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Review
. 2021 May;35(2):98-109.
doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1727272. Epub 2021 Jun 8.

Revision Breast Augmentation

Affiliations
Review

Revision Breast Augmentation

Brad D Denney et al. Semin Plast Surg. 2021 May.

Abstract

Breast augmentation is consistently one of the most commonly performed aesthetic operations every year. Unfortunately, revision rates following primary augmentation remain as high as 36%. There are several causes for revision breast augmentation; however, the most common and challenging of these include capsular contracture, implant malposition, and ptosis of the aging breast following augmentation. Successful management of these problems requires knowledge on how to best treat the implant and capsule with the corresponding soft tissue simultaneously. While surgical management is important, understanding the pathological causes of these entities during the primary operation can reduce the need for revision. This article utilizes the most up-to-date literature to review the appropriate clinical evaluation and surgical management of these complex cases.

Keywords: breast ptosis; capsular contracture; implant malposition; revision breast augmentation; secondary breast augmentation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A 76 year-old woman with a history of submuscular silicone implants placed in 1986 with recent changes and hardening of her left breast and an ultrasound suggestive of implant rupture. She underwent bilateral total capsulectomies and implant exchange. Her before picture is the top row and after picture bottom row at 1-year follow-up.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A 41-year-old woman with a history of silicone, submuscular implants. She underwent a site change with conversion of her implants to a subglandular plane and fat transfer to her breasts. Her before picture is the top row and after picture bottom row at 1-year follow-up.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
A 44-year-old woman with a history of a saline, subpectoral breast augmentation performed 10 years ago. She was bothered by implant malposition and pseudoptosis. She underwent correction with a neosubmuscular pocket, exchange of her implants for silicone devices, and vertical mastopexy. Her before picture is the top row and after picture bottom row at 2-year follow-up.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
A 48-year-old woman with a history of saline, submuscular breast augmentation performed 15 years ago. She was bothered by postpartum changes to her breast and changes following moderate weight loss. She underwent subtotal capsulectomy with exchange of her implants for silicone devices and vertical mastopexy. Her before picture is the top row and after picture bottom row at 1-year follow-up.

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