|
The plastic surgery procedure, breast augmentation, is gaining wide popularity among women. In some cases the implants used in the augmentation process may lead to physical discomfort and pain or may not give the desired effect. In such cases an implant revision surgery (either an implant removal or replacement) is required to relieve the physical as well as the cosmetic problems.
As the implant revision helps in providing an enhanced cosmetic appearance to the breasts can have a positive effect on the patient’s self-esteem and confidence. It also relieves the patient from physical discomfort due to wrong position of implant and complications like capsular contracture. The common complications associated with breast augmentation that can be correct through implant revision include implant rupture or leakage, wrinkling of the implant beneath the skin, folding of the implant and unnatural appearance.
The physical discomfort followed by breast augmentation can be due to capsular contracture. The capsular contracture is a hard scar inside the breast formed around the implant. Such a condition may require an operation to remove the capsule. The implant is either removed or repositioned into a new pocket.
In cases with the complication of breakage or leakage of a silicone implant, the entire silicone material needs to be removed; this is a quite difficult process. The process becomes even more difficult in the areas where the implant is broken. The implant needs to replace either completely or partially. The implant is repositioned into a new pocket.
The damaged implant needs to be removed if the problem is due to deflation of a saline implant. The new implant can be placed in the same pocket.
The breast revision is also done to improve the cosmetic appearance of the breast as the implant displacement can cause breasts to appear unbalanced, off- centre, wrinkled, indented or deformed. The revision of the implants is also done if the patient wishes to increase or decrease the size of it. The same pocket can be used for this.
The symptoms like tiredness, stiffness and swelling subsides soon after the surgery. In addition to the gauze bandage a supportive bra is also given to the patient for additional support. The drainage tube collects the excess fluid out of the incision site. The dressing is removed after a few days and the stitches will be removed in 7-10 days. The patient should avoid strenuous exercise for at least two weeks.
The scars will remain pinkish for two to three weeks. The scar later on will fade into thin white line. It will take three to four months for the final result to be visible. The patient can get back to the normal routine in a month.
The most possible complications are infection or hematoma after surgery. Just like that of the augmentation the implant rupture or leakage can occur a second time also. Other potential risks include loss of sensation of the nipples and breast, capsular contracture, shifting of implant, etc.
The cost of the implant revision depends up on the surgeon, location and the procedure adopted. The average cost for the procedure is between $3000-$3500. |