Breast implant revision addresses complications or aesthetic concerns that arise after initial breast augmentation. While breast implants can deliver beautiful, long-lasting benefits, multiple factors could lead women to consider revision at some point after surgery.
Why Do Women Choose to Change Their Implant Size?
The desire to change implant size is a common reason women seek breast revision surgery. Many find their aesthetic preferences change over time, leading them to desire proportions different from what they originally chose.
Most women who revise for size reasons want larger implants, though some patients may prefer a more natural, smaller appearance as their lifestyle changes. Additionally, body proportions may shift due to weight changes, making current implants appear too large or too small. Some other contributing factors to pursuing an implant size change include personal style and fashion preferences.
Whether you want an implant size modification to balance proportions following natural body changes or you want to accommodate shifts in aesthetic preferences, Dr. John Zinsser customizes each breast revision procedure to help Richmond patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals.
What Is Capsular Contracture, and How Does It Affect Implants?
Capsular contracture arises when scar tissue adjacent to the breast implant contracts, causing an unnatural hardness and appearance. This complication may develop at any time but most commonly appears within the first few months after surgery and requires implant removal and replacement to resolve.
You may be experiencing capsular contracture if:
- Breasts become firm, round, and uncomfortable to touch
- Implants appear unnaturally positioned or misshapen
- You are feeling pain and discomfort (often accompanying severe cases)
Research shows that ruptured implants significantly increase the risk of capsular contracture, with studies finding it occurs in 50% of breasts with ruptured implants compared to 24% with intact ones.
Can Breast Implants Rupture Over Time?
An implant rupture requires immediate attention. Breast implants can rupture from normal wear and tear, especially as they age, making revision surgery necessary to maintain breast health and appearance.
Some risk factors include:
- Overfilled or under-filled implants, which face higher rupture risk
- Excessive wrinkling and creasing that can cause premature wear
- Manufacturing defects that occasionally lead to implant failure
- Delayed treatment which makes future revision surgery more difficult due to scar tissue buildup
When imaging suggests a leaking or ruptured implant, prompt consultation with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Zinsser ensures safe removal and replacement.
How Do Life Changes Impact Breast Implant Appearance?
Significant changes to your body may affect how breast implants look and feel over time. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and aging alter breast tissue, potentially creating dissatisfaction with existing implants.
Women often notice their breast tissue sag or lose volume after pregnancy or nursing and may experience weight changes that impact their overall body proportions. Further, the natural aging process also affects skin elasticity and breast firmness. These changes often require combining revision with a breast lift.
Zinsser Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive breast revision options that address both implant exchange and surrounding tissue concerns.
What Other Complications Require Breast Revision?
Beyond the most common issues resulting from a breast augmentation, other factors can require a revision. Some women experience discomfort or simply decide they no longer want implants. This can include:
- Pain from implant positioning or pressure
- Discomfort from hardened scar tissue buildup
- Desire to remove implants entirely without replacement
- Implant malposition or shifting from original placement
With over 20 years of experience, board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Zinsser, provides expert breast revision surgery in Richmond, VA, customizing each procedure to individual patient needs. During your consultation, Dr. Zinsser conducts a thorough examination to understand your concerns and recommends the most appropriate treatment approach.
Ready to refresh your confidence? Contact Zinsser Plastic Surgery online or call at (804) 474-9805 to schedule your breast revision consultation today.