Procedure of the Month: Breast Re-Augmentation
Posted July 28, 2021
Patients with a Breast Augmentation should have an examination after ten years by their board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure there are no complications or address any concerns or changes to the implants. After 10 years, they should be monitored every other year. Silicone implants last approximately 30 years and saline implants for approximately 15 years. Implants do not need to be swapped after 10 years unless there is an issue.
Women often consider a re-augmentation if there are changes to the breast tissue, typically seen with aging, weight fluctuation, and pregnancy. Sometimes a re-augmentation may be done due to implant issues. The size and shape of the breast can also be addressed with a re-augmentation procedure.
A re-augmentation involves simply exchanging the old implants with a newer size and/or style of implant but can easily be combined with a lift to help re-position and reshape the breast. This is done as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. Pain is usually minimal with this procedure. Patients are typically back to most jobs in approximately 1 week and able to resume their exercise routine between 2-3 weeks.
Another option is to simply remove the implants if the patient no longer desires the augmentation. A lift may be necessary with this procedure, but it is not always required.
A consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino, is the first step when considering a re-augmentation. An examination and discussion about your aesthetic goals will help determine the treatment plan for your desired results.
