Breast Implants: Three Step Process Can Minimize Need For Revisions

October 20, 2006
Revision surgery is more common among breast implant patients than generally suspected. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, approximately 25 percent of breast augmentation patients will require a second surgery within five years.

Last year alone, 291,000 women underwent breast augmentation surgery. If the FDA estimates correctly, then nearly 73,000 of those women will have a second surgery by the year 2010.

The reasons for breast implant revision surgery vary from patient-to-patient. Some patients require revision surgery because of complications such as implant rupture or capsular contracture. Other women choose revision surgery to enhance or improve results.

To minimize the need for additional surgeries, some plastic surgeons follow a three-step process:

• Measurements Make a Difference – During the initial consultation, the surgeon will take a series of precise measurements of the patient's breasts and chest area. The measurements are used to determine which implants will best enhance a patient's natural shape.

• Forget About Models – Surgeons who follow this three-step process encourage patients to review before-and-after photos of real breast augmentation patients as opposed to photos of models. Patients are encouraged to select results that most closely match what they wish for themselves. This helps the doctor to understand the patient's objectives and choose the best implants to achieve the desired results.

• Testing the Implants – Before inserting the permanent implant during surgery, the surgeon will insert test implants to ensure that the size and shape match the patient's frame and wishes.

While these steps can greatly reduce the need for revision surgery, many breast augmentation patients will require additional surgery at some point because of the aging of the implants or bodily changes.

Considering breast augmentation? Please contact us today to learn more about your options or to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

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