For even the most satisfied breast augmentation patients, there is the chance that you may not stay completely satisfied with your results due to weight fluctuation, change in aesthetic preferences, aging, or other factors that can occur as the years go on. While breast implants are safe and durable, they are not intended to last a lifetime. Odds are they will need to be replaced at some point down the road.
Regardless of the reason behind a patient’s unhappiness or desire for change, breast revision surgery can help alter the results of breast augmentation to help women achieve (or re-achieve) a new, rejuvenated silhouette. I recommend speaking to your board-certified plastic surgeon if you have experienced any of the following things, even years after your breast augmentation procedure:
A Desired Change in Breast Size: The breast size you preferred at the time of your breast augmentation may not be the size you prefer now. Thankfully, this is not set in stone. I am able to use the original incision from your breast augmentation to remove and replace your implants with ones in your new desired size. Breast implant removal without a new implant replacement is also an option some women prefer. Some women choose to undergo a breast lift at the same time as their breast revision if they 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 painful hardening that occurs due to scar tissue forming around the implant, If a patient experiences capsular contracture, breast revision can be performed to remove and replace the affected implant.
Implant Rippling: Implant rippling occurs when the edges of saline breast implants become visible and are able to be felt. If you have noticed this, I can use your original incision to remove or reposition the implants to treat any rippling effects. I may also be able to use a different type of implant or place the new implant into a different breast pocket with thicker muscle coverage to conceal the implants edge should this be necessary.
Implant Displacement: If the 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. I 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, I 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 cosmetic surgery I perform is to help my patients achieve the most beautiful, natural-looking breast augmentation results possible. If for whatever reason you’re not 100% satisfied with the results of your breast augmentation procedure, breast revision surgery can be the perfect solution. If you are interested in breast revision or any other cosmetic breast surgery, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today to schedule your complimentary consultation. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for plastic surgery news, tips, and information on our special promotions.