Introduction | augmentation | Secondary augmentation | mastopexy | mastopexy and augmentation | reduction

SECONDARY AND CORRECTIVE BREAST AUGMENTATION

Over the longer term, breast implants may need to be changed. Women may need a secondary breast augmentation for a variety of reasons. Implants may harden or rupture, or they may not look as good as before because one’s body and breasts have simply changed in appearance over the years. In general, a secondary augmentation involves removing the existing breast implants and either removing or breaking up the scar tissue capsule that has formed around them. New implants are then placed back in. The result is much more natural and pleasing, and the implants feel soft and move freely again.

In some women, it may be necessary to perform a breast lift (or mastopexy) at the same time as the implant exchange in order to get the best aesthetic result. This is usually the case if the breast tissue has dropped over time, and the nipple location is now too low on the breast. Pregnancies, gravity, and tissue laxity all can contribute to this scenario. During your exam, Dr. Chang will help you to determine if this is the best choice for you.

Women often ask how long breast implants “last” before the need for an implant exchange. This time period varies from patient to patient. Implant manufacturers generally guarantee that their implants will last at least 10 years, but many patients keep their implants intact for 20 years and more. Many women, however, will want to change their implants for aesthetic reasons sometime during this time period, before the implant actually ruptures.

Dr. Chang also performs secondary breast augmentations for corrective reasons. The most common reasons for this include significant distortions of the breast tissue or implants over time, and the need for implant size or pocket adjustments. These cases must be evaluated on an individual basis, as each patient’s needs and circumstances are so unique.

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