Breast Revision

About Breast Revision Surgery

Breast augmentation with breast implants is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries and in most cases yields outstanding results. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which a woman is dissatisfied with the outcome and may require or want a breast revision surgery. Not all breast revisions are due to surgeon error. Some women may desire a smaller or larger size implant, some may want them removed all together, while others need revision surgery for a specific condition. Houston, TX board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Edward Lee, offers breast revision surgery and will provide a complete assessment and treatment plan to ensure the right outcome is delivered.

Ideal Candidates

One of the most important aspects of breast revision surgery is having the right expectations. For example, if you do not like the shape of your new breasts or the size, it may help to speak to a second surgeon to get an honest opinion before another surgery is planned. In some cases, you may just need the right reassurance that the size and shape originally chosen does in fact match your frame and provide a gorgeous look. However, it is not uncommon for woman to change sizes, and that can be discussed during your visit. If you are experiencing extensive scarring, breast drooping, rippling, or visible asymmetry, revision surgery can help correct the problem and create a better outcome. The goal is to provide a realistic approach and offer a resolution so that you are ultimately happy with your appearance, and that the implants are functioning properly.

Common Reasons For Revision

Breast revision surgery either removes an implant that is no longer functioning properly or desired, or replaces an implant due to size or making a switch from saline to silicone or vice versa. In addition, there are other common cases for which revision surgery is needed.

Implant Rupture

While this is rare, it can occur. If a saline implant ruptures, the implant will deflate immediately. The only way to detect if a silicone implant has ruptured is through an MRI. In either case, surgery will be needed to insert a new implant.

Capsular Contracture

This is known as scar tissue and occurs when the soft tissue located around the implant hardens. While almost all breast augmentations do result in some internal hardening, most patients will never know whether or not it occurs. If excessive scar tissue forms, it could change the breast shape and placement and create an undesirable look. Revision surgery would be needed to remove the scarring and replace the implant.

Asymmetry

This occurs when the implants that are placed look uneven. This could be due to one being the wrong size, drooping on one side, or another condition that would cause asymmetry. A diagnosis would need to be made as to what is causing the asymmetry, surgical intervention to correct the issue, and then new implants inserted to achieve an even result.

Bottoming Out

This is a condition when the breasts appear to drop too low. In many cases, this is a placement issue from the original surgery. There are many ways to correct this. A new placement approach may be considered, tissue grafting can be created to hold the implant in place, or a new pocket surgically created to hold the implant.

Symmastia

This is a condition that occurs when a surgeon places the implants too close together. In many cases, it has more to do with the wrong width, shape, and overall size that was initially chosen. Revision surgery would correct this issue by choosing an implant that is proportionate to your frame and properly placed.

Implant Rippling

Implant rippling occurs when you can see wrinkles and ridges forming on the surface of the breast. It is more common with saline implants in patients who are relatively thin. Many times, this can be correct by simply switching to a saline implant.

Breast Size

Sometimes, breast revision surgery is a clear-cut as simply wanting a different size breast. You may have gone too large or too small with the original surgery, and as long as you set realistic expectations for yourself, a new size can be inserted to replace the original implant in order to achieve a more desirable size.

What To Expect

Breast revision surgery is most often performed under general anesthesia. The recovery varies greatly depending on what type of revision is needed. For example, if implants are being removed, a breast lift may be needed to tighten loose skin that stretched to hold the implants, which will call for a longer recovery than if an implant exchange was being performed. Any type of revision that requires reconstruction, grafting, or a more invasive surgical approach may incur a recovery period that could last up to 6 – 8 weeks. Patients will begin to see their new surgical outcomes appear once the swelling and bruising begin to disappear. The results following a revision surgery are breasts that look natural, appear normal, and are medically healthy.

Call Today To Learn More

Breast revision surgery is a unique procedure, tailored for your specific needs. If you are not happy with the way your augmentation turned out, or if you notice flaws, irregularities, or a visible deformation with your breast implants, we invite you to call our office to schedule a consultation. There are numerous factors to consider and we will provide you with a full physical assessment, revision options and recommendations, and provide realistic expectations.