What is Breast Implant Revision? In Toronto, canada

Posted on March 12, 2015 in Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a complex procedure that requires great skill and surgical artistry to get right, but that’s not always where the story ends. Even when performed perfectly, the effects of time and the body’s healing processes can sometimes cause unexpected results.

Attention to detail and proper surgical technique are essential, but sometimes that isn’t enough to ensure perfectly satisfactory results for all patients. In these cases, patients undergo what is known as a ‘breast implant revision.’ During this procedure, their surgeon can correct the size and position of the implants as well as address issues such as excessive scar tissue.

There are four main types of breast implant revision that can be employed depending on the patient’s exact concern:

• Capsulotomy refers to the release of excessive scar tissue
• Capsulectomy is the process of removing excess scar tissue entirely
• Capsulorrhapy refers to tightening or re-suspending the capsule in order to change its position
• Implant exchange occurs when a patient wishes to alter their implant size, type, or placement

Performed as an out-patient procedure, breast implant revision typically has a fairly short recovery period with most patients returning to work within one week. Good candidates include those who are in good health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for their procedure.

These revision procedures can correct virtually any complication associated with breast implants including:

• Implant failure:
  While failure rates are low, it can happen in some circumstances. Many implant manufacturers offer a 10 year or lifetime warranty on their products, so even if the product does fail, the patient is not likely to be left responsible to pay for the procedure. Saline implant failure is quite obvious: as the saline is absorbed by the body, augmentation is lost rapidly over the course of 24-48 hours. Silicone implant failure is less obvious, but can be detected by MRI.
• Symmastia:
  Also known as uniboob, this occurs when the implants are placed too close together in an attempt to create cleavage. Alternatively, implants may be placed too far apart. Both of these issues can be addressed through revision procedures.
• “Bottoming out”:
  When implants are placed too low, they are referred to as ‘bottoming out.’ This can be corrected by moving the implants higher on the body.
• Issues with patient tissue:
  Thinning of the tissues due to pregnancy or hormonal changes, loss of skin elasticity, and natural asymmetry are all issues which must be considered during a breast implant procedure. If these concerns are not properly corrected for, revision surgery may be required in order to correct resulting issues.

Breast implant revision is requested for a wide number of reasons, and is often helpful in every case. If you’re interested in enhancing, fixing or changing your breast augmentation in any way, contact Power Plastic Surgery today!