Breast implant removal or revision breast augmentation can correct unexpected cosmetic problems that occur months or years after breast augmentation.
Patients often come to our Seattle practice with the misconception that breast implants have a ten-year expiration date. This is false: there are reasons you may need revision surgery, but breast implants do not have an expiration date. Dr. Rand has spoken to patients whose breast implants lasted longer than 30 years.
Who should consider breast implant revision?
If you are satisfied with the size, appearance and feel of your breast implants, this surgery is not for you. However, if you are experiencing a complication or you have become dissatisfied with some aspect of your breasts, revision surgery can usually correct the problem.
Reasons for Revision Surgery
There are many possible reasons to seek a revision breast augmentation. The following are some of those reasons. Keep in mind that some of the complications listed do not occur frequently.
- Implant shell rippling
- Scar tissue surrounding implant
- Implant out of place
- Nipple out of place
- Poor healing and scarring
- Breast sagging
- Change in size preferences
- Change in implant type
- Areola reduction
How Revision Breast Augmentation is Done
These procedures vary widely; they can be simple or quite complex. The goal is to resolve your problem while providing a satisfactory aesthetic outcome. In most cases, the same surgical incisions are used to access the breast implant. Recovery will usually require less time than your original breast augmentation.
Breast Implant Removal
Breast implant removal is simple and can be done in as little as 1-hour operating time. Your breasts will become smaller and the aesthetic outcome may be undesirable. Fortunately, plastic surgeons are able to perform other surgeries such as the breast lift to provide a more satisfactory result.
How to Proceed
If you are concerned about some aspect of your breast implants – especially if you suspect a breast implant rupture – do not hesitate to call our Seattle plastic surgery practice (425-688-8828) for a consultation with Dr. Rand.
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