Breast Revision Surgery (Breast Implant Exchange/Removal) – Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Meger offers breast revision surgery and can remove or replace implants at the patient’s request. Sometimes a revision is needed if there are problems with the implant. Other times, removal of the implants is all that is required due to a patient’s cosmetic goals.  A consultation with Dr. Meger will answer all of your questions and together a treatment plan can be created that is right for you. It is also important to understand that although breast augmentation surgery is very popular, it is not always a success. While complications are rare, implant revision surgery may also be needed if there is surgical error, a defect in the implant, or other cause for concern. Dr. Meger takes great pride in ensuring each patient is happy with their outcome regardless of their decision for implant removal or revision surgery.

Breast revision surgery may be needed due to a breast augmentation procedure that did not turn out well, an implant that is malfunctioning, or for a simple change of aesthetics. Women decide to have this procedure for a number of different reasons, including:

A desire to have a different breast size

After having breast implants for several years, some women decide to change the size of their implants to smaller or larger ones. This may be a personal aesthetic preference to shape, type of implant, or texture of the implant. It may also be necessary as a woman’s weight fluctuates with age.

The removal of breast implants

Some women desire to have their breast implants removed all together as they no longer wish to have them or have a medical condition that requires the removal.

Implant rupture

A silicone implant rupture usually goes undetected until the shape of the breast is noticeably different or is detected with an MRI. However, a saline implant will immediately deflate. Both require a surgical intervention.

Double bubble

A double bubble refers to the breast implant being placed incorrectly by the plastic surgeon or from the implant shifting downward under the breast, giving the appearance of a double breast. This can happen on one or both breasts.

Scarring or capsular contracture

Scarring can cause breast implants to lose their shape and feel very hard. As scar tissue grows around the implant (usually saline implants), it has to be surgically removed for best results.

Breast rippling

When a breast implant develops a ripple or a wrinkle within itself, it sometimes can be seen under the skin around the outside of the breast of the patient. This rippling can happen with saline or silicone implants and within one or both breasts.

Breast revision surgery is usually very similar to the initial breast augmentation surgery, but it depends on the surgical case and what is being addressed. For women who are getting a smaller size or complete removal, a breast lift may be necessary to correct loose skin. For other patients who have scar tissue, rippling, double bubble, or an implant rupture, a reconstructive process will be performed to prevent a reoccurrence. Dr. Meger will address the issue at hand and resolve the problem with a realistic outcome discussed prior to treatment. Patients should keep in mind that the more difficult the procedure, the longer the recovery will be.

If you are unhappy with the size, shape, look, or feel of your breast implants, or if you are experiencing medical concerns surrounding your implants, we invite you to call our plastic surgery office for more information about revision surgery. Dr. Meger will provide a thorough examination and discuss the revision options with you, whether that includes new implants, implant removal, or a reconstructive surgery. The goal is to meet your aesthetic concerns and create the look you want.