Breast Revision in Dallas, TX
Breast augmentation has remained one of the top five most requested cosmetic surgery procedures for almost 20 years. However, while it is still extremely popular, there are certain instances when you may choose to change or remove your breast implant. Known as breast revision surgery, this procedure is done for a variety of reasons. Changes to your body, complications after breast augmentation, or aging implants are all factors when deciding if breast revision surgery is right for you. At WOW Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we offer breast revision surgery to ensure that you are confident with the appearance of your breasts.
What Is Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast revision is a surgical procedure that is performed to address a variety of issues. Also known as explant surgery, breast implant revision surgery involves removing your existing implant and either exchanging it for a new one or returning your breasts to their natural state.
In some cases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations can cause aesthetic changes to your augmented breasts. Other times, complications like capsular contracture, implant leaks or ruptures, or implant malposition develop after your breast augmentation, leaving you with painful, asymmetrical, or distorted breasts. Breast revision can correct these issues, giving you the beautiful breasts you desire.
Reasons to Undergo Breast Revision Surgery
While breast augmentation can enhance your body contour, even breasts with implants aren’t immune to nature and time. Pregnancy and breastfeeding after breast augmentation can affect how your breasts look, as can weight gain or loss and the effects of gravity and age. Breast revision surgery can improve the appearance of your breasts, restoring your confidence in their appearance.
Breast implant malposition occurs when your implants are placed incorrectly or shift after they’re placed. Lateral malposition occurs when your implants shift to the sides of your body, while symmastia (also known as “uni-boob”) occurs when your implants sit too close together at the center of your chest. Breast implants may also be placed too high on your chest and never “drop and fluff” during recovery, or they may be placed too low and “bottom out.” All of these issues can be addressed with breast implant revision surgery.
The most common complication after breast augmentation is capsular contracture. Capsular contracture happens when the scar tissue that encases your implant begins to constrict it, distorting the shape of the implant, causing discomfort, and making it feel hard to the touch. The only way to remedy moderate to severe capsular contracture is with breast revision surgery.
Silicone and saline breast implants are both designed to be durable, but even so, they can occasionally leak or rupture. When a saline implant leaks or ruptures, it is noticeable immediately, as your breast will look deflated. Silicone implant leaks and ruptures are more difficult to distinguish because the gel inside silicone implants is so thick that it typically stays within the breast pocket. If your breast implant leaks or ruptures, breast revision surgery is necessary.
Did you know that breast implants have to be replaced periodically? They’re made to last between 10 and 20 years, so you’ll likely need to replace them at least once. Breast implant exchange or removal requires breast revision surgery.
For some women who chose breast augmentation in their younger years, changes to their personal aesthetic or lifestyle may mean they wish to change or remove their breast implants. Whether they want smaller implants, a different implant material or shape, or to remove the implant altogether, breast revision surgery can help.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Revision Surgery?
The best candidates for breast revision surgery are nonsmokers in good health who wish to address issues with the appearance or function of their breast implants.
How Is a Breast Revision Performed?
Breast revision surgery is an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia. Dr. Patel begins the surgery by removing your existing breast implants, preferably using the same incision location as your original surgery to minimize scarring. He will make the necessary revisions to your breasts, which may include:
- Removing or releasing scar tissue from capsular contracture
- Repositioning the implant by adjusting the breast pocket as necessary
- Replacing your old implant with a new implant
- Using fat transfer to enhance the size or shape of your breasts
- Removing the implant and lifting or repositioning your natural breast tissue
Once he has made the appropriate revisions, Dr. Patel completes the surgery by carefully closing the incisions and applying surgical dressings.
What Can I Expect During My Breast Revision Recovery?
Your breast implant revision recovery will be similar to your recovery after your initial breast augmentation. You will wear a special surgical bra to support your breasts and minimize swelling as you heal.
You will need to take time off to rest, though most patients typically return to work and light activity after the first week. You will experience some discomfort as you heal, which can easily be managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication. Swelling will persist for several weeks, but this is normal.
You should be able to gradually return to moderate exercise three to four weeks after surgery, avoiding anything that strains your chest muscles. Intense exercise and other strenuous activities must be avoided for about six weeks or until Dr. Patel clears you.
What Can I Expect From My Breast Revision Results?
Your initial results will be visible immediately after breast revision surgery. While swelling will obscure your final results temporarily, it will resolve over time. If you replace your implants, your results will be noticeable in a similar time frame as after your initial breast augmentation. Most swelling will dissipate within a month or two after surgery.
After your breast revision surgery, you can expect your breasts to look beautiful for years to come.
Why Should I Choose WOW Cosmetic Surgery For My Breast Revision?
At WOW Cosmetic Surgery, we want our patients to feel gorgeous in their skin. Dr. Prem Patel’s cosmetic board certification and expertise in breast procedures make him the optimal choice to perform your breast revision surgery. His skill and experience ensure you will receive the results you desire in a safe and caring environment.
Breast Revision FAQs
The cost of breast implant revision in Colleyville depends on several factors, including surgical fees, facility fees, and whether you wish to combine additional cosmetic procedures with your revision. When you come in for your consultation, Dr. Patel will provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
Breast revision surgery can be combined with several other cosmetic procedures, including breast lift surgery, high-definition body contouring, or even as part of a Mommy Makeover.
No, your implant is replaced during breast revision surgery. Even if the implant isn’t damaged or is still relatively new, using new, sterile breast implants will reduce your risk of further complications, including infection and capsular contracture.
Most surgeons advise waiting at least six months before getting breast revision surgery. This gives you time to heal completely and for your implants to settle into their correct place on your chest. Ideally, waiting a year before undergoing breast revision is best, but you can discuss the timeline as well as your reasons for seeking revision surgery with your surgeon.
Just like with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved with breast revision surgery, including:
- Anesthesia risks
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor wound healing
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Changes in skin sensation
To help avoid complications, it is important to follow Dr. Patel’s postoperative instructions closely. If you do experience concerning side effects, contact our office immediately.
Learn More About Breast Revision Surgery in Colleyville, TX
If you want to change the size, shape, or type of breast implant or have other breast augmentation and revision questions, contact WOW Cosmetic Surgery Institute today at (833) DR WOW MD or complete the contact form to schedule a consultation.
