About breast implant revision
What is breast implant revision?
Breast implant revision surgery aims to swap out existing breast implants for new ones. While replacing the implant material, it's common to also aim to alter or enhance the breasts' look, which could involve:
- A simultaneous breast reduction or lift
- Repositioning the breast implant on the chest by reshaping the breast implant pocket
- Raising or lowering the breast implant's size, shape, or style
Any of the following factors may contribute to the desire to hae breast implant revision surgery:
- Desire to increase or decrease breast size
- Capsular contracture pain
- Concern over the implant migration or rupture
- Switching to silicone implants or using a different type of implant
Breast implants and the breast tissue that covers them may vary in size or form over time, giving the breasts a look or feel that is less appealing than the intended outcome. Additionally, even though the implant itself is often covered by a lifetime guarantee, after ten years the costs of having surgery to repair the implants are no longer covered. As a result, many women decide to replace or upgrade their breast implants at or around the 10-year mark.
Breast implant revision surgery must be specially customised to the patient's goals and preferences because it is not a common or routine treatment. Therefore, this surgery should be carried out by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is knowledgeable about all types of breast surgery, has experience performing those procedures, will pay attention to the patient's goals and desires, and who will create a surgical plan that is specifically tailored to address all of the issues at the time of surgery.
Who is a good candidate for breast implant revision?
Patients who have previously undergone breast augmentation who are now dissatisfied with their implants or worried about the condition of their implants are candidates for breast implant revision surgery. By replacing the current implants with fresh implants, this technique can allay those worries.
Who makes a good candidate for a revision procedure for breast implants?
In general, you might be a suitable candidate for a breast implant revision if:
- Your breast implants' size, shape, or look bothers you.
- You worry about the durability or state of your implants.
- You are in good physical shape, and your weight is steady.
- You set reasonable goals.
- You don't smoke.
Review pictures of breast implant revision surgery and find out what to anticipate during recovery if you're thinking about having surgery. Patients benefit from forward planning by having realistic expectations and experiencing a quicker recovery.
What are the risks of breast implant revision?
The choice to have breast implant revision surgery is highly individual. You must choose whether the risks and potential consequences of breast implant revision outweigh the advantages in order to reach your goals.
The dangers of surgery will be thoroughly explained by your plastic surgeon and/or staff. You will be need to sign consent paperwork to show that you are aware of all the risks and potential consequences associated with the treatments you will be undergoing.
The following list is not all-inclusive of the potential dangers of breast implant revision surgery:
- Hazards of anaesthesia
- Asymmetry
- Anaplastic large cell lymphoma linked to breast implants (BIA-ALCL)
- Bleeding
- Problems related to cardiac, pulmonary, and deep vein thrombosis
- Deep beneath the skin, fatty tissue may pass away (fat necrosis)
- A buildup of fluid (seroma)
- Hematoma
- Infection
- Other alterations in cutaneous sensation, such as numbness
- Chronic discomfort
- Incisions don't heal well
- Persistent skin sagging Skin ageing
- Long-lasting swelling or skin discolouration
- Inferior aesthetic outcome
- Negative scarring
Before you give your consent, all risks, including this ones, will be clearly disclosed. It's crucial that you speak candidly with your plastic surgeon about all of your concerns.
What should I expect during my recovery?
After your breast implant revision, you could wrap your incisions in bandages or gauze dressings. You may or may not be required to wear a support bra or another sort of garment, depending on the specifics of your procedure.
To temporarily drain any excess blood or fluid that may accumulate, a tiny, thin tube may occasionally be inserted under the skin.
You'll receive detailed instructions, which can include:
- How to take care of the surgical site(s) after surgery
- drugs that can be used topically or taken orally to promote healing and lower the risk of infection
- specific issues to watch for following surgery or with your general health
- When to consult your plastic surgeon again
To learn more about what to anticipate during your particular recovery period, be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions.
- Where will I be taken when my procedure is finished?
- What prescription drugs will I receive or be given following surgery?
- After surgery, will I wear dressings or bandages? Will they be taken out when?
- Do drains exist there? How much time?
- When may I take a shower or a bath?
- When can I get back to my regular routine and exercise?
- When do I go back for additional treatment?
As the swelling goes down, healing will continue for a few weeks. Continue to adhere to your plastic surgeon's recommendations and show up to follow-up appointments on time.
What results should I expect after breast implant revision?
Swelling will initially hide the final effects of breast implant revision surgery. The breasts won't feel softer and more natural for at least six weeks after the swelling goes down. Sometimes it takes the breasts 6 to 12 months to feel "normal."
Everybody's recovery process is different, and occasionally it can take longer for the breasts to soften, for normal sensation to return, for scars to diminish, and for the patient to grow used to the sensation of having an implant. Please talk to your surgeon about reasonable expectations for healing.
Surgery and medical treatment are not exact sciences. Although positive outcomes are anticipated, there is no assurance. In some cases, a single surgical treatment might not be sufficient to produce the best results, and a second surgery can be required.
When you go home, if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or strange heartbeats, get medical help right away. You could need hospitalisation and further care if any of these side effects appear.
The outcome of your surgery depends on you following your doctor's recommendations. During the healing process, it's crucial that the surgical incisions not be subjected to too much stress, abrasion, or motion. You'll receive detailed instructions from your doctor on how to take care of yourself.