What is Revisional Breast Surgery?
Revisional breast surgery is any surgery performed after the initial procedure and may be required for a number of reasons. One of the most common being to replace old implants with new implants, usually of a slightly larger size.
Why would my breasts change?
Increased implants or a lift may be requested due to a change in breast shape following pregnancy or weight changes, or simply through aging.
What is Capsular Contracture?
If the scar tissue around an implant thickens and hardens over time it is called "capsular contracture".Capsular contracture can change the shape and feel of the breast and can sometimes be painful. A capsular release (capsulotomy) or complete removal of the capsule (capsulectomy) may be required and is performed under general anaesthetic. It is recommended to change the implants at the same time.
What is BIA-ALCL?
This stands for Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is not breast cancer, but a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer of the immune system) which occurs in the scar tissue or fluid around an implant in rare cases. The treatment is to remove the implants and capsules.Further adjuvant therapy may be required, and in some cases, it can spread around the body. Current research suggests it is predominantly associated with textured implants, but understanding of BIA-ALCL is
evolving, and for more up-to-date information please visit www.baaps.org.uk or similar websites.
Can I have my implants removed?
The medical term for removal of implants is "explanation". Some ladies, particularly older ladies, decide that they no longer want breast implants and ask for them to be removed. This can be combined with a capsulectomy and/or an uplift if the patient wants.
What is Breast Implant Sickness?
Breast Implant Sickness (BII), whilst not a medical diagnosis, is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range of symptoms that can develop after reconstruction or cosmetic augmentation with breast implants. Symptoms can include aches, immune-related symptoms, sleep disturbance, depression, hormonal issues, headaches, hair loss, chills, rash, hormonal issues and neurological issues. Ladies may therefore ask to have their implants removed, and some, but not all, patients do report an improvement in symptoms, at least in the short term. For up-to-date information on BII please visit www.baaps.org.uk or
similar websites.