Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures worldwide. As trends change over time, patients are increasingly looking for more personalized breast procedures, including the downsizing or exchange of implants, breast lifts, and replacing implants with natural fat transfer. Many of these cosmetic procedures cater toward subtle yet noticeable results. With the latest advancements in breast contouring and nipple-sparing techniques, 2024 is the perfect time to reconsider your desired breast shape and achieve your cosmetic goals.
At his Atlanta practice, Dr. Brian Arslanian performs many cosmetic procedures to revise previous breast augmentations, remove damaged breast implants, and much more. With an eye for artistry and a deep appreciation of safe and effective techniques, Dr. Arslanian is the perfect choice if you are looking for cosmetic breast surgery.
Fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation with us today. If you would rather contact us directly, call our Brookhaven, GA office at (678) 894-9200 to chat about your options.
CURRENT BREAST SURGERY TRENDS
Breast aesthetics and enhancement have always been at the forefront of plastic surgery, with advancements and trends constantly evolving. More and more patients are realizing that if they have undergone an unsatisfactory breast augmentation, or if they have simply changed their mind about the look they want, they have the power to change things. According to an article published in 2021, around 36% of patients receive breast augmentation revisions every year after unsatisfactory procedures. (1) If you have received a breast augmentation and are not happy with your results, you are not alone.
BREAST IMPLANT REVISION
One of the emerging trends for cosmetic surgery is the downsizing of implants. For those who have had breast implants for a while and are looking for a change, Dr. Arslanian is delighted to offer breast implant revision procedures. Modern breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, and they must be removed and replaced after a certain amount of time. If you have had your implants for over 10 to 15 years, are experiencing an implant-related problem, or you simply want a smaller cup size, a revision procedure is your best option.
Breast implant revision procedures can take many different forms, allowing patients to change their breast contour for the following reasons:
- Outdated or unwanted implants
- To change the type or size of the implant
- Revise the implant pocket
- Correct implant-related issues like capsular contracture or implant rupture
Dr. Arslanian may perform this procedure using the scars from your primary breast augmentation to prevent further tissue damage and ensure breast integrity. After making his incision and removing the old implants, he makes the alterations discussed during your consultation and replaces the implants with new ones. Many patients request a smaller size of implants, a change from saline to silicone-based, or may choose to remove their implants altogether.
BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL (EXPLANTATION)
In 2024, more and more women are deciding that they are ready for a substantial change. When a patient wishes to remove their breast implants completely without replacing them, Dr. Arslanian recommends explantation. Between 2020 and 2021, 71,000 women had their implants removed without a replacement. (2)
The breasts are extremely susceptible to change throughout life, especially for patients who are aging, experiencing pregnancy, or fluctuating in weight. Breast implants that once looked satisfactory can change with time during a lifetime, and many patients opt for a complete removal to obtain a more natural breast shape and feel.
Explantation procedures are suitable for patients who have noticed changes to their breast shape, size, and contour over time, and who are unhappy with their appearance. It can also be performed for patients who simply do not want implants anymore. Removing implants often gives patients a new outlook on their bodies and increases their confidence, especially if they have wanted smaller breasts after having implants for a long time. In many cases, Dr. Arlanian will combine breast implant removal with a breast lift.
BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)
After explanation, patients can receive a breast lift without implants to enhance the chest without increasing the breast size. Many life events can lead to ptosis (sagging) of the breast tissue and skin, and a breast lift procedure is the most effective way to correct it. During pregnancy, weight gain, or after explantation, ptosis causes both a shift in the shape and nipple position of the breasts. Dr. Arslanian can perform a breast lift to remove excess skin from the lower pole and completely reshape and reposition the nipple-areolar complex. (3)
Age is a large contributor to a changing chest contour. The skin loses elasticity over time, becoming more apparent after breastfeeding or previous surgery to the chest. During a breast lift, Dr. Arslanian uses these techniques to remove sagging skin and restore a youthful contour: (3)
- Periareolar or “Doughnut” – Meant for mild ptosis, this technique uses incisions around the nipple-areolar complex only.
- Vertical or “Lollipop” – For patients with moderate to severe ptosis, the incisions can be extended down the middle of the lower breast to create a larger surgical area.
- “Anchor” Technique – This pattern builds upon the lollipop, adding another incision that runs along the chest wall beneath the breast.
A breast lift can be used in place of augmentation to create a more aesthetically pleasing breast shape. There is often no need for implants depending on the patient’s skin quality and preferences.
FAT TRANSFER FOR BREAST AUGMENTATION
Perfect for patients who want to remove their implants but wish to keep their breast size, fat transfer for breast augmentation is a more natural solution. This procedure is best for patients with unwanted fat elsewhere that can be harvested and reinjected into the breast. Fat transfer augmentation often lowers a patient’s risk of complications, especially if they are experiencing problems with their silicone implants. (4)
Dr. Arslanian first performs liposuction to harvest fat cells from one of these areas:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Thighs
- Flanks
- Back
Using a centrifuge, the fat is rapidly spun to separate healthy fat cells from the surrounding blood and debris. The clean autologous fat is then safely injected into the breasts to increase their size. Fat transfer does not require extensive incisions, allowing Dr. Arslanian to create beautiful and shapely breasts without scarring. The procedure utilizes cannulas (long hollow needles) and medical vacuuming to remove the fat and place it into the chest. (4)
HOW CAN A BREAST REVISION PROCEDURE BENEFIT ME?
The plethora of reasons to receive revision surgery allows for many patient benefits. These procedures can:
- Replace old or damaged implants
- Treat implant-related complications
- Correct breast asymmetry
- Change breast size
- Treat ptosis
- Restore youthful breast contour
- Prevent further damage from current implants
- Improve body confidence
Any number of the procedures mentioned above can be easily combined to create your preferred breast shape.
PRIVATE CONSULTATION WITH DR. ARSLANIAN
To truly know what type of breast procedure will benefit you the most, we invite you to attend a consultation with Dr. Arslanian. During your first appointment, he will inquire about your main concerns and desires. After you have explained exactly what you are unhappy with, he will create a customized treatment plan that meets your needs.
After many years of experience in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Arslanian is well-equipped to steer you in the right direction and understands the situation’s sensitivity. He makes sure you are completely comfortable and feel heard before scheduling your surgery.
COST OF BREAST REVISION IN ATLANTA
The cost of revision surgery is completely dependent on which techniques are used, the details of the procedure, and whether or not you choose to combine procedures. Dr. Arslanian can explain the intricacies of this process during your private consultation. To schedule yours today, call Arslanian Plastic Surgery directly at (678) 894-9200. You may also fill out our contact form.
FAQs
REFERENCES
Denney BD, Cohn AB, Bosworth JW, Kumbla PA. Revision Breast Augmentation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2021;35(02):098-109. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727272
Kirwan L, Wazir U, Kefah Mokbel. Simultaneous Salvage Auto-augmentation: Contemporary Strategy for Management of the Breast Explantation Patient. PubMed Central. 2023;11(3):e4860-e4860. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000004860
Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057
Li B, Quan Y, He Y, et al. A Preliminary Exploratory Study of Autologous Fat Transplantation in Breast Augmentation With Different Fat Transplantation Planes. Frontiers in Surgery. 2022;9(9). doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.895674