Breast Implant Revision Surgery

– Removal and replacement of Breast Implants

Reasons why women with breast implants may need or want to have them replaced or removed include:

the desire for a larger implant
capsular contracture or scarring around implants
implant rupture or leak
displacement of implant causing breast distortion
rippling of implants
slippage of implants to low position
breast sag or droop off implants (requiring a lift mastopexy)
original surgery was not done satisfactorily
wanting implants out

Embark on a Renewed Journey with Breast Implant Revision Surgery

At Dr Drielsma’s, we understand that the journey with breast implants is a continuous one, and there
may come a time when you feel the need for a change or renewal. This is where breast implant revision surgery
comes into play, a specialised procedure designed to either remove or replace your current breast implants. Breast implants are very popular and generally give high satisfaction. Breast implants are however artificial silicone devices and should not be considered as life long. Generally breast implants should be considered as devices that will need to be removed or replaced in around 10 years following insertion.

Many women will experience pregnancy and breast feeding which are likely to result in changes to their breast shape and size. Fluctuations in body weight can similarly impact on breast shape and size. Such changes in breast shape and size may lead to consideration of breast implant removal or replacement.

Concerns regarding certain breast implants being associated with a rare
form of breast cancer (BIA ALCL) has led many women to seek advice from their plastic
surgeon. If you have concerns in this regard, or have experienced any problems
related to your implants, such as hardening, distortion in shape, swelling
or pain, plan to see your plastic surgeon.

The type (make and model) of your implants and the length of time the implants have
been in will be clarified with you. Generally an ultrasound or MRI scan
of your breasts will be organised to determine if your implants are intact
or ruptured. Explant surgery with capsulectomy may be recommended for you
based on the above factors. Explant surgery may be combined with replacement of your
implants or breast lifting.

Dr Drielsma will help navigate you through the decision making process to formulate the
safest and aesthetically acceptable treatment plan for you.

Before and After Gallery

Breast Explant And Lollipop Lift

Breast Explant AndLollipop Lift

Change Implants, Lollipop Lift

Exchange Implants With Lollipop Lift

Exchange Implants With Pocket Revision

Explant With Lollipop Lift

Implant Removal And Lollipop Lift

Remove And Replace Implants With Lollipop Lift

Remove And Replace Implants With Total Capsulectomy and Lollipop Lift

Remove And Replace Implants, Total Capsulectomy and Lollipop Lift

Remove And Replaceimplants, Total capsulectomy

Remove And Replace implants , pocket reconstruction

Remove and eplace Implants, capsulectomy and pocket revisions.

Remove and replace Implants With pocket Revision

Remove and Replace Implants With Total Capsulectomy

Remove and Replace Implants, Infra-Mammary Revision

Remove and Replace Implants, Total capsulectomy

Explant and lollipop lift

Capsular contracture or scarring around implants
Apart from wanting larger implants, capsular contracture is the most common reason that women with breast implants will one day require a further surgery to have their implants removed or replaced.

Capsular contracture is the build up and thickening of scar tissue around the implants that over time can lead to hardening or distortion in breast shape. Capsular contracture generally takes 7 to 10 years to develop and typically becomes a problem towards the 10 year mark after initial surgery. Capsular contracture can, however, occur as early as 1 to 2 years following breast augmentation.

The incidence of capsular contracture is around 5% mark per implant over 10 years. This equates to a risk of capsular contracture on one or both breasts of 10% over 10 years. Patients who develop problematical capsular contracture with hardening of implants, distortion of breast shape or breast pain will usually opt for breast implant revision with removal of scar tissue.

Options for revision are
- - Explant surgery and capsulectomy (removal of breast implants and the capsules around them)
    
    Explant surgery, capsulectomy and replacement of implants.
    
    Explant surgery, capsulectomy and breast lifting.
  Dr Drielsma will help you navigate the choices and find the most suitable for you.
Implant rupture or leak
Modern breast implants are also very well made. All implants are man made devices however, and there is a known incidence or implant rupture over time.

The incidence of implant rupture is around 5% per implant over 10 years. This equates to a risk of one or other implant rupturing in 10 years of 10%.

Cohesive gel implants don’t “leak” like older liquid gel implants were prone to do. If a cohesive gel implant ruptures in a minor way (pin hole or tiny tear) you may not even realise. With a more serious rupture, which may occur spontaneously or following trauma, you may note distortion or symptoms like pain and discomfort. If you suspect a rupture, your doctor will arrange an x-ray (ultrasound or MRI scan). If a breast implant ruptures, you will most likely want to have your implants removed and your surgeon will recommend breast implant removal.

Options when rupture of an implant occurs include
- - Explant surgery and capsulectomy (removal of breast implants and the capsules around them)
    
    Explant surgery, capsulectomy and replacement of implants.
    
    Explant surgery, capsulectomy and breast lifting.
  Dr Drielsma will help you navigate the choices and find the most suitable for you.
Displacement of implant causing breast distortion

Capsular contracture, a condition that sometimes occurs over time, can cause breast implants to shift abnormally, resulting in altered breast shape. In such instances, revisional surgery may be desired or necessary. This procedure typically involves the removal of the existing implants, restructuring and reshaping of the implant pockets, followed by the placement of new implants to restore the desired appearance.
Rippling of implants

After breast implant surgery, some patients may experience minor rippling of the implants. These ripples can manifest as shadowing under certain lighting conditions or as subtle irregularities that are both visible and palpable. Generally, these effects are minor and often only noticed by the patient themselves, rather than by others.

Dr. Drielsma typically advises patients experiencing such minor rippling that further surgical intervention is usually not necessary, unless the patient feels strongly about pursuing it. However, in cases where rippling is severe, highly visible, or if the edges of the implant are palpably distinct, a revisional surgery for the removal and replacement of the implants may be considered as an appropriate course of action.
Slippage of implants to low position

In some instances, patients may notice their breast implants descending to a lower-than-desired position. When this occurs, a corrective surgical procedure may be necessary. This surgery aims to repair the tissues along the lower breast crease, helping to reposition and stabilise the implants at an optimal level.
Breast sag or droop of implants

Over time, or following weight loss or pregnancy, the breast may descend lower and hang down off breast implants.

Dr Drielsma will generally recommend breast lift (mastopexy) in this situation. Although it is possible to replace implants at the time of breast lifting, Dr Drielsma can deliver an attractive perky smaller natural breast without implants using his Lollipop minimal scarring technique. He may recommend initial explant surgery, capsulectomy and breast lift, delaying any decision regarding re-augmentation for 12 months, This is a sensible approach.
Unhappy with results of original surgery

Dissatisfaction with the outcome of the initial surgery can encompass various issues. These may range from concerns about the placement of implants, the presence of distortions, or noticeable scarring. Additionally, there might be unhappiness with the size of the implants, finding them either too large or too small. A frequent occurrence is undergoing an inappropriate initial procedure, such as receiving breast augmentation mammoplasty, when a breast lift (mastopexy), with or without implants, would have been more suitable from the outset.

Early Breast augmentation appearance can be affected by swelling. In addition, it can take months for natural breast tissue to settle, the “fluff and drop” affect.

Should you experience concerns following your breast augmentation, Dr Drielsma will explain the settling process and advise waiting for swelling to resolve. Dr Drielsma WILL NOT re-operate on a breast augmentation case till at least 12 months following surgery.
The desire for larger implants

The majority of women are content with the size of their breast implants, a decision often made with guidance from their surgeon. Nevertheless, there are cases where women express disappointment or dissatisfaction with their chosen size.

Based on Dr. Drielsma’s experience, the prevalent trend among these patients is a wish for larger implants. Mindful of this tendency, Dr. Drielsma takes extra care during consultations for breast augmentation mammoplasty. If a patient exhibits any uncertainty or indecision, he often suggests considering a slightly larger size. Notably, the desire for larger implants is the primary reason for breast implant revision surgeries, making it an important factor to consider during the initial decision-making process.

Meet our Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Robert Drielsma MBBS, BSc(Med), FRACS

(AHPRA MED00001073756)
Dr Drielsma is an Australian trained Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of extensive experience in plastic surgery of the face, breasts and body. He is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a member of the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)

Next Step
- Next Step: Book your Initial Consultation
  
  To arrange your consultation with Dr Drielsma, obtain a referral from your general practitioner and call 1800 180 777 to arrange your consultation appointment.
  
  A Referral from your GP or specialist is essential.
- What to Bring to your Surgeon Consultation
  
  Bring a friend or relative to help discuss further information and consider your choices
  
  Take lots of notes and read the documents provided thoroughly
  
  You may need to undress for a physical exam so wear simple clothing
- Want more information before scheduling your Surgeon consultation?
  
  Request further information about the procedure – call or contact us
  
  Book a patient Advisor chat – (FREE)
  
  Organise a phone call with Patient Advisor – (FREE)

**Individual results may vary. All surgery carries risks.
You should seek a second opinion from an equally qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before proceeding with surgery.

Dr. Robert Drielsma

Specialist Plastic Surgeon

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Breast Implant Revision Surgery