What Is Breast Implant Exchange?
Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures in the United States. While most cases provide stunning results, sometimes, a woman can be dissatisfied with the results of her breasts and may need breast revision surgery. It is important to note that not all revision treatments are due to surgeon error. Other reasons may include the wish to have a larger or smaller implant, a visible irregularity, implants that don't fit with new lifestyle adjustments, implants that are aging, and more. Furthermore, some women need revision surgery for a particular medical condition. At Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery, our plastic surgeons offer Birmingham, AL and surrounding area women an opportunity to revise their results for a look they love.
What Are Common Reasons for Revision?
Breast implant revision may performed to take out an implant that no longer functions or is no longer desired. It may also be performed to change implant size or go from an implant to a fat transfer (or vice versa). Below are a few other common situations where a revision surgery might be needed:
Assymetry
This condition occurs when implants look out of balance. This could be because of an incorrectly sized implant, sagging on one side, or a different condition that may cause asymmetry. This revision begins with a proper diagnosis of what caused the asymmetry, followed by a revision surgery to resolve the problem. Finally, new implants can be placed to create a proportionate result.
Breast Size
There are times when the reason for a revision surgery is as straightforward as the desire to change to a smaller or larger size of breast implant. The original implant chosen could have been too big or too small, or a person's idea of the right look may have changed over time. In these cases, a different size of breast implant may be switched with the original to help a patient attain the desired outcome.
Capsular Contracture
This condition occurs when the delicate tissue that surrounds the implant becomes hard and thickens. While most augmentations do create some internal hardening, it shouldn't be felt or seen. In some cases, however, the hardened tissue could interfere with implant placement, which may change the breast shape and implant functionality, leading to an undesirable outcome. Scar tissue removal surgery would be needed in these cases to remove scarring.
Implant Rupture
While this is a rare occurrence, implant rupture can possibly occur. If a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation will take place quickly, and there will be a visible defect. Meanwhile, if a silicone implant ruptures, it is only seen through an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, if a rupture occurs, a corrective treatment will be required.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling occurs when there are wrinkles or ripples under the skin. This condition typically forms around the edge of the implant. Rippling is generally found in patients who are relatively thin. Often, this issue can be corrected by simply switching to a silicone implant.
Symmastia
This condition happens when breast implants are positioned too closely together. In most cases, this is because the breast implant used was the wrong shape and width. A revision treatment will correct this issue by utilizing an implant that fits a person's frame and looks balanced.
Benefits of Breast Revision
No matter the reason, breast implant revision can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Repositions implants (if needed)
- Corrects concerns from prior treatments
- Boosts confidence and self-image
- Replaces affected or deflated implants
- Improves total breast look and feel
- Adjusts implant size
- Gets rid of scar tissue
- Reduces pain and discomfort
- Fixes concerns like breast imbalance, rippling, implant moving, and so on
- Takes out old implants for a simplified look
- Improves breast volume and feel
Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery Reviews
Dr Hedden and his staff are the best in the business! He always takes time to listen to my goals and then explains to me how we can best accomplish my goals. I have always trusted his recommendations and without it my results would not have been satisfactory. Dr Hedden has done a breast augmentation, liposuction, and a tummy tuck on me over the years. Those surgeries boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue improving my body by eating healthier and working out. After I lost about 20lbs, I went back for a breast implant exchange. I’m 3 weeks post op. Never even required a pain pill. I look and feel so much better! Every experience has been flawless. I’ve sent 30+ friends who also love their results. If you are thinking about plastic surgery do it for yourself and go see Dr Hedden!
Dr. Hedden and staff were amazing! Dr Hedden did a full breast revision fixing my botched breast lift/implant procedure I had from another doctor. The whole experience was wonderful. All the nurses were super friendly and helpful and made sure I was comfortable and relaxed. They brought me warm blankets while I was in the pre-op room! The anesthesiologists were super gentle and nice enough to numb my arm before the IV. Dr Hedden was very knowledgeable and did a great job at explaining what the best option was for my desired outcome. Surgery went great. We are from out of town so we stayed at a hotel nearby and went back the next morning for my post-op check up. There was a small issue with the placement of my implant combined with a fluid pocket. Dr Hedden tried to drain the fluid but it didn’t work. He was very kind and encouraging that I could wear compression for a few days and if it didn’t fix it to come back and he would fix it! I had the BLISS insurance so there was no additional cost at all. Even though the fluid pocket went down substantially, I still wanted him to fix it and make it absolutely perfect. He gave no pushback and got me right in for surgery the morning I came back. The second surgery was quick and I had the same great experience. Overall, the whole process was WONDERFUL. Highly recommend Dr. Hedden and his staff. Thank you!!!!!
I have been a patient of DR. Hedden for many years and am always thrilled with my care and results. I had breast augmentation 10 years ago and a breast implant exchange just recently . I will never go anywhere else for my plastic surgery needs!
Amazing difference & much more natural look after breast implant revision - "Wow, what an amazing difference," was the verdict from my thirty year old daughter when she saw the results! Nearly fifteen years ago, I had breast implants and augmentation after loosing tissue on one side. In the months and years that followed, I noticed an abnormally full contour at the top of my chest. When it did not resolve, I simply decided to live with the results. After all, I chose to have this done. All these years later, it was Dr. Joshua Halka who explained to me that I was experiencing some Capsular Contracture, an inflammation and thickening of the implant capsule and that it could be addressed. I admit that I wrestled with the decision at sixty, but I had confidence in Dr. Halka. As a young plastic surgeon he brings latest surgical trends and procedures to the table. And even though he has vast and varied experience, he's chosen to specialize in breast surgery. And most importantly, Dr. Halka listened to my concerns and expectations. In the end I have a much more natural look. I no longer have to dress to minimize my appearance wondering if people notice. I am confident and couldn't be more happy! Thank you again Dr. Halka.
My Experiences at Hedden Plastic Surgery Have Been Flawless! He is the Best! - Dr Hedden and his staff are the best in the business. He always takes time to listen to my goals and then explains to me how we can best accomplish my goals. I have always trusted his recommendations and without it my outcome would not have been satisfactory. Dr Hedden has done breast augmentation, liposuction, BBL, and a tummy tuck on me over the years. Those surgeries boosted my confidence and motivated me to continue improving my body by eating healthier and working out. After I lost about 20lbs I recently went back for a breast implant exchange. I look and feel so much better! Every experience has been flawless. I’ve sent 30+ friends who also love their results. If you are thinking about plastic surgery do it fit yourself and go see Dr Hedden!
670
Total Reviews
5
Average Rating
Change Your Mind
Breast implant revision can help individuals achieve the desired look by addressing issues such as implant complications, size changes, or aesthetic concerns. The skilled team at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery in Birmingham, AL offers personalized breast implant revision procedures tailored to meet each patient's unique goals. For those looking to enhance their appearance or correct issues with previous implants, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward renewed confidence and a more refined result.