Breast Implant Revision: Q&A

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How Long Does a Pocket Revision Last if You Are Athletic?

I have saline implants for about 13years now 460cc on right 445cc left, my left breast pocket has shifted into my armpit. This has made me decide its time to replace, so I will being going from saline to smaller 375cc mentor silicone moderate implant having my pockets sutured at the same time. I love my yoga, once I give it the recovery time needed, will I be ok to still do my Yoga stretches without tearing my pockets again? Is 5 weeks recovery enough? Thank You

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Yogi1 in Seattle, WA

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Protecting revision of the implant pocket

Often the pocket problems we see are set in motion at the time of the initial breast augmentation because if the implant fits the pocket well and is centered in the breast, the implant should not shift or migrate over time. If the pocket is too large and the tissue lax the implant can slide off to the side, or bottom out. Capsule or pocket repair is effective in centering the implant, though good support with a bra for six weeks, and limited upper body exercise for six to eight should... more

Breast Implant Revisions for the Athlete

Women with breast implants tend to take good care of their bodies and have a high level of fitness. Your concern about being able to return to vigorous activity without jeopardizing the result is appropriate. There are several surgical approaches to revising your pocket to prevent displacement into the armpit. Closing off the excess space in the upper chest might include excision of the capsule to minimize chance of reopening... more

Breast pocket repair in Seattle

I agree totally with Dr. Baxter's comments but I also ask my patients to wear a very specific bra for 3 months night and day and to avoid heavy pec activity for 3 months to lock the implants into their new "home." It takes 2-3 months for that healing to take place so why risk a recurrence? Strattice can also help but I would reserve it for a failure of a suture repair in most cases.

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Specific issues for breast implant revisions in athletic women

If we assume your implants are under the muscle, then it is likely that one reason your implant moved to the side is because every time the pectoral muscle is flexed, it pushes the implant in that direction. On the other hand, going over the muscle will likely have a fake look. I would recommend 6 weeks before any vigorous physical activity involving the upper body, and consider reinforcing the pocket repair with Strattice for extra insurance. Going smaller is a very good idea too. more

Breast Revision

This is best answered by your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon as they will be the ones to know how much tension you have on the area, and how your healing progress is.

Breast augmentation revision

It sounds like you will benefit from closing off the space of the breast implant pocket (lateral capsulorrhaphy) on the left side. You are correct in understanding and limiting strenuous activity involving the left arm for at least 2 to 3 months is in your best interest. Hopefully you can modify your exercise program to avoid recurrence of the implant malposition problem. It is also important to select a well experienced plastic surgeon who can demonstrate his/her successful... more

When to perform yoga after revision breast surgery

The tissues that are sutured when downsizing from a larger to a smaller implant size can be easily torn from an early return to activity. While it's my recommendation that patients avoid heavy lifting and exercises for up to six weeks after a rountine augmentation, I further increase this time interval to 3 months after a revision procedure. I agree that strattice (costly) can further add reinforcement to your revision and will allow you an earlier to return to activity. Because of... more