Breast re-augmentation is the removal and replacement of your breast implants. The highly specialised procedure changes the appearance of a previous breast enlargement procedure. There are several reasons why someone would consider breast implant replacement. Let’s dive into some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to breast re-augmentation.
What is Breast Re-Augmentation?
Breast re-augmentation is often called breast augmentation revision surgery. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon takes out your existing implants and replaces them with new ones. You can replace your implants with others of a different type, size, and shape.
The procedure also helps remove any existing internal scar tissue or an old implant pocket, preparing it for re-argumentation. In most cases, the surgeon performs the procedure through the original incision site. This eliminates the need for additional incisions, which minimises scarring.
Breast re-augmentation is often confused with breast explant. Breast explant involves a complete breast implant removal without replacing them with new ones. The goal of re-augmentation is to improve the look of old implants. It’s for the patient’s satisfaction when they are not happy with a previous breast augmentation procedure.
Why Do You Need Breast Re-Augmentation?
Breast implants have a lifespan of about 10 years, but it’s normal for them to last longer. So, naturally, there will come a time when your implants will need replacing. However, there are several reasons why an individual may opt for breast re-augmentation, including:
- You have had significant changes in your weight.
- Your breasts have changed after pregnancy, breastfeeding or due to ageing.
- You want to change the shape of your breasts.
- You want to change the size of your breast implants.
- Issues with the breast implant like ruptures or leaks.
- You have capsular contracture (severe hard scar tissue).
Because of the increased popularity of breast augmentation, there are many patients going through re-augmentation surgery. The outcome of the procedure varies from one surgeon to another.
Age, pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the results of breast augmentation over time. So, patient dissatisfaction is common whether it happens immediately or over a period of time. Re-augmentation can help correct undesirable or inadequate results of breast surgery.
How Do You Know If You Need Breast Re-Augmentation?
There are both medical and aesthetic reasons why you would want breast re-augmentation. If you’re simply unhappy with the look of your breast implants, you should speak to an expert plastic surgeon to guide you on the next steps. But, there are also certain signs you should watch out for in case you need to remove breast implants for a medical reason, such as:
- Implants are bottoming out.
- Implants are moving and creating a gap between the breasts.
- Implants are hard to touch.
- Rippling or deflated breast implants.
How Does Breast Re-Augmentation Work?
Breast re-augmentation is similar to your initial breast augmentation procedure. It will take longer than your initial surgery as you are both removing the old implants and inserting new ones. Although surgery time is longer than breast enhancement surgery, the recovery time is usually smoother.
The plastic surgeon performs the procedure under general anaesthetic. They then remove the implants from the same incision site as your original procedure. Depending on how your breast tissue is, your surgeon may also remove tissue surrounding the implant.
After your breast re-augmentation procedure, an overnight stay is normally recommended. It’s not a must, but it’s something you should discuss with your plastic surgeon. After the surgery, you will stay in a recovery room where the surgeon will monitor you for a few hours until the anaesthesia effects wear off. Once you get discharged, you will receive instruction on post-operative care to follow to get the best possible outcome.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Breast Re-Augmentation Surgery?
With breast implant removal, you can expect a similar recovery time as your initial breast augmentation surgery. The duration of your recovery will largely depend on the extent of your procedure. You will likely need to wear a compression garment following your surgery to reduce swelling and bruising. The full recovery time takes between 4 to 6 weeks.
Immediately after the surgery, there will be swelling on the upper chest and around the breasts. This should go down after about two weeks. If you’re considering breast re-augmentation because you are unsatisfied with a previous boob job, seek advice first. Circumstances vary from one patient to another, so, your situation might be unique, and the doctor needs to advise on that.
Depending on the condition of your scarring or breast tissue, the plastic surgeon may have to remove parts of the damaged breast. If you had a lot of work done during the re-augmentation surgery, your recovery period would also be longer. Overall, you should expect to make a full recovery in about 6 weeks or so.
When Can You See the Results of Breast Re-Augmentation?
It can take several weeks and, in some cases, a couple of months to see the full results of a breast procedure. However, re-augmentation results are visible almost immediately.
Depending on the reason for the revision surgery and the extent of the procedure, you can immediately see a clear difference between your old implants and the new ones.
What are the Risks and Side Effects of Breast Re-Augmentation Surgery?
As with any surgery, it’s important to be aware of any potential risks and side effects of breast re-augmentation. Potential risks include:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Excessive bleeding/ blood clot
- Swelling
- Infection
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
In addition, you may also develop long term complications like breast scarring and hard breast tissue. Every cosmetic procedure carries a certain degree of risk. Knowing the risks and complications of a procedure beforehand will help you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re unhappy with the look of your breast implants or are experiencing health issues, speak to a skilled plastic surgeon. As a highly specialised form of surgery, you want to find someone that you trust to address your concerns.
If you’re unhappy with the outcome of a previous breast augmentation surgery, book a consultation today with a certified Harley Street breast surgeon at the Harley Clinic.
