Breast Revision involves revisiting previous breast augmentation. It includes several procedures designed to correct uneven or asymmetrical breasts, genetic conditions, concerns stemming from prior, poor surgery or medical complications linked to past breast surgery.
Breast revision surgery can be relatively simple or highly complex. The approach taken will depend upon your personal circumstances. Because it is not a standard or routine procedure, Dr Page tailors each procedure specifically to your goals and desires.
The following concerns are addressed through breast revision surgery:
- Asymmetrical breasts caused by uneven breast implants, hardening or deflation in an implant, or capsular contracture
- Dissatisfaction with the size or appearance of current implants.
- Breast pain as a result of defective implants
- Malpositioned implants that appear unnatural
- Loss of nipple sensation or breast discomfort
- Medically defective implants that are or may cause medical complications**
- Removal of breast implants to improve the appearance of natural breasts
Overtime, breast implants can alter shape or size and overlying breast tissue can also change, causing the appearance and feel in the breasts to alter. Breast revision surgery can resolve these concerns.
Breast revision surgery is performed in a fully accredited hospital under a general anaesthetic with overnight observation if required. Recovery time and conditions depend on the type of surgery performed, and Dr Page always does his best to minimise scarring following any procedure.
*Any dissatisfaction with a breast augmentation performed within the past six months in Australia or abroad by another surgeon, should be approached with them first. If you are experiencing a complication, infection, or wound breakdown, please get in touch with your original surgeon. Otherwise, please consult your GP or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
**There is no evidence that the implants currently in use cause breast cancer or other concerns, such as Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) or breast implant illness. Breast implants do not usually interfere with breastfeeding.
Risks and Complications
At Dr Rohan Page’s practice, your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We want to ensure you are well informed about breast revision surgery’s risks and potential complications. While we take all necessary precautions to minimise these risks, it’s essential to acknowledge that some risks may be unavoidable.
Please note that the information provided here is of a general nature. During your consultation with Dr Rohan Page, he will discuss your surgical procedure’s specific risks and complications.
However, we have outlined some general risks associated with breast revision surgery below:
- Fluid Accumulation (Seroma): Following the surgery, fluid can accumulate around the surgical site(s), which may require additional procedures to drain the fluid. To prevent fluid or blood accumulation, temporary drains and thin tubes may be placed under the skin during your hospital stay.
- Fat Necrosis: Although rare, fat necrosis can occur when fatty tissue dies, resulting in the formation of hard lumps under the skin. Fortunately, this complication is usually not a severe problem.
- Changes in Breast and Nipple Sensation: Breast revision may cause temporary or permanent changes in breast and nipple sensation. Some patients may experience increased sensitivity, while others may notice reduced sensation.
- Numbness: Temporary or permanent numbness in the breasts and surrounding areas can occur due to nerve damage during the surgery. It is essential to discuss this possibility with Dr Page before the procedure.
- Breast Asymmetry: Breast revision can sometimes result in unevenness or asymmetry of the breasts. This can occur due to variations in healing, tissue response, or implant placement.
- Breastfeeding Difficulties: Breast revision may affect breastfeeding, reducing milk supply and discussing this concern with Dr Page before the procedure is essential, especially if you plan to have children.Additionally, these risks are related explicitly to having new implants inserted:
- Skin Wrinkling: In some cases, skin wrinkling over the breast implant may occur, especially in individuals with thin skin or those who have chosen larger implants.
- Calcium Deposits: In rare cases, calcium deposits may develop in the scar capsule around the breast implant. Although usually harmless, these deposits may require monitoring or treatment.
- Granulomas: Granulomas are lumps that can form in the local lymph node tissue due to leaking silicone. While rare, they can occur and may require medical attention.
- Capsular Contracture: Capsular contracture is a complication where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to become firm and lose shape and softness. This can result in discomfort and may require additional surgery to correct.
- Implant-Related Issues: There are various implant-related risks, including wrong implant size, implant rupture, and deflation. These issues may necessitate revision surgery to replace or remove the implant.
- Breast Cancer Screening Challenges: Breast implants may interfere with the effectiveness of mammograms in detecting breast tissue abnormalities, including tumours. It is crucial to inform healthcare providers about the presence of implants to ensure proper screening techniques are used.
- Implant Movement: In some cases, breast implants may shift from their original position over time, leading to asymmetry or discomfort. Corrective surgery may be required.
- Additional Surgeries: In cases of complications or unsatisfactory outcomes, further surgeries may be necessary to address any issues. It is important to note that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced after approximately 10 to 15 years.