Breast Implant Revision
Breast Implant Revision surgery is conducted to replace the implants that have been implemented from a previous surgery. There can be several reasons why patients may opt-in for this surgery including medical and cosmetic reasons.
What Is Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
Breast implant replacement surgery involves replacing silicone or saline implants that have been inserted from a previous breast augmentation surgery with new implants. Breast implant revision allows the option to review the results of the surgery and make changes to it that can improve the contour and appearance from your original results.
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Reasons For Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
There can be several reasons why patients choose to go through a breast implant revision and the reasons are normally to change or improve the appearance of the original breast implants:
- They wish to have a change of the shape or size of the breasts
- Have a different style of the implant (change shape, change from saline to silicone)
- Witnessing pain from the original breast implant surgery
- Ruptures have occurred after the surgery
Over time, changes can occur in the breasts implants in regards to shape and size. This can be from developed breast tissue or ageing which have caused less desirable results. The costs associated with replacing breast implants are no longer covered after 10 years of the warranty. This means that many women will choose to have breast implant replacement surgery before or around after they’ve had it.
Preparing For Breast Implant Revision
There will be discussions had during your consultation about your general health, lifestyle and how you can prepare for the surgery. It’s important that during your consultation that you be as honest as possible with us so we can manage your expectations and ensure we can cater the surgery to your needs so you feel safe. If you have any concerns or issues with your health, a consultation is where you can confirm this before going through with the breast implant replacement surgery. There will be precautions that you’ll need to take beforehand:
- Get your original breast implant surgery evaluated
- Go through breast implant imaging
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking herbal supplements, anti-inflammatory drugs
What Happens During Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
The surgery is normally performed under general anaesthesia and requires incisions being made in order to replace the breast implants. The type of incision that’s made will be dependant on the procedure that requires to be completed and the results of your original breast implants surgery. The types of incisions include:
- Inframammary incision which is applied in the crease underneath the breasts
- Breast Lift incision. This is normally vertically applied
- Periareolar incision which involves making an incision part way or all the way around your areola
Which incision is required will be discussed during your consultation.
Depending on the changes being made to breast implants, scar tissue may be required to remove. This is done by initially removing the implants before replacing or repositioning them to the desired position. You should expect the surgery to last around 2-3 hours depending on what’s required.
After Your Surgery
After the surgery has been completed, bandages may be applied to your incisions to protect them. You will be taken back to the ward so you’re provided with the time to mobilise after being under anaesthetic. You may feel signs of discomfort or swelling when you regain consciousness. If you feel excess pain this can be numbed through analgesia medication. You’ll need someone to pick you up after the surgery as it won’t be advised to drive and you may wish to request them to look after you to support you when you return home.
Strenuous activity or lifting should be avoided for at least 3-4 weeks whilst you recover but light exercises can normally start around 2 weeks after.
FAQs
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How Long Should I Wait Before Getting Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
It can take time to see the true results of your original breast implant surgery. Bruising and swelling normally goes down around 4-6 weeks after the surgery before the implants settle and eventual full results of the surgery can take up to 6 months. Therefore, it’s advised you wait at least 6 months before breast revision surgery.
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What Are The Risks Involved?
There are some risks that can occur during breast implant replacement that you need to be aware of. These risks can be avoided as long as you’re honest as possible during your consultation. Risks involved are:
- Anaesthesia reaction
- Excessive scarring and bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Additional revision required
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How Much Will The Procedure Cost?
The cost of the procedure will be discussed during your consultation as your individual circumstances will determine the overall price. Points to be considered will include the types of incisions required, the shape and size of the breasts you require, the region being worked on, individual fees for surgeons and how much anaesthesia will be needed.
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Will Additional Scarring Be Caused?
All surgical procedures will produce scarring and breast implant replacement surgery is no exception. There will be occasions where the same incisions can be used to make the replacements, in which case additional scars won’t form. They will appear red again and require time to fade again, however.