Revision Surgery

Soft versus Firm

Firm breasts are the most common complication after breast implant surgery. After the implants are placed inside your breast, the body forms a film or capsule around the breasts. That is your body’s way of saying to the implants: I don’t know what you are; I know you are not here to hurt me, but to be sure I am going to place a wall or barrier between us. As time goes on, your body may tighten the capsule around the implants for unknown causes. Some believe it’s due to leaking of the implants, while others believe the tightening may be caused by a mild infection. If caught early enough, there are medications that can reverse the tightening in certain cases. Once the implants are really firm, it’s too late for conservative management and a surgical revision is necessary. During the revision, the tight capsule is removed, and the breast implant is replaced. Close follow-up is tremendously important after a breast implant surgery to be sure to diagnose the problem as soon as it starts. We will follow your care at regular close intervals after surgery for the entire life of the breast implants to be certain you have a healthy recovery while minimizing any risks for complications such as capsular contracture.