Breast Augmentation Incision Sites: Breast Revision Surgery Considering an Axillary Incision

Breast Augmentation Incision Sites: Breast Revision Surgery Considering an Axillary Incision

In some cases, people consider revision surgery after breast augmentation because their breasts feel firm over time or their shape has changed. Capsular contracture, which occurs when excessive scar tissue forms around the implant, can cause changes in feel or appearance and, depending on its severity, may also be accompanied by pain. Therefore, the condition needs to be assessed.

When planning breast revision surgery, it is necessary to examine not only the incision site from the previous surgery but also the condition of the implant, the surrounding tissue, and the current breast shape. In addition, when determining the breast augmentation incision site, the appropriate method may vary depending on the purpose of the revision surgery and the current condition of the tissue.

Why does capsular contracture occur?

Capsular contracture refers to a condition in which a capsule forms around the implant and becomes excessively firm, causing changes in the feel or shape of the breast. Factors such as a weakened immune system, infection or hematoma, and individual predisposition may affect its development. Postoperative care may also be a contributing factor.

Therefore, when capsular contracture occurs, rather than focusing on a single specific cause, it is important to examine what changes have appeared in the feel and appearance of the breasts and to accurately assess the current condition and severity.

Capsular contracture varies by stage

Capsular contracture can be assessed in four stages according to its severity. In stage 1, the breasts remain soft with a natural feel, and no particular discomfort is noticeable. In stage 2, there may be little visible change, but the breasts may feel less soft than before, or the implant may be palpable.

In stage 3, the implant is relatively easy to feel, and the breast becomes firm, with visible changes possibly appearing as well. In stage 4, noticeable deformation of the breast shape may occur, along with pain. When determining the revision surgery method, including the breast augmentation incision site, it is important to assess the current stage of capsular contracture together with the breast feel, shape, and presence or absence of pain.

Why breast revision surgery is possible through an axillary incision

For breast revision surgery, a new incision site can be selected after considering the previous incision and the condition of the tissue. An axillary incision involves making an incision in the armpit and accessing the surgical area. One characteristic of this method is that the procedure can be performed while using an HD endoscope to enlarge and examine the surgical site.

Because the internal tissues and blood vessels can be directly identified while performing surgery within the necessary range, a precise surgical plan can be developed with the aim of minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue. Therefore, when selecting the breast augmentation incision site, it is important to consider not only the location of the scar but also whether the surgical area can be sufficiently examined using an endoscope and whether the access required for revision surgery is possible.

When breast revision surgery may be considered

Breast revision surgery may be considered not only for capsular contracture but also when various changes have occurred after the original surgery. This may include asymmetry caused by differences in the size or position of the two breasts, or reduced satisfaction when the breast size and shape after surgery differ from expectations.

If there is a problem with the implant or damage is suspected, or if the breast shape changes or pain develops over time, the current condition can be assessed to determine whether revision surgery is appropriate. In such cases, rather than simply repeating the incision method used in the previous surgery, it is important to determine the breast augmentation incision site after considering the current breast tissue, the condition of the implant, and the extent of the revision surgery.

Breast revision surgery requires a process of determining the surgical approach while considering not only improvement of the current problem but also the future shape and function of the breasts. The same method is not applied in every case of capsular contracture or implant changes. The extent of correction may also vary depending on the most significant current concern, such as asymmetry, changes in shape, or pain.

At 우아성형외과, we plan an appropriate surgical approach by considering the breast shape the patient wants together with the changes that appeared after the previous surgery. The breast augmentation incision site should also be determined by considering the purpose of the revision surgery and the extent of correction required, rather than basing the decision solely on the scar.

Therefore, if you are considering breast revision surgery, it is necessary to accurately assess the current problem and the condition of the breasts rather than simply compare incision methods, and to carefully determine the appropriate surgical extent and method.