Why Revision Surgery Through an Armpit Incision Is Possible in the Event of Breast Implant Rupture

Why Revision Surgery Through an Armpit Incision Is Possible in the Event of Breast Implant Rupture

Breast augmentation is one of the 대표적인 surgeries that can boost a woman’s confidence, but it is also important to consider that issues such as breast implant rupture can occur over time. Implant rupture can happen for various reasons, including external impact, aging of the implant, or minor damage during the insertion process at the time of surgery, and an accurate early diagnosis and appropriate response are most important.

In particular, for those who had their first surgery through an armpit incision, there are many questions about whether the existing incision site can be used again when revision surgery is needed due to rupture, and whether the implant can be safely replaced without changing the incision site. In this post, we will take a detailed look at revision surgery through an armpit incision due to breast implant rupture.

What causes implant rupture?

Breast implant rupture refers to a state in which the inside or outside of the implant is damaged after breast surgery, causing the silicone gel or saline solution inside the implant to leak out. Rupture can sometimes be easily noticed when the breast shape changes noticeably or asymmetry develops between the two sides, but in the case of silicone implants in particular, the contents are in gel form and often do not flow outward, so they may retain their shape, which means they are sometimes discovered only after a long time without obvious symptoms.

Therefore, it is important to check the condition of the implant through regular ultrasound or MRI examinations. The causes of rupture can be very diverse, and representative examples include external impact such as a car accident or a fall, material changes due to aging of the implant, minor damage that occurred when the implant was inserted during surgery, or repeated friction between body tissues and the implant. These causes can act alone or in combination to damage the implant over time.

How is breast implant rupture diagnosed?

In cases of implant rupture, it can be suspected through various symptoms such as changes in breast shape, abnormalities in texture, and pain. Representative symptoms include changes in the breast appearing more swollen or sagging than before, texture changes such as the surface becoming hard or uneven, worsening asymmetry between the left and right sides, and sudden pain or discomfort.

If these symptoms appear, it is important to undergo a detailed examination at a specialized medical facility. Breast ultrasound or CT scans may also be used, but the test that can most accurately confirm whether a silicone implant has ruptured is MRI.

MRI clearly shows the condition inside the implant, making it possible to accurately determine whether there is leakage of implant gel or where the rupture has occurred, so it is regarded as the most reliable examination method for diagnosing breast implant rupture. Therefore, if symptoms are suspected, it is necessary to promptly consult a specialist and identify the exact condition through appropriate imaging tests.

Is revision surgery through an armpit incision possible?

When revision surgery is needed due to breast implant rupture, one of the biggest questions for those who previously had surgery through an armpit incision is whether the same incision route can be used again. In general, the armpit incision is preferred by many people because the scar is not easily visible and there is less damage to breast tissue. These advantages can also be maintained in revision surgery.

However, the same incision site cannot be reused in every case, and several conditions must be met. In particular, the rupture site and extent of the implant, the adhesion status of the previous incision site, tissue conditions such as capsular contracture or inflammation, and whether the existing insertion path can be maintained are all considered comprehensively.

Through a detailed diagnosis and consultation before surgery, the possibility of reusing the incision site is determined. If the conditions are met, the ruptured implant is removed through the existing armpit incision and a new implant is inserted. In this case, no additional scar is created, and the psychological 부담 during recovery is also lower, so satisfaction tends to be high.

The advantages of an armpit incision remain even in revision surgery

Even if it is revision surgery, the advantages of an armpit incision do not disappear. If the same incision route can be used because the conditions are appropriate, the cosmetic benefits unique to the armpit incision are preserved. First, because the armpit area is covered by skin folds when the arms are lowered, the scar is barely exposed to the outside, and even when wearing a swimsuit or bra, the incision site is not visible, so there is little inconvenience in daily life.

In addition, because this incision method minimally affects the breast tissue and internal breast structures, there is less tissue damage, and another advantage is that a natural and soft breast line can be maintained after surgery. In particular, even in revision surgery due to breast implant rupture, using the existing incision site depending on the condition can minimize concern about surgical traces.

Of course, the incision method may vary depending on each patient’s tissue condition and degree of adhesion, but in many cases, reusing the existing incision site allows revision surgery to proceed without creating a new scar and with greater psychological comfort.

Breast implant rupture is rare, but it is a situation that can happen to anyone, and if it is detected early and handled properly, it can be resolved safely. In particular, if the first surgery was performed through an armpit incision, revision surgery using the existing incision site may be possible depending on the condition, reducing concerns about scarring and recovery.

Most importantly, when symptoms are suspected, rather than simply worrying, it is necessary to receive an accurate diagnosis of the current condition through consultation with an experienced medical team and to establish a surgical plan that suits your body type and needs. We hope you achieve more satisfying results through a wise choice that considers not only beauty but also health.