Breast reoperation or reaugmentation is becoming an increasingly common procedure in plastic surgery. Although it may seem to be almost the same as the initial breast surgery, in reality, it is a challenge for the surgeons that requires a lot of experience and a well-thought-out approach to overcome. Let’s take a closer look at breast reoperation.
What is breast reoperation?
The term “reoperation” refers to a repeated surgery, which usually:
- Fixes something that went wrong during the first procedure,
- Adjusts the results that the patient is not satisfied with,
- Reflects that over time, natural changes in the body have occurred, and therefore a further surgical intervention is needed.
In the case of breast reoperation, it could be any of these reasons.
Reaugmentation refers to a specific type of reoperation that primarily involves the exchange or adjustment of breast implants. These are procedures that aim to improve or restore the results of the original breast augmentation. This may be due to an unsatisfactory shape of the breast after augmentation, changes in the patient’s preferences, or to address health issues such as implant rupture or capsular contracture (more on that below).
It is important to distinguish between reaugmentation and primary breast augmentation. While primary augmentation focuses on breast enlargement for patients undergoing this surgery for the first time, reaugmentation is somewhat more complex. In breast revision surgery, previous surgical procedures, the existing state of tissue and implants, and the patient’s specific needs or problems must all be taken into account. In other words, this procedure is usually significantly more demanding.
“Breast reoperations are always more challenging. Since the breasts have already been operated on, there are scars, a pre-formed capsule, and often disturbed blood supply to the nipples – so the surgeon must be very careful and have a well-prepared surgical plan to minimize risks and complications. This plan often involves several different surgical techniques, which may differ for each breast.”
– Dr. Matěj Patzelt, Ph.D. (breast surgery specialist)
What are the reasons for breast reoperation?
As mentioned, there are many reasons for a repeated breast surgery, and they differ from patient to patient. Let’s take a closer look:
- Personal preferences – Even if the first surgery was successful and the breasts look nice after the procedure, the patient may decide that they want them bigger/smaller or wish to change their shape with differently shaped implants.
- Natural changes in the body – The body changes over time due to aging, weight changes, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. These changes may (but of course, may not) affect the appearance of the breasts and may require further procedures (such as a breast lift) to achieve the desired look. Older types of implants were recommended to be replaced every 15 years, but new models of breast implants are now designed to be “lifetime” implants.
- Capsular contracture – This is a complication that can occur after initial breast augmentation. A firm capsule forms around the implant, pressing on the breast implant and causing it to deform – and thus deforming the shape of the whole breast. It is important to note that a capsule always forms around the implant – regardless of its material or appearance – and it is a natural response of the body. However, the capsule should remain thin, elastic, and practically invisible. If capsular contracture occurs, it is an undesirable (and sometimes painful) postoperative complication that needs to be corrected in various ways, depending on its extent. If it occurs, it is in 90% of cases within the first year after surgery.
Tip: If you’re interested in this topic, read about how to avoid capsular contracture.
- Implant rupture – This may occur due to an accident or a defect in the implant. One of the symptoms of an implant rupture could be a visible change in the shape or size of the breast, pain in the breast area, or a feeling of softness or, on the contrary, hardness (due to the tissue reaction). During reoperation, the plastic surgeon will remove the damaged implant, assess the situation, and proceed with further steps, such as replacing the implant with a new one, changing the type of implant, correcting the tissue, etc.
Tip: If you belong to the category of women who are not satisfied with the new appearance of their breasts after surgery, Dr. Matěj Patzelt recommends waiting at least 12 months before reoperation. The appearance may still change during this time. After a year, no further changes are expected.
However, if you’re experiencing pain after breast augmentation, definitely come in earlier, just in case something is wrong.
Preparation and course of reaugmentation
First, of course, there will be a consultation with a plastic surgeon, who will assess whether reoperation or implant replacement is appropriate for your case and discuss with you the possibilities for modifying your breasts. Before the surgery, you will undergo the usual preoperative examinations as with the first procedure. If the plastic surgeon suspects any defects related to the implant, you may need additional specialized tests.
The healing time is similar to that of the first breast augmentation, so it is necessary to follow the rest period and all of the doctor’s instructions.
“Implant replacement can be a straightforward procedure if the capsule for the implants is of good size and doesn’t need to be adjusted. Clients should expect the same postoperative period, meaning the need to wear a compression bra, but also understand that even after reoperation, the breasts may not be perfect.”
– Dr. Matěj Patzelt, Ph.D. (breast surgery specialist)
A real-life example of breast reoperation with Natália Mykytenko
We performed a breast reoperation for influencer Natália Mykytenko (known from the reality show “Svatba na první pohled”). After her initial breast surgery, she faced a wave of criticism from her followers, who criticized the appearance of her breasts after the augmentation, mainly for being too wide apart.
However, the reason she ultimately decided to undergo reaugmentation was the uncomfortable pain she experienced after the first procedure. Based on recommendations, she made an appointment with our specialist, Dr. Patzelt. Upon examination, he found that the right implant was tilted and the left was completely rotated, and both implant pockets had been deformed.
“I had to remove the implant and significantly adjust both pockets. I closed them at the sides so that the new implants wouldn’t settle in the armpits, adjusted the middle to bring the breasts closer together, and finally worked on the top to prevent the implants from traveling up to the collarbone. Mrs. Mykytenko has a wide sternum, so the implant obviously couldn’t be placed there, meaning her breasts would never be as close together as some other women’s. But I was able to bring the breasts closer together.”
– Dr. Matěj Patzelt, Ph.D. (breast surgery specialist)
Everything went well, and the client is satisfied with her breasts after the reaugmentation.
In both reoperation and primary breast augmentation, it is crucial to choose an experienced plastic surgeon who understands the complexity of the procedure and has performed numerous similar surgeries. Therefore, try to look for references and recommendations for the selected healthcare facility and the surgeon performing the procedure. With the right preparation, professional execution of the surgery, and careful recovery, there is a high chance that everything will go smoothly, and no further surgery will be needed.
If you are considering breast reoperation and have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our experienced surgeons and schedule a consultation.