Breast Reduction

Women who opt for breast augmentation (breast enlargement) with implants may not be happy with the results for a number of reasons: The implants’ shape, size and/or placement may be problematic, or postsurgical complications, such as leaking, wrinkling, implant displacement, capsular contracture or symmastia, may have occurred. Although considered safe, breast implant revision surgery to correct problems with your breast augmentation may be more complicated, cost more and take longer to recover from than the initial surgery.

To learn more about breast implant revision surgery with Dr. Frank in Calgary AB, call today to schedule a consultation.

Breast Implants

Reasons For Breast Implant Revision Surgery

After undergoing breast augmentation with implants, women who become pregnant, or who lose significant amounts of weight, may no longer be happy with how their breasts look, and decide to undergo breast revision surgery. Other reasons for breast implant revision surgery include the following:

Unhappiness With the Size of Implants Chosen

Wanting a different breast implant size is the most common reason that a patient seeks breast implant revision surgery. A patient is advised to wait up to 1 year after the initial procedure before undergoing a revision augmentation; time is needed before swelling subsides and the implants settle, allowing for a true evaluation of the surgical outcome. Exceptions are when there is a pronounced asymmetry between the breasts, or the implant has leaked or ruptured.

During breast implant revision surgery, the incisions made during the initial surgery are often used to remove the implants and replace them with either larger or smaller ones. If larger implants are wanted, the pockets in the breasts that hold the implants are made larger. If smaller implants are wanted, the pockets are made smaller using sutures; a mastopexy (breast lift) may also be performed.

Breast Implants are Leaking

Implants can leak because of age or defect, injury to the breast, or overfilling. Whatever the reason, a leaking implant should be replaced as soon as possible. The incisions made during the initial surgery are often used when replacing the implant.

A leak to a saline implant is immediately noticeable; the implant deflates and the saline is absorbed by the body. When there is a leak in the types of silicone implants used today, because the silicone is designed to hold its shape, leaks are often only discovered during routine mammograms.

Implants are Causing Complications

There is always a risk of complications from a breast implant procedure. They include wrinkling and rippling of the implant (usually a saline implant); capsular contracture, in which scar tissue forms around the implant, hardening the breast and changing its look and feel; and symmastia, in which the implants drift together and meet in the middle of the chest.

Even when breast implant revision surgery is successful, new implants are still subject to the same problems as the original implants.

Should I Visit My Original Breast Augmentation Surgeon to Perform My Revision?

It's not uncommon for patients to believe they must see the same surgeon who performed their breast augmentation should they decide to exchange or remove their implants. The truth is, the two surgeries require specific skill sets. While you can return to your original surgeon for breast implant revision, it's extremely important to assess their level of training and experience in the performance of revision procedures. You want to know that your surgeon has the necessary techniques to address the issue or issues that you're facing, such as capsular contracture, symmastia, or other concerns. You also want to feel confident that your surgeon is well-trained in the various types of breast revision that are available today. In the end, it's your safety and a satisfactory outcome that are more important than the familiarity you have with a previous surgeon.

How Will My Breasts Look after Revision Surgery?

Our goal is the same as yours, to revise your breast implants without diminishing your natural beauty! Whether your revision involves increasing your breast implant size, decreasing it, changing the type of implants you have, or removing your implants altogether, Dr. Frank operates with your final results in mind. Every decision that is made along the journey considers how your new breast size and shape will complement your overall body style, personality, and quality of life.

How Soon Can I Exchange My Breast Implants?

After undergoing breast augmentation, your breasts may appear higher and larger than you had anticipated. They may feel firmer than you expected, as well. Sometimes, this transitional period is when unsettling thoughts can arise, bringing about the consideration of breast implant revision. Before consulting with your surgeon about revising your implants, it's important to allow your body to fully resolve your post-operative side effects. It takes at least 12 weeks for breast implants to begin to settle. Only after that point do you have full understanding of your final surgical outcome. For this reason, most doctors recommend waiting at least 6 months before taking steps toward breast augmentation revision surgery. If you have questions or concerns before that time, a consultation with Dr. Frank may help set your mind at ease while also providing you with the support and information you need to understand your options should you decide to move forward with a revision procedure.

Can I have Multiple Breast Revision Surgeries?

It is generally considered safe and acceptable for a woman to have repeat breast surgeries. Depending on the age at which you first received your breast implants, you may require one or more revisions during your lifetime. The circumstances around your revision procedure may also contribute to your surgeon's recommendations for future surgeries. To understand your options, risks, and benefits, it is important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon with ample experience performing different types of breast revisions.

Unsatisfied with your breast implants? Call our office at (403) 245-1228 to schedule your breast augmentation revision in Calgary, Cochrane, Airdrie, Chestermere, and Okotoks, AB, CA with Dr. Ryan Frank.

Contact Us at: (403) 245-1228

If you would like to learn more about our cosmetic and plastic surgery services, to make an appointment with us, or to schedule your consultation, call us or contact us at our Calgary office.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top