If you have breast implants, you probably put a lot of thought and consideration into your decision to get breast augmentation surgery. The time you spent researching, planning, and recovering is all worth it if you feel confident and look great. But what if you don’t? Little Rock Breast Implant Revision Specialist, Dr. Melanie Prince, is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who helps women who are disappointed with the results of their breast augmentation, as well as women who are ready to change the size or placement of their breast implants.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Revision Surgery
There are many reasons women may seek breast implant revision surgery. This surgery is also called breast implant exchange because it typically involves removing your current breast implants to replace them with new implants. Dr. Prince also performs breast implant removal surgery for patients who no longer want to have implants.
Desire for Aesthetic Change
Maybe you loved the way your implants looked for years after surgery, but now something has changed, and you’re ready for a different look. If your personal style has shifted since your breast augmentation, you may feel that you are now better suited to a smaller implant or a fuller look. If aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy have left your breasts sagging or drooping, a revision combined with breast lift surgery can restore your breasts.
Implant Rupture
The outer shell of a breast implant can occasionally develop a tear or hole through which the contents of the implant (silicone or saline) may leak. Implant rupture may occur as a result of a traumatic event, such as a car accident, or due to an aging implant.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a complication of breast augmentation in which a patient’s natural scar tissue builds up and hardens around the implant. Capsular contracture can happen during the healing process, even if your breast augmentation surgery went perfectly. If you have mild capsular contracture, your breasts may feel firm but still look natural. However, if you have severe capsular contracture, your breasts will feel very firm but may be tender to the touch and appear misshapen, hard, or asymmetrical.1
Implant Malposition
If your implants are incorrectly positioned on the chest wall, they may shift so that they move too close together (symmastia), move too far outward (lateral displacement), or move down (sometimes called “bottoming out”).
What to Expect During Breast Implant Revision Surgery
The first step is to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Prince at her Little Rock office. This is your opportunity to discuss any concerns you have about your current implants as well as what type of results you would like from your revision surgery. There are several revisional techniques that may be used depending on your reasons for breast implant revision and your desired results. Your breast implants are surrounded by a pocket of natural scar tissue called a capsule. Dr. Prince can shift this capsule in order to adjust the placement of your new implants or she can remove it completely. On the day of your surgery you will be given general anesthesia. Dr. Prince will close your incisions with dissolvable stitches and skin glue.
Revision With Breast Lift
If your breasts sag due to age or weight fluctuations, a breast lift may be required to achieve the results you want. During a revision with breast lift surgery, Dr. Prince will reposition your breast tissue and remove excess skin. A breast lift can be performed with breast implant exchange or removal.
I spent over a year with Dr. Prince through two surgeries and weekly visits over the course of a year. She and the entire team were knowledgeable, courteous and kind. Dr. Prince does beautiful work, I can’t thank her enough.
Noreen
Breast Revision Surgery Results and Recovery
After breast implant revision surgery, you will need to wear a special front-closing bra while you recover. If your breast revision surgery does not involve any capsule work, your recovery will require a two week restriction of any lifting or strenuous activity and a four week restriction from exercise. If your surgery required capsule removal, then you will need four weeks of full activity restriction with no lifting or strenuous movement. Dr. Prince will give you specific post-op instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the progress of your healing.
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Do I need new breast implants every ten years?
There is a common myth that breast implants need to be replaced every ten years. The truth is, if you are happy with the look and feel of your breast implants and you do not have any complications, then there is no need to replace them!
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Are there risks associated with breast revision surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks of breast revision. Complications or side effects that could occur as a result of breast revision surgery include infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation, skin loss, changes in sensation, and general anesthesia risks.2 Dr. Prince prioritizes patient safety in order to reduce your surgical risk.
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Am I a candidate for breast revision surgery?
If you have breast implants and you are unhappy with the appearance or size of your breasts, then revision surgery could be right for you. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for breast implant revision surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Prince.
Contact Dr. Melanie Prince for Breast Revision Surgery in Little Rock
Breast implant revision surgery is not a simple procedure and it requires a high level of surgical skill. Dr. Melanie Prince is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and she has extensive experience in breast revision. You deserve to feel good about your body! Contact us today to schedule your consultation or to learn more about breast implant revision surgery.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is capsular contracture and how can it be treated? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-capsular-contracture-and-how-can-it-be-treated Accessed November 27, 2019
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the risks of breast implant revision? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-implant-revision/safety Accessed November 27, 2019
Dr. Melanie Prince has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.