Corrective Breast Augmentation / Revision Breast Surgery

If you have undergone a breast augmentation and achieved unsatisfactory results, a revision procedure with Dr. Ljung may be recommended for you.  The goal of this surgery, whether it’s a simple or complex procedure, is to:

  1. Correct aesthetic problems related to breast implants
  2. Address complications of previous breast augmentation

Although breast implants do not have an expiration date, they often need to be replaced after several years.  For this reason, you should form a partnership with a qualified plastic surgeon to prepare for the possibility of necessary revisions.  There are many possible reasons for a revision procedure: you may change your preferences, your aesthetic results may change during the aging process, or an unexpected event (a complication or medical issue) may occur.

Reasons for Revision

The following are some of the more common reasons for corrective breast augmentation or revision breast surgery:

  • Visible implant rippling: In some patients, the edges or folds of a breast implant can show on the skin.  This can often be prevented by choosing silicone implants or placing the implants in a sub-muscular position.  Rippling can often be corrected with a volume adjustment or a switch to silicone implants.
  • Implant Deflation: Breast implants can rupture because of trauma or general “wear and tear” over time.    They may also be defective, in which case you should investigate a manufacturer’s warranty to pay for replacements and possibly surgery.  If a saline implant fails, you will probably know it immediately.  The saline is safely absorbed by your body and poses no health risk, but the change will be noticeable on the affected breast.  To detect a rupture with a silicone implant, an MRI is usually necessary.
  • Capsular Contracture:  This occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant, constricting the capsule.  There are varying degrees of severity when it comes to this condition.  If your implants have become displaced or distorted over time, you may need to see a plastic surgeon to correct capsular contracture.
  • Breast Ptosis:  Large or surgically enlarged breasts are generally more prone to breast ptosis, i.e. breast droop.  When your skin elasticity decreases throughout the aging process, you may notice a gradual descent of your breasts.  There are various techniques in breast lift surgery (mastopexy) to correct this condition.  Some may involve placement of implants during the same procedure (augmentation mastopexy).
  • Change in Preferences:  Some patients choose to remove the saline implants they originally chose years ago and switch to a silicone gel breast implant that has a more natural consistency.  Others may decide that their circumstances have changed and breast implants no longer fit into their lifestyle.

Breast Implant Removal or Replacement Surgery: How it Works

Removing breast implants is a relatively simple surgical procedure.  However, the potential for an undesirable aesthetic outcome is strong.  In some cases, implants can be removed and the breasts resemble their pre-augmentation size and appearance.  However, if you have had breast implants for many years and are now choosing to remove them, it is unlikely that your skin will contract to a satisfactory degree.  In these cases, Dr. Ljung may recommend breast lift surgery to tighten the breast tissue and remove excess skin.

Replacement surgery is also relatively simple.  The implants are typically approached through the same surgical incision as your first procedure.  On each side, the implant is removed and the breast pocket is prepared for the replacement implant.  Afterward, the recovery time is often shorter than the original breast augmentation surgery.

To learn more about revision breast augmentation in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC, contact Azalea Coast Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.