15 Aug 2024 | by Dr. Sean Doherty
A breast implant is a safe, well-studied, long-lasting medical device. It is not, however, a lifetime device. Certain factors such as weight gain/loss, pregnancy, and hormones can adversely affect your skin and tissues, causing the appearance of your implants to change. They may have moved out of position so that your breasts no longer look as lifted, youthful, and perky. Furthermore, your aesthetic taste may have also evolved with time. The implants that suited your anatomy, lifestyle, and desired outcome in your 20s may not work as well in your 40s. It is important when considering breast implant revision surgery that you understand your options. You can replace your old implants with new ones, or you can choose to remove them altogether. Here are some things to consider.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery in Boston
First things first, when it comes to revision surgery, it is imperative that you book an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon such as myself who specializes in breast surgery. Whether you choose to replace your implants or remove them, this is potentially a more in-depth procedure than your initial breast augmentation. So, you want to ensure that your surgeon has considerable experience in breast revision.
When you come in to see me, I will listen closely to what bothers you about your body contour. If you have been diligent about having an MRI of your breasts every five years (to determine rupture in silicone implants), we will go over these results to ascertain the overall health of the implants themselves. Then, I will conduct a thorough physical exam to assess:
- Skin tone and texture
- Elasticity of breast tissue
- Degree of sagging, if any
- Nipple position
Together, we will discuss the best revision option for your individual needs.
Breast Implant Replacement vs. Removal
If you are happy with the size and shape of your breasts and you’ve had your current implants for more than a decade, replacing your old implants with new ones of the same size could be the best choice. However, most women that I see have lived a life since they first got their implants, and this shows up in their skin and tissues. If you only have a mild to moderate degree of skin laxity, you may be able to get away with replacing your old implant with a slightly larger size. However, anyone with moderate to severe sagging in the breasts is most likely going to do best with an implant replacement and a breast lift. This is particularly true as the overall aesthetic trend these days is veering towards smaller breasts. Also, some women with previously placed saline implants may decide to switch them out for new silicone gel implants.
Breast implant removal is best for patients who are simply tired of dealing with their implants. Because your skin and tissues have stretched out over time to accommodate your implants, I will generally remove the implant and perform a breast lift in order to deliver the most pleasing shape. All of these options will be discussed with you in detail during your initial consultation.
To find out more about breast revision surgery, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
