Should You Consider Breast Revision Surgery?
By David Rapaport | Published on April 7, 2011 | 0 Comments
Though women undergo breast implant surgeries for a number of different, personal reasons, none of those motives include wanting breasts that are deformed or to experience problems down the road. However, although that is not their intentions, problems with breast augmentations do happen from time to time. As disheartening as unsatisfactory results may be, David P. Rapaport MD reassures women that there is a solution available to restore the appearance of their breasts.
In fact, breast implant revisions make up a significant portion of Dr. Rapaport’s practice, and his work with breast implants in NYC is very well known. Many women who are dissatisfied with the outcomes of their implant procedures often seek him out for a consultation and to correct less than optimal results.
As Dr. Rapaport explains, there are actually a number of reasons that people need breast implant revisions. There can be changes that take place with breast implants that occur over time, such as a rupture that requires revision surgery. Additionally, he says, there is a condition known as capsular contracture that results in the hardening around the implant and causes the breasts to look round and feel hard.
Dr. Rapaport also encourages patients to remember that the issue may not necessarily be a reaction to the implant, but also a change in a person’s desires for their breasts or the look of the breasts themselves. There is no denying that bodies change from age and pregnancy, and your breasts are not immune. A woman may get a certain implant size in her twenties and then 15 years later, after having a few kids, her breasts may have stretched and started to sag, which results in less breast tissue. As a result, she may require new implants or a breast lift to reposition them and achieve a more youthful, fuller appearance.
In addition to the changes that women’s bodies experience, they often face changes in their lifestyles as they age. While you may have loved the attention that larger breasts garnered in your twenties, your desires may be drastically different as you approach your late forties. There is also the reverse scenario as well, Dr. Rapaport explains. In fact, he has a patient who had breast implants for 15 years before deciding she wanted a more aggressive look with bigger breasts. Although not a common request, Dr. Rapaport respects the right of each woman to decide what is best for herself.
The truth, Dr. Rapaport says, is that there are a lot of women with poor breast implants. In their day to day lives, however, these women usually wear bras and are in committed relationships – both factors that can be very forgiving. There is a lot of room for improvement, and a woman can decide upon a breast revision just because she wants to make them look better. Unfortunately, he adds, a lot of people continue to walk around NYC with bad implants because they are unsure of what a revision will entail and are worried that the surgery will only make their issues worse.
There are generally two types of breast revision cases, Dr. Rapaport explains. The first scenario involves a woman who has a set of implants that she is satisfied with and who therefore does not need to change the size, but who needs to repair the breasts. This may entail a breast lift or other reconstruction, but will not involve changing the implant itself.
On the other hand, there are instances where changing the current implants may be necessary. Typically, Dr. Rapaport says that if the implant is more than five years old more, often than not it is replaced, because if you are already undergoing a breast surgery, it makes sense to change the implant at the same time. There are other instances where the revision itself is entirely focused on changing the implants.
After the surgery has been completed, your immediate results depend upon what has been done. In general, what hurts the most about surgery is going under the muscle of the breast. In most cases, the revision is not painful and during your recovery, you will most likely only need pain medication for the following two to three days. As with any surgery, you need to behave carefully afterward. Just because you are not in pain, Dr. Rapaport says, does mean that you do not need to relax. In particular, Dr. Rapaport encourages patients to avoid exercises and strenuous activities for two weeks so that the implants will not move around or cause bleeding.
For more on what you can specifically expect from a breast revision surgery and the results you will achieve, speak with a surgeon in your area who has experience with this treatment. And remember, you don’t have settle for the condition of your breasts if you are unsatisfied with how they look. Breast revision is usually an easy surgery, Dr. Rapaport says, but you need to consult with your surgeon so that he understands the issues you are most concerned with.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.