Revision Breast Surgery
Following Breast implant surgery you will almost certainly need further surgery again in the future – to carry out a breast uplift, to change the implant, or eventually simply to remove the implants.
Breast augmentation (breast enlargement surgery) is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for many reasons – it is safe, predictable, can produce an immediate improvement and has very high patient satisfaction rate.
However, it is important to appreciate that following breast implant surgery you will almost certainly need further surgery again in the future – to carry out a breast uplift, to change the implant, or eventually simply to remove the implants. There is no set time limit for revision surgery – some women have had the same implants for decades – but on average, revision surgery takes place ten to fifteen years after the original procedure.
Implant exchange can be reasonably straightforward as the pocket dissection has already been done, but it is often necessary to alter the implant capsule – remove it, enlarge it or reduce it, or a combination of all three – which can add to the complexity of the procedure.
There is no ‘set piece’ for revision breast surgery and your surgical plan will be tailored to your needs. However, a few more common scenarios are:
Change in size or shape
One of the most frequent reasons for implant removal and replacement is the woman’s desire to change the size of the implants. The majority of women are extremely happy with their new size after breast augmentation, but a number decide years later to increase or decrease their cup size. This might involve implant exchange, plane change, capsulectomy (removal of capsule), capsulotomy (release of the capsule without removing it), capsulorrhaphy (tightening or reshaping the capsule) or a combination of these.
Capsular contracture
A minority of patients may develop capsular contracture following their breast augmentation. If that is the case then it becomes necessary either to remove or release the capsule (capsulectomy or capsulotomy), and it may be necessary to move the implant to a different plane.
Breast implant rippling
I have not seen a case of visible implant rippling amongst my patients, but if you have developed rippling following previous breast surgery this can be addressed by a variety of techniques, including changes to the implant, its placement and adjunctive surgical techniques. I would be happy to formulate a tailor-made plan for you at your consultation.
Before embarking on cosmetic surgery always do your research and find a reliable surgeon with a good local reputation. Developing a rapport with your surgeon is essential. A consultation usually takes at least half an hour and it should be with the surgeon rather than a nurse or patient coordinator. I like to meet twice before surgery so you can ask all the questions you’ve thought of between meetings.
After the surgery you will be asked to wear a post-surgical bra to support and protect your breasts, and will be given postoperative exercises to start on the day of surgery. In this way, many patients report not needing paracetamol after a few days. You should be able to return to work after one or two weeks depending on the nature of your job.
- Analgesia (pain relief) – Ibuprofen and paracetamol
- Surgical skin tapes should be left in place for the first week and replaced thereafter
- The hospital or surgeon should be contacted if you develop a temperature, bleeding or rapid swelling
- Wounds will be checked at 1 week, and I usually then see you at 1, 3 and 6 months.
- Swelling reduces after a few weeks
General Anaesthetic
Reasonably mobile: from Day 1
Surgical bra for 4-6 weeks,
non-underwired bra for 2 months
Hospital stay: 1 night
Washing: Shower after Day 2,
bath after 2 weeks
Full recovery: 4-6 weeks
Surgery time: 1.5-2 hours
Driving: 1-2 weeks
We advise patients to stop smoking 2 week before and after any surgery
Time off work: 1-2 weeks
Exercise: 4-6 weeks
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