What is breast implant correction?
Breast implant correction surgery, also known as breast augmentation mammoplasty revision, is a surgical procedure intended for patients who have undergone a breast augmentation mammoplasty previously and may be unhappy with their implants or concerned about their condition. The surgery aims to correct complications that may have occurred after their initial augmentation mammoplasty surgery and, if required, remove and replace the implants. The surgery is different for every patient, as it is dependent on their personal desired outcomes and is tailored to their specific needs. Depending on the type of corrections a patient aims to achieve, breast fat grafting or a breast lift (mastopexy) may be suggested as an additional surgery for revision.
Why breast implant correction surgery?
There are several important reasons a woman may decide to undergo breast implant revision surgery. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss, pregnancy, and natural ageing can affect the implants’ position, shape, and size, causing such problems as volume loss and asymmetry. Some patients may also decide that their implants’ specific size and shape no longer meet their cosmetic aesthetic goals.
More serious concerns such as capsular contracture and rupture or migration of the implants are also a cause for correction. Implant rupture can occur due to trauma or a breakdown in the integrity of the implant shell, causing the implant to leak. Capsular contracture is the tightening of scar tissue that forms around the breast implant, causing the breasts to harden. In some cases, the hardening can be quite noticeable as patients feel a tightening in their chest, and some cases, pain. These more severe risks can cause noticeable differences in a woman’s breast implants.
The actual implant device has a lifetime warranty. Still, the costs for replacing the implants are usually not covered after ten years, which is why many women elect to replace or update their implants around that time frame.
Am I a suitable candidate for breast implant correction?
Breast implant correction is available to women who have previously undergone breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, wish to replace or correct their current implants, and are physically healthy. Suitable patients may have the following concerns:
- Dissatisfaction with the size or appearance of their implants
- Asymmetrical breasts – caused by uneven implants, deflation, rupture, or capsular contracture and hardening
- Breast pain due to breast surgery or faulty which may have ruptured or calcified
- Experiencing a loss of sensation in the nipple or discomfort in the breasts
Consultation with Dr Matt Starr
During your initial consultation with Plastic Surgeon Dr Matt Starr, it will be essential to discuss your reasons for wanting breast implant correction, including your medical history, previous surgeries, and family history. Suppose your reasons for wanting breast implant correction are due to potential complications such as a rupture or contracture. In that case, you may need to provide ultrasound results, MRI scans, and previous operation records before or during your consult. Dr Matt Starr will need to consider this information when assessing your breasts, as he will analyse the shape and size of your breasts, your current breast implant type, skin and breast tissue quality, previous implant scars, and where the current placement of the implants are.
Just like your initial breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery, correction surgery requires several important decisions to achieve your desired outcomes. Dr Starr will use the information you provide in your consultation, along with his knowledge and experience in breast surgeries and reconstructions, to determine the following:
- Do the implants need replacing?
In some cases, there are no issues with the implants; aesthetic corrections can be made to improve their appearances, such as changing shape or size. - What texture is best suited as a replacement?
This question is vital if implant migration has occurred. - Do the implants need to be removed and reinserted into a different placement area?
As you will know from your augmentation mammoplasty, there are several locations where pockets can be made to insert the implants. Moving intact implants can be a corrective solution for improving a patient’s comfort and appearance.
Photos of your breasts will need to be taken to assess the extent of concerns needing correction. However, the images will remain strictly confidential and, for medical purposes only, shared amongst your trusted medical team. Once Dr Starr has discussed and considered these factors with you, he will recommend a treatment plan designed to target your concerns and desired outcomes.
The procedure
Breast implant correction surgery is typically a day procedure, taking roughly two to three hours under general anaesthetic. The process will differ for every patient, depending on whether the implant and scar capsule are being removed, the implant is being replaced, or the same implants are being used, and if any additional surgeries are being done, such as fat grafting or a breast lift (mastopexy).
Generally, the procedure aims to remove the damaged or old breast implants, including the scar tissue and capsule around the implants, before replacing them with your new implants. This involves reshaping the breast implant pocket to reposition or accommodate a new implant size.
If the implants are being removed due to capsular contracture, the new implants are often replaced in a different pocket, usually under the muscle, to help prevent contracture recurrence. If the removal and replacement of implants are due to a rupture, the new implants can be inserted into the same pocket. Patients whose implants are intact but have migrated and need repositioning are usually removed, cleaned and re-inserted once the correct position and pocket are created.
It will take time for the swelling to reduce and may take a few months until the final results are seen.
Recovery & aftercare
Immediately following your procedure, you will feel symptoms similar to what you initially experienced with your original implant (augmentation mammoplasty) surgery. Symptoms such as swelling, soreness, bruising, and stiffness or tightness will remain for the first two weeks. Your breasts will be covered in gauze and bandages, and you will have drain tubes inserted in each breast to help prevent fluid accumulation. Patients will be required to stay in the hospital for up to five days until the drains are removed, at which point they are fitted with a compression garment to be worn for at least a month after surgery.
General aftercare instructions for breast implant correction include:
- Take sufficient time off work – up to two weeks for office workers
- Keep your wound clean and dry for two to three days
- Sleep with your head elevated for one to two weeks post-surgery
- Light walking is encouraged after a couple of days to prevent blood clotting and other complications
- Avoid heavy lifting for at least a month
- Do not drive until around two weeks or until you no longer require pain medication
- Wear all prescribed garments for at least six weeks
- Take all prescribed medications and creams as advised
- Avoid sexual activity for three to four weeks
What risks or complications are associated with breast implant revision surgery?
Risks and complications are associated with all medical or cosmetic procedures, and it is crucial to be aware of the specific risks of breast implant revision surgery before choosing to go ahead. Risks and complications can include:
- Poor scarring
- Haematoma
- Infection
- Poor healing
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Anaesthesia risks
- Blood clots
- Seromas
- Pain
- Capsular contracture
- Implant leakage or rupture
