Breast revision is a plastic surgery procedure designed to correct or improve a prior breast procedure. The ultimate goal of breast revision is to restore a youthful, attractive and more desirable appearance. There are many reasons why patients may elect a breast revision surgery.
Some common reasons are as follows:
- Implant removal
- Implant rupture and/or deflation
- Desire to increase breast size by inserting larger implants, or reduce breast size with smaller implant replacements.
- Implant malposition, which refers to implants that have shifted or moved out of place, typically requiring internal sutures within the breast capsule to re-secure the implants into a desirable position. In some cases where the implants were originally placed above the breast muscle, patient’s individual breast tissue does not provide adequate coverage, so an implant site change is required
- Implant replacement; for example, many patients opt to replace their original saline implants with the newer silicone gel implants for a more natural feel and appearance
- Gradual body changes and/or any other patient dissatisfaction with their previous surgery. Even after a breast surgery, our bodies are constantly aging and changing, commonly resulting in weight fluctuations, pregnancy, loss of skin tone and elasticity. Even small changes over time can create undesirable features that compel individuals to consider revision surgery.
What does the breast revision surgery involve?
Breast revision is typically performed in an office-based surgical suite or outpatient surgical facility center. Although local anesthesia is an option, general anesthesia is recommended and preferred to maximize patient comfort. The incision site will depend on the type of surgery needed, but the surgeon can try to follow original incision patterns if possible. In most cases, incisions will be made around the areola and/or along the breast crease.
After surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery room for a few hours. Your breasts will be dressed in bandages or a surgical bra to protect, minimize and control swelling.
Depending of the extent of the procedure, some patients can return home the same day while others must plan to stay overnight. Dressings are removed within one to three days post surgery. Your doctor may instruct you to wear a special support bra in the early stages of recovery. You cannot fully submerge your breasts in water, i.e. bathtub or pool, for at least four weeks after surgery. Any non-dissolvable sutures will be removed at your doctor’s office after about one week. Most swelling will resolve within four to six weeks. Because this is a second surgery, a little longer of a healing process can be expected. You can resume normal activity within three to seven days, or according to your doctor’s specific instructions. Many patients are able to return to work after one week, although any strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for the first three weeks or longer.
Indications you may need a breast revision
You may benefit from a breast revision surgery if you:
- Desire to remove breast implants, change the implant size, or replace a saline implant or old silicone implant
- Experience an implant rupture/leak or deflation
- Experience capsular contraction or implant malposition
Desire to enhance breast tissue that has lost volume due to natural aging, weight fluctuations and/or pregnancy.
In addition to breast revision, the expert surgeons at Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery provide cutting-edge techniques in breast augmentation, breast reduction and breast lift surgery. To learn more about breast revision, please contact the Beverly Hills office at 310-275-2467 to schedule a private consultation today.
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