Women opt for breast revision surgery for many reasons. Sometimes, they aim to correct a previous breast surgery. In other cases, new concerns arise that they need to address.
At Ocala Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons understands that the decision to undergo breast implant revision surgery is extremely personal. We work closely with all patients to educate them on the benefits, risks, and potential complications.
Reasons to Consider Breast Revision Surgery
Breast revision surgery corrects or enhances the results of a previous breast surgery, usually breast augmentation. You may choose breast revision surgery to:
- Replace or Remove Implants: Patients may exchange implants for a different size, shape, or material or remove them entirely.
- Correct Implant Complications: Issues like capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture, or implant displacement may necessitate revision surgery.
- Address Aesthetic Concerns: Breast revision surgery can address changes in appearance due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy.
- Make Symmetry Adjustments: If the breasts appear uneven or asymmetrical following a previous surgery, breast revision can help create a more balanced look.
Breast Revision Surgery Candidates
Certain people are better suited to breast revision surgery than others. Here are some signs that you are a good candidate:
- You’re Dissatisfied with a Previous Augmentation: You may be unhappy with the size, shape, or position of your breast implants.
- You Have Physical Concerns or Complications: You may be experiencing issues such as implant rupture, leakage, capsular contracture, implant shifting, or rippling.
- You Desire a Change: You may want to switch implant types (e.g., from saline to silicone) or remove implants altogether.
- You Have Asymmetry Issues: You may be looking to correct uneven results from a previous procedure.
- You’re in Good General Health: You should be free from conditions that could impair healing, such as diabetes, a compromised immune system, or circulation issues.
- You Have Realistic Expectations: You should understand the potential outcomes and limitations of the surgery.
- It’s Been at Least Six Months Since the Initial Surgery: Generally, you should wait at least six months to a year after your initial breast augmentation to allow adequate healing.
- You Want to Address Aging Effects: You may have noticed changes in breast appearance due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy.
Breast Revision Surgery Risks
As with any surgery, breast revision comes with certain risks, including:
- Capsular Contracture Recurrence: Scar tissue may reform and tighten around new or existing implants.
- Infection: Infection could require additional treatment, implant removal, or prolonged recovery.
- Implant-Related Issues: Complications such as implant rupture, deflation, or shifting can occur after revision surgery.
- Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation.
- Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Outcome: There is a risk that the revision may not fully address the patient’s concerns.
The plastic surgeons at Ocala Plastic Surgery & Dermatology have the experience and skills to reduce these risks and help you achieve your desired outcomes. If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with your surgeon during your consultation.
How to Prepare for Breast Implant Revision Surgery
To prepare for breast implant revision surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.
- Get breast or implant imaging, such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI.
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.
- Stop smoking, as it can impair healing.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal supplements, as they can increase bleeding.
What Happens During a Breast Implant Revision Procedure?
A typical breast revision surgery involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
- Incision: The incision used in breast implant revision surgery will vary depending upon the procedures performed. Incision options include:
- Inframammary incision (in the crease under the breast)
- Breast lift incision (either vertical incision or Wise pattern incision)
- Peri-areolar incision (partway or around the areola)
- Closing the Incisions: Your surgeon will use sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips to close the skin incisions.
Breast Implant Revision Recovery
Following your breast implant revision, your surgeon will apply gauze dressings or bandages to your incisions. You may also wear a support bra or a similar compression garment.
In some cases, your surgeon will place a small, thin tube under the skin. This temporary tube will drain excess blood or fluid.
Post-surgery, you will receive specific instructions, including information on:
- How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery.
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection.
- Concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health (excessive bleeding, shortness of breath, chest pains, unusual heartbeats, etc.).
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Healing will take several weeks as swelling decreases. During this period, follow your surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.
Breast Implant Revision Results
At first, the final results of breast implant revision surgery will be obscured by swelling. It will take at least six weeks for the swelling to resolve and the breasts to feel softer and more natural. Sometimes, it can take longer – up to 6-12 months.
Remember to discuss realistic expectations regarding healing with your surgeon. Medicine and surgery are not exact sciences. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, achieving optimal outcomes with a single surgical procedure may not be possible, and another surgery may be necessary.
Why Choose Ocala Plastic Surgery & Dermatology?
The Ocala Plastic Surgery & Dermatology team combines surgical expertise, artistic vision, and outstanding service. We strive to give every patient a positive and rewarding experience.
Our team of board-certified plastic surgeons is committed to delivering exceptional results. Dr. James H. Rogers, one of Central Florida’s most seasoned surgeons, brings unparalleled experience. Dr. Navinderdeep S. Nijher is highly sought after for his innovative approach to plastic surgery. Dr. Jennel Carreras-Montgomery specializes in cutting-edge techniques for aesthetic procedures.
Choose us for personalized care and unmatched results to help you look and feel your best.
Schedule a Breast Revision Consultation Today
Ocala Plastic Surgery & Dermatology is committed to boosting our patients’ confidence and comfort. If you are considering breast revision surgery, our skilled team can provide the support and guidance you deserve.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about your options. Call us today to make an appointment at one of our three locations: (352) 629-8154 (Ocala), (352) 750-0019 (The Villages), or (352) 850-8154 (Dunnellon).
