Breast Implant Revision /
Replacement
Many women have already had
Breast Implant Surgery. We know that eventually almost all of
them will need to undergo at least one or more operations for
routine implant replacement. As with most medical devices, the
implants are not designed to last forever. Breast Implant
replacement is usually never as uncomfortable as the first
surgery and most patients recover in 1-2 days. Dr. Corey sees
many women who may need or want further surgery for reasons
other than implant replacement.
REASONS FOR BREAST IMPLANT REVISION
There are a number of
reasons why a woman may seek to have further
surgery. As alluded to above, breast implant
deflation is a common reason why women may
need more surgery. The devices, whether saline
or silicone, may leak and the woman may notice
that one or both of her breasts has changed
shape or size. With saline implants it usually
is readily apparent when they leak. As the
saline is absorbed by the body the breast
becomes softer and smaller. With a leaking
silicone gel implant this may not be noticed
as quickly. In most instances, the silicone
gel leaks out of the implant in the capsule or
pocket and is usually self-contained. Most
women can tell a subtle change in their shape
while others notice nothing at all.
There are tests, such as mammogram or
ultrasound, that can help to determine if this
has happened or not.
Besides breast implant
deflation, there are other reasons for
revision or breast implant correction. Some
women just wish to be bigger or smaller and
would like an implant exchange. Dr. Corey sees
many women who feel that their original size
is no longer proportionate with their body and
they simple desire an implant change. Other
women may not like the appearance of their
implants. They feel their implants might be
too high or low or give their breasts a
distorted shape. Others feel that their
breasts may appear too "fake" and
not natural. Some may be experiencing
unacceptable implant rippling. Ripples can be
present in both saline-filled or silicone gel
implants. In many cases there are things that
can be done to decrease the visibility of
rippling. However, in some cases, in may never
go completely away.
Breast implant hardening or
encapsulation is another reason why women may
seek correction or revision. Even though the
majority of women with implants remain
acceptable soft, some do experience more
firmness. Some may even have visible
distortion or discomfort and feel that it
should be addressed.
Overall, there are many
reasons women may want or need implant
revision or replacement, and Dr. Corey will go
over your individual situation in detail to
try and help you achieve the result you
desire.
YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION
At your first visit, Dr.
Corey will meet with you and take as accurate
a history as you are able to provide regarding
your previous breast surgeries. If
possible, it is very helpful if you can bring
as much information as you can to your visit.
Dates of surgery, implant size and fill
volumes, type of implants (manufacturer, round
or tear drop, textured or smooth, saline or
gel), possible warranty information, and the
implant position (above or below the muscle).
These are all important pieces of information.
During the visit, Dr. Corey will review your
history along with your expectations and a
plan will be formulated.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
During your pre-operative
consultation, Dr. Corey will review with you
the goals and procedure that is planned
examine any new information that you may have
found out since your first visit regarding
your previous surgery. You will be provided
with instructions regarding diet, smoking and
medications and you will be given any
necessary prescriptions.
DURING YOUR SURGERY
The extent and duration of
your surgery will depend on many factors.
There may be a simple exchange of one or both
of your implants with a possible change in
implant type (saline or gel, textured or
smooth). There may be an adjustment or
removal of the capsule already formed from
your previous surgery or a shifting of your
implant from its current position (above or
below your pectoralis muscle). It is possible
that you may need something as complex as a
Mastopexy (Breast Lift) with or without new
implants. And at times there is a combination
of any or all of the above techniques.
POST-OPERATIVE CARE
As stated, in most cases
your recovery is much easier than the initial
breast implant surgery. In simple procedures
there is very little swelling. However, this
varies from case to case and Dr. Corey will
give you exact instructions on activity and
implant massage, if needed.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
See Before/After
photographs
If you would like more
information about implant replacement,
correction or revision, please Contact
Me.
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