Breast implant replacement surgery is also known as "breast revision".
Breast implant replacement surgery is also known as "breast revision".
It may be performed to change the size or type of implants or to correct complications resulting from a previous breast augmentation. If the original implant is replaced with a smaller size, or if the weight of the original implant makes the breasts sag, a mastopexy operation (breast lift) may be performed at the same time as the implant replacement operation.
REASONS FOR CHANGING THE IMPLANT
- you want larger or smaller implants than the ones you already have, or you want them to have a different shape
- you have saline implants and they have deflated or are leaking (although implants are increasingly reliable, older generation implants and especially saline implants can have this problem)
- you have capsular contracture or your implants have changed position
- breast tissue has changed due to significant fluctuations in weight
- you want to change your saline implants for the latest generation of gel implants
- you want the permanent removal of implants
HOW THE OPERATION GOES
Depending on the reason for the breast revision, the surgical technique differs from case to case
Changing the implant size
If you want implants of a different size, the surgeon will most often use the initial incision. For a larger implant, the doctor will enlarge the pocket or breast space. For a smaller implant, the doctor may be able to surgically reduce the size of the pocket with strategically placed sutures to support the prosthesis. A facelift may also be performed at the same time.
Muscle contraction (shrinkage of the tissue surrounding the implant)
The surgeon will probably use the same original incision to remove the hardened capsule and implant and then insert a new implant.
Implant rippling
If the edges of the saline implant become visible and can be felt by palpation, the surgeon will use the initial incision to reposition the implants as they were first inserted. Another type of implant may also be used and placed in a different pocket whose walls are stronger.
Upper nipple and areola repositioning
This procedure requires additional incisions: above the areola-if no significant lift is needed, and if better smoothing and visible repositioning is needed, an incision around the areola and, if necessary, a vertical incision towards the lower breast crease. If it is necessary to remove a large mass of skin (following drastic weight loss) an additional incision will be required. This will extend horizontally under the breast, following its natural curve. If the nipples need to be lifted, they and the areola are left attached to the subcutaneous tissues - the benefit is to preserve sensitivity and the possibility of breastfeeding.
Implant misplacement
Sometimes the pockets are created too close together or too far apart and the breasts will appear badly positioned. To correct this effect, a breast incision is used where the surgeon will manipulate the tissue surrounding the implant and reconstruct the pocket in an optimal position using suture techniques. The surgeon will fix the new implant pocket using other tissues. He or she may recommend an Accellular Dermal Matrix support product.
Implant removal
If the implants are large and the skin has stretched, the surgeon will recommend a breast lift. The removal will be done through the initial incision. The line formed around the implant or capsule is surgically removed to facilitate rapid recovery.
AFTER OPERATION
- you will need plenty of pillows on your bed to ensure correct positioning: under your legs, under your arms and under your back. The higher the torso, the more pressure in the area is relieved, which helps reduce oedema and pain.
- Drain tubes will be placed in it and will be removed later at the consultation. The bandages will also be removed at the time recommended by the surgeon.
- about three days after the operation you will be able to shower. You will have to avoid showers, hot baths and saunas for up to four weeks after surgery.
- you will wear a compression bra to prevent fluid buildup and swelling and ensure effective support of the implants
- sutures that do not self-dissolve will be removed after approximately one week
- slight depigmentation or swelling is possible and will disappear with healing
- you will be able to resume your professional activity after about ten days
- if the new implants are larger, you will feel some discomfort until the skin around them is accommodated
- it takes several months for the new implants to settle into their final position
RESULTS
The results are long-lasting but substantial variations in weight, childbirth or the ageing process will affect the appearance of the breasts over time.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- haematomas and seromas (accumulations of blood or fluid under the skin that will need to be removed)
- adverse reaction to anesthesia
- infection, bleeding, inflammation
- sensory changes
- scars
- allergic reactions (to drugs or materials used during surgery)
- damage to subcutaneous structures
- unsatisfactory results that may require additional procedures
TYPES OF INCISION FOR MASTOPEXY
- incision "anchor" is made around the areola, from where it descends perpendicular to the breast crease where it continues through a horizontal incision. It is intended for people whose breast laxity is very accentuated. This type of incision, which leaves the largest scar, is often used for a facelift combined with a breast reduction.
- incision "lollipop" or "key" is made around the areola and descends vertically from the areola to the crease of the breast. It is suitable for moderate breast ptosis, when the periareolar technique does not help and when the patient does not want a breast implant operation.
- the "doughnut" facelift or periareolar incision is drawn around the perimeter of the areola and is intended for patients with a minimal to medium degree of ptosis. It can also be used in the case of accentuated breast ptosis if an implant is also accepted.
- scarless facelift - is aimed at people who are more concerned about volume loss than breast sagging
PRICES
THE PRICE of a CRONOS MED breast implant + mastopexy replacement surgery starts from
6.000€
What are the medical indications for breast implant replacement surgery and mastopexy?
Breast implant replacement surgery and mastopexy you may need it if certain complications have occurred with your current implants, such as capsular contracture, rupture or migration of the implants, as well as following changes in your breasts after childbirth or large weight fluctuations. Also, breast implant replacement is also an option when you want a different size or shape of implants or want to replace saline implants with silicone ones.
How does the operation go?
Breast implant replacement surgery and mastopexy takes place only after the initial one, during which all the details prior to the intervention are established. The operation implant replacement and breast lift differs according to the particularities of each patient. After the anaesthetist administers general anaesthesia, the surgeon will make the incisions necessary to access the implants. The doctor may use the initial incisions, but new incisions may also be needed, depending on your situation. After the old implants have been removed, replaced and the tissue lifted, the incisions are sutured and the area will be bandaged appropriately.
How does the recovery after surgery take place?
Immediately after the breast implant replacement and mastopexy you will have drainage tubes, which will be removed the next day, and bandages. You will also wear a compression bra for optimal support and healing. The sutures are absorbable, and after about 10 days, you will need to return to the clinic for a bandage change. After breast prosthesis replacement it will be necessary to avoid strenuous physical exertion for several weeks. The final results are visible after a few months.
