Revision breast augmentation in Washington DC is a common breast procedure performed for women who have previously undergone breast augmentation with implants. Much to the surprise of many patients, nearly all women with implants will need a revision surgery at some point in their lives. Breast implants are not meant to last forever, and everyone’s breast and skin envelopes change as they age.
Most importantly, remember that breast implants are an investment. Breast augmentation is rarely, if ever, a one-and-done procedure; the younger the woman is when she has her first breast augmentation, the more likely she will need a revision or sometimes two.
- Implant Rupture – The rupture rate for silicone and saline implants is about 1% per year. So, at 10 years, there is about a 10% chance that the implant can rupture. Newer “gummy bear” silicone implants have a slightly lower rupture rate, but women should always be aware that they could have a rupture. It’s important to follow up with a plastic surgeon about every two years to have your implants checked for rupture. MRI scans and high-resolution ultrasound are also useful tools in diagnosing a rupture.
- Aging Breasts – With time, the perky fibrous tissue of the breast is replaced with fatty tissue and the ligaments that support the breast become lax. This leads to breast ptosis (AKA saggy breasts). The breast will start to fall off the implant and create what is commonly called a “snoopy deformity.”
- Implant Malposition – With time, implants can move downward or toward the sides. In these cases, patients complain that one breast appears lower than the other or both breasts are starting to sag. Women also complain that the implants are dramatically moving to the side when they lay on their back. This is referred to as lateral implant descent and is more common in women with saline implants than in those with silicone implants.
- Capsular Contracture – E– Every breast implant forms a small amount of scar tissue around it. This is the body’s way of isolating a foreign object. However, in the case of capsular contracture, the scar tissue becomes thickened, the breast starts to feel too stiff, and the position of the implant will change.
- Implant Size Change – With age, some women’s goals will change in relation to implant size. Patients may desire smaller or larger implants.
- Implant Removal – Women may not want their implants anymore after a time. Those who have had implants placed at a young age sometimes experience this with changes in perspective.
“In 2018, I was considering slightly larger breasts with a bit more cleavage than I had following my first procedure. I went to see Dr. Pittman, and during my consultation, he understood the exact subtlety of the change I wanted to make within seconds of me talking (he’s also an incredible listener)…he made me feel so comfortable about my decision. Fast forward to now, it’s been about 7 weeks since my procedure and I am absolutely thrilled with the results. My breasts are now a full D, they are the perfect shape and evenness, and my nipples are absolutely symmetrical, which was a concern of mine when going to the larger implant size.
The Details of a Breast Revision
Revisions are performed in Washington DC for any of the above reasons and typically require implant removal and/or removal of internal scar tissue. A change in the internal architecture of the implant pocket is often performed.
Usually (but not always), the incisions used during the primary breast-enhancement procedure will be used for revision surgery. This helps to avoid new post-surgical marks.
Commonly, Dr. Pittman will place a supportive mesh in order to support a new implant and prevent a future malposition. Once the new implant is placed, if there is a need for removal of excess skin and repositioning of the nipple, a mastopexy is performed.
Women who wish to have their implants removed altogether and no new implants placed usually wish to have the remaining breast tissue rearranged with a mastopexy. This helps to reshape their breasts and prevent their breasts from looking deflated. Fat transfer is often a good option to volumize the breast after implant removal.
Once the incisions have been closed with stitches and the revision procedure is complete, the patient will need to undergo a recovery and healing period that is typically similar to their original healing period. The exact details will depend on the techniques that were used.
Ask About Revision Breast Augmentation in Washington DC
Revision breast augmentation in Washington DC is a highly individualized procedure. No two patients are the same, and each operation is specifically tailored to the needs and desires of the patient. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Troy Pittman to discuss your revision surgery.
Check out some of our work in these before and after galleries for revision breast augmentation.
