Breast Implants: Factors to Consider in a Second Implant Surgery
- Posted on: Mar 30 2019
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Breast augmentation surgery has maintained a steady level of popularity over the past few decades. As technology has continually advanced, the process of making and installing breast implants has improved significantly. What hasn’t changed, however, is the general lifespan of the average implant. When you choose to undergo an initial breast augmentation, regardless of implant type, it is important to understand that, at some point, there is a good chance you will need breast implant revision.
Breast implant revision is not about complications alone. In many cases, patients consider a follow-up procedure to further modify the shape of their breasts. This could relate to aging and a desire to lift and enhance with a combination of augmentation and mastopexy. It could be because changes in weight and general body shape have affected the appearance of the breasts on the frame and a lift or replacement of breast implants would improve proportions. According to studies, newer generations of breast implants have the potential to last far beyond the average ten-year span predicted for earlier models.
Updating Your Breast Implants
If you’re considering revision implant surgery for any reason, you have decisions to make. There is no “box” to fit in, meaning just because you currently have a certain type and size doesn’t mean you have to stick with it. Factors to consider for revisional breast augmentation include:
Saline vs. Silicone
Actually, there is more to this concept then there was just a few years ago. While silicone implants dramatically outnumber the choices made for saline implants (due to a more natural feel), today’s patients can also decide which type of silicone implant they would like. Traditional silicone implants are somewhat soft and malleable. If this type of silicone implant were to rupture, the inner material would likely leak into surrounding tissue. More recent developments in plastic surgery include the fabrication of a Gummy Bear implant. This type of silicone structure is still soft, but more cohesive, like a gummy bear candy. If rupture were to occur, there is a much lower risk of silicone leaking into the surrounding tissue because the material is held tightly in gel form.
Size Matters
On the matter of size, you benefit from knowing that a second augmentation can involve a larger implant, a smaller implant, or the same size structure you currently have. Limitations would be similar to an initial augmentation, such as how much “give” there is to accommodate the implant size you would like. Revision surgery may also have to consider the probability of scar tissue within the breast implant pocket and how that may affect the shape and position of a new implant.
Updating breast implants can be an exciting proposition. We are here to see you through your process with friendly, personal care. To learn more about breast augmentation, call 713.271.9000 to schedule a visit at our Houston or Sugar Land office.
Posted in: Breast Augmentation
