Breast Implant Replacement in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ
What is a Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast revision is a surgical procedure that alters the results from a previous breast surgery and can enhance the shape and size of the breasts. You can rely on Dr. Michele DeVito, one of the best breast revision surgery Scottsdale specialists, who has many years of experience as a plastic surgeon.
Breast implant exchange is a relatively simple procedure because the pocket that holds the implant is made during the initial procedure. A breast implant exchange procedure tends to be less invasive and painful than a first-time breast enhancement. Most of the time, the incisions used for the initial procedure can be used for the exchange, which means no new scars. Through these incisions, Dr. DeVito can remove the old implant and insert the new one.
Reasons for Revision Surgery
Many people may find themselves asking, “Why would someone want to exchange their breast implants?” The truth is most women who have breast augmentation undergo subsequent procedures at some point during their lifetime. Women who wish to change their breast implants can be easily treated using a breast implant exchange procedure.
Breast implants are not considered permanent and there are a number of reasons why this is true. The most common reasons for seeking a breast revision surgery in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area include:
- Size Change
- Material Change
- Implant Rupture
Common Reasons for a Breast Implant Replacement
Although the majority of women who undergo breast augmentationn are extremely satisfied with their results, a number of women wish to alter the size of their implants at some point. When asked about their feelings regarding their breast enhancement, many women answer that they love their new breasts, but wish they would have chosen a bigger size.
In some cases, these women may have intended to go larger but were talked out of it. There are also some women who wish to have smaller implants put in. In either decision, a breast implant exchange procedure can be used to achieve the desired size change.
For years, saline was the only material available on the market. Silicone implants were banned in the 1990’s and returned on the market in 2006. Today, many women feel that their saline implants feel too rigid or unnatural. In areas along the top or sides of the breasts, there may also be some rippling with these implants.
For some women, it makes sense to exchange the saline for silicone implants. Silicone carries many advantages, including a softer texture and more natural shape. Cohesive gel silicone implants, also known as gummy bear implants, are a newer product that improves upon the look and feel of other silicone models. A breast implant exchange can swap out your old implants for a newer material to enhance the look and feel of your breasts.
Due to natural wear and tear or accidents, breast implants can occasionally rupture. Fortunately, this is not dangerous for you. Silicone implants do not leak if ruptured. The gel they contain is not harmful to the body. Most of the time, the only way to tell if a silicone implant has ruptured is through the use of an MRI scan.
On the other hand, saline implants deflate when ruptured. The body absorbs the sterile saline solution, which is completely harmless. However, the deflated appearance will immediately be noticeable. Many women who experience this condition seek immediate surgery to avoid the embarrassment of being seen with a deflated breast. Although silicone does not leak, ruptured silicone implants should still be exchanged. Our breast revision surgery can take care of any of these issues.
Implant Deflation or Rupture
An implant deflation is the leakage of the saline solution from a saline-filled breast implant. Rupture is a tear in the implant’s outer shell. There are many reasons why a breast implant can deflate or rupture. Among them, creases in the implant shell causes friction, an injury like a fall, a closed capsulotomy (squeezing of the implant), or it simply wears out over the years.
Unsatisfactory Size
There are a variety of reasons why a woman becomes unsatisfied with the size of her breasts. It can affect her emotional well-being in different ways. A woman can be unhappy with the size of her breasts, being too small or too big.
It can create insecurity, especially in adolescent girls. Many teenage girls who develop big breasts are at a higher risk for depression, drug use and eating disorders. Women with asymmetrical breasts often suffer from low self-esteem and can feel different.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is the hardening and contracting of scar tissue around an implant. Originally, the capsule is integral in keeping the breast implant in place and prevent slippage. However, the capsule of scar tissue can become hard and start to contract around the implant, which can cause pain in the breast.
About 75% of all capsular contractures are known to happen during the healing process and in the first two years after an implant surgery. It can change the look of the breasts. Capsular contracture can occur with any medical implant that is implanted into the body. It is not dangerous, unless it leads to a rupture that can result in an infection.
Breast Implant Replacement Options
Ready for one of the best breast revision surgery Scottsdale has to offer you? Here are several implant replacements you can consider:
Saline
Saline breast implants contain sterile salt water and an inner structure to give the implant a more natural feel. Saline is considered safer than silicone implants in the event of a leak, because saline is similar to fluids already in the body. If there is a leak, the saline is absorbed and expelled by the body.
Saline breast implants are FDA-approved for women age 18 or older and offer firmness and a uniform shape. However, they appear less natural than silicone and may have a rippling look in movement. Some of the risks with saline breast implants include rupturing and leaking which can lead to deflating, capsular contracture, and needing to remove or replace the implants.
Silicone
Silicone breast implants contain silicone gel that imitates natural breast tissue. If there is an implant leak, the gel can either stay in the shell or go into the implant pocket. It is recommended that you visit your plastic surgeon on a regular basis to check on the condition of the implants and make sure that they are functioning properly.
Silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for augmentation for women age 22 or older, and tend to feel and move like natural breasts. However, there are some risks involved with silicone implants including the rupture of a leak, a slow leak (detectable only with an MRI), and the need to remove or replace the implant. When silicone leaks into the body, it can cause swelling and pain in the breast, lumps, and the hardening of the shell.
Gummy Bear
Gummy bear breast implants are form-stable in that they keep their shape even if the shell breaks. These implants are firmer and thicker than traditional implants, and less likely to get wrinkled. Gummy bear implants have a teardrop-shape, which can be maintained even if the outer silicone shell breaks.
Capsular contracture, rupture and leak are less common with gummy bear implants than with other types of implants. However, it usually involves a larger incision and can appear odd if they rotate because of their teardrop-shape. Also, leaks are more difficult to detect than with saline or silicone implants.
What are the Top 10 Benefits of a Breast Revision Surgery?
There are many great advantages to correcting original implants because of capsular contracture, rupture, leakage, or improper positioning. Here are ten great reasons how a Scottsdale breast revision surgery specialist like Dr. DeVito, can help make new changes in your life:
- Change of heart and now want smaller or bigger breasts
- Correct complications from a previous surgery
- Deals with rippling and bottoming out of your implants
- Desire a change in size
- Eases pain caused by your implants
- Enhanced self-esteem
- Have the implants be more proportionate to your body
- More balanced appearance
- New bikini body!
- Reposition the implants
Preparing for Breast Implant Revision
At least a couple of weeks before your breast revision surgery in Scottsdale, you will need to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications, including aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, because they tend to augment bleeding.
You may need to get a medical evaluation, including lab testing, as well as breast or implant imaging like MRI or mammogram. For the day of your surgery, it is a good idea to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your surgery.
What to Expect During Surgery
A breast implant revision is a safe procedure that begins with the administration of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. There are different types of incisions depending on your specific procedure. For example, a breast lift incision is made in a wise or vertical pattern, an inframammary incision is done in the crease under the breast and a periareolar incision is created part or all the way around your areola. Sutures or skin adhesives are used to close the incisions.
Breast Revision Surgery FAQs
Candidates for a Breast implant replacement?
Any woman in good physical health, with a stable weight and who has realistic expectations about a revision surgery, is a good candidate for a breast implant replacement. Great candidates include women who have had breast augmentation in the past, and is now unhappy with her implants for medical or personal lifestyle reasons. It could be due to pain caused by the implants, or wanting a change from the size and shape of her current breast implants.
What are the Results?
The results from your breast implant revision will be long-lasting. Initially, the results will be obscured by swelling for a minimum of six weeks, but your breasts will start to feel softer. It may take up to a year for them to feel normal and see the full and symmetrical results of your surgery.
Is it Safe? What are the Risks?
Yes, a breast implant revision procedure is safe and has been performed many times. Like any surgery, there are some risks including bad reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, capsular contracture, deep vein thrombosis, hematoma, implant rupture, infection, numbness, scarring, seroma, and skin discoloration or loss.
Will there be a Scar?
There is typically less scarring with a revision and corrective breast surgery. The scars heal very well and can become inconspicuous after several months. It takes on average about four months for the wound to become lighter, and up to a year to fully heal. It is important to keep the scars out of the sun, which can darken them.
How is the Recovery?
Following your breast implant exchange, you should recover faster and experience less discomfort than with your previous procedure. The pockets for the implants are already formed so there is no need to create new ones, which can disturb the surrounding tissue. Your recovery process should be similar to that of your initial breast augmentation procedure.
How much does an Implant Replacement Cost?
There are many factors that can affect the cost of a breast revision surgery. Our staff can go over the details of your insurance with you, and see if a portion of the surgery may be covered.
Dr. DeVito has been providing high quality service in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area for many years, and will customize your procedure based on your individual needs.
Consultation
If you are interested in exchanging your breast implants or think that you may have ruptured them, schedule your appointment to meet with Dr. DeVito today. She can examine your current breast implants and recommend the best course of action for you.
During your consultation, you will get an opportunity to discuss your concerns and your goals with Dr. DeVito, a breast revision surgery Scottsdale specialist, who will explain your procedure, and provide information on what to expect during and after your procedure, including your recovery at home.
Dr. DeVito is a renowned plastic surgeon, board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and a member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. She specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face and body, and cares about her patients. Dr. DeVito goes the extra mile to make you feel comfortable and offer you one of the best breast revision surgery Phoenix has available to you.
