Why Do I Need Breast Revision?

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Millions of women have undergone breast surgery over the last few decades. While breast augmentation remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the world, other breast enhancement surgeries are not far behind.

For women who have already had breast surgery but are displeased by their results, it can be difficult to consider further surgical interventions. However, breast revision surgery is sometimes necessary or desired after initial breast surgery.

Woman with arms folded over a black bra

There are many reasons you may want or need a breast revision. These can range from cosmetic concerns to serious medical complications.

Some of the most common reasons for breast revision surgery after breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, or breast reconstruction include:

Breast Asymmetry

Breast asymmetry is when one breast looks noticeably different from the other. Some amount of asymmetry is natural. However, some breast surgeries can exacerbate breast asymmetry, either shortly after the operation or in the years following.

Additional fluctuations in weight or breast size (after pregnancy or aging) may increase the need for secondary surgery to address symmetry concerns.

Breast revision can adjust your breast contours to look more symmetrical in size and shape. This is possible after all breast surgery techniques, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift surgery.

Breast revision to address asymmetry concerns may involve a combination of implants, reduction, and lift.

Breast Implant Complications

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur if your plastic surgery involves breast implants. It is caused by the tissue capsule around the breast implant shrinking and hardening.

The symptoms of capsular contracture include pain, stiffness or hardness of the breast, swelling, and asymmetry. These symptoms can develop at any time following breast augmentation, even decades after your procedure.

The only certain treatment for capsular contracture is a capsulectomy.

Capsulectomy

A capsulectomy involves removing the breast implant and surrounding tissue capsule. Dr. Pincus usually performs a partial or total capsulectomy to treat capsular contracture.

Capsulorrhaphy

A capsulorrhaphy is another breast revision procedure that adjusts the tissue capsule without removing it. This procedure is usually performed to improve breast symmetry or correct improper implant rotation.

Waterfall Deformity

A waterfall deformity can occur over time as breast tissue sags down below the implant. This condition usually occurs many years after breast augmentation.

For women displeased with excessive breast sagging, breast revision techniques centered around implant replacement and breast lift are the best means of treating it.

Under some circumstances, localized fat transfer can help rebuild the tissue and reduce sagging.

Implant Displacement

Breast implants can move over time, as can breast tissue. Since these movements can create aesthetic complications, breast revision surgery is required.

Illustration demonstrating difference breast deformities

Bottoming Out

Bottoming out occurs when the skin, breast tissue, or muscles under the breasts fail to hold the breast implant in place. This causes the implant to sink, deforming the breast and causing unwanted breast contours to develop.

Double Bubble Deformity

Double bubble deformity occurs when the part of the implant falls below the inframammary crease (at the bottom of the breast).

This can occur if the implant was too large or you have risk factors that make this complication more likely.

Risk factors include:

Breasts with a small or tight inframammary fold
Breasts with limited tissue beneath the nipple

Symmastia

Symmastia occurs when the capsules that hold your breast implants merge. The result is the appearance of a single large breast across your entire chest.

This condition may be treated by replacing your breast implants and tightening the implant pockets.

Lateral Displacement

This condition involves breast implants sliding to the sides, vastly increasing the cleavage gap. This condition can occur following either breast augmentation or breast reconstruction.

This stretched capsule allows the breast implants to slide to the side, creating unwanted breast contours.

Implant Rupture

One of the most well-known reasons to get breast revision surgery after breast augmentation is implant rupture. This occurs when the outer shell of your breast implant weakens and tears.

Depending on the type of breast implant you have, this could cause immediate breast deflation or a silent rupture (common with silicone implants).

In either case, a breast implant replacement or breast revision can help.

Breast Revision With Pincus Plastic Surgery

Dr. Pincus uses cutting-edge breast revision techniques to sculpt and fine-tune optimal breast contours. By combining various breast enhancement techniques into one surgery, you can achieve proportioned and beautiful breast shapes.

Interested in Learning More?

If you are interested in learning more about breast revision surgery, please contact Pincus Plastic Surgery by calling 631-352-3556 or filling out our online form.