Breast Implant Revision Sussex, UK

You may have decided to change the size of your breast implants or to have them removed altogether.  Alternatively the shape or texture of one or both breasts may have changed with time.  This is typically due to a membrane which forms around the breast implant, tightening and thickening with time - it is known as a ‘capsule’.  As the capsule tightens it causes the shape of the breast to become more rounded; wrinkles can sometimes be seen or felt and sometimes there is pain also.  Capsule tightening and the shape change which results occurs in approximately 1-2% of implants per year.  Change in body and breast shape following pregnancy or weight loss may also have contributed to this. What does the operation involve? Usually, your previous breast implant scar is reopened and sometimes it may be made a little longer.  The ‘capsule’ is removed in part or as a whole (‘capsulectomy’) or it may be left behind but loosened with some internal incisions (‘capsulotomy).  The old implant is also removed and typically this is exchanged for a new implant of the same or of a different size.  The old implant can be returned if it is in good condition.  Some women choose not to have the breast implant replaced at all.  A small plastic tube (‘drain’) is positioned in the breast cavity and it is connected externally to a vacuum bottle.  The drain is left in position for approximately 48 hours and then removed.   Ordinarily you will go home with the tube in place and return to the hospital to have it removed on the second or thrid day after operation.  Sometimes the operation will be combined with an uplift of the breasts (‘mastopexy’) especially if a smaller implant is chosen.  Mastopexy usually involves an incision around the nipple and may also require a vertical incision from the nipple to the fold and a longer incision in the fold.  This adds some further complexity and time to the operation.

Consultations are typically 30-40 mins and involve a thorough discussion about case history, treatments, review of example cases and photos and physical examination.It may be possible to arrange a free 15 minute consultation or teleconsultation if you are unsure about committing to a full appointment. Consultations are at the McIndoe Centre, East Grinstead. Sussex RH19 3UD.  Wednesdays or Fridays.   other locations - KIMS hospital, Maidstone; North Downs Hospital, Caterham.

What is Rhinoplasty? Rhinoplasty is also known as a ‘nose-job’.  It is an operation which changes the shape of the nose to give a more aesthetically balanced appearance or perhaps to correct an established deformity.  There are a combination of changes which can be made to improve the appearance of the nose which include reshaping the bridge of the nose (usually reducing a hump), refining the tip of the nose, improving the projection of the tip, shortening the nose or narrowing wide nostrils.  The aim is to shape the nose so that it is more in keeping with the desired appearance of the patient and also in balance with the proportions of the face. What does the surgery involve? Rhinoplasty is typically carried out under general anaesthetic and you can go home on the day of surgery.  Sometimes a single night in hospital is advised.  The shape of the nose is determined by a framework of cartilages and bones.  Small cuts are made inside the nostrils to access the framework and reshape it.  Occasionally it is also necessary to have a small scar at the base of the nostrils or across the central strut (‘columella’) of the nose or tiny access incisions on the side of the nose.  The operation takes about 90 minutes. At the end of the operation a small splint and some tapes will be positioned and packs are inserted into the nostrils.  This is done to support the new shape of the nose while it sets.  Some cases are more complex and may require internal access to the central strut deep inside the nose ‘septum’ which is necessary to correct shape, airflow or to obtain cartilage grafts to assist with shaping the nose.  This is known as septo-rhinoplasty.