Most breast augmentation procedures are quite successful with excellent long-term results. However, there are certainly exceptions to this rule. After you’ve undergone breast augmentation surgery, you may experience bodily changes that negatively impact the appearance of your implants. These changes can include pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuations. Alternatively, you may decide that you’d prefer implants of a different size or type. If you’re in one of these situations, breast implant revision surgery may be the solution you’re seeking.
What Is Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed to correct aesthetic issues with breast implants after breast augmentation surgery. In most cases, breast implant revision involves replacing the original implants with new ones.
Reasons for Having Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Patients choose to undergo breast implant revision surgery for many different reasons. The most common reasons for having the procedure include:
- Implants have shifted position
- Implants have started to degrade with age
- Implants look different due to pregnancy or other bodily changes
- Desire to change the size and/or type of your breast implants
- Back and/or shoulder pain due to your implants being too large
- Breast implant complication such as a leaking implant, ruptured implant, or capsular contracture
Benefits of Breast Implant Revision
If you’re unhappy with or having issues with your breast implants, breast implant revision could provide you with some or all of the following benefits:
- Improves the overall appearance of your breasts
- Can improve the shape and symmetry of your breasts
- Allows you to change the size and/or type of your breast implants
- Can alleviate back and shoulder pain
- Can alleviate breast implant complications
- Increased wardrobe options
- More proportionate and curvaceous figure
- Improved self-confidence and self-image
What Should I Expect During the Surgery?
If you’re considering breast implant revision, the first step in the process will be to sit down for a consultation with Dr. Reinblatt. During this meeting, she’ll ask you about your reasons for seeking the procedure and answer any questions you have. You’ll also have the chance to decide on the type and size of your replacement implants, which will be fully customized to your preferences. Dr. Reinblatt will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique situation.
Typically, breast implant revision is performed as an outpatient procedure using either local anesthesia with IV sedation or general anesthesia. The specifics of the surgery will depend on the details of your treatment plan. To begin the procedure, Dr. Reinblatt will usually make small incisions along the lower creases of the breasts or around the areolas. If you’re having your implants completely replaced, she will then carefully remove them through the incisions. Next, the doctor will insert your new breast implants and place them either beneath or above your chest muscles. Finally, she will use sutures to close the incisions before applying bandages. If you aren’t having your implants replaced, Dr. Reinblatt may instead adjust their position.
On average, breast implant revision surgery takes between 30 and 150 minutes depending on the patient. You’ll need to stick around for monitoring for a couple of hours, but you’ll then be able to return home with someone else driving you.
How Long Is the Recovery Time?
Most patients require about one week of rest before returning to work after breast implant revision surgery. After the first day or two, you should start taking regular light walks around the house to keep your blood flowing and promote healing. You may also need to wear a surgical support bra or compression garment for several weeks after your procedure. To ensure that you heal properly, you should refrain from strenuous exercise for at least four to six weeks.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?
Adults who are unsatisfied with their current breast implants could be good candidates for breast implant revision. To be an ideal candidate for the surgery, you should:
- Be in generally good physical health
- Have realistic expectations for the surgery
- Be unhappy with the appearance of your breast implants
- Have the desire to change the size and/or type of your breast implants
- Be experiencing breast implant complications
- Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Why Choose Dr. Reinblatt for Your Breast Implant Revision Procedure?
To ensure a smooth procedure and excellent results, it’s important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon for your breast implant revision. Dr. Maura Reinblatt is a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon known for her skill, artistic vision, and warm bedside manner. Dr. Reinblatt and her team understand that to be truly successful, cosmetic surgery must be custom-tailored to the unique needs of the patient. That’s why she’ll take the time to get to know you, understand your specific goals, and provide you with the personalized, compassionate treatment that you deserve. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation, simply give our office a call today.