Breast Revision – How Do I Know That I Need a Breast Implant Replacement?

Breast revision is also known as breast implant replacement. This is correctional surgery done to remove or replace silicone or saline implants so as to change implant type or size and to stop any health complications arising from them. An experienced board-certified plastic surgeon can replace or remove your breast implants for a youthful breast appearance and to minimize future breast revision. Dr. Bloch is a board-certified plastic surgeon with an experience in many breast surgeries.

How do I qualify for breast implant replacement?

You will likely be a good candidate for a breast revision surgery if:

• You are physically healthy
• You do not smoke
• You want problems arising from your breast implants and surrounding breast tissue addressed
• You have aesthetic problems related to your breast implants such as asymmetry, change in implant shape or undesired size.
• You want an additional breast surgery like a breast lift
• You want your breast implants to be removed permanently.

Dr. Bloch might also consider you for a breast implant surgery if you have a positive attitude towards the surgery and realistic expectations.

What is the technique for breast revision?

Breast revision will likely follow your initial breast augmentation procedure. You can therefore expect your surgery to begin with admission of general anesthesia or local anesthesia. This is followed by removal of the old implant accessed through your former incision scar which could be in your armpit, under your breast curve or under your nipple. Your surgeon may however make a new incision scar to remove or replace the implant. Placement of the new implant is either placed in a pocket made under your breast tissue or under the chest muscle. The existing pocket may be used and it may or may not require an enlargement if you want to change the implants size. A new implant is then placed and incisions closed with stitches. The breast capsule is completely removed if you want your implants removed permanently. This shortens recovery. You may have temporary drains on your breasts before they are dressed with bandages.

Recovery

For a speedy and healthy recovery, it is important to carefully follow your doctor’s instructions. Your scars may be pink for several weeks, but should begin fading soon thereafter. Breasts may seem hard and unnatural during the swelling period, but will eventually resort back to a softer feel. During the first few days after breast revision surgery, you should try and keep your arm extension to a minimum (should be raised much higher than the armpit), in order to help prevent the muscle and tissue from stretching and separating. Stitches taken out: within 1 week to 10 days. Return to work: 1 to 2 weeks.

How long will my results last?

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your new breast shape should remain fairly stable. However, gravity and the effects of aging eventually alter breast size. The weight of the implant used will also affect how your breasts appear as time goes on. Breast implant revision results are long-lasting; however, you may want to periodically visit your doctor to make sure that your implants are not posing health risks, and to help prevent any further complications.