Revision Breast Surgery

How long will my breast implants last ?

Although breast augmentation by implants is one of the most popular procedures world-wide, it is vital to understand that a breast implant is essentially a foreign body and breast implants are not life-time devices. It is reasonable to expect that you will have to have a second procedure at some point during your lifetime. Some literature states that this will be required after a certain number of years. This is partly true, but in reality the time when you will replace your implants, or have a secondary procedure is a very individual one.

What are the reasons why you may wish to have a revision breast augmentation procedure ?

There are a myriad of reasons why you may wish to have a secondary procedure down the track and this may involve an implant removal and or an implant replacement. For example:

• You want to have bigger breast implants
• You want to have smaller breast implants
• You desire a breast lift
• You may not want to have breast implants any longer
• You may have capsular contracture
• You may have a double bubble (when the breast forms a second fold)
• You may have bottoming out of the implant (the breast slides downwards)
• Your implant may have rotated or shifted
• You may have an implant rupture
• You may have an older generation implant, which has a greater risk of BIA-ALCL like a macro -textured implant, or a polyurethane coated implant.
• You may have a Poly Implant Prostheses’ (PIP) implant, which were used in Australia from September 1999 until April 2010. These implants were made in France, with unapproved materials, which affected their safety profile and were recalled from the market in 2010.

Whatever the reason for your concern or desire for a revision breast procedure, Dr Wetton will walk you through the necessary steps and assist you to choose the next appropriate procedure, whether that is a simple exchange of implants, or a removal of the breast capsule to more extensive internal work. Dr Wetton has performed many breast revision procedures and she will walk you through all of your options and the steps required to achieve your aesthetic goals.

What are the risks or complications of having a breast augmentation mammaplasty ?

Complications and risks associated with breast augmentation by Implant are not common, but are important to be aware of:

• Capsular contracture (a firm scar tissue that forms around the breast implant)
• Malposition (the implant moves, causing a distortion)
• Rotation (the implant rotates)
• Double Bubble (the breast implant does not sit perfectly in the breast mound, and there is a fold visible)
• Bottoming out of the implant( the implant slides down)
• Animation deformity (when your pectorals muscle contracts, so too does your implant)
• Snoopy deformity/waterfall deformity ( our skin and breast tissue fall forward over the implant)
• Breast Implant Associated Anapaestic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL discussed above)
• Rippling (you can see the ripples or folds of the implant under your skin)
• Haematoma (a blood collection in the breast pocket)
• Seroma (a fluid collection in the breast pocket)
• Damage to underlying structures such as nerves or lungs
• Poor scarring
• Infection
• Implant rupture
• Possibly Breast Implant illness of BII (although this condition is poorly understood and is not evidenced by scientific literature, there may be studies performed in the future, which will give us further information regarding this set of symptoms)

Can I still breast feed if I get breast Implants ?

Breast feeding

Patients often ask Dr Wetton if they can breastfeed after a breast augmentation with implants. The answer is that if you have breast surgery and the breast implant placement does not interfere with gland ducts or lobules there is a good possibility that you will be able to breast feed. Some people are not able to breastfeed, and this is independent from having breast implants. They couldn’t breastfeed before their breast augmentation surgery and neither can they breastfeed after their breast augmentation with implants. Breastfeeding is a complex system and it is possible that if your nerves are slightly damaged in the augmentation surgery then the nerve feedback loop necessary for breastfeeding may not function well. Some patients decide not to breastfeed at all after their surgery, because they are afraid that their breasts may change after breastfeeding. They like the way that their breasts look after surgery, so they are not willing to take a chance with breastfeeding.

What will my recovery be like after a breast augmentation with implants ?

A primary breast augmentation is generally a day only procedure and the patient can go home the same day, Dr Wetton does not routinely use drains, however if a patient requires them then she may utilise them. Your breasts may feel sore, swollen, bruised, as well as the feeling of a heavy pressure on the chest. Although you may not experience a lot of discomfort you may feel very tired and sore when you move around.

After one week
The first week you should keep your dressings dry and wear a supportive bra day and night. You will have your painkillers and antibiotics for a week and you should not exert yourself. You should take one week off work.You can slowly get back to your normal exercise routine after about six weeks. In a revision procedure you may be less sore, or more sore depending on what was required to be performed in your procedure. These procedures are very unique to your issues, and so Dr Wetton will discuss your healing with you during your consultation. Dr Wetton will monitor your healing journey closely and see you at regular intervals.

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