Breast Implant Revision & Replacement

Stretch marks are caused by very rapid stretching, breakdown, and separation of the underlying dermal layers. Often, it is associated with hormonal changes and a genetic predisposition. While it is quite possible to have stretch marks after breast augmentation, it is unusual. Usually, the breast stretch marks occur when other body striae are present before the actual breast implants.

The feel of your implants will depend on the type of implant selected, placement above or over the muscle, the thickness of your existing breast tissues, and the type of capsule formed by your body. Silicone implants will feel more like your normal breast fat, and the anatomical-shaped, thick silicone gel implants will feel firmer. Over-the-muscle placement will have more normal pliability, especially if you have a soft capsule and some natural breast tissue of your own. The smaller the implant chosen, the less noticeable it becomes, and textured implants can feel overly stiff and immobile. Many women are satisfied with a large variety of breast implant choices.

Loose and deflated breasts with minimal sag or ptosis are ideal candidates for breast implants. Simply restoring the breasts to their original volume will give the immediate result. Whether from weight loss, breastfeeding, pregnancy, or the aging process, breast implants can provide a return of the natural shape, projection, and fullness of the breasts.

The chest wall is not flat but is cylindrically shaped with curved ribs and outwardly pointed breasts. A prominent breastbone (pigeon breast) will accentuate this outward effect while an indented or sunken breastbone (pectus excavatum) will allow for deeper cleavage but with somewhat inwardly pointing breasts. Deviating from the natural contour lines of the breast by overly releasing the normal skin or muscle attachments at the midline can lead to less than desirable results. Implants must be centered under the nipple complex– positioning the implants closer to the center midline can result in outwardly pointing nipples. Overly thick breast and chest wall tissues will conceal the contour enhancements provided by implants. Thin skin and breast tissues will often require muscular coverage to pad and soften the breast outlines. Adding larger volume implants will not necessarily correct many cleavage issues.

Cleavage after breast implants depends on many factors, including the structure and shape of the chest wall, the relative position of the nipples, the thickness of the surrounding breast tissues, and the type and size of implants used. Some women request maximum projection combined with the tight cleavage produced with push-up bras or crossing one’s arms. If your breasts are widely separated, either from a broad or prominent breastbone (sternum) or outwardly positioned nipples, this type of cleavage will be difficult to achieve. Altering the normal breast boundaries by sliding the implant closer together under the thin skin of the sternum can result in both palpable or visible rippling at the cleavage line.

Reducing implant size also reduces breast volume, which can result in sagging if the breast tissues and skin cannot contract well enough on their own. Additionally, a nipple/areola that looks proportional with larger implants may appear too large with a smaller implant size.

Yes. When removing your breast implants you can either choose to replace them with new implants or no implants at all. Most women who remove their breast implants and not replace them, look to have a mastopexy.

Capsular contracture will typically not resolve without some sort of treatment.

It is possible to have breast implants removed for medical or cosmetic reasons. This procedure is typically referred to as a breast revision surgery.

Some health insurance plans will cover breast revision surgery in cases of capsular contracture or implant ruptures.

Most patients will return to work or other normal routines within about 1-2 weeks of their breast revision surgery. A majority of side effects, such as swelling or bruising, will resolve within about three weeks.

Capsular contracture can be addressed surgically to remove any hardened scar tissue along with the breast implant.

Breast implants should be replaced whenever they show signs of issues such as leaks, ruptures, or capsular contracture. They may also be replaced for a different size, shape, or type of implant according to the patient’s aesthetic preferences.

In most cases, you should wait at least six months before choosing to undergo a breast revision.

Breast revision surgery is a procedure in which the breast implants are removed and, if the patient chooses, replaced. This can be done in cases of issues like capsular contracture or implant rupture or to change the appearance of the breasts after an initial augmentation.

Like all surgeries, there are some risks in a breast implant removal. However, the surgery is generally considered safe for appropriate candidates.

Early signs of capsular contracture include pain or a tightening sensation, changes in size or shape, or hardening of the breasts.

Yes. Breast implants and the breast tissue surrounding them can change over time and a breast revision may be necessary to get back the desired results.