Revision Breast Surgery and Implant Exchange
Corrective breast augmentation includes revision procedures that address cosmetic or medical concerns related to a previous surgery. It often involves the exchange of breast implants for a different size or type. In some cases, a complication may be addressed or managed as well.
Reasons to Choose Corrective Breast Augmentation
Patients can become dissatisfied with their breast augmentation results for a variety of reasons. Breast implant manufacturers state that implants are not lifetime devices, and patients should plan for replacement at some point. However, there is no defined expiration date for a breast implant.
The following are some possible reasons to undergo corrective breast augmentation at Pacific Coast Plastic Surgery in Costa Mesa:
- Dissatisfaction with implant size, shape, type, or placement
- General aesthetic concerns
- Capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue)
- Breast implant rupture
- Double bubble (implant migration into the breast fold)
- Symmastia (implants migration toward breastbone)
- Poor healing and scarring
These issues vary in frequency, and some are quite rare. Because so many women undergo breast augmentation in the United States, it is common for plastic surgeons to handle breast implant complications and aesthetic concerns on a regular basis. If you are dissatisfied with the results of a previous breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at Pacific Coast Plastic Surgery to discuss the possibility of surgical revision.
FAQ About Revision Breast Surgery in Orange County
The following are some common questions about corrective breast augmentation at Pacific Coast Plastic Surgery in Costa Mesa and Orange County. Please email or call our plastic surgery offices if you need additional information.
How does corrective breast augmentation work?
Revision breast augmentation procedures are customized to address your particular concerns and complications related to your breast implants. Surgery often involves implant removal or exchange, and may be combined with reconstructive procedures to stop implant migration or remove hardened tissue around the implants.
What can I expect during recovery
Recovery after revision breast augmentation is usually similar to the first breast augmentation. Unless you require a complex revision surgery, such as repair of capsular contracture or symmastia, you should expect to be off work for about one week, while rigorous activities will be postponed for at least three weeks.
Patients who have had their implants relocated from the subglandular position to the submuscular position may need a longer recovery time to allow healing of the chest muscles.
What is capsular contracture?
After breast augmentation, it is normal for scar tissue to form around breast implants. But in some patients, that scar tissue contracts too tightly and distorts the implant. This is capsular contracture, and it can occur months or years after the surgery. Traditional treatment of capsular contracture involves simple removal of the scar tissue and replacement of the breast implant. Newer techniques are more advanced, and frequently employ tissue substitutes like Alloderm or Strattice.
How do I detect a breast implant rupture?
Detecting a rupture in a saline implant is usually very easy. If the outer shell is breached, the implant will fail and the sterile saline will drain out. Silicone implants have a more cohesive material, which doesn’t leak out if the outer shell becomes ruptured. The standard recommendation for detecting a silicone implant rupture has been regular MRI screening. With either type of breast implant, you should pay close attention to any changes and report possible problems to your plastic surgeon.
For more information about revision breast augmentation or breast implant exchange in Costa Mesa, please contact the offices of Pacific Coast Plastic Surgery department of plastic surgery.
Pacific Coast Plastic Surgery service areas include: Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, Irvine, Orange, San Francisco, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Diamond Bar, San Diego, Orange County & San Jose California.