Breast Implant Revision: Reasons, Risks, Recovery

Overview

Breast implant revision is also known as implant replacement. It is a surgery that is aimed to replace old breast implants with new ones. Also, the goal is to change or improve the appearance of the breasts while updating the implant material, which could include:

A concurrent breast lift or reduction
Reshaping the breast implant pocket to reposition the implant on the chest
Either increasing or decreasing the size, shape or style of the breast implant

More than half of women with breast implants will have them redone in their lifetime. Because breast implants can cause a variety of concerns, including implant malfunction, capsular contracture, and dissatisfaction with breast size.

Candidates

A good candidate for breast implant revision include:

Unsatisfied with the size, shape or appearance of your breast implants
Worried about the integrity or condition of implants
Have stable weight
Physically healthy and have no other medical illnesses that impair the healing
Nonsmokers
Have positive and realistic expectations toward the surgery
Committed to living a healthy life with proper nutrion and fitness

Reasons

Reasons for doing the breast implant revision surgery can be divided into “want” and “need”. In some cases, patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance or shape of their current implants may want to replace them with a different size or style. Conditions for the need to do the surgery include:

Implant rupture
Implant rippling
Capsular contracture
Asymmetrical results
Sagging

These issues may occur due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations. Generally, women who have done breast implants need to change or remove the implants in about 10 years.

Cost

The cost of breast implant revision can range from $3,500 to as high as $15,000. Factors that may affect the range include:

Experience of the surgeon
Type of implants
length and difficulty of the procedure
Location of your doctor’s office
Additional fees associated with anesthesia, surgical facility, prescription medication, and post-operation appointments and garments

Risks

Before you decide to do breast implant revision, you need to understand the risks and complications of the procedure and evaluate whether they are acceptable. These possible risks include:

Infection
Bleeding
Persistent pain
Poor healing of incisions
Hematoma
Unfavorable scarring
Anesthesia risks
Capsular contracture
Skin loss
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
Recurrent looseness of skin
Asymmetry

Preparation

Before you accept breast implant revision, you may need to do some lab tests, such as mammogram, ultrasound or MRI, or a medical evaluation to help your doctor determine the procedure steps. Moreover, you may be asked to:

Stop smoking
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements for they can increase bleeding

Surgical steps

Breast implant revision is a same-day procedure that typically takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours from start to finish. Because every breast implant replacement surgery is different, the exact procedure is customized for each woman. Generally, the procedure may consist of these 4 steps:

Anesthesia, either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia
The incision, varying based on the type of procedures
Closing the incisions with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips
See the results, initially obscured by swelling

You need someone to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

Recovery

While recovery varies from person to person, most doctors agree that recovery after breast implant revision is much easier and less painful than your initial procedure. In most cases, the surgeon will provide a special post-surgical garment to wear during the first few days of recovery in order to minimize swelling.

Heavy lifting or straining, and sometimes driving, should be avoided after surgery because such activities can cause the breasts to swell. Typically, you can return to work within a week and to full activity within a few weeks. Most importantly, remember to follow all the instructions given to you by your surgeon.

Keyword: breast implant revision.

* The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.