Breast Surgery Revision
Breast implant revision surgery, which commonly involves removal and/or replacement of saline or silicone breast implants, is performed to change the size or type of your implants and to correct any complications from your primary breast augmentation. The overall goal is to restore a youthful breast contour and appearance.
Breast Surgery Revision FAQ:
Who is a candidate for breast implant revision surgery?
You are a candidate for breast implant revision surgery if you have:
Your saline breast implants have deflated or an X-ray or MRI suggests your silicone implant has a shell leak
If you want to change your implant/breast size
If you have tightening of the scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) or your breast implants have shifted in position
If your breast tissue has changed as a result of skin stretching or weight loss/gain
Is breast implant revision surgery right for me?
Female breasts are a reflection of your nurturing sexuality and femininity. If you feel less feminine because you have some breast issues after breast surgery or you have developed some complications, breast surgery revision with Dr. Long may be the answer for you.
Can breast implant revision surgery improve my self-esteem?
Some women spend years feeling inadequate due to the size or appearance of their breasts after surgery. Lack of confidence in yourself can have a negative impact on your jobs, relationships, and sexuality. The majority of women, who have chosen to augment their breasts and have less than their desired outcome and some develop complications down the line. These patients can be very satisfied with the results of breast implant revision. After breast implant revision surgery, you may notice you feel less anxiety, depression or shyness with your new figure. Form-fitting clothing, such as swimsuits or items with plunging necklines, will tend to enforce this by highlighting your new curves.
How is a breast implant revision surgery performed?
Dr. Long, MD will perform breast implant revision surgery by performing the procedure(s) necessary to address the problems with the breast. This may include changing the size, shape or type of implant, changing the location of the breast implant pocket (below the muscle, below the breast), removing partially or totally the thin layer of scar tissue that normally forms around the breast implants known as a capsule (capsulotomy, capsulectomy), removing breast tissue (breast reduction), reshaping and lifting the breasts (breast lift), etc.
Where are the incisions utilized for breast implant revision surgery?
Incisions for breast implant revision surgery can be placed in multiple areas depending on the technique. They can be made in the crease where the breast meets the chest (inframammary fold), around the areola (the darker skin surrounding your nipple -periareolar). In certain cases, Dr. Long may perform a breast lift incision that involves an incision around the areola along with a vertical scar in the inferior pole of the breast (“lollipop” incision) or the before mentioned incisions plus an incision at the crease where the breast meets the chest (“inverted T incision”)
What to expect during breast implant revision surgery:
The procedure takes 3 to 5 hours to complete. Dr. Long closes the incisions with dissolving stitches and places you in a supportive bra for your comfort during recovery. Generally, breast implant revision surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You will need to have a friend or family member drive you to and from the surgery center and assist you for the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
What to expect after breast implant revision surgery:
Patients may have varying degrees of temporary bruising, swelling, and discomfort after breast implant revision surgery. Dr. Long, MD will prescribe medication to help you with discomfort after surgery. You will wear a special support bra after surgery. You will be up and moving around on the day of surgery. Depending on your type of employment, you may return to work between 7-14 days after your breast implant revision surgery. Stitches will dissolve and do not need to be removed. Swelling in your breasts may take a few weeks to disappear. Dr. Long will closely follow your recovery to ensure that you are able to resume your normal activities.
Are there potential side effects after breast implant revision surgery with breast implants?
There are some risks associated with breast implant revision surgery with breast implants; however, few patients experience problems:
Capsular formation (Scar tissue): scar build up around the implant can cause encapsulation that can be relieved, as necessary, with surgery.
This is more common with silicone implants.
Numbness: usually temporary, numbness may occur in the breast skin or nipple.
Leaking implant: the saline (salt water) solution is harmless and will be absorbed by the body and the implant will need to be replaced. An MRI scan is recommended to determine if a silicone implant has leaked.
Why go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for Breast Implant Revision surgery?
Practitioners who are not residency trained and Board Certified to perform breast implant revision surgery have been found to suffer a higher rate of complications. One of the most common complaints is minimal improvement, persistent asymmetries, implant malpositioning, “operated look”, etc. As a patient, you should always look for a professional with the experience and skill to achieve your goals. Always look for a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Look for the ASPS logo, The Symbol of Excellence.