Breast Implant Revision: Refining Your Results
At Valley Plastic Surgery, Dr Matthew Peters offers breast implant revision surgery to address concerns that may arise after a previous breast surgery procedure. This page provides essential information to help you make an informed decision about breast implant revision.
What is Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure designed to address issues that may occur following breast augmentation or reconstruction involving a breast implant. Patients may consider this procedure for various reasons, including:
- Desire to change implant size or type
- Addressing complications such as capsular contracture
- Correcting implant malposition
- Breast implant rupture
- Updating older implants
Why consider this surgery?
For some women, medical or aesthetic concerns that arise may mean breast implants need to be removed.
Once your breast implants are removed, depending on your anatomy and desired outcome, your procedure may include the replacement of your breast implants alone, or in conjunction with a mastopexy.
What is capsular contracture?
When a breast implant is placed, scar tissue forms around it to create a capsule. This is normal and expected. However, if this scar tissue tightens too much and becomes firm and painful, this is called capsular contracture. It can cause pain and distortion of the breast, or make the breast rise higher on the chest. Regular breast screening and review as per advice from your doctor will help with early identification and management of any possible issues.
The nature of breast implants and the normal changes that can occur within your body over time, such as aging, means that you may need to undergo breast revision surgery to restore your desired results. For any further questions or concerns, book a consultation with Dr Peters where you can discuss your individual needs for breast revision surgery.
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What Does the Surgery Involve? Are There Scars?
Breast implant revision surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure may involve:
- Making incisions, often through the original augmentation scars
- Removing or replacing the existing implants
- Adjusting the implant pocket if necessary
- Removal of the breast capsule
- Addressing any scar tissue (capsule) around the implant
- Closing the incisions with sutures
Dr Peters uses advanced techniques to minimise additional scarring. While some scarring is inevitable, it usually fades significantly over time.
Can This Procedure be Combined with Other Surgeries?
Yes, breast implant revision can often be combined with other procedures to enhance overall results. Common combinations include:
- Breast lift (mastopexy)
- Replacement of breast implants
- Fat grafting for additional shaping
- Scar revision from previous surgeries
Dr Peters will discuss these options during your consultation, tailoring the approach to your individual needs and goals.
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What Does Recovery Involve?
Much like other breast surgeries, recovery from a breast implant revision varies for each patient, but generally involves:
- Initial recovery period of 1-2 weeks before returning to work
- Wearing a special surgical bra for up to six weeks
- Gradual return to normal activities over 4-6 weeks
- Avoiding strenuous activities and heavy lifting for 12 weeks
- Regular follow-up appointments with Dr Peters to monitor healing
Recovery from any surgical procedure is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. Dr Peters and his nursing team spend a tremendous amount of time with each patient to ensure they are ready for the recovery process.
You can discuss any concerns you may have about your recovery during your pre-operative consultations with either Dr Peters or the clinical nursing team at Valley Plastic Surgery.
Results typically become apparent after several months, as swelling subsides and tissues settle. Review appoints will continues 6 and 9 months post-surgery.
Understanding the Risks
Every surgery has general risks, in addition to the procedure specific risks. The risks associated with a breast implant revision – and ways in which to minimise them – will be discussed with you during your consultation with Dr Peters. He will always allow ample time to discuss any concern you may have. You can also reach out to Dr Peter’s clinical nursing team to assist with any question or concerns you may have prior to and after your procedure.
The Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons details the potential risks and complications and you may read more here
Adhering to recovery guidelines can help minimise certain risks and complications. Ensuring that you closely monitor how you are feeling and notifying the Valley Plastic Surgery team of any concerns is the best way to mitigate your risk of adverse outcomes.
Your Journey Starts Here
If you’re considering a breast implant revision, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Peters. During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Discuss your goals and concerns
- Learn about the procedure in detail
- View before and after photos of previous patients
- Receive a personalised treatment plan
- Discuss any questions or concerns you may have around your procedure.
Remember, the decision to undergo any surgical procedure is personal and should be made with careful consideration. We’re here to provide the information and support you need to make the choice that’s best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to organise a consultation with Dr Peters, where you can discuss your concerns and expectations, ask questions, and learn more about what happens during the procedure.
You will be provided with information about how to best prepare for your specific procedure and post-surgery care requirements by Dr Peters as well as during your consultation with a Valley Plastic Surgery nurse.
We suggest that you prepare an area in your home for you to recover comfortably, with pillows, ice packs, and entertainment. You may also choose to pre-prepare some healthy meals, purchase some comfortable, loose clothing and fill any needed prescriptions before your procedure date.
There is a risk of rupture of every breast implant, which increases as the prosthesis ages. For saline implants, if the implant leaks, the contents will be reabsorbed into the body. If this occurs most women notice a reduction in breast size.
For silicone implants, the gel may remain within the implant shell (intracapsular rupture) or leak into the surrounding area (extracapsular rupture). Some women may experience breast pain or develop lumps surround the implant or change in breast size or shape. In many cases, however, there are no signs or symptoms, and breast imaging is required for a diagnosis.
Regular breast screening and review as per your Specialist Plastic Surgeon’s advice is vital for prevention and early identification and management of any possible problems.
If you are wanting to retain a significant breast volume increase, an implant is usually required. However, fat grafting techniques are becoming more reliable and predictable and can be a suitable alternative to implants for small volume augmentations or specific volume asymmetries that may exist.
Dr Peters can assess the possibility of fat grafting within the context of your anatomy and desired result during your initial consultation if this is an option you are interested in.