WHAT IS BREAST REVISION SURGERY?
Breast lifts and augmentation using implants are some of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, and in most cases offers beautiful and natural outcomes. However, sometimes a patient can be unhappy with the appearance of their breasts and may require breast revision treatment. Keep in mind that not all revision treatments are due to surgeon error. While a few breast surgeries do end with an undesirable outcome, there are also patients who want a different size implant and others who have a defect and want to have the breast implant revised or taken out altogether. Additionally, some women require revision surgery for a particular condition. Plastic surgeon Dr. Tyler Frew offers breast revision surgery following an in-depth consultation at Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery. Contact our Murrieta, CA office to schedule your appointment so we can help you attain a healthy and desirable outcome.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREAST REVISION SURGERY?
There are many reasons individuals receive breast revision procedures at Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery. If patients hope to change the shape of the implants or address problems from a prior aesthetic treatment, breast revision surgery can help them reach the aesthetic they want with several excellent benefits, including:
- Changes implant size
- Enhances breast volume and density
- Removes unwanted implants for a more natural appearance
- Removes damaged or ruined implants
- Adjusts the location of implants, if needed
- Addresses problems like breast asymmetry, rippling, and implant shifting
- Resolves problems from prior procedures
- Improves total breast aesthetic and feel
- Gets rid of scar tissue
- Reduces pain and discomfort
- Boosts confidence and self-image
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REVISION SURGERY?
Should you have any worries (whether cosmetic or medical) about your breast implants, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Frew to discuss your goals and to determine your personalized plan for breast revision surgery. Whether it’s scar tissue, drooping or sagging, ripples under the skin, or asymmetry, revision surgery can help to correct irregularities, resulting in a more normal and healthy outcome. This procedure may also be appropriate if you want to change size, implant styles, or address another aspect of your breasts. In your consultation at Tyler Frew M.D. Plastic Surgery, you and your provider can discuss the qualifications you may need to undergo this procedure.
WHY IS BREAST REVISION SURGERY PERFORMED?
Breast revision surgery either removes an implant that is defective or not functioning or is simply no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to change implant size or go from silicone to saline (or vice versa). There are a few other common conditions for which a revision procedure may be ideal.
ASYMMETRY
This condition occurs when the implant sizes look out of balance because of an incorrectly sized implant, sagging on one side, or a different condition that causes asymmetry. An assessment and diagnosis would need to take place to determine the cause of the asymmetry, after which we can surgically correct the problem and insert a new set of breast implants to achieve a symmetrical appearance.
BOTTOMING OUT
This is a condition that may happen if one or both breasts “bottom out” or drop too low. Sometimes this is a positioning and placement error from the original operation. To modify this, Dr. Frew may consider a new placement method. For some patients, tissue grafting may be needed in addition to a surgically produced pocket to encircle the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone breast implant can solve this problem.
BREAST SIZE
There are times when breast revision surgery is as straightforward as receiving a smaller or larger sized breast implant. With the original surgery, you may have opted to go too big or too small, so we can place a new breast implant size to achieve the desired look.
CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE
Capsular contracture, also known as scar tissue, occurs when the smooth tissue that surrounds an implant becomes thick and hard. While most augmentations do result in some internal scar tissue, most patients will never realize this. In some situations, the scarring could interfere with the implant’s placement, which can change the implant’s function and result in an undesirable outcome. Scar tissue removal surgery to clear away scarring would be necessary to correct this condition.
IMPLANT RIPPLING
Rippling occurs when there are visible wrinkles and ripples beneath the skin. This deformity typically forms near the edge of an implant. Rippling generally occurs in patients who are very thin. Many times, this condition can be repaired by simply switching to a silicone implant.
IMPLANT RUPTURE
While breast implant rupture happens rarely, it may occur. When a saline implant ruptures, the implant will deflate rather quickly. Because of this, a visible defect will develop. Meanwhile, if a silicone implant ruptures, it can only be detected through an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, if a rupture happens, a corrective treatment will be required.
SYMMASTIA
Symmastia is a condition that mpst commonly happens when breast implants are inserted and placed too closely together. Most often, this occurs because the implant used was the wrong shape, size, or width. A secondary procedure can correct this issue by selecting an implant that is acceptable to your frame and looks proportionate.
HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AFTER BREAST REVISION SURGERY?
After your surgery and an observation period at our Murietta, CA office, we’ll send you home to rest and heal. Recovery from breast revision surgery varies depending on what your surgery involves. Any type of revision that requires reconstruction or grafting will require a longer recovery that could possibly take up to 6 – 8 weeks. You should slowly start to see results as the bruising and swelling fade. Dr. Frew or a member of his team will discuss what you can expect while you recover as well as provide instructions to help you heal faster. You should schedule follow-up visits as directed so Dr. Frew can monitor your recovery and results.
BREAST REVISION SURGERY FAQ
How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery can vary depending on the complexity of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Frew will listen carefully to your concerns and goals before performing a physical examination of your current implants. After this, he can discuss your options before developing your surgical plan. The total cost of your breast revision surgery will depend on the length and complexity of the procedure and what you choose for your new implants. It is best to focus on getting great results from an experienced surgeon like Dr. Frew instead of focusing on finding the cheapest surgeon. To help make your surgery affordable, Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods, and we can provide information about low-interest medical financing.
What if Dr. Frew wasn’t my original surgeon?
Dr. Frew can perform your revision surgery even if he wasn’t the surgeon who did your original surgery. Breast revision surgery can be more difficult than primary breast surgery if you want dramatic changes or have problems, which is why it’s important to choose a plastic surgeon like Dr. Frew, who has advanced training and experience in breast surgery. Dr. Frew also invites his patients to return to Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery for revision surgery after their original breast augmentation if they have a concern or want new implants.
What about loose skin?
If you are having your implants removed or are changing to significantly smaller implants, you may need to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After hearing your goals and evaluating your current implants, Dr. Frew can discuss adding a breast lift to remove skin that would sag if left as is. If you lose a lot of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift can also help you get better results.
Will there be new scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Frew will make incisions for revision surgery in the original incisions. However, if this is not possible, he will place the revision incisions where they are least visible. Breast revision surgery typically uses a periareolar incision (along the lower border of the areola), an inframammary incision (beneath the fold of the breast), a vertical incision, or an “anchor” incision, which includes all incision types. Dr. Frew or a member of his team will go over scar-care management to help your new incisions heal smoothly and blend into your skin.
Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants can last a long time, they will need to be replaced at some point. After augmentation surgery, it’s important to get your implants examined at least once a year so that Dr. Frew can help you determine when your implants should be replaced. With frequent advances in medical technology, you may prefer new implant types or shapes to achieve the best outcome from breast revision surgery.
CHANGE YOUR MIND, REMAKE YOUR LOOK
Revision surgery for breast implants is a custom treatment that plastic surgeon Dr. Tyler Frew tailors to your individual needs. If you’re displeased with your breast augmentation results or want a different result, we invite you to contact our Murrieta, CA office to book an appointment at Tyler Frew MD, Plastic Surgery. There are many factors to think about, and Dr. Frew will perform a full physical exam, create your revision treatment plan, and help set realistic expectations for the outcome of breast revision surgery.
