Breast implants are known for providing long-lasting results, but they aren’t designed to last a lifetime. At some point, you might need a breast implant revision. This could be due to natural changes in your body or problems with the implant. But when exactly is the right time for a breast implant revision? Here’s how to know it’s time.
Common Reasons to Have A Breast Implant Revision
Body Changes and Aging
Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging can often result in changes to your breast tissue and skin elasticity. This leads to sagging or misshapen breasts, even if your implant is still in good condition. These body changes are often signs that it may be time to consider a breast implant revision.
Change in Your Aesthetic Preferences
As you age, you may change your mind on what you’d like your breasts to look like. Sometimes a new breast implant is required if you decide you would prefer a different size, shape, or texture.
Your Implant is Aging
Most breast implants are meant to last somewhere between 10 and 15 years. Once breast implants have become this old, there is a higher chance of complications. These include breast implant rupture, leakage, or a condition known as capsular contraction. Capsular contraction occurs when scar tissue hardens around the implant. This causes the breast to become firm, misshapen, and in some cases even painful.
Breast Pain or Discomfort
In some cases, breast implants can lead to chronic breast pain, which should never be ignored. If your breast implants are causing you any amount of pain or discomfort, breast implant revision should be considered.
You Want to Remove Your Implants
Some women simply choose to remove their breast implants altogether. This can be due to either personal preference or medical concerns. Breast implant removal surgery can be combined with a breast lift. This helps reshape the breasts and remove excess skin tissue after the implant has been removed.
Signs It’s Time for a Breast Implant Revision
You may want to consider a breast implant revision if you have started to notice
- Visible changes to your breast shape or size
- A firmness or distortion of one or both breasts
- Your breast implant suddenly deflates, which is more common with saline implants.
- Recurrent pain or tenderness in the breasts
- Visible rippling or shifting of the breast implant
- You simply desire a different look or shape to your breasts
When To Call Your Doctor
Breast implant revision is a common procedure. The reason for choosing to undergo it can range from medical necessity to personal preference. If you have started to notice changes to your breast tissue or your implants are aging, it’s time to talk to a plastic surgeon.
Schedule a free breast implant revision consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon in the Chicago area.