Breast
Implant Revision
Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure designed
to replace older silicone implants with new saline-filled
implants.
On average silicone gel implants last about ten years. Therefore,
women who had silicone gel implants may want to consider having
them replaced with saline-filled implants. Some doctors recommend
having them replaced before there are signs of a problem.
Other doctors suggest leaving them alone.
In recent years, serious questions have been
raised about the connection between silicone leakage and chronic
ailments from mild fatigue to lupus. While there is no medical
evidence to support these claims, there is still a great deal
of controversy surrounding silicone gel implants.
Recently, the FDA ruled that saline-filled implants (made
by Mentor and McGhan) were safe to use in breast augmentation
surgeries. Unlike liquid silicone, saline is a salt-water
solution that can be safely absorbed by the body without side
effects. So, if one of these implants breaks, the leaking
fluid will not present the same kinds of risks.
Breast implant revision allows a woman to keep the fuller,
larger breasts that she desires while minimizing risk.
How is a Breast Implant Revision procedure performed?
During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision
to remove the existing implants and place new implants in
the same area.
An incision may be made in any one of the following places:
the crease below the breast, around the areola, under the
armpit, or, in rare cases, through navel. The silicone implants
are usually taken out through the same incisions used to put
them in.
The new implants can be placed either under the chest muscle
or directly under the breasts. Placement considerations include
the anatomy of your breasts, toleration of soreness after
surgery, and possible interference with mammograms. In addition,
if you have some hardening or contracture in one location,
your surgeon may choose to move the new implant to another
site.
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How long does a Breast Implant Revision procedure
take?
Breast implant revision usually takes about one to three
hours to complete. The length of the procedure varies according
to the technique used and your anatomy, as well as any existing
capsular contracture, asymmetry or other factors related to
the previous implants.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Breast implant revision is usually performed using general
anesthesia, causing you to be asleep during the whole procedure.
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Where is the procedure performed?
Breast implant revision is usually performed on an outpatient
basis, in the surgeon's office-based surgical suite, an outpatient
surgery center or hospital.
When can I return home and resume
normal activities?
You will be able to return home within a few hours of the
surgery. However, if you have a severe infection or hardening
of the breast, you may have to stay overnight in a recovery
center. Resumption of normal activities varies according to
each individual case.
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How do I prepare for a Breast Implant Revision
procedure?
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss
the changes that you would like to make to your appearance.
Since the appearance of your breasts is a matter of personal
perception and preference, you will need to discuss your concerns
in detail so your surgeon can determine the appropriate alternatives.
You also should make arrangements ahead of time for someone
to drive you to and from your procedure and to assist you
with your daily activities during your recovery period.
Prior to your surgical procedure, the surgeon will perform
a complete health history and physical. Knowledge of your
allergies, medications and previous surgeries should be brought
to your surgeon's attention at this time. Specific instructions
to assist you in preparing for this procedure will be given
to you after the health history and physical is complete.
Depending on your individual health status, the instructions
may include guidelines regarding your diet, alcohol intake,
smoking and which medications to take or avoid. Your experience
will be much smoother if you remain compliant with your surgeon's
instructions.
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What precautions are necessary during recovery?
You should keep your elbows at a level lower than your armpit
after the procedure. The tissues will heal more quickly if
you avoid stretching and separating the muscle and tissue
surrounding the breast implants. You may be required to wear
a support bra to help your breasts form and maintain a pleasing,
balanced shape. You may or may not be able to shower, depending
on where your stitches are.
The stitches will come out within a week to ten days, but
swelling may continue, gradually subsiding over several weeks.
With the swelling, your breasts may seem hard and unnatural,
but eventually they should soften to a more natural feel.
Because revision surgery can range from minor surgery performed
on soft breasts to a major procedure on hardened breasts,
you should check with your surgeon to find out when you'll
be able to return to your normal activities. Recovery varies
from patient to patient and depends upon the technique, type
of implant, and site of placement that the doctor uses, as
well as the level of activities in your daily routine.
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What are the possible complications after a Breast
Implant Revision procedure?
Some of the more common possible complications include postoperative
infection, hematoma (a blood clot in the breast tissue requiring
evacuation of the blood clot during a subsequent surgical
procedure); implant rupture, deflation or leakage; capsular
contracture, calcium deposits, changes in nipple or breast
sensation, interference with mammogram readings, shifting
of the implant. Many times patients will not be aware of complications
until days or months after the procedure has been performed.
Often they will report some gradual hardening, tenderness,
redness or lump in a particular part of the breast.
No procedure is without risks; however, the majority of complications
known to be associated with a breast implant revision are
minor when the procedure is performed by an experienced board
certified plastic surgeon. It is always important to be informed
about the possible complications before any surgery. Be sure
to discuss any concerns you may have with your surgeon.
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What results can I expect after a Breast Implant
Revision procedure?
Breast augmentations stretches the tissues, and can be painful.
This may be true for breast surgery revision as well, especially
when the implants are placed under the muscle or the pocket
location is different. The pain is greatest within the first
48 hours, but improves with each day and may be relieved by
pain medications.
When you wake up you may feel tired, sore and stiff. Your
surgeon will prescribe medication to alleviate this discomfort.
You should arrange for someone to drive you home and assist
you with your daily activities for the first few days.
Your breasts will be wrapped with gauze bandage as well as
a tighter bandage for protection and support. You also may
have drainage tubes coming out of the incision for several
days, to help drain some of the excess fluid.
The long-term outcome for breast surgery revision is good.
This procedure allows women to continue their daily lives
without the worry of silicone leakage and complications. Mentor
and McGhan, the two makers of saline implants, guarantee their
saline filled implant products for life.
An overwhelming percentage of women express high satisfaction
with the results of their surgery and feel that it has a positive
impact on their lives. Following FDA instruction, these two
companies have published information pamphlets about such
topics as wrinkling, leakage, contracture and asymmetry. Your
surgeon will provide you with further information about these
two saline implant makers.
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Choosing the right surgeon
To obtain further information regarding Breast Implant Revision,
we advise you to consult with a qualified and experienced
board-certified plastic surgeon. Regardless of the type of
procedure you are considering, it is crucial to choose the
right surgeon for your individual goals. To receive a complimentary
consultation with a specialist in your area, simply fill out
our Online Referral Form or call Toll
Free 800.449.1884.
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