While plastic surgery can enhance your appearance, it doesn’t stop time or prevent any changes from happening to your body. It also doesn’t keep you from changing your mind further down the road. If you’ve received breast implants in the past, you might be considering a breast revision procedure today. The procedure adjusts the original implants. Dr. Ary Krau performs breast revision surgeries for a number of reasons.
Removing or Replacing Implants
Some patients are very happy with the results from a breast augmentation surgery at first. But, as time goes on they might decide that their implants aren't quite right. They might decide that they do not like the larger breast size or that they would like an even larger size. A breast revision procedure can remove the initial implants and replace them with a smaller or larger size. Revision surgery can also remove the implants entirely or can trade saline implants for silicone.
Implant Issues
Implants age just as the human body does. A number of issues can occur as they get older. Saline implants can completely deflate and need to be replaced. A silicone implant can develop a leak and need replacement. Injury to the breast area can cause the implants to break.
A condition called capsular contracture can occur a short time after the initial breast augmentation surgery. Capsular contracture results in a tightening of the scar tissue around the implant. The breast becomes hard and can even cause discomfort. A breast revision procedure is necessary to remove the problematic implants.
Lifestyle Changes
Changes in your lifestyle after a breast augmentation surgery can mean that you need a revision later on. For example, if you become pregnant after an augmentation, your breast size can change, altering the implants. Smoking can also impact your implants, as the habit lessens your ability to heal and can lead to more scarring.
The Surgery
A breast revision surgery is similar to the original augmentation surgery. The surgeon will try to make the new incisions along the old scars, so that you don't end up with extra scarring. A breast lift might be performed at the same time as the revision if your breasts have begun to sag and you want them to look more perky. Usually, the procedure is performed on an out-patient basis and you can get back to your daily activities within two weeks.