BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL REVISION SURGERY

Breast Implant Removal/Revision

WHAT IS BREAST IMPLANT REVISION SURGERY?
Breast implant revision surgery involves the removal and/or replacement of breast implants. For some patients, breast augmentation surgery may not be the outcome that is desired and implant removal or revision surgery may be performed.

Some breast implant patients may choose to remove their implants completely later in life due to changes in their body, changes in personal preferences or health concerns (due to breast cancer).

Patients will also intermittently require revision of their previous breast augmentation due to concerns about the implants, changes in the shape of the breast, or wanting to change their size. Some may need earlier revision surgery due to infection, capsular contracture (when breast implants become misshapen or firm) or rupture. 

All breast implants have a lifespan and eventually will need to be replaced. We recommend that implants be replaced every 15-20 years.

You may be a good candidate for breast implant revision surgery if:

  • You have had implants for 15 to 20 years
  • You are experiencing changes in breast shape
  • You have concerns about the type of implants (Implants hardening, leaking or rupturing)
  • You wish to adjust the size of your implants
  • Your implants have shifted and the movement has created an asymmetric or unrealistic look
  • You are not satisfied or comfortable with your breast augmentation surgery

THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE
As this is a second time around procedure, revision surgery is more complex than breast augmentation surgery. The procedure generally takes 2 to 2.5 hrs under general anaesthetic. 

The replacement of breast implants typically involves the removing of the old breast implants and the scar tissue or capsule around the implants and immediately replacing them with new breast implants. 

For those who opt for complete removal of the implant, breast reconstruction of the natural breast can be performed. This may involve the re-positioning of the nipple and areola, or breast lift surgery to suit the new size and volume of your breasts.

In cases where there is infection or the previous implant has ruptured (causing silicone gel to leak into the breast), an assessment of the breast tissue may be required. This will ensure further medical complications in the future are prevented.

Breast implant revision surgery is performed at Lingard Private Hospital or Warners Bay Private Hospital. You will stay overnight and will be discharged the following morning.

RECOVERY & HEALING
Downtime will depend on each patient and the procedure. The scar length may be longer than your original breast implant surgery due to the scar tissue and the implant being removed.

BENEFITS OF BREAST REVISION SURGERY

  • It can correct painful complications, such as infection, capsular contracture or rupture
  • Eliminate concerns about breastfeeding with implants, BII (Breast Implant Illness) or BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)
  • Surgery can help align your breast shape and size with your current preference:

    – Your breast implants no longer suit your body shape or lifestyle

    – You are wanting to go smaller or bigger than your original breast implants

    – Patients may feel their breast shape and appearance have changed over time and may wish to return to a more natural shape

MEDICARE CRITERIA
Breast implant revision surgery may be considered a cosmetic procedure and as such you will be unable to claim a rebate from Medicare or your health fund. There are special circumstances when it may be considered a medical procedure, where the implants were originally placed due to a medical condition such as breast cancer or developmental conditions or medical complication. Dr Kirstin Miteff will let you know if you meet this criteria in your consultation.

With any procedure you choose to undergo, potential risks and complications can occur, and it is vital to understand them before deciding on surgery.  

Some possible complications and risks associated with breast implant revision surgery may include:  

  • Unfavourable scarring – While surgical scars generally heal very well, some scars may become lumpy or thick (hypertrophic or keloid).  
  • Bleeding (haematoma) –  This is a collection of blood in the wound that would result in you needing to return to the operating theatre. 
  • Wound Infection (treatment with antibiotics may be needed) 
  • Bruising and swelling  
  • Poor healing of incisions 
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation may be temporary or permanent 
  • Capsular contracture, which is the formation of firm scar tissue around the implant 
  • Implant leakage or rupture 
  • Wrinkling of the skin over the implant 
  • Anaesthesia risks 
  • Seromas (Fluid accumulation under the skin or around implant) 
  • Blood clots 
  • Pain, which may persist 
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications 

Dr Kirstin Miteff will go into more depth about the associated risks and complications during your consultation. 

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