For many women, breast augmentation or reduction surgery leads to greater confidence and satisfaction. However, sometimes the initial results are less than ideal and revision surgery is required. Breast revision surgery can correct a variety of issues with the breasts after an initial augmentation or reduction procedure. Here’s an overview of what breast revision surgery can accomplish:
Correcting Asymmetrical Breasts
It’s common for breasts to end up slightly uneven or different sizes after the original surgery. This may be due to differences in healing, minor differences in implant size, or surgical techniques. Breast revision surgery can rebalance and even out the breasts again by adjusting the implant size, position, or chest muscles. The goal is for the breasts to match in size, shape, and position on the chest wall.
Fixing Capsular Contracture
This is when scar tissue forms a tight capsule around the breast implant, causing the breast to feel too firm or misshapen. It happens in about 10–20% of augmentation patients. The capsular contracture may need to be surgically released and the implant repositioned or replaced.
Replacing Ruptured or Deflated Implants
While not common, breast implants can sometimes rupture or deflate, causing the breast to lose shape and volume. In these cases, new implants are placed during revision surgery after the old ones are removed. Choosing a highly durable implant material like the new “gummy bear” silicone gel implants can help prevent repeated ruptures.
Improving Rippling or Wrinkling
If rippling or wrinkling becomes visible, the implant may need to be replaced with a larger size or a different type (silicone vs. saline) to provide a smooth contour. The surgeon may also need to modify the surrounding scar tissue capsule.
Fixing “Double Bubble” Deformity
A double bubble refers to a visible crease along the lower part of the breast. It’s caused by the implant being positioned too high on the chest wall. Surgery can lower and re-center the implant to recreate a natural, gradual slope.
Revising Scarring Problems
Some patients are unhappy with the degree of scarring from their original surgery. Revision techniques can minimize scars by placing incisions in more strategic locations. Cortisone injections and silicone sheeting may also improve the appearance of thick, raised scars.
Repairing Bottoming Out
This refers to when the implant drops too low on the chest wall, creating an excessively round, wide cleavage shape. The surgeon can fix it by creating a new internal pocket in a higher position and using sutures to keep the implant in place.
Correcting Symmastia
Symmastia occurs when implants shift too close together, blurring the natural cleavage between the breasts. The surgeon can re-separate the implants into distinct pockets and use suture techniques to prevent them from shifting inward again.
Revising Incorrect Implant Size
Some patients opt for revision surgery simply because they want to increase or decrease their implant size. As long as the breasts and overlying tissues are healthy, implants can usually be safely changed to the desired volume.
Relieving Pain or Discomfort
If the original surgery resulted in long-term pain, numbness, tingling or a lack of sensation in the breasts or nipples, a revision may help alleviate these problems. Adjusting the placement of implants or scar tissue can relieve pressure from pinched nerves.
Improving Appearance After Weight Loss
Losing a significant amount of body weight after the original surgery can make implants look too large and breasts appear deflated. A breast revision can replace the implants with smaller ones and perform any needed lifts for attractive shaping.
Wrapping Up
Overall, patients who are disappointed with their initial breast surgery results have options. The best breast implant revision surgeon in Sydney can evaluate the issues and develop an individualized surgical plan to create beautiful, symmetrical, natural-looking breasts. While avoiding complications like capsular contracture is ideal, skillful revision techniques can successfully correct many problems that arise after primary augmentation or reduction. With careful planning and execution, revision surgery can often transform the breasts into something much more aesthetically satisfying for the patient.
