About Breast Revision Surgery
Breast revision surgery, which commonly involves the replacement or removal of breast implants, is typically performed to change the size or type of implant present, or to address complications present from a previously obtained breast augmentation. Patients usually consider breast revision when their implants have deflated or shifted, or when they wish to increase or reduce the size of their breasts. Whether or not a patient received their preliminary breast augmentation at Gary J. Rosenbaum, M.D., P.A. Plastic Surgery in Miami Beach, FL, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gary Rosenbaum, is equipped and experienced to perform breast revision surgery.
Why is This Surgery Needed?
Breast revision surgery may be needed due to a breast augmentation procedure that did not turn out well, an implant that is malfunctioning, or for a simple change of aesthetics. Women decide to have this procedure for a number of different reasons, including:
A desire to have a different breast size
After having breast implants for several years, some women decided to change the size of their implants to smaller or larger ones. This may be a personal aesthetic preference to shape, type of implant, texture of the implant. It may also be necessary as a woman’s weight fluctuates with age.
The removal of breast implants
Some women desire to have their breast implants removed altogether as they no longer wish to have them or have a medical condition that requires the removal.
Implant rupture
A silicone implant rupture usually happens and goes undetected until the shape of the breast is noticeably different or is detected with an MRI. However, a saline implant will immediately deflate. Both require a surgical intervention.
Double bubble
A double bubble refers to the breast implant being placed incorrectly by the plastic surgeon or from the implant shifting downward under the breast, giving the appearance of a double breast. This can happen on one or both breasts.
Scarring or capsular contracture
Scarring can cause breast implants to lose their shape and feel very hard. As scar tissue has grown around the implant (usually saline implants), it has to be surgically removed for best results.
Breast rippling
When a breast implant develops a ripple or a wrinkle within itself, it sometimes can be seen under the skin around the outside of the breast of the patient. This rippling can happen with saline or silicone implants and within one or both breasts.
Breast Revision Surgery Reviews
What to Expect
Breast revision surgery is usually very similar to the initial breast augmentation surgery, but it depends on the surgical case and what is being addressed. For women who are getting a smaller size or complete removal, a breast lift may be necessary to correct loose skin. For other patients who have scar tissue, rippling, double bubble, or an implant rupture, a reconstructive process will be performed to prevent a reoccurrence. Dr. Rosenbaum will address the issue at hand and resolve the problem with a realistic outcome discussed prior to treatment. Patients should keep in mind that the more difficult the procedure, the longer the recovery will be.
Anticipated Results
Breast revision patients will again be educated on how to properly care for the surgical incision points and the best skincare treatments to reduce scarring. There will also be significant bruising and swelling for the first couple of weeks. Patients should limit strenuous exercise, but still get up and move around to promote healing and blood circulation. Most patients recover in 4 – 6 weeks and are extremely happy with their breast revision results.
Achieve the Right Look
If you are not happy with your current size, shape, texture, or look of your current implants, please contact us today. If your implants are ten years or older, you may want to have a consultation to discuss your breast health as well. We want all of our patients to be pleased with their breast augmentations. At a private consultation at our Miami Beach office, we will answer all questions and concerns even if Dr. Rosenbaum did not perform the first surgery. Please schedule a free consultation today with our front office staff.