Posted February 26, 2018 in Breast Revision

Breast augmentation can create an obvious change in your figure. It allows you to customize the appearance of your breasts and enhance the contours of your body. Providing yourself with an extra boost in your appearance can also give you more confidence. However, the results of your breast augmentation are not guaranteed to be permanent. From changes in your personal preference to issues with the implants themselves, there are reasons why you may want to consider having a breast revision procedure performed.

Change in Implant Size

Personal preferences change as life circumstances change. You may find that you are dissatisfied with the original implant size you chose. In this case, your implants can be replaced with ones of a smaller or larger size. The ability to change size will depend on multiple factors that you will discuss in consultation with Dr. Lee.

Change in Implant Style

There are benefits to both saline and silicone implants, but as women see the final results of their augmentation or develop a different preference over time, they may decide that they want to change implant types. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution. They are filled after being inserted into the breasts, so they can be adjusted if necessary during the procedure. The scars are typically shorter than with silicone implants, and there are more options for their location. Silicone implants are made of a thicker gel, so they are less likely to rupture. Additionally, they are said to feel more natural than saline. However, there are limitations regarding incision location, and scars tend to be slightly bigger.

Implant Rupture

There is a chance that breast implants may rupture, especially as they age. A rupture is characterized by a rip or tear in the implant shell. If this happens, the implants will need to be removed and/or replaced. Silicone and saline ruptures present differently; while saline implant ruptures are easily noticed, silicone ruptures may be more difficult to detect. After a saline rupture, your breast size will obviously deflate as the saline solution leaks out and is safely absorbed by your body. Silicone implant ruptures, on the other hand, may require an MRI to detect since the implants often maintain their shape. Potential signs of a silicone rupture include changes in breast size or shape, pain, or an abnormal feeling in the breast. If you suspect that your silicone implant has ruptured, it’s important to contact your surgeon.

Capsular Contracture

After breast augmentation surgery, some scar tissue will develop around the implant. However, in some cases, the scar tissue tightens and hardens around the breast implant, which is known as capsular contracture. The first signs may be a change in breast shape and a change in firmness. The breast may begin to feel tight and painful. While it can happen at any point after breast augmentation, capsular contracture most commonly occurs in the first two years after the surgery. This condition requires the removal of the surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy).

Rippling

One of the most visible problems after breast augmentation is rippling of the breast implant, where the edges of the implant are visible through the skin. This can happen for multiple reasons, including not having much tissue between the skin and implants and poor technique by the surgeon. Rippling is usually experienced with saline implants, but it can occur with silicone gel filled implants as well. Subglandular placement may also show more visible implant rippling. In these cases, the implants may be moved to submuscular placement, and the implants may need to be replaced with smaller ones for patients without adequate breast tissue to cover larger implants.

These are not the only reasons why you may want or need to have a breast revision procedure. If you feel that breast revision may be right for you, please contact us to set up a consultation with Dr. Lee. Call (941) 340-4731 for Trusted local specialists for beautiful results.