What Do I Need For My Breast Augmentation Revision?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in breast augmentation revision. I had breast augmentation three years ago. Right after I had major issues with my right breast implant.  It was smaller and now moves around a lot, almost like its not even in place now. In addition, it is painful. My previous surgeon went through my armpit to place them and whatever he tied his suture to it is no longer attached. And he doesn’t see an issue after multiple visits.  I just want to cry. I have decided to move forward and have heard multiple positive reviews from patients that came to see Dr. Eppley.  Very excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel!!!

A: It is hard to tell based on your description as to the exact nature of the problem with your right breast implant. Besides being smaller and moving around more, the source of the pain is not clear. Usually pain with breast implants is associated with either a tight pocket, capsular contracture or a ruptured silicone implant. I am going to assume that since your implants were placed through the armpit that they are saline implants.

Regardless at least a right breast implant revision is going to be needed. That will have to be done through a new inframammary fold incision. You talked about ‘ a suture that was tied that is no longer attached’ but such an entity during transaxillary breast augmentation surgery does not exist so that is an irrevelant issue. The question is whether this is a pocket adjustment with more volume added to the existing implant or whether a new implant is needed. This will require a physical examination to determine exactly what needs to be done.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana