Breast revision surgery is required when a previous breast augmentation procedure has led to unsatisfactory results. Patients who are unhappy with their post-surgery appearance, or who are experiencing complications with their implants can contact Jacksonville’s board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Michael Duffy, for more information about their options in achieving their desired look regarding their size and shape of their breast. Dr. Duffy’s office will consult with patients, and work together to correct the aesthetic and medical complications they might be experiencing from a previous procedure that was performed elsewhere. The result is a look that is natural, anatomically correct, and symmetrical.
REASONS FOR REVISION SURGERY
There are various circumstances as to why a woman may decide to undergo breast revision surgery. The most common reasons are listed below.
RUPTURED IMPLANT
Breast implants can rupture for various reasons, including trauma to the breast, injury from surgical instruments, normal wear and tear, or simply from wearing out over time. Ruptures can occur at any time after surgery, however are generally more likely the longer an implant has been in use. The only true way to detect a break is through an MRI, which is why routine check-ups are recommended throughout the years. Ruptured implants should be replaced as soon as possible. The procedure is similar to a breast augmentation.
BREAST RIPPLING
Breast rippling and/or wrinkling can occur along the side of the breast, or underneath it. This occurs within saline implants resulting in an unnatural appearance under the skin. This is most common in women who are extremely thin.
DOUBLE BUBBLE IMPLANTS
“Double bubble” is a rare complication with women who have breast implants. This occurs when the implant drops down behind the natural breast crease, or it has risen and now over-drapes (double folds) the breast. When this occurs, an unnatural indention will result in a “double” breast appearance. This is usually caused by improper breast placement from the original surgery, or severe capsular contracture, which shifts the implant from its position.
BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL
Some women may decide later in life they no longer wish to have breast implants in place. Breast implant removal is a procedure that removes the implants and tightens the skin around the breasts to create a natural look.
CHANGING THE SIZE OF BREAST IMPLANTS
Some women will be unhappy with their breast size following breast augmentation surgery. They may desire a secondary surgery to replace the implant with one of a increased or decreased size, texture or shape. Some women may want to go from saline to silicone, or vice versa to achieve the results they desire. Dr. Duffy will consult with patients to discuss their body type and anatomical dimensions to determine the size of implant that will meet their needs.
CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE
Scar tissue that has formed around the implant may create a capsular contracture. Breast implants that feel hard and appear distorted result from a patient’s body forming a capsule that lines the implant. In cases where the capsule tightens, it affects the placement and appearance of the implant. A capsulectomy is the removal of scar tissue from around the implant.
SURGICAL ERROR
Some women are not good candidates for breast augmentation surgery. Instead, they should first have a breast lift. Women who have sagging breasts and undergo breast augmentation surgery alone will not have strong results. The breast will continue to sag further due to the increase weight of the implant.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
Patients who wish to have their implants replaced will undergo a revision surgery, which are generally straightforward. If scar tissue does exist around the implant, an additional step will be taken to remove this. Some patients may require a breast lift during the revision surgery. The goal of the revision process is to resolve or overcome issues in a way that satisfies the patient’s aesthetic goals.
DURING/AFTER SURGERY
Breast revision surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The ease of recovery will depend on exactly what was being done during the revision process. Exercise will be a gradual process. It may take up to a full year for the scars to begin to fade and for the newly revised breast or chest area to look and feel natural.