Breast Implant revision surgery is a common procedure to remove and/or replace breast implants that were placed for cosmetic or medical reasons given breast implants don’t last forever. Some breast implant patients even choose to explant or remove their implants completely later in life due to changes in their body, changes in personal preferences or health concerns. There are a range of factors to consider and a number of options available.
There are many reasons for considering breast implant revision surgery. Patients may feel their breast shape and appearance has changed over time or they may want to return to a more natural shape. There can often be more than one reason at play. Some of the more common reasons include:
Personal Preferences – one of the most common reasons for implant revision surgery is dissatisfaction with the results of the original procedure. Following the initial surgery patients may feel they are unhappy with the size and shape. Patients preferences may also change over time due to natural changes to the body from things like pregnancy, hormones, and weight fluctuations.
Medical Complications – while breast implants are common, there is a chance of medical complications occurring. For example, ultrasound scans may have confirmed ruptured breast implants. Other medical complications may include:
– ptosis or sagging
-hypertrophy or increased size of natural breast tissue
Concerns About Breast Implant Safety – Patients experiencing illness or negative symptoms related to their breast implants is also a reason for implant removal. Some patients have described a variety of symptoms commonly referred to as Breast implant illness, which they attribute to their implants including anxiety, fatigue, and autoimmune issues. Despite these reports, there is currently no scientific evidence linking breast implants to the above symptoms at this point in time.
Whatever the reason for wanting to remove and or replace your breast implants, there are a number of options available.
Breast implant revision typically involves removing the old breast implants and the scar tissue or capsule around the implants and replacing them with new breast implants. This may be to correct any complications such as capsular contracture or rupture or to improve the overall appearance. For example, the breast implant pocket may be reshaped to reposition the implant on the chest or the implant size is changed to suit the patient’s preferences. Removal and replacement of breast implants typically involves the following:
Safety is always Dr Cheng’s number 1 priority when it comes to any treatment plan. If I am replacing breast implants there are some circumstances where I would suggest performing a breast lift as a second stage and these are:
This depends on your preference and also the safety of the procedures but in general, the options include:
Involves removal of the old implant followed by the scar capsule. Safety is by far the biggest priority here and if the scar has firmly adhered to the chest wall it may be unsafe to perform total capsulectomy. Total capsulectomy overlaps in some ways with enbloc capsulectomy.
Removal of part but not all of the scar capsule. In some situations, this may be the best option e.g. if a patient is downsizing breast implant size or the scar is adhered to the chest wall and presents a significant safety risk.
In an En Bloc breast implant removal, the implant, as well as the scar tissue (capsule) surrounding it, are removed together as 1 piece. This technique is often done in cases where the patients has a strong preference for this removal. En Bloc is often sought by patients who want reassurance that the implant and any remaining affected tissue are completely removed. However, the procedure may not be suitable for all patients and will depend on individual circumstances. Enbloc often results in longer surgery times and a longer incision and therefore scar.
This depends on a number of factors and during my consultation, I like to evaluate the following with each patient:
These factors will determine the treatment plan which may involve one or a combination of the following procedures:
Breast implant removal with capsulectomy
For patients where the skin envelope, breast tissue and nipple-areola position and shape are good then I would aim for this less invasive approach to breast implant removal as a first stage. Allow up to 6 months for the skin to shrink or contract back to its original size before considering breast lift surgery.
There are a group of women who have experienced pregnancy and breastfeeding and/or significant weightless patients where the skin envelope, breast tissue and nipple-areola complex is sagging. I often combine breast implant removal and capsulectomy with a breast lift or mastopexy for this group of patients. Breast lift surgery is a procedure to lift and tighten the skin envelope, breast tissue and nipple-areola position. This is done by removing and/or tightening the excess skin along with repositioning the nipple-areola and breast tissue to reshape and improve the breast contour. This is common for patients who choose to remove their implants without replacing them. This can give the breasts a firmer and more rejuvenated appearance. For more information on breast lift procedures see our breast lift page. Some of these women may have developed additional breast tissue after pregnancy and weight gain, hence a breast reduction may also be more suitable for some of these women.
Depending on the severity of the droopiness, a breast lift can also be performed as a stage 2 procedure.
This procedure involves removing the original breast implants and using liposuction to transfer fat from other areas of the body to the breasts. This is also referred to as lipoaugmentation, with fat usually taken from the hips, thighs or abdomen region. This procedure is often preferred by patients seeking a relatively small increase in breast size or augmentation with a more natural look and shape.
Every patient recovers differently from surgical procedures however in the first few weeks especially, rest and recuperation should be prioritised. As we always say, recovery is just as important as the surgery itself!!
Dr Cheng is one of the leading breast revision surgeons in Brisbane. To find out more about what breast removal procedure might be right for you, or to request a consultation with Dr Cheng, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Enquiries
office@arplasticsurgery.com.au
Address
Wesley Medical Centre,
Suite 50 Level 4/40 Chasely St,
Auchenflower QLD 4066
Australia
Parking
Access to the Wesley Hospital carpark is via Lang Parade
Phone (07) 3870 3960
Opening Hours 8:30am - 5pm