When it comes to breast enhancement, many women choose to augment them through implants. However, after a few years, circumstances change, and perhaps an implant revision will be the boost of confidence and self-esteem that is needed. Whether replacing current implants or changing their size, shape, or position, a breast implant revision in Miami is the solution to achieve the desired results.
What is Breast Implant Revision?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast implant revision surgery aims to replace old implants with new ones. This procedure is designed to correct any problems or concerns arising since the initial breast augmentation. It is highly customizable, and the reasons for seeking a revision surgery may vary from patient to patient.
Breast implant revision vs. breast implant exchange
It is essential to distinguish between both procedures, sometimes used interchangeably. While breast augmentation revision involves modifying existing ones, the exchange usually means replacing them with new ones. Revision can encompass various aspects that can be either medical or aesthetic, while an exchange is a direct switch to different implants.
Common Reasons for a Revision Breast Implant Surgery
A breast implant revision can address various complications such as leakage and capsular contracture, improve the aesthetic appearance of the breasts to match personal preferences, update implant materials in terms of health and aesthetics, and can be combined with other procedures for a comprehensive transformation not to mention the psychological well-being it provides to patients by generating confidence after a renewed body image. The following are the most common reasons for seeking such a revision:
Implant Rupture or Leakage
Implant rupture or leakage can occur over time, causing changes in the appearance of your breasts and potential health concerns. Revision surgery is needed to remove the damaged implant and insert a new one.
An implant "rupture" occurs when its outer layer breaks, causing its contents to leak. This leakage is easily identifiable with saline implants, as the sterile saline solution is absorbed by the body and processed naturally. Most saline implants deflate within hours or days.
On the other hand, with silicone implants, leakage is usually gradual and often goes unnoticed at first. The implants may not look or feel any different than expected. It happens because silicone gel is more viscous and retains its overall shape. Leaks tend to be slow and relatively imperceptible at first. However, feeling pain or tenderness, seeing changes in shape, and lumps around the breast can indicate a rupture. While the thought of undergoing additional surgery may seem daunting, secondary breast surgery, known as breast revision, is a simple and safe procedure that helps ensure your body and breasts maintain their best appearance.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is generally the formation of a "capsule" of scar tissue that surrounds any implant, whether medical or cosmetic and is part of the healing process. In the case of breast implants, this is often beneficial, as the capsule helps keep them in place, preventing them from shifting. However, in some patients, this scar tissue capsule becomes unusually hard. It begins to contract around the implant, causing it to rupture and leading to health and cosmetic complications. An implant revision is recommended, especially for those in this scenario.
Change in Breast Shape or Size
Over time, due to factors associated with fluctuations in body weight, age, or perhaps childbirth, breast implants will experience changes in their shape or size, as will the breast tissue that covers them, which can lead to a look or feel in the breast that is less desirable than the original result. For this reason, it would be appropriate to consult with a certified plastic surgeon for a breast implant revision.
Concerns About Implant Material
As we already know, breast implants come in 2 types: saline and silicone. Saline implants typically feel firmer than natural breasts but are less risky if they rupture. On the other hand, silicone implants provide a more realistic look, but they result in more significant complications when they rupture.
Generally, when there are concerns about the safety or condition of silicone implants, the tendency is to replace them with saline implants and vice versa. If you have concerns about the type of implant material used, revision surgery offers the opportunity to switch to a different material that better suits your needs. Of course, it is always under the supervision and care of an expert.
Breast implant revision to go bigger
Some people may desire larger breasts after their initial augmentation. Breast implant revision can accommodate this preference by replacing the implants with larger ones. Approximately 90% of implant replacements aim to increase breast size after the initial augmentation surgery. This tendency is often due to initial caution when selecting the size of the implants for the first intervention. Once you have experienced the impact of the original implants on the look and feel of your breasts, you can make a more informed decision during the second procedure.
Breast implant revision to go smaller
After breast augmentation, many patients are unsatisfied and change the implants to smaller ones. For several reasons, someone might want to reduce the size of their implants, such as discomfort during high-impact physical activities or a desire to relieve chronic neck and shoulder pain caused by larger implants. Finding clothes that fit correctly with larger breasts can also become more complex.
Undesired Aesthetic Results (rippling, flex distortion)
Implant rippling occurs due to bending the implant's edges, creating a visible wrinkle in the skin. Problems such as rippling or distortion can affect the appearance of the breasts. Revision surgery can correct these cosmetic problems for a more natural look.
Preparing for Your Breast Augmentation Revision in Miami
The first step towards breast revision surgery at Avana Plastic Surgery is a consultation with a board-certified surgeon. He will address aspects related to the reasons for the revision, expectations, desired results, medical history and allergies, previous surgeries, and a family history of breast cancer. The results of prior mammograms and biopsies will also be evaluated, your breasts will be examined and measured, and photographs will be taken of your breasts to place in your medical record.
Consultation with a Breast Implant Revision Surgeon in Miami
The first step towards breast revision surgery at Avana Plastic Surgery is a consultation with a board-certified surgeon. He will address aspects related to the reasons for the revision, expectations, desired results, medical history and allergies, previous surgeries, and a family history of breast cancer. The results of prior mammograms and biopsies will also be evaluated, your breasts will be examined and measured, and photographs will be taken of your breasts to place in your medical record.
The Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Your breast examination at Avana Plastic Surgery is outpatient and performed by a certified surgeon in the cosmetic or plastic surgery field. There are anesthesia choices available, such as intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
Finally, the surgeon will make the type of incision corresponding to the size and shape of your current breasts, the degree of change desired, the type of implant, and your preferences. Inframammary (horizontal under the breast folds) or periareolar (around the edge of the areolas) incisions may be made.
Additional Procedures during a Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery
Capsulectomy
If you have capsular contracture, your surgeon may perform capsulectomy, which involves removing hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. The implant is then replaced with a new one.
Breast Implant Revision and Lift Procedure
Breast implant revision can be combined with a lift, commonly performed after implant removal in women who have had larger implants or had them for several years and have developed noticeable sagging of the breasts. This combination guarantees a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.
Recovery and Aftercare
After breast revision surgery, you can experience pain, swelling, and bruising. The first week will be the most painful, and the pain will peak within the first 48 hours. You may need someone to help you during the first week, as you must stay in bed. Although you can return to your daily routine after the first month, you are advised to avoid extreme physical activities and continue wearing your compression garment to ensure that your breasts heal with the correct shape and lift.
HOW MUCH DOES BREAST IMPLANT REVISION SURGERY COST IN MIAMI?
The cost of breast implant revision in Miami can range from $4,000 to $8,000, and it is associated with factors such as the complexity of the procedure, type of breast implant, and the surgeon's experience, among others.
Financing Your Procedure
If you are taking into consideration a revision surgery to change your breast implants, contact us to inquire about our financing options. You can find out if you qualify in just a few minutes!
Insurance Coverage
In most cases, breast augmentation revision is considered a cosmetic procedure not covered by insurance. However, insurance coverage may be available if the revision is medically necessary, such as in implant rupture or complications. Nevertheless, we recommend contacting your insurance provider.
Meet our experts!
If you are considering breast implant revision in Miami, all you need to do is contact Avana Plastic Surgery. Whether for aesthetic or health reasons, address your issue right now and schedule an appointment with one of our certified plastic surgeons.
FAQs
As with any surgical procedure, breast implant revision carries potential risks and complications, including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and anesthesia-related problems. Your surgeon will discuss these risks during your consultation.
Breast implants are generally not replaced unless a complication or problem arises. Most women can enjoy their implants for many years without needing a revision. Please also note that many breast implants come with a lifetime warranty on the device itself; costs associated with implant replacement surgery are not covered after ten years. For this reason, many women choose to replace or upgrade their breast implants before that period.
Pain and discomfort are joint after the surgery. Many patients find that recovery after a breast revision takes longer than recovery from their initial breast augmentation surgery. Your surgeon will issue a prescription for pain relief medications to aid in managing any discomfort during your recovery.