Breast Augmentation Reoperation

Breast augmentation reoperation rates were calculated between 18% and 22%, according to data accumulated by the FDA in 2003 and 2005. A common reason among many breast augmentation patients for reoperation was the desire to further increase breast size. Other reasons for breast augmentation reoperation included complications such as capsular contracture and breast implant deflation. Since 2005, plastic surgeons have taken steps to reduce the reoperation rate by focusing more time with prospective patients on the selection of the breast implants prior to the initial breast augmentation surgery. In fact, the types of strategies that women and plastic surgeons may utilize to help reduce the risk of reoperation are worthwhile to investigate, including:

Understand How Initial Consultations Differ Among Plastic Surgeons

1. Inquire about types of breast implants to choose from. Breast implants today are offered in a wide variety of styles to better fit breast augmentation patients. Saline breast implants and saline breast implants may be round or teardrop in shape but, there are many types of base width, projection and profile variations for breast augmentation patients to choose from.

2. Inquire about the type of technology that the plastic surgeon may utilize to help you identify with the appearance of your breast augmentation results. Some plastic surgeons may use two dimension imaging technology to create an example of the type of change you may expect to see from breast implants which helps the plastic surgeon and you select the right breast implant and in turn, helps to reduce the risk of reoperation. Other plastic surgeons may offer three dimension technology so that you may see the results of breast augmentation in a variety of body positions as you try on a variety of breast implants and different clothing.

Know What You Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Reoperation

1. Try filling a pair of knee high panty hose with rice and insert the filled stockings into your bra in order to better determine the appropriate breast enlargement size that you would like.

2. Use gel inserts in your bra on daily basis over a period of time to see and feel how breast implants might be.

3. Bring different types of clothing to the initial consultation at the plastic surgeon's office in order to see how the appearance of breast augmentation results differ in work clothes, casual attire and swimwear.

4. Take as much time as necessary in the initial consultation to try on and view different breast implant types in order to make a better selection.

Certainly, women interested in breast augmentation today can help reduce their risk of reoperation prior to surgery. Of course, saline breast implants or silicone breast implants may not last a lifetime and may be required to be replaced ten to twenty years after the initial breast augmentation surgery. Yet, limiting the reasons for breast augmentation reoperation prior to the initial surgery should be a priority for every woman interested in breast augmentation. Learn more about the potential breast implant complications.