What is Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast augmentation has come to be regarded as one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries of all time due to the stunning, natural outcomes that are often produced. However, sometimes patients who receive this surgery can be unhappy with their outcomes and could, in turn, require a breast revision. Breast revision surgery is performed when a patient experiences difficulties resulting from their original augmentation, such as asymmetry, an undesirable size, or a defunct implant; however, it's important to note that not all of these situations arise from a doctor's error. While there are breast augmentation that can result in a poor outcome, sometimes women desire a different sized implant (bigger or smaller), while others may experience an issue and wish to have their inserts removed altogether. In addition to these situations, there are also patients who could require revision surgery to address a specific condition. Board-certified plastic surgeon Roderick M. Urbaniak, M.D. is happy to provide breast revision surgery for women desiring a new and better result. Urbaniak Plastic Surgery, sees patients all throughout the greater Clearwater area and beyond at our Largo and Clearwater, FL, locations.
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What are the benefits of breast revision?
At times, breast surgeries including augmentations and implants, do not go as planned. In other cases, you may wish for some change to be made from a previous procedure. Our Largo and Clearwater, FL patients who undergo breast revision procedures enjoy a number of benefits, including:
- Removal and revision of scar tissue from prior procedures
- Overall improvement of shape, size, and profile
- Resolved issues regarding asymmetry, rippling, and shifted implants
- Enhancement of general firmness and volume
Am I a good Candidate for breast revision surgery?
If you have any concerns regarding your augmented breasts, whether cosmetic or medical, it's crucial that you get them resolved. You can schedule a private appointment with Dr. Roderick Urbaniak to discuss your goals and create a personalized surgical plan to achieve your desired results. Whether it's scarring, breast sag, rippling, or uneven breasts, a revision procedure can help repair the deformity and create a more appealing and healthy outcome. This surgery can also help if you would like to change implant size or style, or if you would like to address any other aspect of your breasts.
What are some Common Reasons for Revision?
Secondary breast augmentation removes an implant that is no longer functioning properly or wanted. Breast revision surgery can also be performed to change implant size or go from a saline to silicone insert, or vice versa. There are a few other common cases for which a surgical revision treatment is sought out:
Asymmetry
Asymmetry occurs when one's breast implants appear out of balance. This can be due to an incorrectly sized implant, lack of breast tissue on one side, or another condition that could possibly cause asymmetry. An assessment would need to be made to determine what is causing your breasts' unbalanced look. From there, a surgical plan will be designed and implemented to correct the condition. During this process, new implants can be inserted to attain a harmonious appearance.
Bottoming Out
Bottoming out is a condition that can occur when one or both breasts drop too low or "bottom out." In many cases, this is a positioning or placement error from the first surgical procedure. To address this, a new placement method may be employed. A tissue grafting could be needed for some situations, as well as a surgically produced pocket to stabilize the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone implant can resolve this problem.
Breast Size
There are times when revision surgery is as simple as changing to a larger or smaller insert. During your original augmentation, you may have chosen to go too small or too big in terms of your goals or body frame. A new breast implant can replace the initial inserts to achieve your desired look.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture refers to an area of hardening as a result of scarring. This can occur when the smooth tissue around the breast implant becomes hard and thickens. While every breast augmentation does result in some extent of internal hardening, most patients will never realize it or experience any effects. In some situations, the scarring could affect the placement of the implant. This could adversely alter the implant's function and produce an undesirable outcome. If this is the case, the tissue would need to be removed with a scar removal treatment.
Implant Rippling
Rippling occurs when there are noticeable lines and ripples beneath the skin or over the implant. This condition generally forms around the edge of the insert. Rippling is more common in women who are relatively thin. Often, this issue can be fixed by simply changing to a silicone implant.
Implant Rupture
Although this is rare, implant rupture could occur. If a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation will take place rather quickly. This will result in a visible loss of volume. On the other hand, if a silicone implant ruptures, it can only be caught with an MRI scan. In either case, if a rupture happens, a secondary surgery will certainly be required to address the issue.
Symmastia
Symmastia occurs when breast implants are positioned too close together. In most cases, this is because the insert selected was the wrong shape, size, or width. A secondary augmentation can address the problem by replacing the original implant with ones that are morr compatible with your body type.
What should I Expect after breast revision surgery?
Following your surgery and observation period, you will be sent home to recover. The overall healing period will vary based on the complexity of your surgery. Any type of revision that requires grafting or complex reconstruction will require a longer recovery period, which could take up to several months. You should begin to see your results once the swelling goes down. Dr. Roderick Urbaniak or a member of his team will let you know what to expect during your recovery, and he will give you suggestions to help speed along your healing. You should attend follow-up appointments as directed so we can assess your progress and improved results.
Breast revision FAQ
How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of your breast revision surgery can vary greatly depending on what needs to be done to achieve your goals and address your unique concerns. Dr. Roderick Urbaniak will listen to your thoughts during your one-on-one consultation and discuss your options. From there, we will be able to more accurately estimate your total costs. The price of your procedure will be based on the extent of your surgery and your choice of replacement implants. It is vital that you place your trust in an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Urbaniak, if you choose to undergo this procedure. To help make your treatment more affordable, our office accepts many payment methods, including low-interest medical financing.
What if Dr. Roderick Urbaniak wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Urbaniak can perform your revision surgery even if he wasn't the surgeon who performed your original breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the initial augmentation if you desire dramatic changes or have significant problems that need to be addressed. For this reason, it's better to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Urbaniak, who has years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. In addition to this, breast revision is one of his favorite surgeries to perform.
What about loose skin?
If you are having your implants removed or changing to a significantly smaller size, you may need to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After listening to your goals and assessing your current implants, Dr. Roderick Urbaniak can discuss the need for a breast lift to remove loose skin. If you lose a significant amount of weight, become pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift can help you achieve better results.
Will there be new scars?
If possible, Dr. Roderick Urbaniak will make incisions for revision surgery at the original augmentation incisions. If this is not possible, he will place the new incisions where they will be less visible. Breast revision surgery typically employs a transaxillary incision (through the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (under the fold of the breast), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Urbaniak or a member of his team will go over scar care management so your incisions heal properly and blend into your skin.
Do I have to change my implants?
While implants can last a long time, they will need to be replaced at some point. After augmentation surgery, it is important to have your implants checked regularly so we can help you decide when your inserts should be replaced. With advances in the cosmetic field being made every day, you may want to consider the newest implant shapes and types to achieve your best look.
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Change Your Mind
Breast revision surgery is a customized procedure tailored to address your unique situation. If you're displeased with your breast implants, whether it's their look or a more pressing concern, we welcome you to contact our cosmetic facility to schedule your appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Roderick Urbaniak. There are many factors to consider when it comes to developing a breast revision surgical plan. Our team here at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery will discuss all of your options and help you come to a conclusion that achieves your goals and addresses your unique issues.