However, its important to understand that breast implants are not lifetime devices.

Removal is then performed, usually in conjunction with abreast lift, although not always.

Challenges

Secondary surgery is always more difficult than primary breast augmentation, for several reasons.

Bandaged woman lying in bed

B2M Productions / Stockbyte / Getty Images

First, the presence of scar tissue makes it more difficult to predict a good result.

In addition, the surgeon is dealing with the stretching of tissues or anatomical changes due to previous implants.

For these reasons, many surgeons may charge higher fees for breast revision than for primary breast augmentation.

Often, the first surgeon has done nothing wrong to cause the problems that are bothering the patient.

Another factor that determines the success of breast revision is the reason for which the surgery is desired.

(In reality this is a harder approach to fix many problems related to revision.

The access point is smaller and causes visualization more difficult.

It’s surgeon dependent and does not allow a better view of an issue necessarily.)

Questions to Ask

Dont be afraid to ask your surgeon about his qualifications and experience.

How many times has he performed procedures like yours?

What is his complication rate with this procedure?

Is he a board-certified plastic surgeon?

Procedure

Which procedure is done depends very much on the reason for the surgery.

Breast revision usually involves swapping out the old implants for new ones, often with a size change.

With some cosmetic problems, additional surgery may be needed for the best and longest-lasting results.

By the same token, a too-aggressive approach to creating cleavage is often partly to blame for symmastia.

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is a great idea to try before you buy.

However, if you want to try several sizes, this can get expensive.

Do your research, and consult with more than one surgeon before making your decision.

An educated patient is much less likely to wind up needing a do-over.

And dont let price be your main determining factor whenchoosing a surgeon.

Finally, remember that it is of utmost importance to go into your surgery with realistic expectations.

Perfection does not exist in nature or in plastic surgery.

Your pre-surgery body is not completely symmetrical, and it wont be perfectly symmetrical afterward either.

It is not always possible to completely remove all hints of a double bubble, for instance.

Keep in mind always that the goal of plastic surgery is to improve, not to perfect.

2013;2(2):93-8.