Breast Augmentation Revision: Can you Avoid It?

Breast augmentation has been a procedure with very high satisfaction and very low instances of a complication. Still, as we talk to colleagues at meetings and review the published experience, the revision rate after breast augmentation is often alarmingly high. As I look at issues raised on RealSelf.com, which is an open forum of questions and answers about cosmetic surgery, the #1 question that appears is; “What size should I be after breast augmentation?” Indeed, too big or too small is the key motive for many asking about revision after implants.

Clearly everyone will have an opinion as to what breast size is best for you, your friends, spouse or significant other, perhaps even your mother will give you advice on this one. And yes, your surgeon might have just the idea for you and how he might present you on his website as a knockout result. A particular surgeon’s goal might be following a current trend, such as very round and full high profile, and may tell you such things as ‘I always use a gel implant’. But whose choice is it really? The revision after breast augmentation seems to come down to size. The ‘look’ of your breast augmentation might be best left to you. This takes a self exploration as to what look is the real ‘you’ and sticking with your instincts.

Size is not the most important matter in breast augmentation. We feel the most important issue is the look. You will need to explore photos and websites for examples of what you like, and also what you don’t. You may wish to purchase the dream bra you want to wear, pad and fill it out and give it a trial run. When you know the look you need to complete the picture, take all this information with you to a surgeon who will focus his skill toward your goals and not his. Sharing your ideas with others can be like sharing baby names, so unless you trust the source it is best to trust your instincts.

So, can you avoid revision after breast augmentation? If you take the time and do your homework, too big or too small can become just right. And that is the kind of ending both patient and surgeon want each and every time.