Breast implants can last between ten and twenty years (or even longer), but they are not lifetime devices. Eventually, you may need to have the implants replaced. This is especially true if your implants were put in by an inexperienced surgeon, which may lead to issues.
There are a number of reasons to consider breast augmentation revision, including the following:
- Rippling from saline implants, which can be caused by placement (placing the implant over the muscle, specifically) or just by the natural shifting of the implant. Your surgeon may suggest replacing the implants with silicone implants.
- A ruptured implant, which can occur with saline or silicone implants. Saline rupturing is much easier to detect because the body will absorb the salt water, leading to breast deflation. Silicon ruptures are generally undetectable without an MRI.
- Bottoming out, which occurs when the implant shifts below the breast line. This is more common with over-the-muscle placement, and can be corrected by placing the implants under the muscle.
- Capsular contracture, or a hardening of the tissues around the implant. The surgeon will remove the implant and perform corrective surgery on the breast tissues, as required. Implants will then be placed in a different pocket in the breast tissue.
- Dissatisfaction with the appearance of the breasts due to surgery performed by another surgeon (asymmetry, breast shape, incorrect placement of implants, etc.)
Patients may also want a breast surgery revision in order to move up to a larger size after living with their existing implants for several years. You can also use breast augmentation revision to move down a size. Either way, your plastic surgeon will work extensively with you during consultation, trying various sizers until you find the profile youre after.
Some patients may want to pair implant replacement with a breast lift. The heaviness of the breast implants, when coupled with natural forces of gravity, can cause the breasts to drop over long periods of time. A breast lift and new implants can revitalize your breasts and return them to a youthful place on the chest.
How do you know if you need a breast implant revision? If youre in any way unhappy with your post-operative appearance, you might want to schedule a consultation. If you have issues with your implants, such as bottoming out or shifting, revision may be necessary.
Learn more about breast augmentation, or view breast augmentation FAQs. For more information or to schedule a consultation, click here or call us at (703) 574- 2588.
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