The Top Signs That It’s Time to Have a Breast Implant Revision

If you have previously undergone breast implant augmentation, it’s important to keep tabs on the health of your implants. In many cases, breast implants can remain in good condition for 20 years or longer. However, the risk of rupture and other complications increases with each passing year. If one or both of your breast implants do become damaged, breast implant revision can be completed to restore the look, feel, and health of your breasts. 

Some of the main signs that you may need implant revision include:

Breast Discomfort

If you’re feeling pain or discomfort in the breasts, it’s a sign that you should visit your plastic surgeon immediately. Pain in the breasts when you touch them or engage the chest muscles may indicate capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms, hardens and contracts around the breast implant. In its early stages, capsular contracture may only present with cosmetic symptoms. But, in more severe cases, patients experience breast pain and should seek out a prompt breast implant revision. 

Changes in Implant Shape

If the shape, size, and/or general appearance of your implant(s) change, you may need a revision. Saline implants, in particular, may rupture and deflate, leading to an altered breast shape. Silicone implants won’t cause any leakage into the body, but the look and feel of the breast may change nonetheless. Breast implant revision can restore the appearance of your breasts if implant damage occurs. 

Shifts in Implant Position

Over time, breast implants may shift position. The implants may drift towards the center of the chest, or they may drop under the bottom of the breast. Breast implants may even shift up in the direction of the collarbone. Any shift in your implants can change the look of your breasts and may require implant revision. 

For more information about breast implant revision, schedule a consultation at The Julian Institute of Plastic Surgery.