Whether correcting implant-related issues or refining aesthetic outcomes, secondary augmentation helps restore the desired breast appearance and functionality. Mr Paul Wilson, an expert in both primary and revision breast surgeries, provides individualised care to help you achieve the results you desire while ensuring safety and optimal long-term results.
Secondary augmentation involves several key steps, each tailored to your unique needs. Mr Wilson carefully evaluates concerns and goals during consultation to determine the best result. This thorough assessment reviews your medical history, previous augmentation details, and aesthetic aims. Imaging studies may be used to evaluate the implant position and integrity of the tissue. Whether addressing issues such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, or dissatisfaction with breast size or shape, Mr Wilson’s goal is to create a comprehensive surgical plan that best suits your needs.
The incision technique used during the operation is determined based on your previous surgery and the extent of revision needed. For minimal scarring a peri-areolar (around the areola) incision may be used and is common when changing implant size or correcting asymmetry. For more access, typically when addressing implant rupture or repositioning, an inframammary (under the breast fold) incision may be suitable. A trans-axillary (under the arm) incision is used if the procedure requires a more discreet approach, sometimes used for implant replacement. After the incision is made the old implant is removed and the surrounding tissue is assessed.
If capsular contracture (the formation of hardened scar tissue) is present it may need to be removed(capsulectomy) or incised(capsulotomy) to prevent recurrence. Mr Wilson ensures the removal of excess scar tissue and may perform adjustments to the breast pocket for a more natural implant lift. In some cases, a new implant pocket is created if the tissue has shifted or stretched.
Depending on your goals, Mr Wilson will replace the implants with new ones, either the same size or a different one for better volume and shape. Implant options such as silicone, polyurethane or B-Lite implants are available, and the most appropriate choice is made based on your preferences and anatomical considerations. Placement can be sub-glandular (under the breast), sub-fascial or dual plane (partially under the muscle), depending on your tissue characteristics and the desired result. Once the new implants are placed, the incisions are carefully closed with dissolvable sutures. Depending on the revision’s complexity, drains may be used to reduce fluid build-up.
Occasionally, a mesh or artificial dermal matrix(ADM) is used to support the lower pole of the breast and provide additional coverage to a thin soft-tissue envelope.