Breast revision surgery is a popular and sometimes necessary procedure that offers several benefits, most notably to improve breast aesthetics or alleviate issues after trauma or previous surgery.
Breast revision surgery may be a suitable option if you are not happy with the results of a previous breast augmentation or your existing implants are causing health issues. Review these reasons for considering the procedure.
Capsular Contracture
Your body will naturally form a capsule of scar tissue around anything it perceives as foreign, including a hip replacement device or breast implants. Problems arise when this ring of scar tissue thickens or contracts and puts pressure on the implants, making them shift, harden, or distort. Capsular contraction can cause cosmetic problems and considerable discomfort.
Implant or Nipple-Areola Asymmetry
Several variations of implant asymmetry often accompany with implant issues. For example, if your implants did not settle correctly, your breasts may have an unnatural fullness in the upper pole. In contrast, implants positioned too low may look unusual for a different reason.
Nipple-areola asymmetry can be too low or too high after breast lift surgery. This issue may require breast revision surgery for an aesthetically pleasing look.
Double Bubble
This term refers to a condition in which a crease has developed across the lower part of the augmented breast, creating two distinct breast mounds.
Some typical issues that can lead to a double bubble include:
- Tuberous breasts
- Implants placed too high
- Disproportionately large implants
- Excessive scarring
- Capsular contracture
Another common cause of double bubble is when the breast implant remains in its original position, but the breast tissue and nipples point downward.
Ptosis
Ptosis refers to sagging breasts. If your breasts sag after breast augmentation, you may need a breast lift. In addition, weakened breast tissue from pregnancy or hormonal changes may not support the additional weight of breast implants. The solution is to perform a breast lift with or without changing your implants.
Symmastia
Symmastia is a complication that can occur with incorrectly placed or oversized implants. As a result, the distinction separating the breasts disappears, and the two implants flow into each other. The solution involves replacing the original implants with smaller or narrower devices.
Deflated Implants
This problem most often occurs in saline-filled implants and can arise at any point after the initial breast augmentation. Implants can deflate for several reasons, including defects, wear and tear, or being filled over or under capacity. While deflated saline implants are harmless, they can cause an undesirable asymmetry. The most effective solution is implant replacement.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation Revision
Dr. Jason Cooper is a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon specializing in breast procedures. If you want more information about our practice and the procedures he performs, contact us or call our Jupiter office at (561) 406-6574 or Palm Beach office at (561) 838-7370 to schedule your personal consultation today!