Breast Revision in High Point, NC
At Piedmont Plastic Surgery, Dr. Willard and his team will listen to your concerns and determine the best way to correct issues you may be experiencing.
What Is Breast Revision?
Breast revision is a secondary breast enhancement surgery performed to correct or alter results from previous breast surgery, such as breast augmentation. While breast revision is tailored to the patient, it most commonly involves removing damaged or unwanted implants permanently or replacing those implants with new ones (of the same or different size).
Breast revision often combines multiple surgery techniques to restore and enhance the look of your breasts.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Revision?
If you are experiencing a complication or are unhappy with your results for any reason, you can benefit from a breast revision procedure. If you have recently undergone breast augmentation and are unhappy immediately, you must give your body time to heal before considering a second surgery. This is because breast augmentation surgery uses very involved techniques to shape and enhance the breasts. It is natural to see significant amounts of bruising, redness, or inflammation in the chest that conceal the real results from being visible.
It is suggested that patients wait at least six months after their initial surgery before considering breast revision.
Candidates for breast revision should be physically healthy, at a stable weight, and a non-smoker or willing to quit for several weeks before and after the procedure.
Why Do Women Choose Breast Revision?
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that develops around the implant hardens and begins to squeeze the implant, causing physical pain and aesthetic distortion. Correctly capsular contracture involves removing the implant and some or all of the scar tissue capsule. This is sometimes performed with an en bloc capsulectomy.
Implant Rupture or Leakage
Though implant shells are durable, it is still possible for them to weaken and tear. This is known as a rupture and could result in the filling material leaking out of the shell. For saline implants, this material is naturally absorbed by the body. For silicone implants, the material is not absorbed by the body; however, thanks to advancements in implant technology, the silicone should remain in place.
All implants are expected to fracture eventually. This can be corrected with breast revision.
Implant Malposition
Implants are placed into a created breast pocket; however, they can rotate or shift out of position. This usually requires revision surgery to correct.
- Anatomical implant rotation: When “teardrop” implants rotate, creating an unnatural appearance
- Bottoming out: When the implant falls to the lower pole of the breast
- Symmastia: When breasts appear to merge at the center
Wrinkling or Rippling Skin
Implant rippling occurs when the shell of the implant is visible through the skin. This is more common with saline implants or when implants are placed above the muscle in thin women with little natural breast tissue.
Desire for a Change in Breast Size
Some women who get breast implants when they are young discover that their aesthetic ideals change as they age and experience life events like pregnancy and weight fluctuations. Other women feel as though they should have chosen a larger implant initially. Whatever the reason, breast revision allows women to refine the look of their augmented breasts.
Many women will replace their breast implants roughly 10 to 15 years after implantation to accommodate the breast implant weakening or changing shape over time. However, if a patient isn’t experiencing any issues with their implants, there is no reason to replace them.
How Is Breast Revision Performed?
Breast revision surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. During your consultation, Dr. Willard will examine your breasts to determine which surgical technique best suits your needs.
In mild to moderate cases, such as if your saline implant has deflated, a simple procedure will be performed to remove and replace the implant in the affected breast. However, more complicated situations, like capsular contracture, may require the removal of scar tissue (capsulectomy).
Patients can also choose to have their breast implants removed entirely (implant explantation) so their breasts revert to their former, natural size.
When Should I Get a Breast Implant Removal Instead of a Revision?
Breast implant removals should be considered if a patient has persistent complications with their breast implants or decides that breast implants no longer fit their needs. If a patient is experiencing a complication such as capsular contracture, their biological response to a different implant may be the same, and they may end up with the complication again.
Should I Combine My Breast Revision With Another Plastic Surgery Procedure?
Breast Revision and Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery is often suggested with a breast implant removal or revision to address any loss of tightness in the breast tissue and restore perky, youthful breasts. If you are unsure about whether you should continue to keep your implants, feel free to set up a consultation with us to help you find the best possible solution.
Breast Revision and Fat Grafting
Women can combine fat grafting with breast revision to restore some natural fullness to the breasts with or without a new implant. Here, fat is taken from elsewhere on your body using liposuction and transferred to the breasts to create subtle fullness without an implant or add extra cushion around a new implant.
How Much Is Breast Revision in High Point, NC?
The cost of breast revision varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the techniques necessary. Additional costs include combination procedures and surgical factors like anesthesia, facility, and surgeon fees. You will receive an accurate cost estimate during your consultation at Piedmont Plastic Surgery.
Financing options are available.
Do Breast Implant Warranties Cover the Cost of Breast Revision?
Some implant manufacturers offer limited or lifetime warranties on the implants and cover a portion of the surgical costs that may incur due to implant rupture. Before your breast augmentation, your surgeon should explain your warranty options. If you’re unsure of your coverage, check with your implant manufacturer.
How Should I Prepare for My Breast Revision?
What Do I Need to Bring to My Consultation?
Since breast revision patients have been through the plastic surgery process before, most are very prepared. Still, we suggest bringing a friend or family member with you for emotional support and to act as an extra set of ears since a lot of information can be covered at this time.
Bring a list of any medications you are taking to discuss with Dr. Willard. Include any prescribed medications as well as vitamins or dietary supplements, including herbal remedies.
Should I Quit Smoking Before Breast Revision?
While being a smoker does not preclude you from having breast revision surgery, it is highly recommended that you quit smoking at least two weeks before your breast revision and refrain for at least two or three weeks after your surgery. This includes all forms of nicotine as well as nicotine replacement aids.
Can I Take Supplements Before My Breast Revision to Help Reduce Side Effects Like Bruising and Swelling?
While every patient is different, many have found that taking arnica and bromelain before surgery can help with recovery.
What Should I Bring to the Office Surgery Center on the Day of My Revision Surgery?
Besides bringing any necessary paperwork, be sure to arrive in loose-fitting clothes, preferably with buttons on the front. This way, you will not need to reach your arms over your head when you dress.
Ensure that you bring any pain medications and a surgical bra or a compression garment or bandage, as suggested by your surgeon.
What Can I Do to Ease My Fears Before Surgery?
We understand that patients may hesitate jumping back onto the operating table for a revision procedure. Undergoing another surgery is often not considered at the time of your initial augmentation; however, this procedure is very safe and routinely performed. It is important to relax and get a good night’s sleep the night before the surgery.
Before surgery, sit quietly and take some deep breaths, which will help calm you down.
How Long Is My Breast Revision Recovery?
Following your breast revision surgery, you will be asked to wear a surgical bra to help maintain your results and support your breasts as they heal. Swelling and bruising may occur but should resolve after a few weeks. All strenuous activity should be avoided for up to two weeks or until cleared by Dr. Willard.
You may experience some pain and discomfort after your surgery. Dr. Willard will prescribe pain medication to make your recovery as comfortable as possible.
Are There Risks With Breast Revision?
Breast revision is a safe plastic surgery procedure, and complications are rare. However, possible side effects may include infection, hematoma, blood clots, changes in breast sensitivity, and scarring.
What Do My Breast Revision Results Look Like?
Your breast revision results should be long lasting and leave you feeling physically and emotionally confident about your breasts. However, significant weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and aging after your procedure can affect the appearance of your breasts. Be sure to schedule follow-up visits with Dr. Willard to monitor your breasts, and contact his office immediately if further complications arise.