Although they are not supposed to last a lifetime, breast augmentation implants are viable for a period of 10 to 20 years. Unless they are placed very late in life, you have to have them changed after this period. If they were not placed by a professional surgeon, they may later develop aesthetic issues and health complications.
Certain factors dictate that you get a breast augmentation revision and here are some of them.
If the implant is placed over the muscle, it may begin rippling. Sometimes the implant may simply shift within the tissue, and this will cause the same effect. When you notice this effect, then you should see your surgeon who will know what to do, but ultimately he or she will ask you for a revision.
The implant may rupture and begin leaking the contents into the breast tissue. The water will be absorbed by the body, leading to a slump in the shape of the breast. It is advised that you get an MRI in order to detect the cause of the rupture.
If the implant shifts to the area below the breast, then the breast will bottom out. When the implant is placed over the muscle, then the chances of shifting are higher. This is usually corrected by placing the implant under the muscle.
The condition that occurs when the tissue around the implant begins to harden is called capsular contraction. Revision is required to do corrective surgery of the breast tissue. The implants will thereafter be placed in a separate pocket of tissue, so as not to exacerbate the condition.
You may be disappointed by the aesthetics of the breast, and this will require that a revision is done. The breast may be asymmetrical, or assume a shape that you do not like, etc.
There are people who may want to get a new shape, after they have had their implants for a number of years. This means that the implants will have to be changed, hence the revision. You may also want to move to a smaller size, and the same revision is necessary. Your plastic surgeon is there to help you make decisions about how your breasts should look, and once you are happy, he has to perform the revision according to your wishes.
It is advisable to get a breast uplift when you are getting the breast implants. The silicon pouches are very heavy, and may cause your breasts to droop after some time. You can now get youthful breasts by getting a breast augmentation revision, which will return the implants to the position, size and shape that you wanted in the first place.
If you are unhappy with the way you look after having your first breast augmentation procedure, you should consult a surgeon, express your dissatisfaction, and he will propose ways in which they can be revised. Your self image is very important to the quality of your life so do not hesitate in taking the step, and asking for a revision.