
The FDA approved Breast Implants for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Both saline and silicone filled breast implants are currently available, but regardless of the type, breast implants are not considered lifetime devices. This means that regardless of the type of breast implant used, additional surgery might be necessary to maintain optimal results.
Why Is Breast Augmentation Revision Needed?
There are several reasons for Breast Augmentation Revision. The top five are:
- Normal Aging
- Capsular Contracture
- Breast Implant Rupture
- Breast Implant Malposition
- A Desire to Change Breast Size
Normal Aging
The most common reason for Breast Augmentation Revision is normal aging. This includes breast sagging (ptosis), changes in breast volume due to fluctuations in weight and the changes seen with pregnancy and breastfeeding. These changes occur normally with or without Breast Augmentation.
Treatments may include, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction, Breast Implant Replacement or Breast Implant Removal.
Capsular Contracture
Whenever a Breast Implant is placed, the body forms a protective capsule of scar around the implant. This capsule is very important to keep the implant in an ideal position. Capsular Contracture occurs when the capsule becomes too tight.
Severe unilateral capsular contracture – The right breast so high that it would be hard to disguise in clothing. After treatment for capsular contracture, the breasts are much more even.
(To view uncensored before and after photos, click on the image.)
Capsular Contracture can shift the implant’s position, change the implant’s shape or make the implant feel hard and can become painful. Treatment is tailored to reversing the undesired consequences of the contracture. The capsule is modified to reposition, reshape and soften the Breast Implant.
Breast Implant Rupture
Broken Breast Implants need to be treated. When a saline breast implant breaks, it deflates rapidly and the water is quickly absorbed by the body. Silicone gel filled breast implants on the other hand, may not change shape as they are filled with a semi-solid cohesive gel.
Treatment options range from replacement to removal. If you were happy with the original Breast Implant Size, the broken bread implant is replaced. Alternatively, if larger or smaller augmentation is desired, both implants are replaced. Sometimes, the desire for augmentation wanes and both implants are removed.
Breast Implant Malposition
If a Breast Implant shifts position, the result can be bottoming out (too low), lateralization (toward the armpit), symmastia (too close together) or too high (capsular contracture).
Capsular contracture often affects just one side. In the case above, the right breast implant is higher and tighter than the left before surgery. After surgery symmetry is restored.
(To view uncensored before and after photos, click on the image.)
Treatment is geared toward replacing the implant back into the proper position. The capsule is opened in the direction the implant needs to move and closed behind it. Sometimes, the closure needs to be reinforced or the implant weight needs to be decreased to reduce the risk of recurrence.
A Desire to Change Breast Size
Sometimes, there are no medical complications associated with the Breast Augmentation; however, a change in the size of the augmentation is desired. This may be to accommodate a new goal, reverse pregnancy changes or compensate for changes in weight. Larger or smaller breast implants are used to accommodate the new goal.
Breast Augmentation Revision Consultation
Breast Augmentation Revision encompasses a wide range of procedures. If you are considering Breast Implant Revision, or another cosmetic plastic surgery, be certain to choose an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. In the San Francisco Bay Area call (925) 943-6353 to schedule a private consultation appointment.
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