Breast Implant Revision: When is it Time to Change the Pocket Plane?
Breast augmentation has helped countless women feel more confident. It’s rising in popularity year after year, but breast implant revisions are also growing more common.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald, with offices in Harrison, NY, and New York City, has performed thousands of breast surgeries and is known for his outstanding skills in this area. Recognized as a “Top Doc” for more than a decade, he is trusted by patients throughout Westchester County, Fairfield County, Greenwich, and Stamford, CT, for his expertise in complex breast revisions.
Today’s blog explains a common reason for breast augmentation revision: Changing the pocket plane for breast implants.
What is the Pocket Plane?
During breast augmentation, implants go into a “pocket” within the breast tissue. This pocket is above the chest muscle (subglandular), below the muscle (submuscular), or in a dual-plane position where the implant is partly beneath the chest muscle and partly beneath the breast tissue.
The pocket plane significantly affects the final look, feel, and longevity of the results. Although many women experience no problems at all with their original implant positioning, issues may develop over time. Changes in skin, implant complications, or personal preferences may mean a different pocket plane is a better choice.
Signs it May Be Time for a Pocket Change
There are several situations in which Dr. Greenwald may recommend altering the implant’s pocket plane:
- Capsular contracture: Scar tissue around the implant tightens, distorting the shape and causing discomfort.
- Implant malposition: Implants sit too high, too low, or too far apart, affecting appearance.
- Rippling or visibility: When implants appear rippled or otherwise visible through the skin (especially common with thinner breast tissue and subglandular placement).
- Asymmetry: Uneven positioning between breasts, which can sometimes be improved by adjusting the pocket.
- Desire for a new look: Some patients may prefer a different contour or feel with a new pocket placement.
Each case is highly individualized, and Dr. Greenwald carefully evaluates whether a pocket change could provide a meaningful improvement.
Why Pocket Plane Revision is More Complex
Revision surgery is more complex than the original breast augmentation. That’s why it’s so crucial to choose a highly skilled surgeon like Dr. Greenwald.
With thousands of surgeries performed and extremely high patient ratings, Dr. Greenwald is widely considered a breast revision expert in NYC.
Revision techniques may include changing the pocket, swapping implants, removing capsule tissue, and, in some cases, adding a cellular dermal matrix for added support and reinforcement.
Dr. Greenwald can use hybrid strategies to create the best possible long-term results.
Breast Implant Revision in Harrison & NYC
If you’re considering breast implant revision or want to know if a pocket plane change is right for you, contact Dr. Joshua Greenwald in Harrison at (914) 421-0113 or NYC at (212) 518-1642 to schedule your consultation.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.