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Breast Implant Removal and Revision

While breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular and successful cosmetic procedures available, sometimes augmentation patients wish to replace their implants with an implant of a different size or desire to remove their implants altogether. Patients in Charlotte who seek revision breast surgery may choose to do so for a variety of reasons ranging from dissatisfaction with their initial results, to interest in returning to their natural profile. Sometimes surgery is indicated to address a patients desire to improve the cosmetic appearance of the breasts, and sometimes it is done to address specific implant related issues such as rupture or tightening. It is important to note that breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime, after a decade or two they may need to be replaced or removed as a part of the natural aging process.

What can I expect from surgery?

Revision breast implant surgery can be very similar to the original augmentation procedure if a simple implant exchange is performed. Dr. Miles will typically follow the original incision lines to minimize scarring. Depending on the technique used for your first procedure, additional incisions may need to be made. The incision may also vary if you choose a different size implant for replacement.

Depending on your desired outcome, a breast lift may be part of an implant removal or exchange. This procedure will usually result in different scar locations than those made during your original surgery. If you need to correct dramatic asymmetries from an unsuccessful augmentation or other implant related complications, the surgery may be more complex. Dr. Miles will discuss your expected outcomes and your procedural options ahead of surgery to address your individual concerns.

Patients may opt to have another augmentation surgery to replace the current implant with one of a more desirable size, either larger or smaller. Some patients desire exchange because the quality of the newer generation implants is a great improvement over the older implants that were used many years ago. Other patients choose to undergo an explant surgery wherein they remove the existing implants and do not receive a new implant. Downsizing or completely removing the implants will often result in looser breast skin that typically requires tightening with a mastopexy procedure. Removal of the breast implants without additional surgery can typically be done in the office setting under local anesthesia, avoiding anesthesia and further surgery.

Recovery from revision breast surgery is generally similar to the initial surgery. Some patients actually experience a quicker recovery with less downtime after their second surgery. However, this varies depending on the complexity of the procedure undertaken.

Am I a good candidate for revision surgery?

Patients seek breast implant removal or revision for a variety of medical and nonmedical reasons. Patients may require attention if they experience scar tissue that hardens around the implant, if an implant ruptures or leaks–often as a result of trauma, or if there are changes in the texture of the implant (if it becomes visible or ripples). Patients also seek revision if their original augmentation had a poor outcome, regret the size of implant chosen, or find they are dissatisfied with the choice of augmentation.

The decision to undergo a second surgery is a difficult one. Dr. Miles will help guide you through the process so that you can make the choices that best suit your needs. He is a skilled and experienced board certified plastic surgeon. He will take time to discuss your options and understand your goals for implant removal or revision.

If you are dissatisfied with your current implants, call to set-up a consultation at our office in the Lake Norman area. Dr. Miles will take the time to understand your individual goals and guide you through the revision process.

Call us at: (704) 896-5556