Breast surgery revision may be required as your breasts age, your skin changes, or if an implant has issues. There are many options for revision including a breast lift, breast reduction, and revision of your breast augmentation. Any of these options for revision surgery can be discussed at the Portland area plastic surgery office of Dr. Burgess. Breast augmentation is a very popular procedure. Unfortunately, breast implants are not designed to last forever, and at some point, you may need a revision of your initial surgery.
Breast Implant Replacement
This is a patient-specific issue, as no one knows exactly how long a breast implant will last. The complication rate for implants is very low, but a woman may also choose breast implant revision for aesthetic purposes. Still, it is important to keep up with breast exams, mammograms, and other breast studies, depending on the type of implant you have.
How Do I Know If i need Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
If you think you may have a ruptured or deflated implant, understand that this is not a medical emergency. It is recommended that you have the implant removed sooner than later, and most women have the implant replaced. Some women opt to have their implants removed and not replaced, while others may do a staged breast augmentation and a breast lift, if necessary. Because there are a variety of surgical options available, Dr. Burgess must evaluate you and review your surgical goals before a plan can be made.
At Burgess Plastic Surgery, we recommend that you come in for a consultation if you think you may be having an issue with your implants. Common concerns are:
- Deflation of a saline implant
- Capsular contracture: a hardening of one or both breasts due to a build-up of scar tissue
- A change in the look of the breasts
- Questionable silicone gel implant leak issues
After talking with Dr. Burgess, we will review all your options for breast revision surgery and guide you in the direction we feel would be best. For patients that are in need of a reconstructive matrix to help reposition and hold their breast implant, Dr. Burgess will review this with you. In our office we offer the Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix which is extracted from porcine dermis. Please visit www.RenewingYou.com to learn more about this product.
Will you need my old implant information?
If you are able to bring in your medical records from your previous breast augmentation surgery, it is extremely helpful to the doctor. Records stating your current implant size, type, location (above or below your chest muscle), route of implantation (or incision), and current breast studies (mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI) may be helpful in determining the best option for you. Keep in mind that currently, the FDA recommends that a woman be at least 22 years of age to have silicone gel implants placed, and understand that other studies (like an MRI) may be recommended following an augmentation with silicone gel implants.
book your breast surgery revision consultation today!
Women interested in learning more about breast revision surgery in the Portland area are encouraged to contact Dr. Burgess at her Lake Oswego plastic surgery practice.
