MAINTAIN YOUR BREAST IMPLANTS
Many women undergo breast implant surgery to enhance the look and shape of their breasts each year. Most choose to enhance their breasts by having breast implants to give their breasts a fuller, tauter appearance. Though most women are happy with their implants for many years and even decades after surgery, there are instances where you might need a redo after previous breast surgery. If you’re not happy with the look of your implants, if you have an implant that’s moved or if you think your implant may be leaking or deflating, or if you have older implants but want to try softer, newer ones, you may choose to have a breast revision surgery to replace your implant and craft a firmer, tighter bosom with a softer, more natural feel.
The hopes of breast revision surgery are that you can fix a problem breast implant and restore confidence in your body shape.
WHAT IS BREAST REVISION SURGERY?
Breast revision surgery is a procedure that’s intended to correct a problem that has occurred after a previous breast implant surgery. While advancements in breast implants mean they’re more durable and lasting longer than ever before, there are still times when you may need to fix an issue that’s been bothering you.
There are many options available for correcting any issues from your previous breast surgery and this doesn’t just mean fixing your implants, though in the majority of cases, this is the issue that needs to be addressed. Options for your revision include:
Removal of Implants: During your revision surgery, you may ask to have your implants removed altogether.
Replacement of Implants: During surgery, your breast implants will be replaced with newer ones or ones of a different texture or type.
Implant Adjustment: Sometimes you might be perfectly happy with your implants and they might still be in good condition, you just might need to adjust them so that they fit easily back into their previous position.
Scar Tissue Removal: Scar tissue, also known as capsular contracture, can harden around the implant and cause your implants to distort and may also cause pain. A breast revision is needed to fix this problem.
Your surgeon will go over the different options and techniques available for your breast revision surgery. If you’re switching out your implants, you’ll discuss what options you want, whether it be a smaller or larger implant. You’ll discuss the differences between the saline, silicone, and gummy bear implants.
AM I A CANDIDATE?
If you’ve previously had a breast augmentation and you’re having a problem with them, then breast revision surgery is the right choice for you. Breast revision surgery can help correct a variety of issues that you might be experiencing. If you’re having problems with capsular contracture, a form of hardened scar tissue that causes your breasts to harden, distort, and pain, then breast revision is a good idea. If your implants have moved position to a new place that is too high or too low for your liking, then breast revision can help secure the breasts back into their original position. If your breasts or nipples are uneven, if you’ve had any leakage or if your breasts have deflated, or if your breast implants are too big and uncomfortable to participate in physical activities, breast revision can help you reach your desired outcome.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY CONSULTATION?
Your consultation for a breast revision surgery is an important step before surgery. Your doctor needs to examine your breasts and be aware of all problems with your previous breast surgery. You’ll look at the different types of implants and talk about how they will work with your body. You’ll discuss the safest way to remove your implants, learn how to replace them, and learn about other options like breast lifts and nipple reconstruction. You’ll see before and after pictures of what you can expect.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
You’ll first be given tasks to handle before your surgery, this could mean bloodwork or MRI’s to determine any missed problem areas. You’ll be given a set of instructions to follow before your surgery like when to stop eating and what to avoid prior to surgery. You might have to wash with a special soap.
On the day of your procedure, your surgery may take place in an outpatient surgery center. You’ll then be given general anesthesia to avoid any pain. Your anesthesiology team will go over everything prior to surgery.
During the procedure, your new implant will be inserted through the same incision as your first surgery. This process is fairly routine and your surgery will be a bit quicker than more complicated procedures. If you’ve chosen a procedure that warrants a different incision to be made, your surgeon will explain the change to you before the surgery so you know what to expect. If you have scar tissue, it will be removed during surgery. Breast lifts and breast implant removals may take a little bit longer than your first breast surgery.
If there are no problems during surgery, you’ll go home after you wake up in the recovery room and are feeling well enough to go home. Make sure you have a driver with you to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery.