Breast Augmentation Revision

Although a majority of women who get breast implants are satisfied with their results, in some cases, patients require revision surgery to fix a cosmetic complication.

It’s also common for women who have had implants for a long time to want an update.

Our plastic surgeons are very experienced in performing breast revisions in Salt Lake City and also serve those in Murray, and Draper, Utah, and other cities near Midvale.

Breast augmentation revision requires a talented plastic surgeon with the technical skills to perform the procedure, which is often more complicated than the initial surgery.

Complications are not the only reason revision surgery after breast augmentation is performed. In fact, the most common reason women have secondary breast augmentation surgery is to change the size or style of their implants.

Changes to a woman’s body or aging of the implants themselves are among the reasons for breast augmentation revision.

Changing Size or Type of Implant

Exciting advances have resulted in a newer generation of breast implants. Some women want to replace older implants with options that may not have been available when they first had surgery. This includes patients who want to exchange saline-filled implants with silicone gel-filled implants, such as the “gummy bear” style. It’s not unusual for women to want a different size of implants after seeing the results of their initial augmentation. This is called an elective implant exchange.

Visible Defects

Sometimes a breast augmentation patient may get results that are not aesthetically pleasing. Although these complications aren’t dangerous, they can be frustrating. Rippling – implant wrinkles that are visible – is a common example of a visible defect.

Malposition

Implants also may sit too high, low, or far apart on the chest and require revision surgery to correct their position. These defects include symmastia (often referred to as “bread-loafing” or “uniboob”), bottoming out, and the double-bubble deformity. Implant malposition is one of the most common reasons we perform revision procedures. In many cases, he uses a surgical scaffold material that is used to form”internal bra” that supports the implants and keeps them in position.

Capsular Contracture

The most common complication following breast augmentation surgery is capsular contracture. Scar tissue forms around the implant after breast augmentation. In some cases, it tightens, distorting the shape of the implant and making it feel hard. Your surgeon releases or removes the scar tissue and may re-create the implant pocket to correct the problem.

Implant Deflation

If a saline implant leaks or ruptures, it immediately deflates. Ruptured silicone implants are often not noticed until a patient undergoes an imaging test, because the silicone doesn’t leak into surrounding breast tissue. Revision surgery to replace the implant is necessary in either case.

Our surgeons perform revision breast augmentation in an accredited hospital or surgical facility as an outpatient procedure. Revision procedures are often more complex than the initial augmentation surgery because of the presence of scar tissue and other factors. Patients undergoing revision surgery to correct complications appreciate the experience our team has performing these procedures and our ability to clearly communicate the surgical plan.

In most revision cases, we use the original incision through which the implant was inserted. If a breast lift is combined with the revision surgery, additional incisions are made.

The specific procedure used depends on the reason for the revision surgery. It may include re-positioning the implant, creating a new implant pocket, or exchanging the existing implant for a new one. Once we have achieved the desired breast size and shape, you surgeon closes the incisions with sutures and applies surgical tape.

The recovery following revision breast augmentation is usually similar to what you experienced after initially getting implants, although it may take a few more days to resume your normal activities. It’s important to get up and move around on the day of the surgery to promote good circulation and enhance the healing process.

Your surgeon places a compression bra to help your breasts keep their new shape. While experiences vary, you should expect to take about 1 week off work. Typically, women return to normal, everyday activities after this time, but they are advised to refrain from heavy lifting or rigorous exercise for a few weeks.

While experiences vary, you should expect to take about 1 week off work. Typically, women return to normal, everyday activities after this time, but they are advised to refrain from heavy lifting or rigorous exercise for a few weeks.