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Why Women Undergo Breast Implant Revision

For some women, breast augmentation surgery might not be a one time procedure. Implants are not made to last forever and there could be problems that come up over the course of the years. There may also be personal or medical reasons why women eventually need to undergo breast implant revision and re-do their breast augmentation.

One of the main reasons women undergo breast implant revision is deflation of the breast implant. Deflation could be caused by leaks or ruptures, which commonly occur with silicone and saline implants. Leaks or ruptures can significantly change the size and shape of breasts.

Over the years, as with weight gain and loss, the size of a woman’s breasts may no longer be proportional to their body. Women may also feel that their breasts look too fake and have breast implant revision to achieve a more natural look.

Women with silicone implants might need breast implant revision since the general lifespan of silicone implants is known to be around 10 years. Rippling may also be a problem for some women. Rippling of the implants changes the shape of the breasts and may never completely go away, even after small corrections. Breast implant hardening (encapsulation) may also be a reason women seek breast implant revision. Although implants typically remain soft, in some cases implants can become firm and cause discomfort.

When a breast implant revision is performed, the old silicone or saline implants are replaced with new ones. A surgeon makes an incision to remove the original implants and replaces them with new ones. The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours to complete, depending on the condition of the previous implants. A leaked or ruptured implant may take longer to replace. After you recovery from the surgery, there will be a noticeable improvement in the breast shape and size.

It is always important to consult a Board-Certified Surgeon who has experience in breast augmentation, especially breast implant revision. A plastic surgeon can give you advice and expand your knowledge about the breast implant revision procedure and if it is right for you. Asking questions and sharing your feelings can help your surgeon meet your expectations.