A Complete Guide on Breast Re-Augmentation

Breast re-augmentation removes and replaces breast implants to enhance the look, feel, and appearance of the breasts.

Mrs Carla M Babicki  |  RGN

Last Updated On: October 31, 2024 | Published On: February 6, 2023

It is a specialised process that alters the initial breast augmentation or breast enlargement procedure results.

There are multiple reasons to undergo breast re-augmentation surgery. For instance, you may not be happy with the breast’s shape from the previous surgery, the implants have passed or nearing their life span or an injury that affected the shape of the breast.

No matter what the reason is, the skilled cosmetic surgeons at Manchester Private Hospital can help you achieve your goals. We conduct thorough assessments and understand your needs to customise the treatment plan to meet your expectations. Our aim is to provide satisfying and safe outcomes from breast re-augmentation surgery.

Understanding Breast Re-Augmentation

Breast re-augmentation surgery, also known as the breast augmentation revision method, is a process in which the existing implants are taken out and replaced with new implants. The implants can be replaced with a different shape, size, and type based on your preferences, goals, and needs.

This process also aids in removing internal scar tissues or damaged implant pockets and repairing them before the re-augmentation. Typically, the same incision sites are used to perform this procedure as it eliminates the need for additional scars.

Many usually confuse this process with breast explant, which is the removal of the breast implant completely without adding new ones.

Why get Breast Re-Augmentation?

Breast augmentation surgery can enhance the self-esteem and satisfaction of the patients, which positively impact all aspects of their life. Breast re-augmentation surgery ensures that you can continue to enjoy this enhanced quality of life by replacing the old or damaged implants with new ones. There are multiple more reasons to get a breast re-augmentation surgery, including:

  • Changes in Breast Shape: While the augmentation method improves the shape of the breasts, the natural changes in your body can gradually create visible changes in the position. Re-augmentation surgery can adjust or replace the implants to alter the asymmetrical breasts to create a more natural and even appearance.
  • Bad Augmentation Results: If you are not happy with the shape and look of the breasts after the breast augmentation surgery, you can get a re-augmentation surgery to correct this and achieve the look you desire.
  • Implant Issues: Whether it is deflation or rippling of the implants, re-augmentation methods can be a great solution. It could be as little as adjusting the implant to the right placement or refilling or replacement of the implant to create a natural look.
  • Size Changes: It is possible that you end up with a size smaller or larger implant than you had expected. Breast re-augmentation surgery allows you to replace the implant you are dissatisfied with and get the ideal proportions and size of the implant you are looking for.
  • Capsular Contracture: One of the most common reasons to get breast re-augmentation surgery is capsular contracture, in which there is a formation of scar tissue around your breast implants. This may occur due to the natural process of healing in your body. It results in the tissue becoming painful and rigid. The breast re-augmentation surgery corrects this issue by releasing the tissue and opening up the pocket of the implant or completely removing the scar tissue.

Things to Expect During the Surgery

The breast re-augmentation process is the same as the breast augmentation process, meaning you can expect almost the same things. Just like the initial augmentation surgery, re-augmentation is also done under general anaesthetic, which usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes.

However, it might take longer to complete the overall procedure since the old implants have to be removed first. Moreover, you can share and discuss your concerns and expectations with the cosmetic surgeon in more detail than before since you have already experienced one surgery.

Based on your previous experience, you could make more informed decisions about how and what you want from this re-augmentation procedure. The surgeon would discuss multiple things, including your expectations, along with:

  • Recent medical conditions
  • Changes in the medication prescriptions
  • How long you underwent the augmentation surgery
  • Whether you had other cosmetic surgeries, like liposuction in any part of your body

It is vital to provide the team with any important medical reports so that the procedure can be customised accordingly. If you are working on losing weight or getting pregnant, it is best to discuss it with the surgeon to figure out the best way to manage the re-augmentation surgery under these circumstances and get optimal results.

Replacement of Old Implants

You might need re-augmentation surgery to replace the old implants. Generally, breast implants last anywhere from ten to twenty years based on multiple factors. You would then have to get them replaced or removed. This process will also be the same as the initial surgery, except the old or damaged implants will be removed and replaced with new ones.

Changing the Size of the Implants

You might be unhappy with the size of the implants placed in the initial surgery. The best thing about breast re-augmentation surgery is that you can replace the previous implants with different-sized implants based on your preference.

For this procedure, the old implants will be removed, and the surgeon will place the new implants of the size you selected. It is best to discuss this with the surgeon to determine which size would work best for you and meet your expectations.

What Happens in Breast Re-Augmentation?

The procedure of breast re-augmentation surgery is almost the same as the breast augmentation method you previously had. However, the procedure would be longer since the process requires the surgeon to first remove the old or damaged breast implants before placing the new ones.

Firstly, you will be given a general anaesthetic to ensure the surgery goes smoothly without you having to experience discomfort. Incisions are made in the original incision sites to remove the breast implants. Based on individual cases, there might be a need to remove the breast tissues around the previous implant.

Once the previous implants are removed, the surgeon will place the new implants and stitch the incision to ensure the right shape of the breasts. After the breast re-augmentation treatment, you will be monitored for a few hours before getting discharged. You might have to stay overnight, but this will depend on the surgeon’s recommendation. You will also receive specific instructions about post-operative care and ways to ensure you enjoy lasting results of the surgery.

It is important to note that it might take a few weeks and even some months to see the complete results of the boob job. Generally, the results of the re-augmentation procedure are immediately noticeable. Depending on the results you experienced in the initial surgery, you might see a drastic change right after the re-augmentation surgery.

Signs you might need a Breast Re-Augmentation Surgery

There are multiple aesthetic and medical reasons to get breast re-augmentation surgery. One of the most common reasons is not being satisfied with the results of the initial breast augmentation surgery. Our skilled cosmetic surgeons can assess the problem and determine the best way to help you achieve what you originally expected.

There might be other reasons to get the breast implants removed and get the re-augmentation surgery for medical reasons. This might include:

  • Breast implants being bottomed out
  • Movement in the implants that create gaps between both breasts
  • Implants getting harder
  • Deflated or rippling implants

Each patient has a different cause and reason for getting breast re-augmentation. The initial step is to discuss the problem with our surgeons and find a personalised plan to help you meet your goals.

What is the Recovery Process of Breast Re-Augmentation Surgery?

The recovery time for the breast re-augmentation surgery is similar to the previous breast augmentation treatment you underwent. The accurate duration would depend on the complexity and severity of the process. You might have to use a compression garment to prevent and reduce bruising and swelling. Complete recovery might take four to six weeks.

After the breast re-augmentation treatment, you might experience swelling in and around the surgery sight. However, this should start getting better within two weeks of the surgery. The process and recovery time might vary if you need re-augmentation surgery after a bad boob job. Our expert surgeons will first assess the damage done by the previous surgery and determine the best possible solution.

There might be a need to remove more parts of the breast. The more work needed, the longer the recovery will take. However, you can expect to fully recover between six to eight weeks.

Cost of Breast Re-Augmentation Surgery in Manchester

The cost of breast re-augmentation surgery varies based on multiple factors since every breast is different, with diverse needs and requirements. Our breast enlargement cost in the UK begins from ‎£6500‎. The price will differ based on what you are hoping to achieve, for instance, an implant replacement because of deflation or an implant replacement because the implant’s life cycle is up.

One may also need a breast re-augmentation after a bad experience with the initial surgery. It is integral to always consult an experienced cosmetic surgeon to ensure your required procedures go right on the first go.

Manchester Private Hospital offers multiple boob job finance options to make it easier for you to achieve your goals.

Side Effects and Risks of Breast Re-Augmentation Surgery

While there are multiple benefits of breast re-augmentation surgery, it also comes with a risk of side effects and risks, just like with any other surgery. This is not a major concern since only 1% of patients with breast implants experience potential side effects and risks, including:

  • Bruising
  • Infection
  • Excessive bleeding or blood clots
  • Nerve damage
  • Scarring
  • Pain
  • Swelling

Additionally, there might be a risk of developing long-term complications, like hard breast tissues and breast scarring. Each cosmetic surgery comes with a certain level of risk. Therefore, our team ensures you are aware of all the potential complications and risks so you can make the right decision.

Can you get Other Cosmetic Surgeries with Breast Re-Augmentation?

Many patients prefer to get a combination of cosmetic surgeries to enhance their overall aesthetic outcomes. Here are some cosmetic surgeries that can be paired with breast re-augmentation surgery:

1. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast lift is often paired with breast re-augmentation treatment to improve the position of the breasts by reshaping the contours of the breasts and eliminating excess skin. It helps in restoring an uplifted and youthful breast shape.

2. Liposuction

Liposuction methods can reshape the contours of any part of the body and can be done with breast re-augmentation surgery to create a balanced and toned body shape.

3. Tummy Tuck

Another major problem area many want to address is belly fat. Pairing breast re-augmentation with a tummy tuck is a great option to eliminate excess fat and achieve your body’s aesthetic goals.

Wrapping Up

Getting a breast re-augmentation treatment may be an ideal solution if there are any concerns about your breast implants or if you are dealing with a bad previous breast augmentation surgery. Our team conducts a thorough evaluation to assess the situation, listen to your concerns and expectations, and devise the best treatment plan with the right cosmetic surgery.

We can help you regain your confidence in your breasts by correcting any issue through breast re-augmentation in the UK. Our cosmetic surgeons have extensive experience and the right skills to help you achieve your goals and improve the problems with the previous bad breast augmentation treatment you experienced.

Get in touch to book your free consultation today!

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