Thousands of women undergo breast enhancement surgery each year, and many of these patients will require breast revision surgery. The most common reason to have a breast implant revision is to change the size of the implant – with most patients electing to go larger in size. William Bruno Plastic Surgery minimizes the need for future breast revision surgery by using 3D imaging before breast augmentation. This approach helps patients visualize the size of their breast implants before undergoing a breast augmentation. But for patients who already need breast revision surgery, Dr. Bruno welcomes anyone from West Hollywood, Hollywood, and beyond to his practice.
Capsular Contracture and Breast Revision
Besides size requests, capsular contracture is the main reason for needing a breast implant revision. This condition occurs when hard scar tissue forms around the breast implant, causing the implant to become distorted and firm. This occurs in about 10% of all patients undergoing breast augmentation. It is known to occur more commonly in breast implants inserted through the areolar incision as well as implants placed above the muscle (subglandular). For this reason, Dr. Bruno prefers to insert implants under the muscle (subpectoral) and, most often, through the breast crease or inframammary incision. Some breast implants that have been placed in front of the pectoral muscle need to be converted to a subpectoral position to reduce the chance of recurrence of hard scar tissue.
Breast revision surgery may replace a breast implant affected by capsular contracture with a differently textured implant. Changing the texture of the breast implant could reduce the incidence of hard scar tissue formation. Of course, preventing the need for future breast revision is just as important. The need for breast revision surgery can be diminished through the use of prophylactic vitamin E as well as other prescription medications that help prevent scar tissue development. Finally, capsular contracture can also be prevented through the use of a special funnel that allows the breast implant to be inserted without contacting the surgeon’s gloves.
Breast Revision to Replace Damaged Implants
Breast implants can also rupture or deflate, which is another main reason patients may require breast revision surgery. Saline implants (water-filled) have a ten-year deflation rate of about 10%. Silicone (gel-filled) breast implants have a ten-year deflation rate of about 3-4%. Most patients choose silicone implants due to their more natural feel compared to saline breast implants. Dr. Bruno will explain the differences in greater detail at the time of your consultation in West Hollywood.
Breast Revision to Reduce Implant Size
Increasing the size of the breast implants is one of the most common reasons for breast revision surgery. However, it is also common for some patients to downsize the size of their implants, which may often need to be performed at the same time as a breast lift. This combination breast lift and breast implant revision is done to remove any excess skin that may occur because of the smaller breast implant. This type of breast implant revision surgery can be complex, and Dr. Bruno can examine your skin to determine which type of breast lift is suited for you.
*Individual results may vary
Schedule Your Breast Revision Consultation
Basically, most West Hollywood patients who have breast augmentation will likely undergo a second surgery in their lives for a variety of reasons. You can, however, be lucky and go many years without requiring breast revision surgery. Dr. Bruno can explain these issues in greater detail during a consultation. If you have had breast implant surgery in West Hollywood or Hollywood and are experiencing a problem or have a concern, William Bruno Plastic Surgery can help. Please contact Dr. Bruno at (310) 461-3855 or with our online form for more information about breast revision surgery.