Is It Time for a Breast Implant Revision? Signs You May Be Ready for a Change
One of the beautiful things about humanity is our ability to adapt and change throughout the different seasons of our lives. What may be true for us during one season, may be something we slowly begin to outgrow in the next. Similarly, the current size and breast implant type you choose now may be perfect for you in this current season of your life, but you may start to feel differently over time. That is okay!
Whether your breast implants have been with you through thick and thin, or you’re not happy with the way they look and feel right now, a breast implant revision surgery may be an option worth exploring with one of our two board-certified plastic surgeons at The Centre, P.C. in Mishawaka, IN. Dr. Downs and Dr. Macias help their patients understand their breast revision options and determine whether surgery is right for them.
What Is Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision is a cosmetic breast surgery performed to address changes or concerns involving existing breast implants. Depending on your individual needs, revision surgery may involve replacing or removing breast implants, changing implant size or shape, correcting implant position, or addressing changes in the surrounding breast tissue.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast implant revision can address a variety of concerns related to previous breast augmentation, including changes in breast appearance, implant position, or complications that may develop over time.
Revision surgery is highly individualized. For some patients, the goal may be a subtle update, while others may need a more comprehensive approach to restore balance, shape, or comfort.
How Do You Know If It Is Time for a Breast Implant Revision?
There is no specific time or date you must undergo a breast implant revision surgery, it is highly dependent on you and your personal goals and aesthetics. However, there are several reasons why you may want to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Reasons such as, your breast implants have changed position, they feel hard or look different, your body has changed since you initial breast augmentation, your implants are no longer the right size for you, or you are concerned about t a ruptured implant. Grab a pencil and paper and be sure to take notes as I break it all down for you. 🙂
1. Your Breast Implants Have Changed Position
As time goes on You may notice that one breast sits differently than the other, your implants appear too high or too low, or your breasts no longer have the appearance they did after your original breast augmentation.
Implant malposition can be addressed during breast implant revision surgery.
2. Your Breast Implants Feel Hard or Look Different
Some patients can develop a capsular contracture, a condition in which the scar tissue surrounding an implant becomes unusually firm or tight.
According to ASPS, capsular contracture can cause the breast to feel firm and may alter its appearance. Depending on the severity, treatment may involve surgery to address the scar tissue and replace or remove the implant.
If you notice a significant change in how your breast feels or looks, it is recommended you schedule a consultation and open that conversation with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Communication is key!
3. Your Body Has Changed Since Your Original Breast Augmentation
Your body today may look very different from when you originally had breast augmentation.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, aging, and changes in breast tissue can all affect the appearance of augmented breasts over time. You may notice changes in breast shape, skin elasticity, or breast position.
In some cases, breast implant revision may be combined with a breast lift to address excess skin or breast sagging.
4. Your Implants Are No Longer the Right Size for You
Your aesthetic preferences can change, too.
Maybe you originally wanted a more dramatic enhancement and now prefer a more subtle, natural look. Or perhaps you want to increase your implant size.
Breast implant revision allows your board-certified plastic surgeon to evaluate your current implants and anatomy and discuss whether a different implant size or type may better suit your goals.
5. You Are Concerned About a Ruptured Implant
Implant rupture is another reason a patient may require revision surgery.
The signs of rupture can vary depending on whether the implant is saline or silicone. A silicone implant rupture may not always cause obvious symptoms, which is why patients with silicone implants should follow current recommendations for appropriate imaging and monitoring.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that patients with silicone gel-filled breast implants undergo ultrasound or MRI screening beginning 5–6 years after implantation and every 2–3 years thereafter, even if they do not have symptoms.
If imaging or symptoms suggest an implant problem, your plastic surgeon can discuss the appropriate next steps.
Do Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced Every 10 Years?
This is one of the most common myths for breast implants. No, you do not need to replace your breast implants every 10 years. 🙂
Some patients have breast implants for many years without experiencing problems, while others may eventually choose revision surgery because of implant rupture, capsular contracture, changes in breast tissue, implant position, or simply because their aesthetic preferences have changed.
Rather than replacing implants based solely on a specific number of years, it is important to monitor your breast health and discuss any changes with your physician or board-certified plastic surgeon.
What Happens During a Breast Implant Revision Consultation?
Your consultation is an opportunity to talk openly about your goals, concerns, and ask your board-certified plastic surgeon any questions you may have regarding breast implant revision surgery.
During your consultation, your board-certified plastic surgeon may evaluate:
- Your current breast implants
- Implant size and position
- Breast symmetry
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Changes in breast tissue
- Signs of capsular contracture or other complications
- Your medical and surgical history
- Your aesthetic goals
From there, your board-certified plastic surgeon can explain which surgical options may be appropriate for you.
Depending on your goals, revision surgery could involve implant exchange, implant removal, correction of implant position, treatment of capsular contracture, a breast lift, or a combination of procedures.
Breast Implant Revision in Mishawaka, Indiana
If you are considering breast implant revision, you do not have to figure out your options alone.
At The Centre, P.C. in Mishawaka, Indiana, our team serves patients from Mishawaka, Michigan, Granger and the surrounding Michiana area. We understand that deciding whether to revise a previous breast augmentation can feel very personal, and our goal is to provide individualized guidance based on your anatomy, concerns, and desired outcome.
Whether you are unhappy with the size of your implants, noticing changes after pregnancy or weight loss, concerned about implant position, or simply ready for a different look, a consultation can help you understand your options.
Ready To Explore Your Options?
If you are wondering whether a breast implant revision in Mishawaka, IN may be right for you, call us at (574) 485-1144 or visit us at TheCentrePC.com to schedule a surgical consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at The Centre, P.C.
