ABOUT BREAST REVISION SURGERY
Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures in America, and in many cases, it allows for terrific outcomes. Unfortunately, sometimes a patient can be dissatisfied with the appearance of her breasts and at some point may want breast revision treatment. Keep in mind that not all revision treatments are because of practitioner error. While few breast augmentations do end with an unpleasing outcome, there are individuals who wish to have a larger or smaller implant while some may have a visible irregularity and would like to have the implant corrected or removed all together. Furthermore, some women must have revision treatment for a particular condition. Ashburn, VA board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael J. Brown offers breast revision surgery after giving an in-depth exam at The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery so that the desired outcome is attained.
Everyone in the office is very friendly and professional. Dr. Brown always takes the time to answer all of my questions and address all of my concerns. The service and care given here is top tier.
- B.B. /
May 15, 2024 /
Surgical Experience
IDEAL CANDIDATES
Should you have any worries (either medical or aesthetic) after breast augmentation surgery, please make a consultative appointment with Dr. Brown to go over your wants and needs and to develop your personalized plan for breast revision surgery. Whether it is scar tissue, drooping or sagging, ripples under the skin, or uneven breasts, revision surgery can help correct the deformity and result in a more normal and properly functioning outcome. This operation may also be appropriate if you are wanting to alter the implant style, size, or address another aspect of your breasts.
COMMON REASONS FOR REVISION
Breast revision surgery either removes an implant that is defective or not functioning or is no longer desired. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to change implant size or go from an implant to a fat transfer (or vice versa). There are other common situations where a revision surgical treatment is desired or required.
ASYMMETRY
This condition occurs when the implant sizes look disproportionate. This may be due to an incorrect size implant, or lack of tissue on one side, or a different condition that may cause asymmetry. An assessment and diagnosis would need to take place to determine what is leading to the asymmetry, then a revision surgery would be needed to resolve the problem, and finally, a new set of breast implants would be positioned to create a symmetrical result.
BOTTOMING OUT
This is a problem that happens if one or both implants “bottom out” or drop too low. Sometimes this is a case of a positioning error from the original surgical procedure. To modify this, a different placement method may be needed. For some patients, tissue grafting most likely will be needed in addition to a surgically formed pocket to stabilize the new implant. For many patients, going to a silicone breast implant usually will solve this issue.
BREAST SIZE
Sometimes a secondary breast surgery is as straightforward as getting a smaller or larger sized breast implant. During the first surgery, you may have opted to go too conservative or gone a bit too large. A different implant size can be switched with the original to reach the desired aesthetic goal.
CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE
This is known as scar tissue hardening, occurring when the delicate tissue that surrounds the saline or silicone implant becomes thick and hard. Although many implant surgeries do create some internal scar tissue, most women will never see or feel it. In some situations, the hardening tissue could interfere with implant placement, which can change the breast shape and implant functionality and deliver an undesirable outcome. Capsular contracture surgery to clear away scarring would be recommended.
IMPLANT RIPPLING
This condition occurs when you see obvious rippling and wrinkles under the skin. This irregularity typically forms just along the edging of the implant. Rippling is generally found in patients who are of low body weight. Many times, this issue can be fixed by simply switching to a silicone breast implant.
IMPLANT RUPTURE
Even though this is rarely seen, breast implant rupture can possibly occur. When a saline implant type ruptures, the implant will deflate almost immediately. Because of this, visible deflation will be noticeable. Meanwhile, if the implant is silicone based and ruptures, it is only seen via an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, when a rupture occurs, a secondary procedure will be required.
SYMMASTIA
Symmastia is a condition that takes place when breast implants are inserted and placed too closely together. Most often, this is because the breast implant used was the incorrect shape and width. A revision treatment will repair this problem by utilizing an implant that fits your frame and looks pleasing to the eye.
MONDOR’S DISEASE/BANDS
This is the name given to bands or cords that sometimes appear just under the skin below the breast after breast augmentation. They are tough, fibrous bands from an inflamed or hardened blood vessel or vein, and the cause is not always known. Often, they are seen near the breast crease within 1 – 4 weeks after the initial breast surgery.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Following your procedure and a brief observation period, you can go home to begin your recovery. Recovery from a revision surgery varies, depending on what is involved in your surgery. Revision surgery that warrants complex revision techniques will need a longer recovery that could possibly last up to 6 – 8 weeks. You should slowly start to see your surgical results when the bruising and swelling start to disappear. Dr. Brown or someone on his team will discuss what should be expected while you recover, plus recommendations to help you heal faster. You should go to follow-up visits as often as directed so Dr. Brown can monitor your healing and results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much does breast revision surgery cost?
Your cost for breast revision surgery will vary based on the complexity of your procedure. In your consultation, Dr. Brown will listen carefully to your needs and goals before completing a physical examination of your implants. After this, he will talk about your choices before creating your treatment plan. The total cost of revision surgery will be based on the complexity of the procedure, plus your new implants. It is better to concentrate on getting great results by finding a skilled doctor, like Dr. Brown, instead of the cheapest surgeon. As a way to help make your surgery affordable, The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery accepts many different payments, and we will give you information on low-interest financing.
What if Dr. Brown was not my original surgeon?
Dr. Brown can perform your revision surgery even if he was not the surgeon who did your original breast augmentation. Revision surgery is sometimes more difficult compared to augmentation surgery, especially if you want significant changes or have problems, which is why it is best to find a doctor, like Dr. Brown, who has advanced training and experience in breast surgery. Dr. Brown also welcomes his patients to come back to The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery for revision surgery after their augmentation surgery if they notice an issue or would like new implants.
What about loose skin?
When you are getting your implants exchanged or removed, you may want to have excess skin removed as well. After hearing your goals and evaluating your current implants, Dr. Brown can discuss adding a breast lift to remove sagging skin. If you lose a lot of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift gives you better results.
Will there be new scars?
When possible, Dr. Brown will make incisions for revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. If this is not possible, he will place the revision incisions where they are least visible. Revision surgery may use a transaxillary incision (in the armpit), a periareolar incision (along the lower border of the areola), an inframammary incision (beneath the breast fold), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Brown or a member of his team will explain scar care instruction so your incisions heal smoothly and blend with your skin.
Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants are long-lasting, they do require replacement eventually. Once you have had augmentation surgery, it is important to get your implants examined at least once a year so Dr. Brown can help you determine if your implants need to be exchanged. With frequent advances in medical technology, you may prefer the new implant types and shapes to get a better outcome from breast revision surgery.
CHANGE YOUR MIND
Revision surgery for breast implants is a specialized procedure tailored for your aesthetic goals by Dr. Michael J. Brown. If you notice a visible defect with your breast augmentation results or desire a different result, we invite you to get in touch with our Ashburn, VA office to make your appointment at The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery. There are so many factors to consider, and Dr. Brown will perform a full physical assessment, create your revision treatment plan, and discuss realistic outcome expectations.
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