Varies Case By Case
Procedure Time: Varies
Recovery Time: Varies
Even Augmented Breasts May Need Revision As Time Goes On
It’s important to know that after breast augmentation, your breast implants may require replacement during your lifetime. These replacements are referred to as breast implant revision. You should expect to have future visits with Dr. Jonov to discuss changes in your breasts.
Over time, your breasts can change due to aging, weight changes, hormonal factors, and gravity. If you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour.
Reasons For Breast Implant Revision:
There are many reasons patients seek a revision of their breast implants. Every person’s reason is going to differ, but among the most common reasons include:
- Desire to change size, shape, or type of implants
- No longer want breast implants
- Rupture or rippling
- Changes in weight or other bodily contour changes
- Previous dissatisfactory results
- Changes in lifestyle
- New cosmetic goals or desires
- Trauma to the breast
- Implant malposition or movement
Often, women choose to simply replace their implants, but a breast implant revision can just include the removal of implants without placing new ones. The decision to remove or replace your implants is one your plastic surgeon can help you with during a consultation at Seattle Plastic Surgery.
When To Seek Removal vs. Replacement?
Sometimes, this decision is an easy one. If you simply do not want your implants anymore, or they no longer match your lifestyle, a simple breast implant removal procedure can be performed. Conversely, for people who want to increase or decrease the size of their implants, they often know they already want new implants.
However, for those in the middle, who may not know the possibilities or who need a revision due to complications, this may not be a simple or easy decision. Your Seattle plastic surgeon is the best person to guide you, but generally, there are few situations where one may be preferred over the other. Every breast revision in Seattle is unique, so consulting with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you understand what is capable for your breast revision surgery.
Breast Implant Removal May Be Right For You If You:
- Have breast implant illness
- Experience a rare surgical or implant complication
- Experienced major trauma to the breasts or chest
- Develop cancer or major disease
- Simply do not want your implants anymore
Exchanging Your Implants May Be Right For You If You:
- Want to change the shape, size, or type of implant
- Are dissatisfied with previous breast implant results or the aging of your implants
- Had a change in your body contour or cosmetic goals
- Experienced minor complications from current implants, but want to maintain the current size and shape of your breasts (and it is safe to do so)
Non-Surgical Alternatives?
For certain patients, breast revision surgery may not be required. At least, not yet. If you experiencing a mild case of capsular contracture, a series of ultrasound lymphatic massages may help reduce or alleviate your symptoms and sometimes fully treat the condition.
While this may not help all capsular contracture patients, it is certainly a place to start. Our surgeons will often prescribe ultrasound massages after your breast revision (if you had your implants replaced), to prevent the chances of capsular contracture and reduce uncomfortable side effects.
In other cases, such as if you have unrealistic expectations, surgical intervention simply may not be necessary, or actively harmful. Your plastic surgeon will decide the best course of action for your breast revision in Seattle.
What to Expect During Surgery
Breast implant removal is a relatively straightforward procedure. Seattle cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Jonov, will typically approach the implant through the same surgical incisions as your original breast augmentation. Surgery may be as short as one hour, but this will vary, depending on your particular condition.
Removal of breast implants carries a possibility for an undesirable aesthetic outcome, especially if you’ve had them for several years. When breast augmentation is first performed, the skin stretches to accommodate the implants. If they are removed, it is likely that your skin will not shrink back to a satisfactory state.
While it is possible that your breasts will return to their pre-augmentation appearance, most patients will benefit from another cosmetic procedure. Dr. Jonov may recommend a breast lift surgery to tighten the tissues and excess skin. To meet your appearance goals, he may also recommend a different implant size or different implant type.
After Breast Implant Revision:
Your breast revision recovery is usually similar to that of your original breast augmentation surgery. However, your recovery time and protocol will vary depending on the extent of your surgery, if your implants were replaced, and your body.
Your plastic surgeon will ensure you understand all aspects of your procedure before and after surgery. They will also recommend our proprietary scar treatment which helps your body heal, reduce scarring, and prevent infection. Along with this, they may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics to help you manage your recovery.
Your Breast Revision Specialists In Seattle & Tacoma:
At Seattle Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are board certified and have extensive experience with breast surgeries. We understand that seeking a breast implant revision can be frustrating and we aim to make your experience comfortable and seamless.
This is why we offer concierge services such as hotel and transportation services for patients traveling for their breast surgery. In office, we also offer amenities such as cookies, coffee, water, and juice.
Our office is located just across from Swedish Hospital on Broadway in Seattle. We are even connected by underground tunnels, giving you a new level of surgery for your breast revision in Seattle. We hold our surgery center to the same standards as hospitals, even though state standards do not require us to do so.
During your consultation at Seattle Plastic Surgery, your plastic surgeon will ask about your reasons for seeking a breast implant revision, your medical history, and expectations for the procedures. After getting a good understanding of your needs, they will conduct a physical examination of your breasts to determine if you are a good candidate for breast revision in Seattle and Tacoma and what is possible for your procedure.
Still Have Questions?
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