When Does it Make Sense to Consider Breast Revision?
The results of cosmetic procedures like breast augmentation surgery are meant to be long-lasting. However, certain changes resulting from weight fluctuations, shifts in your aesthetic preferences, aging, or other factors can create the desire for change in even the most satisfied breast augmentation patients. Regardless of the reason behind a patient’s unhappiness or desire for an update, breast revision surgery can help alter the results of breast augmentation to help women achieve (or re-achieve) a new, rejuvenated silhouette. You may be a good candidate for a breast revision procedure if you have experienced any of the following things after your breast augmentation procedure:
A Desired Change in Breast Size
The breast size a patient preferred at the time of her breast augmentation may not be the size she wants now. Thankfully, this is not set in stone. Our surgeons are able to use the original incision from a previous breast augmentation to remove and replace a patient’s breast implants. Breast implant removal without a new implant replacement is also an option some women prefer. In some cases, we may also recommend undergoing a breast lift at the same time as a breast revision for women who have experienced loose or stretched skin over the years.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications associated with breast implants (though it is still very rare). Capsular contracture is a hardening that occurs around the implant due to scar tissue forming. If a patient experiences capsular contracture, breast revision can be performed to remove and replace the affected implant, as well as cleaning up the scar tissue.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is also not very common but does happen and occurs when the edges of saline breast implants cause visible rippling in the skin and are able to be felt. If this occurs after breast augmentation, we can use a patient’s original incision to remove or reposition the breast implants to treat any rippling effects. We may also decide to use a different type of implant or place the new implant into a different breast pocket with thicker muscle coverage to conceal the implant’s edge if necessary.
Implant Displacement
If the breast pockets used to hold the implant are created too close together or too far apart at the time of your breast augmentation, this can result in poorly positioned breasts. Breast revision can correct this by manipulating the scar tissue from the capsule surrounding the implant and reconstructing the pocket in the appropriate position. For certain patients, we may need to utilize other tissues to reinforce the new implant pocket or may recommend using a soft tissue substitute called an acellular dermal matrix to provide additional support.
The goal of every breast augmentation procedure that our plastic surgeons perform is to help the patient achieve the most beautiful, natural-looking aesthetic results possible. If for whatever reason you’re not 100% satisfied with the results of a previous breast augmentation, breast revision surgery can provide immense relief. For more information or if you would like to schedule a consultation at one of our Atlanta area locations, contact Atlanta Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation today. Don’t forget to follow along with us on Facebook and Twitter for additional plastic surgery tips and news and much more.
