Breast Revision
Breast revision is a plastic surgery procedure that can help patients in NYC and Long Island who are unhappy with a previous breast augmentation or breast reconstruction. Our experienced plastic surgeons specialize in breast revision surgery, where they skillfully address complications from your initial surgical experience. Through this procedure, we aim to provide you with beautiful and natural-looking results that align with your original expectations. The doctors at New York Plastic Surgical Group, a Division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, have specialty training in a comprehensive range of breast surgery procedures and are dedicated to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals. At our Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery Center, a designated Center of Excellence within our practice, problems from prior procedures can often be solved, and the results can be better than you imagined.
What Is Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery offers many women the opportunity to achieve fuller breasts that complement their body frame and boost self-esteem. However, in some cases, patients may experience unexpected complications or find that their initial breast augmentation does not deliver their desired results.1 In such situations, breast revision surgery may be a viable option to consider.
This type of surgery can involve correcting complications or unsatisfactory results from the initial procedure, replacing old implants with new ones, changing implant size or type, and improving the overall appearance and symmetry of the breasts. Breast revision surgery aims to achieve the desired aesthetic outcomes and address any concerns or complications that may have arisen after the initial breast surgery. It’s important to note that revision surgeries demand increased precision and caution. This is because prior operations might have thinned and weakened the breast tissue, and there may be an accumulation of scar tissue.
Common Reasons For Breast Revision Surgery
- Breast implants are too large or too small; change implant size
- The desire to switch from silicone implants to saline implants or vice/versa
- The desire to return to natural breast size
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Breast asymmetry caused by shifting of the implant
- Implant rippling
- Unrelated health conditions like breast cancer
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a common complication that can occur after breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery.2 When a foreign object, such as a breast implant, is inserted into the body, the body’s natural response is to form a protective tissue layer around it. This tissue layer is known as a capsule.
In most cases, the capsule remains soft and does not cause any issues. However, in some instances, the capsule can become thickened, tightened, and contract around the implant. This abnormal tightening of the capsule is called capsular contracture. It can cause the breast to feel firm, distorted in shape, and sometimes painful. Depending on its severity, capsular contracture can affect the appearance of the breast and lead to discomfort or pain.
For more severe cases of capsular contracture, surgical intervention may be necessary, involving the removal or release of the thickened capsule, and possibly the replacement of the implant.
Preparing For Breast Revision Surgery
Your plastic surgeon will meet with you in an initial breast revision surgery consultation to discuss all aspects of breast revision surgery, your goals for results, and whether breast revision surgery is the right procedure for your unique needs.
Breast Revision Procedure
While each procedure is unique, breast revision surgery—whether it’s a saline implant removal or silicone implant removal—typically involves removing the implant, and then the surgeon will eliminate any existing scar tissue. New implants are typically placed immediately following the removal of the original implants. Your plastic surgeon will take the greatest care to ensure the results meet your expectations and look natural and symmetrical.
The time it takes to perform breast revision surgery will depend on the extent of your procedure. Breast revision surgery is often performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Breast revision surgery can be performed at one of our accredited operating rooms located in both our Garden City and Manhattan facilities. Accreditation from the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF) signifies the highest standard of care in a fully equipped surgical environment.
Breast Revision Recovery & Results
Recovery after breast revision surgery typically involves soreness, swelling, and bruising in the first week, gradually subsiding over several weeks. Patients should avoid strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, and raising their arms above their heads for at least six weeks after surgery. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will be scheduled to monitor healing progress, and patients may return to work within a week or two.
Final results can take several months to fully develop as the breasts settle and swelling reduces. It’s crucial to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and communicate any concerns promptly with your medical team.
Schedule A Consultation For Breast Revision Surgery
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts after having breast enhancement or reconstructive surgery, or you are experiencing complications resulting from a previous procedure, the plastic surgeons at the New York Plastic Surgical Group can help. Please schedule a breast revision surgery consultation and speak with one of our doctors. Plastic surgeons at NYPS Group can provide you with results that look natural and conform to your original goals.
FAQs About Breast Revision Surgery
Can I combine other cosmetic procedures with breast revision?
Yes, it is often possible to combine other breast procedures with breast implant revision surgery, such as a breast lift (mastopexy). In fact, combining breast revision with a breast lift is quite common and can be an effective way to address multiple concerns in a single surgery.
While breast revision surgery is performed to correct issues related to previous breast augmentation or reconstruction surgeries, a breast lift is a type of cosmetic surgery that is designed to lift and reshape the breasts, addressing sagging or drooping caused by factors like aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy.
What are the risks of breast revision surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, breast revision surgery comes with potential risks and complications, such as infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related issues, implant-related complications, and unsatisfactory results. Our plastic surgeons will discuss all risks with you before the procedure. Our doctors are extremely well-trained and experienced with breast revision surgery, and they will make every effort to ensure your surgery runs smoothly and safely, and results meet your treatment goals.
Is breast revision surgery riskier than initial breast augmentation?
Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the initial surgery due to the presence of scar tissue, previous implants, and the need to correct specific issues. However, with an experienced surgeon like those at New York Plastic Surgical Group, the risks are manageable.
Will I need to replace my implants in the future?
Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, and they may require replacement at some point. The timing depends on the type of implants, individual factors, and any complications that may arise.
Can I switch from saline to silicone implants or vice versa?
In many cases, it is possible to switch from saline to silicone implants or vice versa during breast revision surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the best options based on your individual circumstances.
Will there be visible scars after breast revision surgery?
Scarring is an inevitable part of any surgery, but experienced surgeons strive to minimize the appearance of scars. The location and extent of scarring depend on the specific revision procedure performed.
How long will the results of breast revision surgery last?
The longevity of breast revision surgery results varies depending on factors such as the type of implants used, lifestyle choices, and individual body characteristics. Regular check-ups with your surgeon are essential to monitor your breast health and implant status.
1 ASPS. Breast Implant Revision. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-implant-revision. Accessed August 3, 2023.
2 Seminars in Plastic Surgery. Revision Breast Augmentation. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8186996/. Accessed August 3, 2023.
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