How to Know If You Need Breast Revision Surgery
Posted August 22, 2024 in Breast Revision
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation remains one of the top five most requested plastic surgeries performed each year. While most women are thrilled with their results, in some cases, you may need a breast revision. In this blog, we discuss common reasons for undergoing breast revision surgery.
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Why Women May Choose Breast Revision Surgery
Choosing to undergo any type of cosmetic surgery is a very personal choice, but breast augmentation is especially so. Most women consider breasts an inherent part of a woman’s femininity. If you’re insecure about the size or shape of your breasts, it can have a significant impact on your confidence.
However, over time, your feelings about your breast implants may change, leading you to consider breast revision surgery. The ASPS reports that over 40,000 women chose to remove their breast implants in 2023, which is a nine percent increase over the previous year. Below, we explore why more women may be choosing breast revision surgery.
Breast Revision Surgery to Address Implant Complications
Capsular Contracture
When the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around your breast implants after augmentation begins to contract and squeeze the implants, that’s called capsular contracture. This contraction can cause pain and breast deformity and can only be addressed with implant revision surgery to release the scar tissue and replace (or remove) the implant.
Capsular contracture is one of the most common complications after breast augmentation. Even so, it only affects about one in six patients. This may seem like a high number, but this is due to the different degrees of severity of the condition. Some patients may have capsular contracture and not notice it because it is extremely minor.
Implant Malposition
When your breast implants are placed, they are situated in a breast pocket created by your surgeon. When breast augmentation is performed correctly, the implants remain in place in the pockets, but in some cases, they move. This is called implant malposition and requires breast revision surgery to repair. Types of implant malposition include:
Lateral malposition: the breast implants slide to the outer edges of your chest, often because of a poorly created pocket or insufficient breast tissue to support the implants.
Low malposition: also known as “bottoming out,” this occurs when the implants slide below the breast crease.
Symmastia: Symmastia occurs when the implants meet in the middle of the chest, causing a “uniboob.”
Implant Leaks or Ruptures
Both saline and silicone implants are extremely durable, so leaks and ruptures aren’t a common problem. However, if you do experience a leak or rupture, it requires breast revision surgery.
Breast Revision Surgery to Address Aesthetic Concerns
Over time, changes to their lifestyle and feelings about their bodies may cause women to seek breast revision surgery. Perhaps you got larger implants when you were younger to boost your confidence, and as you age, they’re no longer in line with your overall aesthetic. Maybe you’ve become more active over time, and larger implants impede your ability to participate fully in certain activities. Or, perhaps the opposite is true, and you wish to give yourself a bit more roundness and cleavage, so you’d like to increase the size of your implants. Whatever your reasons, breast implant volume revision can address your concerns.
Breast Revision Surgery to Address Physical Changes
As you age, how your skin looks and your weight is distributed can change. If you have larger breast implants, decreasing elasticity in your skin can cause your breasts to sag and affect their appearance. Weight fluctuations can also affect the appearance of your breasts, as adding or losing weight can cause asymmetry or alter their shape and size. Smaller implants may help in both cases and combining a breast lift with your breast revision can also address sagging.
Learn More About Breast Revision Surgery in Fresno
Whether you choose to change the size of your implant or remove it altogether, Dr. Mark Chin’s expertise and skill in breast procedures make him the surgeon of choice for optimal results. When you come in for a consultation, you can discuss your reasons for seeking breast revision surgery, as well as if you wish to replace your implants or go back to your natural breasts. To learn more, schedule your appointment today by calling (559) 435-9646 or completing the online contact form.