Breast implant revision surgery commonly involves the removal and/or replacement of silicone or saline breast implants. It is typically performed to alter the size or type of your implants, and can also be used to correct any complications that arose from your primary breast augmentation. It can also be used to correct any tightening of the scar tissue around the implants, alter the position of the implants, and correct any skin stretching that has resulted because of weight loss or weight gain. The primary goal of this procedure is to restore youthful contour and appearance to your breasts.
You may be an appropriate candidate for breast implant revision surgery if:
- You are in good health
- You are not a smoker
- You wish to increase or decrease the size of your breast implants
- You wish to correct breast asymmetry
- You want to address problems that have developed with your implants and/or surrounding breast tissue
- Pregnancy and/or breast-feeding has changed the appearance of your implants
- Weight loss or weight gain has negatively affected the appearance of your breast implants
- You should have undergone a breast lift with your initial augmentation, but did not
- You are unhappy with the results of previous surgery due to poor implant placement or other aesthetic problems
- You wish to remove your breast implants permanently
Good communication with your plastic surgeon is key to achieving the results you want. By clearly stating your aesthetic goals your surgeon can suggest the right options available to you. One thing you should discuss is what type of implant you want used: silicone, saline or cohesive gel silicone implants.
- Saline filled breast implants are filled with sterile salt water, and can be pre filled to a predetermined size or filled at the time of surgery so that minor modifications in size can be made.
- Silicone filled breast implants are filled with a soft, elastic gel and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. All silicone implants are prefilled and may require a larger incision than saline implants during placement.
- Cohesive gel silicone implants, also called "form stable" implants are filled with a cohesive gel which is made of crosslinked molecules of silicone. This makes them thicker and firmer than traditional silicone, allowing them to better hold their shape.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board certified plastic surgeon based in Edmonton Alberta. His specialties include facial surgery, breast surgery, body contouring and skin treatments. Contact Dr. Ladak at 780.407.6691 to book your consultation.
