Breast Implant Revision
Breast augmentation is a
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When Is Breast Implant Revision an Option?
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common
cosmetic surgery, and according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast augmentation surgery was the third most
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Inaugural ASPS Insights and Trends Report: Cosmetic Surgery 2022
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popular procedure
in 2022. While most patients are satisfied with the results of their breast augmentation, some may need breast implant revision surgery. Breast implant revision surgery can be performed for a variety of reasons, including implant rupture and deflation, implant displacement, or simply to change the size or shape of the breasts.
Dr. Berry Fairchild empathizes with the emotional and psychological toll that dissatisfaction with a previous breast surgery can have on someone. She understands that feeling confident and comfortable in one’s body is crucial for overall well being. That’s why she is dedicated to helping patients achieve their breast augmentation goals through revision surgery. Dr. Fairchild works closely with each patient, taking the time to understand their unique needs and desires, and develops a personalized treatment plan to achieve their ideal outcome. With her experience and unwavering commitment to patient satisfaction, Dr. Fairchild is the trusted choice for breast implant revision surgery in Houston, Texas.
What is Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision surgery is a procedure that involves the removal or
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Breast Implant Revision
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replacement
of breast implants. Common reasons for breast augmentation revision include:
Implant Rupture: Breast implants can rupture or leak over time. In this case, revision surgery is needed to remove the damaged implant and replace it with a new one.
Implant Displacement: Breast implants can sometimes shift or move out of place, causing the breasts to look uneven or distorted. Revision surgery can correct the position of the implant by reinforcing or reshaping the implant pocket and improving the overall appearance of the breasts.
Capsular Contracture: Capsular contracture is a condition where scar tissue forms around the breast implant, causing the breast to feel firm or hard. Revision surgery can remove the scar tissue and replace the implant to restore a natural look and feel to the breast.
Size or Shape Change: Some patients may choose to have their breast implants removed or replaced simply because they want a different size or to change the breast shape.
Implant Type: Breast implant revision surgery can be performed if the patient wants to change the type of implant they have. For example, if you want to switch from saline implants to silicone implants, or vice versa.
Weight Fluctuations: Weight gain or weight loss can sometimes affect the appearance of breast implants and overlying breast tissue, leading some patients to seek breast implant revision surgery.
Aging: Aging-related
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Revision Breast Augmentation
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ptosis (sagging)
occurs when the breast tissue becomes less firm and elastic, leading to sagging or drooping of the breasts. This can sometimes cause the breast implants to shift or become more noticeable. Breast implant revision surgery can address these concerns by removing or replacing the implants and reshaping the breast tissue to create a more youthful and lifted appearance.
Benefits of Breast Implant Revision
- Improves the appearance of the breasts
- Corrects problems like implant displacement or rupture, symmastia, and asymmetry
- Reduces or eliminates capsular contracture
- Can reduce pain or discomfort
- Enhances self-confidence and self-esteem
- Can change the size or shape of your breasts
- Restores more natural-looking breasts
Preparing For Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Preparing for breast implant revision surgery is an important step towards achieving a successful outcome. During your initial consultation with Dr. Fairchild, you can discuss your concerns and goals for the procedure, as well as any medical conditions or medications you are taking. Dr. Fairchild may also recommend a medical evaluation to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. Additionally, you may be asked to quit smoking several weeks before and after the procedure to reduce the risk of
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complications
. Finally, it is important to follow Dr. Fairchild’s instructions for pre-operative care, including avoiding certain medications and supplements, and arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Your Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Breast implant revision surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The exact technique used will depend on the reason for your revision surgery. If one or both of your implants are being replaced due to rupture or leakage, Dr. Fairchild will remove the damaged implant from the breast pocket and replace it with a new breast implant. If the implant is being replaced due to capsular contracture or implant displacement, Dr. Fairchild will typically remove the implant and any scar tissue that has formed around it before inserting a new implant. In some cases, Dr. Fairchild may need to perform additional procedures such as a breast lift or breast reduction to achieve your desired results.
Breast Implant Revision Recovery
The recovery time after breast revision procedures typically takes several weeks and will depend on your surgical plan. In general, patients can expect to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the chest area for several days after the procedure. Pain medication and ice packs can help to manage these symptoms. You will need to wear a special compression garment for several weeks to help support the breasts and promote healing.
During the recovery period, it is important to avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting and to follow Dr. Fairchild’s instructions for post-operative care. You should plan to take some time off work or other obligations to allow your body to heal properly. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within four to six weeks after the procedure, although it may take several months for your breasts to fully heal and settle into their new shape. It’s crucial to attend all your follow-up appointments with Dr. Fairchild to ensure that the healing process is progressing as expected.
FAQs About Breast Implant Revision
Who is a good candidate for breast implant revision surgery?
Good candidates for breast implant revision surgery are individuals who have undergone previous surgery for breast augmentation and are experiencing issues with their implants, such as ruptures, leaks, implant displacement, or capsular contracture. Candidates may also be those who are unhappy with their breast size or the shape of their current implants and wish to change them.
However, it is important to note that breast implant revision surgery is a complex procedure and not suitable for everyone. Candidates should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and be willing to follow all pre-and post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Fairchild. Candidates should also have a stable weight and be non-smokers, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for breast implant revision surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fairchild.
How long does the surgery take?
The duration of breast implant revision surgery can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your specific case. On average, the procedure takes between two and four hours to complete. The exact length of your surgery will depend on a number of factors, including the type of revision being performed, the extent of the revision, and whether any additional procedures are being done at the same time. Patients undergoing a simple implant replacement surgery may experience a shorter operation time, while patients undergoing more extensive revisions, such as correcting implant malposition or a capsulectomy to address capsular contracture, may require a longer surgery. Dr. Fairchild will provide a more accurate estimate of the expected duration of your surgery during your pre-operative consultation.
Will there be scarring after the procedure?
Yes, scarring is a common side effect of breast implant revision surgery, as with any surgical procedure. The extent and visibility of the scarring will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of revision being performed and your individual healing process.
In most cases, the scarring from breast implant revision surgery is minimal and can often be concealed by clothing or swimwear. Dr. Fairchild will make incisions in inconspicuous areas, such as the breast crease or around the areola, to minimize the visibility of any scarring.
Scars will fade and become less noticeable over time, but it is important to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Fairchild including her scar protocol to minimize scarring. If scarring is a concern, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss this aspect of the surgery with Dr. Fairchild during your initial consultation to determine the best approach for your specific case.
How much does breast implant revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast implant revision surgery can vary widely depending on several factors, including the extent of the revision and any additional procedures being performed. You’ll receive a detailed cost estimate from Dr. Fairchild during your initial consultation, which can help you make an informed decision about your treatment options. You should also check with your insurance provider to determine if the procedure may be covered under your policy, as some insurance plans will cover the cost of breast implant revision surgery in certain cases, such as in the event of implant rupture or capsular contracture.
What are the risks and potential complications associated with breast implant revision?
As with any surgical procedure, breast implant revision surgery carries certain risks and potential complications including
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infection
, bleeding, anesthesia risks, scarring, implant malposition, implant rupture, and capsular contracture, among others. Dr. Fairchild will make sure you understand all risks and potential complications during your consultation. It’s essential to follow all pre-and post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Fairchild to minimize the risk of complications and ensure a successful outcome.
When can I resume normal activities after the surgery?
The timeline for resuming normal activities after breast implant revision surgery can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, your overall health, and your individual healing process. In general, you should plan to take it easy for the first few days after surgery and avoid any strenuous activity or heavy lifting. You may need to take a week or two off work or other daily activities to allow for proper healing.
It is important to follow Dr. Fairchild’s post-operative instructions, including any restrictions on activity and any recommended exercises or stretching to aid in recovery. You’ll need to avoid any activities that could put a strain on the chest area, such as jogging, aerobics, or weightlifting, for several weeks after surgery. In general, you can plan to gradually resume normal activities over the course of several weeks, but it is important to listen to your body and avoid pushing yourself too hard too soon.
Can breast implant revision be combined with other cosmetic procedures?
Breast implant revision surgery can be combined with a variety of other cosmetic procedures to enhance the overall appearance of the breasts and body. One common procedure that is often performed alongside breast implant revision is a breast lift. This procedure can help to lift and reshape the breasts, improving their overall appearance and restoring a more youthful contour. Liposuction is another procedure that can be combined with breast implant revision surgery to remove excess fat from other areas of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs. This can help to create a more proportionate and balanced overall appearance. Finally, some women may choose to have a tummy tuck or a more comprehensive body contouring procedure like MommyMakeover performed at the same time as breast implant revision to achieve a more comprehensive transformation. The specific procedures that can be combined with breast implant revision will depend on your individual cosmetic goals, as well as your overall health and medical history. Dr. Fairchild will discuss all the options available to you and determine the best course of action for achieving your desired results.
How long do breast implants typically last?
On average, breast implants can last anywhere from
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10 to 20 years.
Will I need to have additional revision surgeries in the future?
It is possible that you may need to have additional revision surgeries in the future, particularly if you have breast implants that are expected to last for many years. While breast implants can last up to 20 years, there is a chance that they may need to be replaced or removed at some point in the future due to issues such as rupture, displacement, or capsular contracture. Factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can also impact the appearance and condition of your breast implants over time, potentially leading to the need for revision surgery.
While additional revision surgeries may be necessary at some point in the future, taking proper care of your implants and following Dr. Fairchild’s post-operative instructions can help to prolong the life of your breast implants and minimize the risk of complications or the need for additional surgery.
Contact Dr. Fairchild
If you are experiencing issues with your breast implants or are simply unhappy with their appearance, Dr. Berry Fairchild can help you achieve your desired results and restore your confidence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
1 Scripps. When Is Breast Implant Revision an Option? Available: https://www.scripps.org/news_items/4578-when-is-breast-implant-revision-an-option. Accessed March 29, 2023.
2 ASPS. Inaugural ASPS Insights and Trends Report: Cosmetic Surgery 2022. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Trends/2022/trends-report-cosmetic-surgery-2022.pdf. Accessed March 29, 2023.
3 ASPS. Breast Implant Revision. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-implant-revision. Accessed March 29, 2023.
4 Seminars In Plastic Surgery. Revision Breast Augmentation. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8186996/. Accessed March 29, 2023.
5 WHO. Smoking greatly increases risk of complications after surgery. Available: https://www.who.int/news/item/20-01-2020-smoking-greatly-increases-risk-of-complications-after-surgery#. Accessed March 29, 2023.
6 ASPS. Breast Implant Revision Risks & Safety. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-implant-revision/safety. Accessed March 29, 2023.
7 ASPS. Will your breast implants last a lifetime? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/will-your-breast-implants-last-a-lifetime#. Accessed March 29, 2023.