Nine Possible Reasons Why You Probably Need Breast Revision

Published:June 4th, 2011

Even with all the careful planning and proper execution of breast implant procedure, things can still go wrong with your breasts during and after the surgical operation. These may be some procedure-related events or some natural changes that happen in the breast tissue after giving birth and breast feeding your little one.

Am I a good candidate for breast revision?

Oh no, not AGAIN! After going under the knife once for aesthetic purposes, you have to do it again. But the question is this: Are you a good candidate for reoperation?

• Did your saline implant deflate?
• Are there any leaks in your silicone implant?
• Are you not satisfied with the implant size you received?
• Did your breast implant change its position?
• Did you lose or gain weight and had breast tissue changes because of your change in weight?

If your answer is yes even to one question mentioned above, the best thing to do is consult your surgeon.

What can you expect during consultation?

During consultation, your surgeon will ask you about the breast size you want and he can also ask other things related to the appearance of both of your breasts. Be sure to be vocal about your wants so that he can determine your expectations. This way he can work out a plan for the operation.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me?

Your surgeon my examine your breasts. He may even take some pictures of your breast for your medical record. He or she may even evaluate your breast shape and size. He or she may touch your breast skin to evaluate its elasticity and overall quality. He or she may examine your nipples and areolas.

What are the other pertinent things my plastic surgeon might ask me?

Your doctor might ask you about your medical history. He or she may ask you about your present medical condition, your previous drug allergies and surgical procedures. He or she may even ask you about the current medications you are taking. Your family history will also be examined.  It is important to supply your doctor with the detailed information about these things because it can affect his or her management and surgical procedure.

Are there other things I need to tell my surgeon?

If you are planning to lose weight in the future or maybe get pregnant, it is best to tell your surgeon at your consultation. If you are overweight or obese, your doctor might recommend you to stabilize your weight first before having the procedure.  Pregnancy can alter your breast size and thus can affect the results of your breast operation.

Now that we have already discussed the preliminaries, let’s go to the reasons why you probably need breast revision surgery.

1. Breast implant deflation. After receiving your breast implant, there is always a chance that it might burst and deflate. Deflated implants do not look good, of course and they will surely look asymmetrical in appearance too.  Most implants imported to the US have warranty thus you can have the chance to replace your implants without the added cost on the material your surgeon will be using.
2. Your desire to have a larger breast. Changed your mind after undergoing your breast operation for the first time? Do you need you still need a much larger pair of breasts? The primary goal of having a breast surgery procedure is to fit your body frame and so, if you think your breasts do not still look appropriate after going under the knife, then go back to your surgeon and ask whether you can still handle a breast revision surgery that can further enlarge your breasts.
3. You decided you want a smaller breast. After having your breast procedure, you looked at the mirror and exclaimed, “Whoa! My breasts are too big for me!” Now, now, now. Don’t sulk. You still can go back to your surgeon and ask him or her to change your breast size. No one can decide about your breast size but yourself.  If you choose to make it smaller, then do it!
4. Capsular contracture. Now, what is this capsular contracture? This is a phenomenon wherein scarring or tight tissue formation around your implant occurs. The exact cause of this problem is still unclear. However, some surgeons may blame it to trauma or even bleeding anytime after the surgical operation.  However, in most cases, the cause is idiopatic, meaning unknown. Are there other procedures that can solve this problem without going under the knife? Some people say that having an aggressive massage, some prostaglandin inhibitors or vitamin E supplementation can solve this problem. However, these procedures are not yet proven by science to work as they are expected to work.
5. Malpositioning of implants. For unknown reasons, implants sometimes malposition. This may be due to the too large space where the implant is capsulated. However, other reasons may also be involved. The key to proper management is proper diagnosis of the problem. It may require internal sutures to correct the problem. Or, it may need external procedures such as breast lift to make your breasts look perfect again.
6. Synmastia. What on earth is synmastia? Synmastia, also called unibook, happens when the implant pockets start communication with each other. This communication does not mean they start talking with each other. Rather, the one of the breast implants starts moving across the midline making your breasts look as if they are only one. This boob problem is relatively uncommon. However, it can happen in women who used a much wider and much larger breast implants than they actually need.
7. Double-bubble deformity. Double bubble is the visualized stacking of the of the implant and the patient’s own breast tissues. It happens when an attempt is made to decrease the level of the infra-mammary fold during breast augmentation. Reconstruction may involve releasing the tension of the muscle inside the breast, repairing the capsule or moving the implant itself.
8. Implant problem. Do you sometimes see rippling of your implant through your skin? Yes? Chances are the breast tissues covering your implant is not enough and this requires surgical reoperation. The procedure involves placing in a thicker coverage over your implant to conceal the rippling and this is carried out by putting some muscles over your implant.
9. Some changes in your breast tissue. Breast tissue changes after the operation is not uncommon. It can happen with weight changes and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a result, your implants may shift in position. Your surgeon needs to do some careful planning and evaluation to come up with the best breast revision procedure. Your surgery may mean changing your implants, improving the capsular spaces, undergoing some breast lift or changing the position of your implants. Any way, the best outcome is still having a good-to-see pair of breasts.

Reference:

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: Breast Revision – General Description

---