Philadelphia, PA 215.561.9100

Villanova, PA 610.688.9100

Cross Medical Group Cross Plastic Surgery
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BREAST IMPLANT REVISION

REMOVE, REPLACE, OR ALTER THE RESULTS OF PRIOR AUGMENTATION SURGERY IN THE PHILADELPHIA, PA, AREA

Some patients who have had augmentation surgery find that they are later interested in breast implant revision. The Philadelphia area’s Cross Medical Group provides breast implant revision as a way for patients to exchange their current breast implants for new ones. The procedure may also involve modifying or enhancing the appearance of the breasts in other ways.

The techniques used for breast implant revision in 2023 are more advanced than ever before. Women who first got their implants years ago should know that breast implant revision surgery has changed in the time since their initial procedure, thanks to medical and scientific advances.

Cross Aesthetics

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

For more information about breast implant revision, contact the Philadelphia area's Cross Plastic Surgery at (215) 561-9100 (Philadelphia) or (610) 688-9100 (Villanova), or send a message online to request a consultation.

WHAT IS BREAST IMPLANT REVISION OR REMOVAL?

Breast implants are safe, durable devices that can remain intact for a considerable time period—but they are not guaranteed to last a lifetime. Aging can affect the look and feel of implants because changes occur in both the body and the implants themselves. These changes may include sagging due to loss of skin elasticity and the constant downward pull of heavier implants or the development of complications, such as capsular contracture. Risk of rupture also increases by roughly 1 percent for every year breast implants are in place. Women may decide to have breast implant revision to counteract these changes, update their implant materials, or out of a desire to trade up or down a size.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST IMPLANT REVISION?

If you have had breast augmentation at some time in your life, you may be wondering, “Should I get a breast implant revision?”

Breast implant revision is designed for patients who have had breast augmentation in the past but are now dissatisfied with their implants or concerned about the appearance or condition of their implants. Generally, the ideal candidates for breast implant revision surgery are those who are bothered by the size, shape, or appearance of their implants, who have concerns about the integrity or condition of their implants, and who are in good health, maintain a stable weight, maintain realistic expectations, and are non-smokers.

Many of the individuals who decide to get breast implant revision surgery are no longer happy with the way they look or feel. Patients also may decide to have breast implant revision or removal if they are experiencing complications.

BREAST IMPLANT REVISION FOR A NEW LOOK

Dr. Cross uses Vectra 3D imaging to give his patients a realistic virtual preview of breast implant revision results. Women who were not able to take advantage of this technology in the past may have found themselves wishing they had opted for a different size—whether larger or smaller—for their breast augmentation. Other women find that their personal preference for their breast size and shape has changed along with fashion and style trends. Still others are unhappy with how their breasts have aged. Breast implants will often move or migrate to positions that give them a less attractive appearance.

Breast implant revision can be a solution for any of these problems, since it allows for a "restart." Big implants can be swapped out for smaller ones, or vice-versa. Dr. Kevin Cross and Dr. Jackie Lyons can also perform breast implant revision that involves a breast lift or breast reduction in order to address age-related changes to the skin and breast tissues. The result is a natural-looking breast proportioned the way the patient wants.

MEET DR. KEVIN J. CROSS

Dr. Cross is a board-certified plastic surgeon. His philosophy is to develop an individualized treatment plan for each of his patients while using his breadth of experience to ensure that his patients receive long-lasting, natural appearing results that reach their aesthetic goals.

WHICH COMPLICATIONS CAN BE ADDRESSED WITH BREAST IMPLANT REVISION?

BREAST IMPLANT REVISION TO ADDRESS RUPTURES

If a saline implant ruptures, the resulting deflation should be quickly noticeable. As sterile saltwater leaks out, the implant will visibly lose volume, causing the breast to change size and shape.

Silicone ruptures are not typically as easily detected, due to the thicker consistency of the material inside. Women with silicone implants are encouraged to get routine screenings to check for ruptures, because the gel moves slowly. Changes in the breast—including visual shifts or the development of discomfort—can happen over a longer time. In the event of a leaking or damaged implant, Dr. Cross or Dr. Lyons can perform a breast revision to remove the implant in question, then replace it with a new one.

CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE

Capsular contracture is a condition that arises when the tissue pocket holding an implant develops tough scar tissue that gradually tightens and squeezes the implant. When the implant becomes significantly distorted due to the surrounding pressure, the breast can become visibly distorted, too. Capsular contracture can also cause discomfort and make the breast feel hard to the touch. Breast revision surgery to address this problem involves removing the implant and scar tissue, then inserting a new implant, often with the new implant pocket being created in a more suitable position.

BIA-ALCL AND TEXTURED IMPLANTS

Another complication that has made headlines is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma—also known as BIA-ALCL. This rare cancer impacts the immune system, but has been found to be associated with certain types of textured implants. Women who are diagnosed with BIA-ALCL can have their implants and related scar tissue removed.

Breast implant removal and revision is also possible for women who have textured implants and want to make a precautionary change. In both cases, not only the implant, but also the surrounding breast implant capsule must be removed and sent to the pathologist to ensure that the patient does not have early, unnoticed BIA-ALCL. Removing the capsule is also important to help reduce the chances of developing future BIA-ALCL in the old capsule that was in contact with the textured implant.

BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS

Anatomy of Breast

While breast implants successfully enhance the wellbeing of many women, some patients find that the presence of their implants is associated with a number of symptoms. Known as Breast Implant Illness, these symptoms may include rashes, fatigue, joint pain, swelling, and other immune system-related changes. For women with Breast Implant Illness, removing the implant—as well as the surrounding capsule—in a way that prevents further contamination during implant removal is crucial. Once the implant and capsule are removed together (known as an "en bloc resection"), the tissues are photographed for documentation, sent for pathologic exam, and cultured to check for a number of pathologies that may be hiding in the tissues.

Cross Aesthetics

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Reach out to Cross Plastic Surgery for more information about the benefits of breast implant revision in the Philadelphia area. Call (215) 561-9100 (Philadelphia) or (610) 688-9100 (Main Line’s Villanova) or send a message online to schedule a consultation.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BREAST IMPLANT REVISION AND REMOVAL?

What happens when breast implants are removed, but not replaced? Breast implant removal, also known as an “explant” procedure, is a type of surgery that involves taking out breast implants without putting new ones in. This surgery is not the same thing as breast implant revision, since no new implants are being put in place of the devices being removed. Sometimes scar tissue or leaked silicone may be removed at the same time. It may also be necessary to remove some excess skin since the weight of implants can stretch out ligaments that will not fully retract once the implants are out. Patients may decide to have breast implant removal for health reasons or cosmetic reasons.

Fat grafting, or fat transplantation, is an option for breast revision surgery patients who want some volume added back to their breast after an explant surgery. For this procedure, Dr. Cross or Dr. Lyons will remove healthy fat cells from the thighs, buttocks, or other suitable donor area elsewhere on the body, then purify the fat and inject it into the breasts to add volume. The results are less dramatic than augmentation with implants, but the enhancement feels and looks particularly natural—because it is.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR BREAST IMPLANT REVISION?

If you are planning on having this type of cosmetic surgery, you may have questions like: “How do I prepare for breast implant revision?” or “What should I do before breast implant revision?”

If you hope to have reasonable expectations and a smooth recovery, it’s helpful to prepare for breast implant revision in advance. There are several things patients may be asked to do in preparation for breast implant revision. The first step involves getting lab testing or a medical evaluation, which may involve a complete physical examination. Patients may also need to get breast or implant imaging, such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI. They may also need to start taking medications or change how they’re taking their current medications before a breast implant revision. As with any other type of plastic surgery, patients should stop taking NSAIDs along with other medications and supplements that increase bleeding. Patients should also browse breast implant revision before-and-after photos and learn more about what recovery from the surgery is like. Arrange for transportation to and from the surgery and for someone to stay with you at home for the first 24 hours.

WHAT DOES THE BREAST IMPLANT REVISION PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

What does breast implant revision involve? How is a breast implant replaced? Each breast implant revision surgery is unique, with specific details depending on the size, shape, and type of the existing implants; details of the original surgery, including incision locations and scarring; and what will happen after the unwanted implants are removed.

One of several types of incisions will be chosen depending on the types of procedures that are involved in the breast implant revision surgery. These include (but are not limited to) inframammary incision, breast lift incision, or peri-areolar incision.

Sutures, skin adhesives, or other materials are used to close the incisions. Breast implant revision will often be a minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Cross makes incisions as small and unobtrusive as possible for each breast implant revision procedure, so that they are practically imperceptible once they heal.

Keep in mind that symmetry is crucial to a natural-looking chest, so both breasts may require new implants in order to appear the same size and shape after the breast implant revision surgery.

WHAT ARE THE RECOVERY AND RESULTS LIKE AFTER BREAST IMPLANT REVISION?

Dr. Cross, Dr. Lyons, and their team now use a recently developed protocol designed to encourage faster recovery from the effects of anesthesia and lower risk of post-procedure nausea after breast implant revision and other surgeries.

Post-breast implant revision recovery is similar to post-augmentation recovery: Patients can expect minimal to moderate pain and discomfort. While everyone’s experience is different, the healing process for breast implant revision may often be more comfortable compared to that of their original augmentation surgery. Downtime for healing should not be less than a few days, while normal activities and physical exertion can resume about two weeks after the breast implant revision surgery is completed.

ARE THERE OTHER BODY CONTOURING OPTIONS ASIDE FROM BREAST IMPLANT REVISION?

Along with breast implant revision, there are other forms of breast surgery available, depending on each patient’s unique goals. Patients who have always had small breasts or have experienced volume loss in the breasts but have never had this procedure before may want to consider having breast augmentation with implants.

If breast implant revision on its own isn’t enough to address changes caused by weight loss or pregnancy, patients may want to consider pairing the procedure with a breast lift to restore shapelier, perkier breasts.

You may want to also consider a separate procedure in addition to breast implant revision. Removing or downsizing breast implants can change the proportions of the body by causing other areas to appear out of balance. Liposuction is ideal for removing stubborn pockets of fat and sculpting contours on the belly, sides, back, and elsewhere. Other procedures that can potentially accompany breast implant revision surgery include tummy tuck, arm lift, and thigh lift, buttock lift, and lower body lift.

Cross Aesthetics

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Contact Cross Plastic Surgery for breast implant revision in the Philadelphia area. Call us at (215) 561-9100 (Philadelphia) or (610) 688-9100 (Main Line’s Villanova) or send a message online to schedule a consultation.

OUR OFFICE LOCATIONS

2200 Arch Street Suite 120, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Philadelphia, PA

2200 Arch Street Suite 120, Philadelphia, PA 19103
PH: 215.561.9100

775 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 230, Villanova, PA 19085
Villanova, PA

775 E. Lancaster Avenue Suite 230, Villanova, PA 19085
PH: 610.688.9100

CONTACT OUR OFFICE

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