Breast augmentation and implant-based breast reconstruction are transformative surgeries with high rates of patient satisfaction. If you’ve undergone either procedure, it’s likely that further breast surgery is the last thing on your mind. However, while implants are designed to last a long time, they will almost certainly need to be replaced at some point through a secondary procedure called breast revision.
Breast revision to replace or remove an implant may be performed in the event of deflation, displacement, rippling, rupture, capsular contracture or other complications. Alternatively, some patients choose to have revisionary surgery when no complications are present to alter or improve upon the results of an earlier procedure. They may opt to swap their implants for a different size or type, enhance the initial procedure with a breast lift, or remove their implants altogether.
The goal of any breast surgery is to achieve attractive results that complement your body and boost your confidence. If you did not achieve the outcomes you envisioned, a breast revision with Lickstein Plastic Surgery can restore the beautiful breast aesthetic you’re looking for. Dr. Lickstein is experienced performing all kinds of breast revision surgery and will take great care to resolve the issues that inspired you to consider a secondary procedure.
Why Choose Breast Revision?
Patients pursue breast revision surgery for a number of reasons, both medical and cosmetic. It is natural for breast shape and appearance to change over time, even with implants. Breast revision can improve upon a previous procedure if you are dissatisfied with the initial outcome or if the aesthetic appeal of your results has diminished over the years. In other cases, breast revision is necessary due to the emergence of complications from the original surgery. Some of the most common cosmetic and/or health-related reasons women seek out breast revision include:
- To change the size, shape or type of implants
- To replace implants that have bottomed out
- To treat capsular contracture
- To correct rippling or folding
- To correct implant migration
- To improve asymmetry
- To replace a leaking, ruptured or deflated implant
- To rejuvenate results after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight fluctuations
- To remove implants that are no longer desired
If one or more of these reasons applies to you, you may be a candidate for breast revision surgery.
How Is Breast Revision Different From Other Breast Surgery?
Breast revision is not a “one size fits all” procedure. It must be carefully tailored to each patient’s needs and goals. Secondary surgery is often more challenging than the primary procedure and requires a more advanced skill set on the part of your physician. A surgeon performing breast revision must navigate complicating factors such as scar tissue and changes to the skin and breast resulting from the first surgery. Advanced techniques and meticulous attention to detail are required to achieve optimal results. Therefore, breast revision should only be performed by a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lickstein.
Breast Revision Preparation
The first step of any surgical procedure is scheduling a consultation with your surgeon. During a consultation for breast implant revision, be prepared to discuss your previous surgeries, your desired results, and factors that may affect the outcome of the procedure such as medical conditions, allergies, alcohol or tobacco use, and medications or supplements taken. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your health status and your existing breast implants, discuss your options for revision and any associated risks and recommend a course of treatment. Ask questions and be sure you understand all aspects of the procedure. The safety and success of your breast revision surgery are dependent on candidness and thorough communication with your surgeon.
In preparation for the procedure, follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding diet, fitness, rest, medications, supplements and hygiene. Complete any required lab tests, diagnostic tests and medical evaluations. A healthy surgery and recovery start with being in good physical and emotional shape before treatment. Make proper post-surgery arrangements by organizing for transportation and help at home, setting up a comfortable place to recuperate, requesting appropriate time off work, scheduling childcare or pet care if needed and preparing prescriptions, post-op garments and any other supplies your doctor recommends.
The more you prepare ahead of time, the less stress you’ll feel during the critical period directly after your breast revision. In the day before or morning of your procedure, you may wish to take care of ordinary tasks — such as doing laundry, washing dishes, making the bed, paying bills, and preparing meals that can be frozen — so they are not a source of worry following your surgery.
Breast Revision Recovery
Recovery from your breast revision surgery may be shorter and less painful than what you experienced after your initial surgery, depending on the specifics of your procedure. Expect to feel swollen and sore at first. Your incisions will be dressed and you may be placed in a support garment. If necessary, a tube will be placed under the skin temporarily to drain excess fluid. You will have been briefed on all post-surgery instructions prior to surgery. Do not hesitate to contact your surgeon if you have questions or concerns.
Ask a trusted friend or family member to take you home and remain with you for the first 24 to 48 hours. Most patients can return to their daily routine after a week or two. Vigorous activities should be avoided for three weeks. During this time, any bruising, swelling, numbness or tingling will decrease and, if you have had new implants placed, they will settle into their final position. Your scars will continue to fade and soften for up to one year following surgery. Remember not to rush the recovery process; patience is key to achieving the best possible outcome.
Taking The Next Steps
If you are unhappy with your first breast augmentation or breast reconstruction procedure or are experiencing complications, revision surgery at Lickstein Plastic Surgery is an option. Dr. Lickstein understands that breast surgery is a delicate and personal procedure, and strives to create custom treatment plans that meet each patient’s needs and preferences to a high degree of satisfaction. His fellowship in Microsurgery at Harvard Medical School means that on top of his board certification in Plastic Surgery, he has the advanced training needed to handle such complex procedures, and produce outstanding results for his patients. To learn more about breast revision, please contact our office at 561-571-4000 and schedule an appointment.
