When should you seek a hospital for breast revision surgery?

When should you seek a hospital for breast revision surgery?

Hello, I'm Kim Ju-won, a board-certified plastic surgeon performing breast augmentation in Gangnam~! 😊

Many of you may be considering revision surgery if you experience discomfort or are dissatisfied with the shape of your breasts over time after breast augmentation, right?

In particular, capsular contracture, implant rupture and deformation, and dissatisfaction with size or shape are common reasons for considering revision surgery. Today, I'll easily explain each factor that leads to considering revision surgery~!

What is capsular contracture?

First, let's look at capsular contracture.

Capsular contracture refers to the phenomenon where the capsule (membrane) surrounding the implant thickens, causing the breast to harden and change shape.

When an implant enters the body, our body recognizes it as a foreign object. Therefore, it tries to protect the body by forming a thin membrane around the implant. When this membrane becomes excessively firm, it's called capsular contracture. In this case, the breast may feel lumpy or the implant's position may shift. It can also lead to shape deformation or pain.

The only known cause of capsular contracture is ‘smoking’. While the body's reaction to the implant, bleeding or infection during surgery, tissue changes from long-term implant use, and individual immune response differences can play a role, these are not definitively proven causes.

If your breast becomes excessively hard, accompanied by pain, or if you suspect symptoms of capsular contracture, you should visit a hospital to confirm your exact condition through consultation, examination, and tests with a specialist before considering revision surgery.

In cases of implant rupture or deformation

If the breast receives a strong impact during the period when the implant should settle after surgery, the implant's position may shift or it may be damaged. It's important to regularly check its condition.

There are various causes of implant rupture. Typically, strong pressure, such as vigorous massaging during the breast's recovery period after surgery, can cause bleeding or rupture. Rupture is also possible if there's a strong impact, such as a traffic accident, or if the implant's durability weakens due to aging.

If an implant ruptures, one side of the breast may suddenly feel smaller or the shape may feel uneven. A rippling phenomenon, where implant wrinkles are visible, may also appear, which can be more noticeable in thinner individuals.

If you desire size or shape improvement

There are also cases where what was initially considered perfect changes over time as perspectives shift.

As trends change or as one ages, beauty standards may differ, leading to a desire to improve size or shape. One might want a larger size, or conversely, a smaller size. In such cases, implant replacement can be considered to achieve the desired size correction.

When should breast revision surgery be performed?

Typically, it takes about 6 months to 1 year after breast augmentation for swelling to subside and the breasts to settle. If considering revision surgery, it's appropriate to contemplate it after this period. However, if a problem arises from a medical rather than an aesthetic standpoint, revision surgery should be performed even earlier.

Revision surgery also involves many considerations, just like the initial surgery. If the desired size has changed, the decision to replace with a new implant must be made, but whether to utilize the existing incision or use a new one is also a matter that needs to be discussed and decided.

Since the tissue may be weaker compared to the first surgery, a surgical method that accounts for this is necessary, and when deciding on the implant type, it must be carefully chosen according to the individual's condition, body type, and desired outcome.

Breast revision surgery, how should I manage it after surgery?

Post-operative care is extremely important for breast revision surgery. In the early recovery period, avoid strenuous movements, and it's best to start exercising at least three months later.

Through meticulous post-operative care with a specialist and the hospital, the implant should be managed to settle naturally, and after a certain period, it's necessary to periodically check the implant's condition through ultrasound examinations. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is also an important factor in achieving healthy and beautiful breasts.

Since there are many factors to consider for breasts, self-study alone has limitations. Consulting with an experienced specialist to find the most suitable solution for you is the fastest way to resolve concerns.

If you have concerns about your breasts, please remember this. 😊

Thank you for reading this long article.

This has been plastic surgeon Kim Ju-won 😊

Frequently Asked Questions

What is capsular contracture?

Capsular contracture is a phenomenon where the capsule (membrane) surrounding the implant thickens more than necessary, causing the breast to harden and change shape. This can lead to the breast feeling lumpy, the implant shifting, and pain.

What are the main causes of capsular contracture?

The only known cause of capsular contracture is smoking. Other factors that may influence it include the body's reaction to the implant, bleeding or infection during surgery, the duration of implant use, and individual differences in immune response.

What symptoms can appear if an implant ruptures?

If an implant ruptures, you may suddenly feel one breast become smaller or notice an uneven shape. Additionally, rippling, where implant wrinkles are visible through the skin, may occur in slender individuals.

When is it appropriate to consider breast revision surgery?

It is generally appropriate to consider revision surgery after a sufficient period of 6 months to 1 year has passed since the initial breast augmentation, allowing the breasts to fully settle. However, if a medical problem arises, revision surgery should be performed sooner.

How should I manage post-revision surgery care?

In the early recovery period after revision surgery, avoid strenuous movements, and it is best to start exercising at least three months later. Through meticulous care with a specialist, manage the implant to settle naturally, and regularly check its condition with periodic ultrasound examinations.

Is it possible to change the implant size during revision surgery?

Yes, it is possible. If you desire to improve the size or shape due to changing trends or different personal beauty standards, you can consider correcting to the desired size by replacing the implant.