Stoker Plastic Surgery: David Stoker, MD
4640 Admiralty Way #1000
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (310) 300-1779
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Women who have had breast augmentation and require implant revision surgery tend to research plastic surgeons for a specialist in that field. I have performed thousands of breast cosmetic surgeries and I’ve shared my experience with my colleagues worldwide by publishing many journal articles on topics in cosmetic breast surgery. In addition, I’m a clinical investigator for the newest generation of breast implants for two of the largest breast implant manufacturers. Because of my background, women seek me out for breast implant revision surgery from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, throughout the U.S., and all over the world.
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I’d be happy to discuss breast implant revision with you in Marina del Rey. Just request a consultation online or call us at (310) 300-1779.
| For Your Breast Implant Revision: |
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| He’s published an extensive clinical series on revisionary breast augmentation and lift. |
| He served as a clinical investigator for cohesive silicone gel implants, today’s most popular options. |
| He’s published a number of research papers on emerging concepts in breast surgery techniques and safety. |
| He’s been featured throughout the media, including The New York Times and NBC’s “Today Show.” |
Some of the common reasons patients consult with me for breast implant revision surgery include:
Revision breast implant surgery corrects the results of a previous breast augmentation. While these procedures are complex and challenging, my extensive experience with these types of cases has been particularly satisfying for me. Patient desires vary greatly and the best way to understand your options is in a consultation with me. In general, there are several common procedures that I use for revision breast surgeries, which include: implant capsule opening or removal, implant capsule repositioning, breast lift, changing implant type or proportions, areola surgery.
Educated at some of the most elite institutions in the country, Dr. David Stoker uses his highly advanced knowledge to ensure that each patient achieves beautiful, harmonious results — whether it's through a simple non-surgical procedure or a more advanced surgical transformation. Learn more about his unique credentials and his approach to plastic surgery.
Why Choose Dr. StokerCapsular contracture is the deformity and hardening that may occur if the breast fibrous capsule thickens with time. With the new generations of implants, capsular contracture happens to less than 5% of patients, but decades ago, most patients developed capsular contracture. The treatment of capsular contracture may involve one or all of the following:
Reconstructing the fibrous capsule surrounding the implant may be necessary if the implants drop too low on one or both sides, or if the implants slide too far to the side when the patient is on her back.
Sometimes the implants are perfect, but the breast tissue has lost elasticity over the years and dropped beneath the implant. This creates an unnatural appearance. A breast lift is advisable in these cases to restore the breast to its ideal position centered over the implant.
There are several reasons why a patient might consider replacing her breast implants:
Areolas, or the darker skin around the nipple, may or may not change in diameter and shape in the years following breast augmentation. Areolas may also change in size or position with age or pregnancy. Patients may choose to improve the aesthetics of their areolas as a part of their breast implant revision surgery.
It’s not necessary to change implants just because a certain number of years have elapsed.
When any type of implant is placed in the body, a layer of fibrous scar tissue is formed around the implant. In some cases, this scar capsule may thicken and contract. Because breast implants are soft and deformable, a contracting capsule may distort the shape and feel of the breast. Surgery is typically required to treat advanced capsular contracture. However, because of improvements in modern implants, capsular contracture is much less common today than it was decades ago.
When a saline implant ruptures, saline leaks out over the course of a few days and the breast shrinks in size. The saline, which is the same as used for intravenous fluid, is rapidly absorbed by the body and has no harmful effects.
When silicone gel implants rupture, the silicone leaks outside of the implant shell. The gel in older implants was more of a liquid than today’s gels. The current FDA-approved implants contain a more viscous gel that is unlikely to diffuse far from a ruptured implant. The newest generation of implants, still in clinical trials, is a cohesive gel that is the least likely to have gel leak from a ruptured implant. The FDA recommends MRI scans every three years to check for a ruptured silicone implant. If a rupture is suspected, the implants should be replaced.
The newest silicone gel implants are sometimes referred to as cohesive gel implants because of their firm feel. This new generation of implants uses a cohesive gel that is thought to be less likely to rupture. The implants are popular internationally, but in the U.S. they are still restricted by the FDA. Clinical trials are now being conducted to confirm the safety of the implants.
Implants may move in the years following breast augmentation. The implants may drop to a lower position or slide to the side of the chest wall. Many variables contribute to whether or not implants move, including initial pocket dissection, implant size, and patient body type. Textured implants are less likely to move than smooth implants. If implant movement causes a suboptimal breast appearance, a revision operation may be warranted.
Most patients are better served with implants placed under the pectoralis major muscle. This provides thicker coverage over the implants in the critical cleavage area and makes ripples less likely. The submuscular location is also associated with a lower capsular contracture rate. Patients with narrow chests who desire particularly large implants may need to consider implant placement on top of the muscle.
Implants do provide some lift to most breasts. Implants are not, however, a substitute for a breast lift in patients with significant breast droopiness. Breast lift surgery, with or without an implant, is more effective in those cases.
Complications sometimes associated with implant revision may include recurrence of a problem, seroma formation or slow wound healing.
For more information about breast implant revision, request a consultation online or call us at (310) 300-1779.
Our expertise extends beyond plastic surgery. We offer an extensive range of non-surgical treatments administered by our talented, experienced team of aesthetic providers under the guidance of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker.
If you have a treatment in mind, review our complete offering of non-surgical services. If you need a little help deciding, narrow down your options with our interactive treatment planner.
