For the past two decades, breast enhancement surgery has been in the top 5 most requested and popular plastic surgery procedures. But having a breast aesthetic surgery is not a decision to take lightly. Millions of women have undergone breast surgery over the last few decades and while breast augmentation remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, other breast surgeries do not fall far behind.
For the past two decades, breast enhancement surgery has been in the top 5 most requested and popular plastic surgery procedures. But having a breast aesthetic surgery is not a decision to take lightly. Millions of women have undergone breast surgery over the last few decades and while breast augmentation remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, other breast surgeries do not fall far behind.
Of course, after having a breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery, the last thing likely on your mind is having additional breast surgeries now and in the near future. However, breasts will continue to change with age and time, hormones have unpredictable effects, and we are all living longer. This is leading to increasing numbers of women seeking breast revision surgery as a solution. Dr Rozina Ali, one of the best plastic surgeons in London, is highly qualified in breast surgery. She shares her insights regarding the many factors that could cause your breast implants to deviate from your original expectations or appearance and could lead to revision surgery. But let us take things step by step.
What is breast revision surgery?
Breast revision surgery is a surgical procedure that aims to correct or improve the results of a previous breast surgery. The procedure may involve removing and replacing breast implants, correcting asymmetry or other cosmetic issues, or addressing medical complications that have arisen from the initial breast surgery
Over time, breasts change in shape and size. Implants may not change at all and in fact, their lack of movement can lead to the overlying breast tissue creating an appearance or feel to the breast that is less desirable than the original result.
Breast implant revision surgery needs to be tailored specifically to the patient’s goals and desires. Correction of either aesthetic breast surgery or post-reconstruction problems requires experience, judgement and surgical skill. It may include a range of procedures, including revision of breast implants, reshaping/lifting breasts or adding fat to breast tissues that may previously have been lifted or reduced, or it may require the correction of unsightly scars.
Who is a candidate for revision surgery?
While it is reasonable to expect patients to replace their breast implants after 10+ years, there are several reasons they may need to be replaced sooner. These reasons may vary from not achieving the best or natural-looking results you were hoping for to experiencing complications with your implants, such as capsular contracture or simply preference to revise or rejuvenate the results following a change in breast shape, volume, size or symmetry.
Prior to breast revision surgery, make sure to consult with your aesthetic surgeon to establish the best time frame and circumstances for you to safely undergo breast surgery once more. If you have recently had breast surgery, Rozina would always advocate waiting for at least six months and possibly up to a year before embarking on correctional surgery in order to allow the scarring (particularly internal scarring) to mature and soften so that the tissue is pliable and easier to work with.
When should you consider revision surgery?
Besides being unhappy with the breast surgery, there may be some serious signs one needs revision surgery. Here are the top 3 signs:
1. Implant discomfort
Painful or uncomfortable implants can indicate a number of issues that require a breast implant revision, including capsular contracture, seroma, haematoma, trapped nerves or poor implant placement. Regardless of the cause, persistent pain is not a normal result of breast augmentation surgery.
2. Implant displacement
It is common for a breast implant to settle into a slightly different position over time as can breast tissue. But when the implants are no longer aligned with the natural shape of the body, breast revision surgery may be required.
3. Breast asymmetry
While some amount of breast asymmetry is natural, when one breast looks noticeably different from the other, breast revision can adjust your breast contours to look more symmetrical in size and shape.
To conclude, make sure to select a highly trained plastic surgeon (FRCS Plast) who will spend plenty of time with you during your initial consultation to consider your aesthetic goals, lifestyle and personal preferences. Keep communicating until you feel comfortable your needs have been understood and you trust your surgeon will be able to reduce the risks of the initial breast augmentation you have in mind.
