Breast Implant Revision/Corrective Cosmetic Enhancement/

Definition: Breast revision surgery is designed to correct a botched procedure that has either created a cosmetic problem or poses a health risk. This type of procedure usually involves the removal and replacement of a breast implant in order to correct a specific complication. The most common problems include capsular contracture, nipple sensitivity or loss in sensitivity, rippling, rupture, or even symptoms of immune system disorders.

Is it right for me?
Many women have breast implant revision in order to have their old silicone implants replaced with saline-filled implants or with newer silicone implants. Life of older silicone implants is about ten years. Therefore, such implants should be removed and replaced with new ones. Another reason why women decide to have breast implant revision surgery is because for some reason they want to have natural breasts or smaller breast implants. In such case, breast implants are either removed completely or replaced with smaller breast implants. In addition, some of the breast implants become deformed or shifted, and breasts will look asymmetrical. In such case the breast implant revision procedure is needed to restore normal symmetrical appearance of the breasts. A woman can either choose to have the same size of the breast implant or different size of implant placed.

Surgery: 1 to 3 Hours. Your placement and incision options are similar to those associated with breast augmentation. Depending on your preference and the doctor’s recommendation, an incision can be made in any one of the following places: the crease below the breast, around the areola, under the armpit, or, through the naval. He or she will remove the older or non-functional implants with new implants in the same area. Depending on a variety of factors, they can be placed directly under the chest muscle or directly under the breasts. Overall during breast revision surgery, your doctor should be cautious when placing the implant so that it will not have to be revised in the future. Patient Status - outpatient. Anesthesia – general.

Risks: Although you may be undergoing breast implant surgery for the second or third time, the risks are still the same. Possibility of hematoma, capsular contracture, nipple sensitivity or loss in sensitivity, rippling, rupture, symptoms of immune system disorders.

Side Effects: Directly following surgery, you may experience exhaustion, soreness, and/or stiffness. Possibility of infection.

Recovery time: 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. Long-lasting results, but you may want to periodically visit your doctor to make sure that your implants are not posing health risks.