Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant revision, alternatively denoted as mammary prosthesis substitution, encompasses an operative technique within the realm of aesthetic surgical interventions. Executed by a cosmetic surgeon proficient in breast-related operations, this surgery necessitates the extraction and subsequent replacement of preexisting mammary implants with novel ones, the objective being augmentation of breast aesthetics or rectification of complications linked to preceding surgical procedures.

Females may opt for breast implant revision for a multitude of reasons, including alteration of implant dimensions or classification, rectifying asymmetries, or addressing predicaments such as implant disintegration or capsular contracture. (1) (2)

In accordance with the 2020 Aesthetic Surgical Procedure Statistical Abstract furnished by the American Society of Aesthetic Surgeons, 36,367 instances of mammary implant extractions (limited to augmentation patients) transpired in 2020. This figure constitutes an 8% escalation compared to 2019. (3)

What is Breast Implants Revision?

Breast implants may be removed, replaced, or repositioned through a surgical surgery called breast implant revision to address particular issues and enhance the appearance of the breasts as a whole. People who have had breast augmentation in the past who want to revise their procedure frequently do so because of difficulties, results they were unhappy with, preferences they no longer like, or deterioration of the implants over time.

What is Breast Implants Revision Procedures?

Breast implant revision is a highly individualised process that differs based on the patient's particular requirements and concerns. The process usually consists of multiple steps:

1. Planning: The surgeon will assess the state of the breasts as they are right now, taking into account the implants' location, the integrity of the implant capsules, and any indications of difficulties. A personalised surgical plan will be developed based on this evaluation to treat the unique issues.
2. Incision and Implant Removal: The same area where the initial breast augmentation surgery was performed will be used for the incisions. Depending on the required revision, these incisions could be comparable or different. Any scar tissue or capsule that has developed around the implants is carefully removed, and it may be removed or changed.
3. Implant Replacement or Adjustment: The surgeon may decide to replace the implants with new ones that are a different size, shape, or material depending on the patient's goals and concerns. The implants might need to be moved in some situations to achieve a better location or symmetry.
4. Additional surgeries: To address concerns about drooping, asymmetry, or volume loss, breast implant revision may include additional surgeries such as breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, or fat transfer.

After the desired alterations have been done, the incisions are securely stitched shut. Drains may be positioned to reduce fluid accumulation and improve healing.

Breast Implant Revision Risks and Side Effects

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast implant revision surgery is accompanied by several potential risks. A comprehensive understanding of these risks is essential, and they should be thoroughly discussed with the surgical team before proceeding.

Potential risks involve:

• Complications related to anesthesia.
• Resulting asymmetry post-surgery.
• Rare cancer risks like BIA-ALCL and BIA-SCC.
• Postoperative bleeding risks.
• Possibilities of severe complications such as deep vein thrombosis.
• The occurrence of fat necrosis.
• Accumulation of fluid, known as seroma.
• Hematoma formation post-surgery.
• Risks of infection.
• Altered skin sensations or numbness.
• Persistent, ongoing pain.
• Challenges in incision healing.
• Possible recurrence of skin looseness.
• Risks involving loss of skin.
• Potential for prolonged swelling or skin discoloration.
• Possibilities of less-than-ideal aesthetic outcomes.
• The occurrence of undesirable scarring.

All these risks necessitate a clear discussion to make an informed decision regarding the surgery.

Who Gets Breast Implants Revision?

People who have previously undergone breast augmentation surgery and are having issues with their implants are frequently candidates for breast implant revision. Among the eligibility requirements are:

• Candidates may experience problems such implant rupture, capsular contracture (excessive scar tissue growth around the implant), implant malposition, implant rippling, or implant deflation.
• Candidates may not be happy with their breasts' size, shape, symmetry, or general appearance following their initial augmentation treatment due to aesthetic reasons.
• Personal preferences are subject to change over time, and applicants may decide they would prefer a different implant size, shape, or material.
• Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or simply getting older can all have an impact on how the breasts look and make you want revision surgery.

Candidates will go through a thorough evaluation to determine their suitability for breast implant revision during a consultation with a licenced plastic surgeon. The surgeon will evaluate the patient's present breast health, go through their medical background, talk about their desired results, and offer tailored advice.

What do I Need After Breast Implant Revision Surgery?

Patients can anticipate a period of healing and rehabilitation following breast implant revision surgery. Following surgery, recovery may include:

• Recovery: Depending on the amount of the revision, other operations carried out, and personal healing factors, the recovery period following breast implant revision may vary. In the first few days or weeks following surgery, patients may feel some discomfort, swelling, and bruising.
• Follow-up Appointments: It's critical to schedule frequent follow-up consultations with the surgeon to track the healing process, have any drains or sutures removed, and to address any issues or queries that may come up.
• Resuming Activities: Patients should adhere to their surgeon's recommendations for returning to regular activities, exercise, and donning bras or supportive clothing. Heavy lifting and intense activity should be avoided during the initial recuperation phase.
• Scar care: Although initially apparent, breast implant revision incision scars will eventually disappear. To help minimise the appearance of scars, patients may be encouraged to employ scar care procedures like silicone sheets or gels.

Breast Implant Revision Results

The effects of breast implant revision surgery may take some time to completely show and are not always visible right away. The final results will progressively become more visible as the swelling and bruising eventually go away. Patients should be aware that healing times can vary from person to person and that it may take many months for the scars to fully heal and the breasts to adapt to their new shape.

The long-term effects of breast implant revision surgery are intended to resolve the issues that prompted the revision, improve the breasts' overall appearance, and raise patient satisfaction. Patients should anticipate improved breast aesthetics and higher confidence by working closely with a professional plastic surgeon and adhering to post-operative guidelines.

Conclusion

Breast implant revision gives patients the chance to address issues, problems, or unhappiness with a prior breast augmentation procedure. People can choose to have breast implants revised surgically in an informed manner if they are aware of the procedure's description, eligibility requirements, post-operative recovery timeline, and anticipated outcomes. 

In order to ensure that the revision surgery is customised to fit specific needs and intended outcomes, it is crucial to speak with a board-certified plastic surgeon about personal goals, concerns, and expectations. Breast implant revision can assist people in achieving improved breast aesthetics and restored confidence with the right care, direction, and expectations.