Breast Augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed. Its popularity increases every year, especially as implant companies’ work to constantly improve the safety of breast implants. As the population of women who have had breast enlargement increases, so do the number of women who wish to make changes to their breast implants. There are many reasons why a woman might wish to make a change, including:
- Capsular contractures
- Breakage or leakage of silicone implants
- Deflation of saline implants
- Wanting to change the size of the current implants, either to larger or smaller implants
- Dissatisfaction with the results of the original procedure
The Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Breast implant revision can offer a solution to many of these problems. When considering breast implant revision, remember that you are unique. Additionally, your particular problem is unique. This requires a careful, detailed consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Warren Lent, will help you create a unique plan which addresses your specific needs.
If your problem is a capsular contracture, a hard scar inside the breast formed around the implant, the surgeon may need to remove the capsule, replace the implant, and/or reposition the implant in a new “pocket” behind the breast and muscle. Your doctor may recommend any combination of these components.
If your problem is due to the breakage or leaking of a silicone implant, your plastic surgeon will likely attempt to remove all of the old silicone material. This can be quite difficult, especially where the implant is found to be broken. Again, this may also require the surgeon to completely or partially remove of the capsule, reposition the new implant into a new “pocket”, and exchange the implant for a new saline or silicone implant.
If your problem is secondary to deflation of a saline implant, you will require the removal of the damaged implant. A new implant can usually be placed in the same previously created “pocket”.
If you wish to increase or decrease the size of your old implant, the surgeon can often accomplish this by reusing the same “pocket” that was created in the original operation. Patients should clearly explain to the surgeon how large or small the new implant should be. The use of photos and cup sizes will aid in this understanding.
A patient’s dissatisfaction with the original breast augmentation can be due to many different factors, some of which can be changed. Changes related to size and position can usually be changed. Changes related to shape often cannot. Remember that your breasts are not made of clay and therefore cannot be molded into just any shape. The final shape after breast augmentation is determined by the combination of your starting breast shape and the implants used. Due to such factors as pregnancy, weight loss or gain, and the aging process, breasts will continue to change, even after breast augmentation . Some women often complain after breast enlargement surgery of sagging or drooping. In these cases, patients can usually benefit from a breast lift (AKA mastopexy).
Here at Dr. Warren Lent’s office, we show care for each patient from the initial consultation to the final post-surgery call. We look forward to hearing from you. For more information about breast implant revision, costs, or questions, please contact us at:
150 North Robertson Blvd. Suite 140
Beverly Hills, Ca 90211