A week doesn’t go by without someone asking, “When do I need to replace my breast implants?” The simplest answer is, “When there’s a problem.” So why do I replace Breast Implants? What are the most common reasons? Why is it important to check your implants? The answer to these questions and more are on today’s San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog.
Elective Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
The most common reason for Breast Implant Revision is to change to bigger implants. This is an elective procedure because there is nothing wrong with the current Breast Augmentation other than the patient’s desire for larger breasts. The procedure is one of the safest and most predictable Breast Revisions, because the implant pocket is already made. The risk of complications is lower, and the recovery is easier than for Primary Breast Augmentation, as long as the increase in size is not extreme.
Breast Augmentation Revision for Capsular Contracture
Non-elective Breast Revision Surgery is done for multiple reasons. One of the most common reasons is Capsular Contracture. Normally, a capsule forms around the Breast Implant to hold it in place. If the capsule contracts, however, it squeezes the implant and can make it feel firm and/or cause it to move away from its ideal position. Revision surgery can return the implant to its proper position and soften its feel.
These breast augmentation revision before and after pictures show grade III/IV capsular contracture of the right breast preoperatively, and the result of removing the tight capsule (capsulectomy) thus lowering the breast mound to match the left side. (Click image for uncensored view.)
In the above Breast Implant Revision Before and After Pictures, the right breast implant has been squeezed up and feels hard. A Capsulectomy was used to remove the tight scar to soften the breast and reposition the implant downward to match the opposite side.
Breast Augmentation Revision for Symmastia (Uniboob)
A less common reason for Breast Augmentation Revision is Symmastia. This is when the breast implants move together, lifting the skin between the breasts and forming a single breast (Uniboob). A common reason for this is tight chest wall skin combined with large, high-profile breast implants. The projection provided by these implants can lift the skin between the implants like tent posts hold up a pup tent.
These breast augmentation revision before and after pictures show symmastia of the breasts and bottoming out (right greater than left) preoperatively. The after photo shows the result of symmastia repair and breast implant replacement with smaller breast implants and raising of the inframammary folds (IMFs) thus getting rid of the uniboob bread-loafing of the implants in the midline. (Click image for uncensored view.)
In the above Symmastia Repair Before and After Pictures, the size of the implants has been reduced, the pockets around the implants have been separated and the skin over the sternum has been reconnected with the underlying sternum.
Breast Augmentation Revision for Breast Implant Exposure
Sometimes the need for revision is urgent. In the next case, the patient has imminent exposure of her breast implant. If an implant becomes exposed, or there are signs of infection, the implant must be removed to prevent sepsis.
These breast augmentation revision before and after pictures show stage one of treatment for breast implant exposure. Once an implant is exposed, it requires removal to prevent infection and sepsis. The after photo reveals that the left breast was smaller before breast augmentation, confirmed by the removal of a larger breast implant during surgery. (Click image for uncensored view.)
In this case, the breast implants had to be removed for health and safety. The breasts are given time to heal, before the implants can be replaced safely.
These breast augmentation revision before and after pictures show stage two of treatment for breast implant exposure. After the breast implants are removed, and the site heals for several months, the breast implants can be replaced. The after photo shows the restoration of symmetrical breast mounds after Asymmetrical Breast Augmentation. (Click image for uncensored view.)
All is well after the breast implants are replaced. The patient’s appearance was restored, and there were no further problems.
Breast Augmentation Revision Consultations
If you are considering Breast Augmentation Revision be certain to consult with an experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area.
If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, call (925) 943-6353, to schedule a private consultation appointment in my Walnut Creek, CA, plastic surgery office.
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