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There are a variety of reasons you may have had breast implant surgery, including balancing a natural asymmetry, dissatisfaction with the shape or size of your breasts, or restoring your pre-pregnancy shape and fullness.

While implant technology has advanced significantly in the past 20 years, implants generally have a lifespan 10-15 years. They will need to be replaced during a follow-up breast surgery, meaning at some point you must consider breast implant revision in Spokane.

Reasons to Consider Breast Implant Revision

Aside from the age of the implant, reasons for implant revision can range from medical concerns to personal preferences. One common reason is implant malposition, which happens when the implants shift from the original position and lead to an unnatural appearance or asymmetry between the breasts.

Another concern is capsular contracture, a significant complication caused by the hardening of scar tissue around the implant. This can cause discomfort and aesthetic issues, and it increases the risk that one or both implants may rupture.

Implant rupture is a serious issue that necessitates removal or replacement. It can occur when the integrity of the implant is compromised by wear and tear or capsular contracture.

Over time, you may become dissatisfied with the size or shape of your implants. An implant revision may help to better reflect your body image or changes in preference. As you age or experience significant weight fluctuations, the appearance and feel of breast implants can change, which could motivate you to pursue breast implant revision surgery in Spokane to restore or improve the aesthetics.

What Should Be Considered Before Surgery?

During your consultation, you and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kai Morimoto will develop a personalized treatment plan for removing of the current implants and achieving your goals with any subsequent breast implant placement. For example, you may choose a smaller or larger size, or choose not to have implants at all.

If you choose new breast implants, there are likely new implant options to consider since the last time you had surgery. You can talk with Dr. Morimoto about your aesthetic goals, and she will suggest the implants that will most closely meet your needs.

While it may be necessary to have the implant removed, the surgery must be balanced against other factors. For example, your health in general, family and vacation schedules (because you are advised not to fly for 6-8 weeks after surgery), and scheduling available help while you recover.

We also recommend you quit using any nicotine device four weeks before and after your breast implant revision surgery in Spokane. Nicotine, including smoking, vaping, nicotine gum, and nicotine patches, increases the risk of complications during surgery, slows healing, and increases your risk of infection.

What Happens During Recovery from Breast Implant Revision

Your recovery journey depends on the extent of the procedure, but it typically follows a similar path to your initial surgery for breast augmentation. Breast implant revision is usually a day surgery procedure, and you will be released when someone is available to drive you home. Having someone stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours is highly advisable.

You will be advised to rest for the first few weeks and avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or actions that could strain the chest muscles. Rest helps prevent complications and minimize the impact on your chest muscles and incisions.

Most women return to work within two weeks, but it can be up to six weeks or more before you are released for full physical activities, including strenuous exercise.

Attending all your follow-up appointments is crucial so Dr. Morimoto can monitor healing and ensure your current implants are settling correctly. During your follow-up visits, your recovery progress will be assessed, and you will be advised when it is safe to resume activities based on your healing.

It is crucial to closely follow the post-operative instructions to help reduce the risk of complications and infection. While the timeline can differ, most women see the final results within a few months as the implants assume their permanent position.

Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation for Breast Implant Revision in Spokane

If your implants are coming to the natural end of their lifespan, or you would like to consider a breast implant revision in Spokane to reflect a new perspective on your body image, we encourage you to call our office today to schedule your consultation. We are available to answer your questions and make the best recommendations to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.