Even though breast implants are designed to last for many years, they will almost certainly need to be replaced at some stage. Breast revision surgery is common and the patient satisfaction rate is high.
Breast revision surgery or explant surgery involves replacing or removing implants. This could be because the patient chooses to do so or because of a complication. Common complications include rupture, capsular contracture or displacement. Patients who willing choose to undergo revision surgery usually want to remove the implants completely or swap them out for a different size.
For patients whose revision involves new implants, you can find detailed information about what breast implant replacement surgery involves, including recovery timelines and implant options.
Regardless of the reasons, the end goal is to achieve an attractive and natural-looking result that will ultimately boost your confidence.
How Breast Revision Surgery Differs
One breast revision procedure can be very different from another. Each surgery needs to be tailored to a patient’s specific needs. One way that revision surgery can differ from the primary procedure is that it’s more complex. This means it also requires a more advanced skill set, making your surgeon selection an important part of the process. Breast revision surgeons need to know how to deal with scar tissue and changes to skin and breast tissue. A high attention to detail is required to achieve optimal results.
Preparing for Your Breast Revision Surgery
As with your primary procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, your previous surgeries, medical history, lifestyle habits and goals will be discussed. You will also undergo a thorough examination.
Once your surgeon has all the necessary information, you can work together to create a treatment plan that will help you meet your goals. This could involve explant alone, implant replacement or even fat grafting instead of implants. Additional surgeries such as a breast lift may also need to be considered.
Once you’ve agreed on a surgical plan, your surgeon will once again take you through all the potential risks.
To prepare for your revision procedure, it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s specific instructions. These will include leading a healthy lifestyle and excluding certain medications and supplements from your diet. When you’re in good shape both physically and emotionally prior to surgery, you should experience a much smoother recovery. Preparing for recovery is something else you should do during this time. Arranging transport, making sure your home is ready for recuperation and filling your prescriptions are just some of the things you can do.
The main goal is to feel as relaxed as possible in the days leading up to your surgery and being prepared is one of the best ways to do this.
Recovering from Breast Revision Surgery
Even though recovery is different for everyone, many patients experience a much shorter, less painful recovery after revision surgery. Naturally, this is dependent on the specifics of your surgery. Swelling and discomfort will be par for the course during the first few weeks. Your incisions will also be dressed and a support garment will also need to be worn again. There is a chance that drains will need to be placed under the skin after surgery but these will be removed a few days later.
It’s once again important for you to arrange someone to drive you home after surgery and remain with you for a day or two. You will need to take at least a week off work but two might be necessary. In terms of activity and exercise, anything vigorous will need to be avoided for six weeks. During the first two weeks after surgery, any bruising, numbness and swelling will slowly decrease. Your implants will also gradually settle into their final position during the next few months. Any scarring will continue to fade as time goes on but using the necessary scar management techniques will help speed up the process. Taking enough time to recover is also important after revision surgery.
As you can tell, the breast revision surgery process is very similar to what you experienced during your primary procedure. If you have any specific questions, use your consultation to get all the additional information you need.