Most patients are happy with the results of breast augmentation surgery. But at some point, revision breast augmentation surgery is needed. At our Washington, DC practice, some women choose to exchange implants, some experience complications, and some need to replace older implants. Others simply want to remove their implants altogether.
The reasons for breast augmentation revision surgery vary. In this blog post, I’ll explore the opportunities patients have during their revision surgery.
A Common Procedure
Breast augmentation revision is a procedure that many patients experience. Even though implants don’t actually “expire,” the lifespan of these devices is typically between 10 to 20 years. The implants chosen by patients today are quite different from those used 10 years ago, thanks to significant technological advances. One study found that up to 20% of women choose to have their implants replaced within 8 to 10 years.
More Advanced Options
Women getting revision surgery have the chance to select implants that might be more advanced than those they currently have. Many women like to exchange their existing, older breast implants for a newer model. This is especially common among patients who have saline implants and wish to make the switch to cohesive silicone gel. These gel implants, which vary in the cohesiveness of the silicone gel filler, are used to create a more natural-looking appearance and feel.
Update Your Look
Women undergo breast augmentation at various points in their lives. But as time passes, a person’s style and taste may change. During revision surgery, you have the opportunity to update your appearance. For many women, what they wanted in their 20s may not be what they want in their 40s. Lifestyles also change, including physical activities. Some women who got breast implants in their 20s may have taken up running more recently and feel that smaller implants may be more comfortable.
You also have the option of combining revision with other surgeries. Many patients add procedures such as a breast lift to restore breast shape and gain a more youthful appearance.
If you are only replacing implants, we typically use the same incision locations that were used in the initial augmentation procedure. This technique prevents additional scarring and helps incisions heal cleanly.
It is important to remember that breast augmentation revision surgery requires an experienced, highly trained plastic surgeon. While it can provide flattering, satisfying results, it is a more complicated procedure than the primary surgery. Scar tissue, stretched skin, and adjusted chest anatomy all play a part in what your surgeon must prepare for.
To get an idea of what actual results look like, you can browse our gallery of before-and–after photos to see some of our actual implant revision patients. If you’re considering breast augmentation revision surgery and are searching for the best plastic surgeon in the Washington, DC area, contact us using the online form or call our practice at (703) 560-2850 in Annandale or (301) 652-7700 in Chevy Chase.