Your confidence is the key to your success, and the way you feel about your body plays a major role in how confident you feel. For many patients who have gotten breast augmentations in the past, a breast implant revision is on the to-do list for 2023, and the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis is here to help. Keep reading to learn the signs you need a breast implant revision!
Breast Implant Revision Basics
A breast implant revision is a procedure performed to replace old breast implants with new ones. From wanting a different size implant to fixing a rupture, there are many reasons patients seek implant revisions. No matter your reason, there are many things to understand about the procedure before moving forward.
There is not a definite expiration date on your implants. In the past, doctors recommended changing your implants every ten years. In the last few years, the FDA recommended that silicone implants be monitored by imaging with ultrasound or MRI to assess if silicone implants have ruptured. If you have a saline implant and have a rupture, you will likely know if because the implant will deflate or get significantly smaller if you have a small leak of saline (salt water). A silicone implant rupture can be sometimes noted as a change in how your implant or breast feels, but imaging is a better way to assess if your implant is intact.
As the years go by, implants may change form or shift within the chest cavity. These are not life-threatening conditions, but they can make life complicated, especially when you’re unhappy with the way your breasts look or feel.
Because each case is different, there is no standard process for a breast implant revision. Depending on your unique needs, preferences, and reasons for seeking the revision, you’ll need a qualified team of experts prepared to personalize the process and give you the results you’re looking for.
Signs It’s Time for Your Breast Implant Revision
Choosing to get a revision for your breast augmentation is an important step towards looking and feeling better in your own skin. Here are a few reasons you should consider scheduling your own revision with the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis.
You Want a Size Change
Changing the size or shape of the current implants is one of the most common reasons patients seek a revision. Even if it has been years since the procedure, schedule an appointment with your surgeon to discuss ways to improve your results. Whether you’re looking for larger or smaller breasts, a revision may help you find success.
Your Current Implants are Causing Pain or Discomfort
If your implants are hurting you, it’s time to speak to a professional. Implant pain could indicate several different issues, such as capsular contracture, displacement, pinched nerve endings or even ruptures. If you find that your implants are causing a noticeable disruption to your daily life, you should seek professional help.
You Notice an Implant Rupture
Although breast implant ruptures are not life-threatening, we do recommend that you exchange your breast implants in a timely fashion. Ruptures may occur due to blunt force or aging of the implant, both of which could weaken the shell structure and result in leakage.
According to the FDA’s current guidelines, we recommend that our patients get regular ultrasounds or MRI scans to determine the health of their breast implants. Doing so will ensure that your implant remains intact no matter which type you have. If we detect a rupture, we can schedule a revision. However, it is important to know that this is not an emergency.
Your Implants Have Shifted
As you age, you can expect your implants to settle into slightly different locations in the chest wall as a part of the natural process of tissue aging. If you are experiencing major dislocation, however, it might be time for a breast implant revision at the Plastic Surgery Group of Memphis. Rotation or shifting of implants can change the look and feel of the breast tissue, causing anxiety for many patients.
Typically, if implants move, they move outward or down, which is called lateral or inferior displacement. Occasionally, your implants may shift toward the middle of the chest or shift in a new direction, causing an unnatural shape that is best addressed with revision surgery.
Breast Implant Revision Procedure: What to Expect
If you’re looking to get a breast implant revision, you already understand the general procedure – after all, you’ve already had an augmentation. The two surgeries are very similar, and you can expect to face a similar recovery process as well.
Surgery Prep
Your first step is to book an appointment to discuss the changes you’d like to make with your surgeon. After determining whether you’re a good candidate for a revision, you’ll follow your doctor’s specific instructions to prep for the procedure. Our team highly advises you to avoid smoking several days or weeks prior to your surgery, as these activities could rule you out of the process altogether.
The Healing Process
You may expect a shorter recovery than following your initial augmentation, but being prepared for the process is essential. Be sure to contact a family member or friend ahead of time to help with daily tasks for the first 48 hours post-op. We recommend taking off work for one or two weeks following the procedure to ensure proper healing time. You should also avoid physical activity for up to three weeks post-op to allow the stitches to heal and your implant to settle.
Rediscover Your Self-Confidence
Getting a breast implant revision at our Memphis office may be the next step on your self-esteem journey. Whether you want a size change or are facing more serious implant issues, our team is here to help. Schedule your next appointment with one of our implant specialists to get started today!