What Are the Complications in Breast Augmentation That Lead to a Revision?

asked 6 months ago by gold in Chicago, IL
Latest answer by J. Jason Wendel, MD
Question viewed 157 times
Tags: complication, revision, risk

I found out that surgeons don't guarantee their work and it is more likely that I will need another surgery down the row. And if there is a revision needed, I will have to pay for it. That worries me a lot because I will have to come up with a double amount of money compare to the quoted amount. What are the complications in breast augmentation that usually need a revision? And how to avoid those complications? Thank you.

8 answers to What Are the Complications in Breast Augmentation That Lead to a Revision?

Reducing Breast Augmentation Revisions

There are two main problems that cause revision of breast augmentation. By far, the greatest problem is using the wrong size implant. I believe this is usually due to lack of communication between the patient and surgeon. You need to know exactly what you wish and convey it precisely to your surgeon. Your surgeon, in turn must discuss your desires at length with you and guide you to the corrrect choice. The second problem is how the inplant is placed. If the pocket is not made properly, the... more

Robert T. Buchanan, MD
Highlands Plastic Surgeon

How often does breast implant surgery need revision?

It's not that plastic surgeons don't "guarantee their work," it's that we can't guarantee that patients will follow our directions exactly and completely! Well, not really, but you get the idea! Any surgeon who "guarantees" anything as variable as a surgical procedure and patient happiness must be charging much more than the rest of us. Most ethical, reputable, and experienced plastic surgeons (American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified) offer... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

Complications of breast augmentation

Choosing to undergo breast augmentation is a life decision. Implants are medical device and do not last forever. If you get implants and live long enough, you will at some point in your life have to have one or both of your implants changed. Implants wear out and either rupture or deflate. There are also things that may make it necessary to have surgery sooner rather than later. Revisional surgery may be necessary for size change, capsular contracture, implant failure, implant... more

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

Breast Augmentation Revisions

The most common revision is malposition of the implant. I personally have to take care of this problem 3-4 times a year, but that is out of about 200 augmentations a year. When this occurs I eat the cost and the patient pays nothing. Still, I always tell a patients that I cannot guarantee my work. I would recommend that you discuss with your surgeon what his policy is on revisions. I have come across surgeons that will charge the patient even a surgeon fee to... more

Gary Hall, MD
Kansas City Plastic Surgeon

www.hallmd.com

Breast augmentation complications

Fortunately, complications after breast augmentation requiring additional surgery are relatively rare. One of the most common causes of reoperation is capsular contracture which usually occurs within the first two years of surgery. Other causes of reoperation include hematoma (bleeding), infection, deflation/rupture, implant malposition, and dissatisfaction with size. It is impossible for a plastic surgeon to "guarantee their work" because so many... more

Kelly Gallego, MD
Sioux City Plastic Surgeon

Why revise breast implants

The most common cause for breast implant revision is a change in size, most often to a larger implant. Though this is not really a complication, better communication can reduce the revision rate. The common complications we note on this site are implant malposition, and breast asymmetry, followed by capsular contracture. Some of these issues such as implant postion the surgeon has better control over, and issues such as asymmetry require compromises. Fortunately 'real' complications... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

Causes for breast revision surgery

Breast revision surgery is due to several reasons. The most common of these is dissatisfaction, wanting a change in size, or change from saline to silicone implants. Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The warranties on most breast implants are for a term of 10 years. Due to the nature of implants, some secondary surgery is likely at some point in the patient’s lifetime. Among these reasons for revision is implant deflation or rupture. Other common... more

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

Breast Augmentation and Complications?

Thank you for the question. You are wise to consider the potential complications associated with breast augmentation surgery. Some of these complications or undesirable results of breast augmentation surgery that may require revision surgery include: infection, bleeding, rippling/ probability, encapsulation, asymmetry, leakage/deflation, interference with mammography, loss or change of nipple/areola sensation, inability to breast-feed, implant... more