Breast Implant Revision Complications

Breast implants do not last forever. In most cases, breast implant surgery requires revision. Removal and replacement of implants are two common secondary procedures for those who have previously undergone breast augmentation. Complications may result from these surgeries, as with any surgery.

Surgical Complications after Breast Implant Revision

After an initial breast implant surgery, some patients opt for a revision procedure to achieve the aesthetic result they desire. These revisions carry with them many of the same risks or complications as the original breast augmentation surgery. Complications may include infection, poor reaction to anesthesia, and bleeding. A full medical history should also be given to the doctor prior to surgery to minimize the risk of complications. There is also a possibility that the patient may remain unhappy with the appearance of her breasts. The breast implant revision surgeon will likely consult with the patient prior to surgery to ensure her expectations are realistic and attainable given her health and body proportions.

Complications after Breast Implant Removal

A patient may want a breast implant removal because they have experienced some problem with their breast augmentation, but many choose to remove their implants simply because they want their natural breasts back. Usually, patients experience only mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising after breast implant removal. In rare cases, complications may occur, including loss of nipple sensation, bleeding, and scarring.

Concerns about the appearance of the breasts after the implants are removed may arise. In most cases, patients’ breasts appear normal after the surgery. However, patients with large implants may experience some deformity of the breasts when their implants are removed. Tissue atrophy and chest wall deformity may give the appearance of sagging. Excess skin may be surgically removed to improve the appearance of the natural breasts when this occurs. The breasts may be smaller than the patient remembers them because of hormone changes or weight loss which took place during the time the patient had implants. Breast implant removal can also be psychologically distressing.

Complications after Breast Implant Replacement

Breast implant replacement poses many of the same risks and complications as the original breast augmentation surgery. For this reason, it is important to choose your breast implant replacement surgeon as carefully as you chose your breast augmentation surgeon. Complications which may arise from breast implant replacements, though rare, include rippling, rupture, displacement of the implant, and altered sensation in the breast. Capsular contracture is another complication in which scar tissue squeezes the implant and causes distortion of the breast’s shape. Most other breast augmentation risks and complications also apply to breast implant replacement.

Find a Cosmetic Surgeon through DocShop

To avoid the complications sometimes associated with breast implant removal and replacement, choose a surgeon carefully. Find experienced breast implant revision surgeons in your state using the DocShop physician directory.