Can Larger Implants Be Used in Revision Surgery Through Transaxillary Insertion

asked 11 months ago by Elle224 in Sydney, 02
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 444 times
Tags: 9 months post-op, bigger, insertion, transaxillary

I had my breast augmentation 9 months ago and chose round, 375 cc high profile silicone implants under the muscle. I am now wanting to go a fair bit larger -roughly 500 - 650 cc as I still feel too small with the 375cc and am now considering a revision surgery. As I had the original implants inserted in the arm pit to avoid scarring on my breasts, can i use this insertion area in a revision if I go larger, and are there limits to size for the transaxillary insertion?

6 answers to Can Larger Implants Be Used in Revision Surgery Through Transaxillary Insertion

Breast Implant Exchange Through Axilla?

Thank you for the question. In my hands, the type of revisionary surgery that you are contemplating is best done through a incision on the breasts. This incision allows me to adjust the breast implant pocket under direct vision. If your surgeon has significant demonstrable experience with the type of surgery that you are contemplating then you should feel comfortable proceeding. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

Implant exchange through transaxillary incision

Can the implants be removed and reinserted through the axillary incision? The short answer is yes. The more complete answer is the incision would have to be much longer and would be more visible than any virtually other incision. If you have a tight pocket, it would have to be enlarged, and that is very difficult because the scar capsule would have to be removed through the axilla. In my opinion, after having done several thousand transaxillary implants, is that it is a bad idea and... more

E. Ronald Finger, MD
Savannah Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant revision through armpit

Goign through the armpit for a revisoin may be problematic especialy if there is a tight capsule that needs to be released or even removed. Plus with a larger silicone implants, the incision may have to be lengthened.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

"Going Bigger" through Arm pit Incisions

Regarding : "had my breast augmentation 9 months ago and chose round, 375 cc high profile silicone implants under the muscle. I am now wanting to go a fair bit larger -roughly 500 - 650 cc as I still feel too small with the 375cc and am now considering a revision surgery. As I had the original implants inserted in the arm pit to avoid scarring on my breasts, can i use this insertion area in a revision if I go larger, and are there limits to size for the transaxillary... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant revision under the axillary approach

The short answer is yes, the larger implant will fit through a trans-axillary approach, though you do lose a bit of the stealth effect as the scar will be longer, perhaps 5 cm to get the implant in. The surgery is 'harder' for the surgeon, but not for you and many may be reluctant to use your old incision for the revision unless you insist. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Choosing Excessively Large Breast Implants Is Risky

Dear Elle224, Choosing to have larger breast implants inserted can be associated with long term, irreversible tissue changes such as breast atrophy, thinning, and sagging. I would be sure to discuss all of the pros and cons with your plastic surgeon. As an aside, it is very difficult to place implants larger than 500 cc through the axilla. Warmest wishes, Larry Fan, MD

Larry Fan, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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