Sometimes a change is needed for you to look and feel your best
On rare occasions, changes occur after breast augmentation that can cause you to feel less than completely satisfied with your results. Problems can arise regarding the size, shape, and position of the breasts, as well as skin laxity. As we get older, genetics, gravity, and other factors affect the breasts and their position on the chest, often resulting in a saggy appearance.
At The Piazza Center, we believe that following a healthy lifestyle enhances beautiful surgical results. Our aim is to help you achieve your cosmetic goals and desires. If you would like to find out more about breast revision in Austin, request an in-person or virtual consultation.
A top board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Rocco Piazza has specialized training in revisionary procedures to correct problems with the breast fold, malposition of the breast implants, and shape distortion. Dr. Piazza performs breast augmentation revision surgery in Austin for women from New Braunfels, Laredo, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Kyle, and the surrounding area who want to correct these problems and attain a more aesthetically pleasing shape.
Most women are very satisfied with their breast augmentation results, and complications are rare. Still, age-related changes to the body can affect the appearance of the breasts over time. Additionally, the implants themselves are not designed to last forever, so most women will eventually need revision surgery even if they were initially happy with their results. Common reasons for revision breast augmentation include:
Patients who have saline-filled implants often replace them with the newer generation of cohesive silicone gel breast implants or the highly cohesive gummy bear implants, as these more reliably retain their shape and fullness over time. Some want either smaller or larger implants, or they want to change the implant placement from above or below the muscle. Revision surgery is also for patients who solely want to remove their implants.
For many patients, breast tissue becomes loose and droopy after having children, yet the implant remains high. A breast revision can tighten the breast, removing loose skin and reducing the size of the nipple and areola. A breast implant exchange can also be performed at the same time to restore the fullness that was lost after pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Rippling, symmastia (“uniboob”), and “double bubble” are among the visible complications that can occur with breast implants. These may be obvious soon after the procedure, or emerge gradually. In many cases, these deformities occur because an inexperienced surgeon doesn’t plan or execute the operation properly. An experienced and highly trained plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Piazza, can repair or re-create an implant pocket to correctly position the implants.
This is the most common breast augmentation complication. After any breast augmentation procedure, the body naturally forms scar tissue around the implants, creating a capsule. In some cases, however, the capsule tightens and distorts the implant’s position or shape, which can be painful. Dr. Piazza removes scar tissue and places a new implant, often using an acellular dermal matrix like Strattice™ to significantly reduce the chance of recurrence.
Women with saline-filled implants notice immediately if one of them ruptures or leaks, because it causes the breast to appear deflated. It’s a stressful–but usually harmless–situation that can be corrected with revision surgery. Ruptured implants filled with silicone gel often go undetected until the woman gets a routine imaging test. That’s because the silicone–filled implants maintain their shape even if they’re damaged.
Breast augmentation revision surgery can sometimes be a more involved procedure than the initial augmentation surgery. Dr. Piazza’s extensive training and experience enable him to create customized surgical plans based on a physical examination and the concerns you have about your breasts’ appearance.
In this video, Dr. Rocco Piazza speaks about different breast procedures and how to find out which procedure is best for you.
After I have a breast augmentation revision procedure, will I need surgery again?
Will I have to replace my implants at the time of my revision surgery?
How soon after my surgery can I resume exercise?
Is breast augmentation easier the second time?
How long is it safe to keep breast implants in?
How soon after breast augmentation can you get a revision?
The goal is to correct problems with each breast. Often, I am dealing with a number of complex problems, such as fold asymmetries and breast distortion, which can be very difficult to correct. I always tell my patients that they will ultimately have surgery again after having breast implants placed and that there are reasons for short–term re–operation and other reasons for long–term re–operation. The most important thing I want my patients to remember is that breasts change with age, just like the rest of the body. This is completely normal and expected, and therefore, surgery may be needed in the future. To learn more, read The Truth About Breast Implants: 10 Years Later in my blog.
It is likely that your breast implants will need to be replaced. This is dependent on a number of things. First, when were the implants placed? Second, are they silicone gel implants or saline implants? Is the implant shell intact? Are you happy with the size of your breasts? During a pre–surgery consultation with you, I will address these questions, as well as your cosmetic goals, to help you determine what is right for you.
As with any surgery, it is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions after the procedure in order to ensure that you recover as safely and quickly as possible. I usually tell my breast augmentation revision patients that they can resume exercise as soon as they feel comfortable. I prefer that they refrain from heavy lifting for the first few weeks, but I encourage them to get to the gym and walk on a treadmill or stair–step machine in the first week after surgery. I want my patients to get back to feeling like their normal selves as soon as possible. Returning to an active, healthy lifestyle can help achieve beautiful surgical results.
This is a tricky question, and depends on the specifics of the procedure. It can be easier for the patient in that she knows what to expect and is better prepared. However, if you are adding a breast lift, going significantly larger, or require repairs to the implant pocket, your recovery might be more involved the second time around. For the surgeon, the same care and meticulous approach will apply whether it is a primary or secondary breast augmentation. The surgeon may encounter new challenges in a second breast augmentation, such as scar tissue or changes to the implant pocket, making the surgery more complex than the initial one.
There is no expiration date for implants. While the FDA in 2011 recommended replacing implants every 10 years, many women have kept their implants for 20+ years. Most surgeons will tell you that, if you are not experiencing problems with your implants, there is no reason to consider removing them. If it brings you peace of mind, you can monitor your implants with ultrasound or MRI imaging. The FDA recommends every other year starting 5 or 6 years after your surgery.
Most surgeons would recommend waiting at least 6 months before seeking a revision surgery. It can take this long for the tissues to soften and relax, allowing your implants to “drop and fluff.” Once you have fully healed and your final results are evident, then you and your surgeon can decide whether you want and need a revision procedure.
