Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Breast Implant Revision Surgery:
Correcting Problems with Secondary Breast Augmentation –
Breast implant surgery is a safe and common procedure with rare complications when performed by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali. However, breast implant “revision” surgery is occasionally required – typically as a result of older or outdated breast implant technologies, or because a less qualified surgeon did not achieve the best results.
Keep in mind that breast implant revision surgery is more complex and involved than original or “primary” breast implant surgery.
While it is always essential to select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali for breast implant surgery, it is even more crucial to have revision surgery done by a highly qualified plastic surgeon. Dr. Ali has considerable experience with the correction of breast augmentation problems, and will offer you a consultation to discuss how he can improve your results from a previous surgery.
Reasons for Breast Implant Revision Surgery
The six most common reasons for breast implant revision surgery that we see in our Detroit area surgical practice are:
#1. Changing breast implant size
Some women may feel that they went “too big” when they were younger, and now desire a less exaggerated figure. Others may have gained weight, and wish to increase their breast size for a more proportionate look.
Breast revision surgery strictly for size change must be carefully considered, to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate for a second surgery.
#2. Correcting capsular contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the body forms thick scar tissue around the breast implant(s) – causing shape change, discomfort, increased firmness and pain.
Revision surgery may be required to release the scar tissue in order to alleviate the pain and give the breast a softer feel and more natural shape.
#3. Problems with breast implant position
Inexperienced doctors sometimes do not have the expertise to naturally place the breast implants.
Breast implant asymmetry – with one implant higher than the other – is a common error. Additionally implants may be located too far apart. This results in an absence of cleavage, or even in the breasts falling into the armpits when laying down.
In the opposite situation “uniboob” or “breadloafing” can occur when the breasts are positioned too high and/or too close together on the chest.
Bottoming out – where implants are positioned too low on the chest in relation to the nipple position – is another problem that may require revision surgery.
#4. Problems with the patient’s breast tissue
Thinning of the breast tissue – resulting from aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding – may result in the implants becoming more visible and the appearance less natural.
An elongation of the skin and sagging of the breasts can also occur over time as tissue elasticity is lost as a result of aging, sun damage or smoking.
#5. Problems with the implants themselves
Deflation or rupture of a breast implant requires immediate revision surgery – ideally within a few weeks to keep the pocket from shrinking.
Ruptured saline implants are quite obvious because the augmentation is rapidly and completely lost over a day or two. Ruptured silicone implants may be less obvious and may require an ultrasound or MRI.
However, all breast implants used today have a full replacement warranty that will provide you with replacement implant(s) at no cost to you.
The Detroit Area’s Best Breast Implant Surgery
Dr. Ali is a Detroit Area double board certified plastic surgeon, who has helped thousands of women get the breasts they want with breast implant surgery. He will offer you a consultation so you can understand what the best surgical options are for you. He will take the time to carefully answer all of your questions, and make sure that you have an understanding of the best techniques for achieving your appearance goals.