There are situations in which breast implant revision is necessary. Dr. David Bray, Jr., a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon in Torrance, CA explains some of the reasons behind the need for breast implant revision.
1. Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a common reason for breast implant revision. When a saline or silicone implant is placed within the body, the body’s natural response is the creation of a capsule around what it recognizes as a foreign object. In most cases, the capsule is soft, thin and pliable.
Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule around the implant begins to become tight and hard. Suspect capsular contracture if experiencing any of the following symptoms:
• Excessive firmness in the breast
• Abnormal roundness or hardness
• Misshapen nipples or breasts
• Pain
2. Malposition
Malposition of breast implants can cause breast asymmetry or a misshapen breast. Breast implant revision may be required for correction.
Signs of malposition vary by the individual patient. These include:
• Asymmetry
• Bottom-heavy breasts
• Breasts implants appearing too far apart
• Breasts implants appearing too close together
• Implants that appear too high
• Doubling of the lower breast fold
3. Implant Rupture
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Eventually, they may leak or rupture. Sometimes, a fall, car accident or another impact to the chest area can result in an implant rupture.
When a saline implant ruptures, the patient may notice rapid deflation of the breast implant. On the other hand, a silicone implant may hold its shape if the shell breaks because the gel is highly cohesive. Therefore, it is more difficult to determine if a silicone implant has ruptured. An MRI or ultrasound may be necessary to evaluate the integrity of a silicone implant.
Breast revision surgery for implant rupture involves removing the ruptured implant and, if the patient desires, placement of a new implant. The breast implant capsule may need to be removed or modified during this procedure.
If you are experiencing signs of implant problems, a breast revision may prove necessary. Dr. David Bray, Jr. is the only plastic surgeon in the South Bay of Los Angeles who is triple board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Schedule your breast implant revision surgery consultation with Dr. Bray, Jr. at our Torrance, California office today
