What is breast implant revision surgery?
Breast implant revision is surgery performed to refresh prior breast augmentation surgery. Over time, typically on the order of decades, silicone implants wear down, sometimes inciting scar tissue to develop around the implant which may become symptomatic. This is called capsular contracture.
Saline implants over time have less of an issue with capsular contracture, and more of an issue with slow deflation leading to rippling, again on the order of decades. Silicone implants became available 5 years ago for augmentation purposes, so some women desire to switch from saline to silicone.
Whether implants were originally placed for cosmetic or for reconstructive purposes, over the course of decades, implants may require replacement. In other cases, surgical error may result in the need for improved secondary breast surgery. Patients may also simply change their mind about having implants and request a size adjustment or complete removal.
Some women have poor placement of their implants or poor harmony of the implant with breast lift that may have been performed.
For revision surgery, the same scar may be used from the prior implant surgery to remove the existing implants and replace them with new ones, and Dr. Shermak will replace with saline or silicone breast implants depending on patient choice, in a broad size range. If the scars are related to a breast lift procedure, Dr. Shermak can use these scars to tighten or improve on the contour of the breasts.
Some women decide to pursue a breast lift at the same time of implant revision. Dr. Shermak specializes in revision breast surgery. Check out Dr. Shermak, a Mentor Company preferred plastic surgeon, on its website “Love your Look” and on the Sientra website as well.
Common reasons for breast revision surgery at a glance:
- Breast implant rippling
- Breast implant rupturing
- Capsular contracture
- Breast implant shifting
- Concerns about size or type of implant
- Concerns about implant placement
- Desire for implant removal
- Surgical error
Who is a good candidate for breast implant revision surgery?
Good candidates for breast implant revision surgery are women in good health, non-smokers, who have noted a change in feel or in appearance of their breast implants, who have never been comfortable with results from their implant surgery, or who have been diagnosed with implant rupture from a breast imaging study.
At consultation Dr. Shermak will discuss with you options for treatment, largely depending on your goals. While some women choose to remove their implants altogether, others opt for replacement, and maybe a switch to a different style or size of implant.
