Breast Implant Revision: Q&A

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How Soon Can I Have Breast Augmentation Revision?

Could you please let me know what are some of the risks of operating on tissues that are not completely healed and settled? I had my Breast Augmentation about 12 weeks ago, and have had healing problems on my wounds. I may need to go for surgery again if the problem persists.

I have read it somewhere in this forum that there are risks when it comes to operating too soon - less than 3 months from the previous surgery... What are some of these risks? And what do doctors normally do to try to prevent problems / further complications when they need to perform surgery to correct the problem? Many thanks for your opinions in advance.

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by imadvice in New York

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Wait 6 months for breast augmentation revision

You, of course, should follow the advice of your surgeon. The reason we wait for revision is to give the tissues time to heal. Surgery creates inflammation of the tissues, and inflammed tissues do not heal as well. The biggest risks in my opinion are an increased risk of infection and an increased risk of unsatisfactory scarring when you operate too early in acutely inflammed tissue. After a breast augmentation, a normal scar called a capsule forms around the breast implant. Violating the... more

Wait 6 months after all wounds have healed

Hello, Revision surgery can be emotionally and physically difficult. My advice would be to wait at least 6 months until all wounds have healed and all swelling has resolved. There is no up side to operating early and you could end up needing additional revisions. Operating on tissues that are not completely healed and settled can lead to: 1. designing the wrong revisionary operation; 2. higher rates of infection; 3. additional healing problems with scars and; 4. possible need for... more

Timing of breast implant revision in patients with intact breast implants

There are many reasons to undergo breast implant revision. If you have delayed healing, that is a problem that just requires some patience and wound optimization. I would begin by consulting with your plastic surgeon about optimizing your scar and then begin your conversation about implant revision.

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Wait time for breast augmentation revision!

In general, revisions are done after 6 months. With time there may be improvement without the need for a secondary procedure. With conditions that are not expected to improve with time, (fluid around the implant, infection, implant malplacement, capsular contractures) a secondary procedure is indicated when first observed or becomes problematic. If sizing is a problem, I think it's best to wait 1 year and reassess.

It depends upon the surgery

Early return to the operating room for revision is not usually recommended. However, if a patient is having a problem such as wound dehiscence, infection, seroma, hematoma, flap loss to name a few may need to go back to treat the problem.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

It all depends on the reason for surgery.

It all really depends on the reason for surgery. If you are having wound healing issues, then you may need to go ahead and have the surgery. However, if you are just wanting the implants switched out for a different size, then the general recommendation is to wait 3 to 6 months for the swelling to resolve and the tissues to settle. Good luck with your surgery.

Try not to generalize for breast augmentation revision

Dear IM, Don't generalize yourself into a category for reoperation. Every patient is different and brings a different set of variables to both the consultation and the operating tables. If by "healing problems on my wounds" you mean bad scars then you should wait as long as one year for the scars to mature. Have trust in your surgeon, who will determine when, if necessary, it is appropriate to reoperate on YOU. Good luck!

6 months, in general.

You don't say what "healing problems" you have had. 1) If you have open wounds or a possibly infected implant, that of course should be dealt with immediately. 2) If you are all healed, and have a problem with shape, size, symmetry, or hardness, then I would wait another 3 months to let everything settle before re-operating. It is crucial to have a detailed plan in advance to correct the problem and prevent recurrence. We use temporary, disposable implant SIZERS during... more

I can't answer this

I really would like to give you a concrete answer, but to do this, I need to know what your wound healing problems are, and what type of correction you are planning. Generally, however, at 12 weeks out, you should be well healed, but not completely healed, and so the risks usually associated with surgery and anesthesia would apply.

Depends on what you are trying to "fix"

If you are talking about a scar revision, you should wait six to 12 months as scars may soften, flatten, and change colors. If it the incision has not healed at all, then it might be more imperative to go in sooner. If the implant is infected, then you need to be treated sooner rather than later. Problems with the size, position, shape, or capsular contracture of the implant itself should be addressed on an individualized basis.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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