Breast augmentation revision is a procedure designed to address dissatisfaction or complications arising from an initial breast augmentation.1 Whether due to aesthetic concerns or physical discomfort, many women opt for revision surgery to achieve their desired look or resolve underlying issues.
Dr. Farbod Esmailian, a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Orange County, Newport Beach, Torrance, Los Alamitos, and Long Beach, specializes in breast augmentation revision surgeries. His expertise ensures patients receive personalized care and effective solutions tailored to their needs.
Common Reasons for Breast Augmentation Revision
1. Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the body forms a thickened scar tissue capsule around the implant, causing it to harden, shift, or distort in shape.2 This can lead to pain or discomfort. Modern techniques, such as using Strattice (a dermal matrix), prescription medications (Accolate), offer effective solutions for managing this challenging condition.
2. Implant or Nipple-Areola Asymmetry
Asymmetry can arise due to improper placement or changes over time. If implants sit too high, low, or unevenly, or if nipple positioning is off, a revision can correct these concerns. Dr. Esmailian employs advanced techniques to create a balanced and natural-looking appearance.
3. Double Bubble Deformity
Double bubble deformity occurs in two ways:3
- The breast tissue descends below the inframammary fold while the implant remains in place, creating an uneven contour.
- The implant drops below the natural breast crease, causing visible implant edges beneath the breast tissue.
Revision surgery may involve lifting breast tissue or securing implants back into position with capsulorrhaphy and in certain cases use of synthetic or biologic mesh (Strattice) to achieve a smooth, cohesive result.
4. Breast Ptosis (Sagging)
Breast sagging, or ptosis, can develop after augmentation due to aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or insufficient lifting during the initial surgery. Patients with significant natural breast tissue are more prone to this issue. The solution often includes a breast lift, with or without implant replacement, to restore youthful contours.
5. Synmastia (Uni-Boob)
Synmastia occurs when implants are placed too close together or when oversized implants stretch the breast tissues, erasing the natural cleavage line.4 This condition, also known as “uni-boob,” can be corrected by using smaller implants and performing a capsulorrhaphy alone or capsulorrhaphy reinforced with use of synthetic or biologic mesh (Strattice) Strattice for additional support.
6. Deflated Implants
Deflation is a common issue with saline implants due to underfilling, overfilling, wear and tear, or shell defects. The solution is straightforward: replacing the deflated implants with new ones to restore fullness and symmetry.
Personalized Care for Optimal Results
Breast augmentation revision requires a highly skilled surgeon to address complex challenges while meeting the patient’s aesthetic goals. Dr. Esmailian offers comprehensive evaluations and customized surgical plans to ensure optimal outcomes.
If you’re experiencing issues with your breast implants or are unhappy with the results of a previous augmentation, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Farbod Esmailian. With extensive experience in revision surgery, he is committed to helping you achieve the beautiful and natural-looking results you deserve.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Breast Implant Revision. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-implant-revision. Accessed December 27, 2024.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is capsular contracture and how can it be treated? https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-is-capsular-contracture-and-how-can-it-be-treated. Accessed December 27, 2024.
3 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. The double-bubble deformity: cause, prevention, and treatment. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24281573/. Accessed December 27, 2024.
4 Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Synmastia after breast augmentation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17099499/. Accessed December 27, 2024.
