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Breast Augmentation remains on top of the list as one of the most popular Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures year after year. With hundreds of thousands of women receiving Breast Implants every year in the United States, it is no wonder that Breast Augmentation Revision has become its own area of specialization.

What is Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast Revision Surgery is any surgery on the breasts to repair or improve the appearance of a previous Breast Augmentation. The urgency ranges from completely elective to an emergency. It can be caused by aging, pregnancy, changes in weight, changes in goals or changes caused by the breast implants themselves. Some of the more common reasons for Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery are covered in the video and text below.

Breast Implant Revision Surgery Video

Below is a segment from a recent Body Beautiful appearance. This video about Breast Implant Revision Surgery first appeared on the San Francisco Bay Area’s New Station, KRON 4.

Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery Video (Breast Implant Revision)

Breast Augmentation Revision to Change Breast Implant Size

There are many reasons for Breast Implant Revision Surgery. Changing size is one of the most common, and usually the desire is to Enlarge Breast Implant volumes. After pregnancy, weight loss or aging, the breast may shrink. Increasing the size of the Breast Implants may be all that is needed to restore both breast shape and confidence. Sometimes, however, the goal is to Decrease Breast Implant volumes, and rarely, Breast Implant Removal is desired. When downsizing or removing the Breast Implant, it may be necessary to perform a Breast Lift to obtain the best possible results.

Breast Implant Revision for Capsular Contracture

Hardening of the Breast Implants occurs when the normal scar pocket that holds the implant in place becomes too small. The tight pocket squeezes the Breast Implant causing firmness, increased projection, decreased diameter and sometimes discomfort. The medical term for this is Capsular Contracture. Most of the time, the breasts can be softened with release (capsulotomy) or removal (capsulectomy) of the capsule as an outpatient procedure.

Breast Implant Revision for Deflation

A deflated Breast Implant needs to be fixed. Breast Implant Replacement is most common, though sometimes a patient will elect to remove her Breast Implants instead. For Saline Breast Implants, the diagnosis is simple. The breast will quickly return to its non-augmented size. The body quickly absorbs the saline, and it is eliminated as easily as when we drink extra water.

For Silicone Gel Filled Breast Implants, the diagnosis is harder, because the gel is not absorbed. New, highly cohesive breast implants, have an extremely low risk of gel migration, so the gel most often stays in the capsule and maintains the breast fullness. Often, an MRI is needed to diagnose a leaking silicone gel implant, but even this is only 90% accurate. If an MRI shows that your silicone breast implant is leaking, it should be removed and, if desired, replaced.

Breast Augmentation Revision for Malposition

Breast Implant Malposition means the implant is in the wrong position. It can be too high, too low, too medial (to the center) and too lateral (to the side). Often, the capsule requires modification in these cases to encourage the Breast Implant to stay in the proper place. Implants that are too large, or soft tissue (skin, breast of muscle) that is too thin, can make management more difficult. Breast Implant Malposition is one of the items discussed on the Breast Revision page of DrMele.com.

Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery Consultations

There are many reasons for Breast Implant Revisions. If you are considering surgery to improve the results of your Breast Augmentation, be certain to seek a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with years of experience, like Dr. Joseph Mele.

To schedule a personalized Breast Revision Consultation call (925) 943-6353 today.

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