5 Reasons You Might Be Ready for a Breast Revision
It’s true that breast implants offer very long-lasting results, and many women remain satisfied with their new curves for years to come. But there are several reasons to seek a breast revision, and the fact of the matter is that almost all patients with breast augmentations will likely desire some sort of touch-up procedure eventually. If you relate to any of these signs that it might be time to consider a revision surgery, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options for updating and loving your look.
1. You Want to Downsize Large Implants
Years ago, the trend in breast augmentation tended toward the larger side, whereas today, smaller, subtler implants are becoming popular for a number of reasons. Athletic women are typically more satisfied with smaller implants, because larger breasts can hinder athletic performance (Aesthetic Surgery Journal). Similarly, fashion trends that feature plunging necklines and the oh-so-subtle “side boob” cuts seem to favor smaller breasts.
So what can you do if you now want to revise the size of your implants? A breast revision surgery can replace a larger size with a smaller one, giving you the same beautiful results, just in a subtler package.
2. You’ve Experienced a Pregnancy or Weight Loss
Sometimes, pregnancy or significant weight loss can affect the size and/or position of your breasts. Following such events, some women find that their breast implants no longer have the same firm, balanced look that they once did. In these cases, a breast revision that incorporates a breast lift can help to restore the lifted appearance that may have been lost due to weight reduction, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
3. You Desire a Different Type of Implant
With changing technology and aesthetic trends, you may change your mind about the type of implant that you originally chose for your breast augmentation. Although both saline and silicone implants come with their own benefits, some women find that one type is more suitable for their body composition and goals than the other. If you’ve decided that you’d like to switch from one to the other, breast revision surgery may be your solution.
4. You’ve Had a Leak or Rupture
Although it’s not a common occurrence, leaks and ruptures can happen. The good news is that these are generally not a medical concern, as the sterile saline solution from saline implants is safely absorbed into the body. Likewise, silicone gel is cohesive enough that even when the outer shell ruptures, the silicone shouldn’t escape into the body. This is known as a silent rupture, because unlike saline implants, silicone implants won’t noticeably deflate when a rupture has occurred (Archives of Plastic Surgery).
In these instances, breast revision can replace one or both implants and restore your original results, or you may choose to change the type or size of implant at the same time.
5. The Natural Effects of Aging
No matter how you resist it, the natural effects of aging and gravity on the body are going to happen. Although breast implants can last as long as ten years in many cases, the natural position of your breasts will change along with your body as a whole (NHS UK). But by working with an experienced plastic surgeon, a breast revision procedure can give you an updated silhouette that could help you look and feel years younger.
The Bottom Line
Breast revision should be thought of as an opportunity to tweak your breast augmentation in order to fit your current needs. Especially for women who opt for implants early in adulthood, as trends change and life events happen, you may feel differently about the type and size of your implants, as well as your goals for your final results.
For Pittsburgh and Wexford women seeking a breast revision procedure, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil of Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology would be happy to meet with you one-on-one to provide an individualized consultation and assessment of your current needs. If you’d like more information about your options, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Heil, please contact us at 724-264-3608.