Breast augmentation is one of the popular plastic surgery procedures for women in the United States. When the procedure is performed by a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon, the results are fairly predictable, and the patient can enjoy the new look of breasts for several years. However, breast implants are usually not permanent, and most patients will need an implant replacement or implant removal at least once in their lifetime.
This is made possible with breast implant revision surgery. Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified plastic surgeon providing this procedure to patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding communities. Breast revision can be a more complex procedure than the primary breast implant cosmetic surgery. Therefore, patients should choose a qualified and experienced surgeon for revision surgery.
Who may need a Breast Revision?
Breast revision surgery may be performed on the following patients, if the plastic surgeon determines them to be fit candidates for a surgery:
The breast implants have developed capsular contracture, causing the tightening of scar tissue around them.
- The breast implants have moved from their position or become misshaped due to any reason.
- Damage to breast implants has caused deflation of saline implants.
- An MRI exam shows a shell leakage in a saline implant.
- There is a change in breast tissue following persistent skin stretching or fluctuating weight.
- The patient wants a change of implant size or removal of implants due to change in her aesthetic needs.
Procedure
Breast revision plastic surgery procedural approach can vary depending on the size and type of implants and the reason why the revision surgery is needed. In case the patient needs new implants in a different size, the cosmetic surgeon will try to use the original incision for implant removal and replacement. If the new implants are larger in size, the breast pocket will be surgically enlarged. In case of smaller implants, the size of the pocket will be reduced by suturing.
The original incision is used also in case the revision surgery is required due to capsular contracture or if implant rippling has occurred. If the implant pockets were originally created too close or too far apart, it may cause implant malposition. The plastic surgeon will manipulate the scar tissue from the capsule and reconstruct the breast pocket in the correct position applying suturing techniques.
Large breast implants may cause the breast skin to stretch after prolonged use. If the patient wants these implants to be removed at any stage, the surgeon may recommend a breast lift along with the breast removal surgery. Dr. Seify will evaluate the condition as well as the patient’s aesthetic needs and make the appropriate recommendation to his patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and other areas.
Repositioning of Nipples and Areolas
In some cases, breast revision surgery may also involve elevation of the position of nipples and areolas. This procedure may require additional incisions. The goal of breast revision surgery is to help the patient achieve healthy, natural looking, and an aesthetically pleasing outcome.