Breast Augmentation Revision by Lewis J. Obi M.D.

Correct Size Issues, Address Complications, and Improve The Appearance of Your Breast at Obi Plastic Surgery

What is Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery and Why is it Sometimes Necessary?

Breast Augmentation Revision is also known as breast implant replacement. “Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery” is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a breast implant or the removal and replacement of saline or silicone breast implants. The procedure is usually performed in order to change the size or type of breast implants, or to correct any complications from a previous breast augmentation procedure.

On July 24, 2019 the FDA requested that Allergan, recall all Biocell textured breast implants. As a result, Allergan began recalling all “textured” Natrelle saline-filled breast implants, Natrelle silicone-filled breast implants, Natrelle Inspira silicone-filled breast implants and Natrelle 410 highly cohesive anatomically shaped silicone-filled breast implants.

The recall of the Allergan Biocell breast implants is due to their recent link to anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, a rare cancer of the immune system which can develop in tissue around the implant if symptoms are left untreated. The condition should not be confused with breast cancer. Rather, it is a rare condition where the lymphoma is usually found near the breast implant, and is contained within the scar capsule or in the fluid surrounding the breast implant.

This condition is again very rare given the millions of women world wide who have breast implants. According to the FDA, women who do not have symptoms do not need to have their Biocell Textured Implants removed or replaced. Symptoms of the lymphoma are usually swelling and fluid accumulation around the implant. If the condition is addressed when symptoms occur, the lymphoma can be cured.

Between 10% and 20% of breast implant patients require a breast augmentation revision or breast implant replacement. The most common reasons for breast implant revision is excessive scar tissue forming around an implant; clinically know as “Capsular Contracture”, which causes firmness of the breast. Capsular contracture may also cause distortion of the breast, the implant to become displaced or move, asymmetry (breasts becoming different in shape, size or appearance) and discomfort. Other reasons for breast implant revision or replacement includes breast sag, rippling of the implant, skin thinning with age and silicone leakage. Also, saline implants may leak and deflate which would require replacement. Among the more serious complications with breast implant surgery requiring revision is infection, tissue loss and implant exposure.

When to Consider Breast Revision:

– Your saline breast implants have deflated or an X-ray or MRI suggests your silicone implant has a shell leak.

– If you want to change your implant/breast size.

– If you have tightening of the scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) or your breast implants have shifted in position.

– If your breast tissue has changed as a result of skin stretching or weight loss/gain.

Why Lewis J. Obi M.D.?

Dr. Obi is one of the most experienced plastic surgeons in the area of breast revision surgery and is able to offer more options with breast implant revisions than most plastic surgeons. Dr. Obi maintains a very in depth inventory of a wide variety of implant styles and sizes including the Nutrelle® 410 “Gummy Bear” implant. Dr. Obi has also pioneered the use of Seri silk mesh in stem cell enriched fat grafting, which uses the SlimLipo Laser Skin tightening if necessary to tighten breast skin, and uses the Vectra XT 3D imaging System to allow patients a preview of their surgery results before surgery. Dr. Lewis J. Obi is one of few plastic surgeons capable of offering patients such a high level technology, implant choices and experience that when combined provide patients with an unmatched level of care and treatment.