Breast Revision in Fresno, CA
What Is Breast Revision?
Breast revision surgery is performed for women who experience a need for revision surgery after their initial breast augmentation. While breast augmentation is a safe cosmetic procedure, rare surgical complications may require corrective surgery. Breast revision may also be an elective procedure sought by patients who wish to improve the results of their breast augmentation due to the natural changes of aging and time that may lead to an undesirable appearance. Revisionary breast surgery can exchange your breast implants and correct surgical complications to improve the appearance of your breasts.
If you are unhappy with the results of your previous breast procedure, Dr. Chin offers breast revision surgery that can help.
The Benefits of Breast Revision
- Improves the aesthetic appearance of your breasts
- Corrects surgical complications that may impact your health or appearance
- Provides relief from discomfort associated with surgical complications
- Enhances self-esteem and self-confidence
Reasons to Undergo Breast Revision
Some women desire larger or smaller breast implants than they initially received. Breast revision can help women achieve their desired breast shape and size. For women who desire larger breast implants, the surrounding breast tissue may need to be released to some extent, as the larger implants will place more stress on the tissue. For women who desire smaller implants, breast lift surgery combined with removal of some excess breast tissue and skin may be necessary to improve the results.
In some cases, the scar tissue that encapsulates a breast implant may tighten and constrict. This condition, known as capsular contracture, can cause the breast to become hard, painful, and noticeably distorted. Surgical removal of the scar tissue is necessary during revision, and the implant will be exchanged for a new implant in the affected breast. Sometimes, patients who have recurrent capsular contractures benefit from Strattice™ ADM (acellular dermal matrix) placed around the implant to decrease the recurrence rate, provide support for the breast, and add another layer of coverage.
Bottoming out is when the breast implant falls into a lower position than the breast tissue. Breast revision for bottoming out requires the use of internal sutures to close off the lower portion of the breast pocket. Usually, the implants are removed during surgery and then reinserted at a later date so that the body can heal from the procedure. If the tissue quality is poor or too thin, Strattice™ ADM may be helpful in supporting the weight of the breast implant.
Double bubble deformity is when the implant and the breast tissue appear separated. The implant may appear to sit below or above the breast tissue, creating the appearance of two “bubbles” or breasts. Breast revision surgery may include a breast lift or release of the tissues so that they will correctly take on the shape of the implant.
A ruptured or deflated implant may cause noticeable distortion, pain, and capsular contracture. The compromised implant must be replaced or removed with breast revision surgery. The procedure requires removal of loose silicone and all implant material, and a new implant may be inserted into the breast pocket.
Symmastia is when a breast implant shifts toward the sternum, eliminating cleavage and causing noticeable distortion and pain. Corrective surgery can reinforce the breast pocket and provide better implant support to prevent shifting.
Breast Revision Surgery
The procedure is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia.
However, the breast revision procedure varies in surgical technique according to the reason the patient is undergoing the procedure. Dr. Chin will select the appropriate surgical technique based on your needs. Where possible, he will avoid additional scarring by using the same incisions used for your initial augmentation procedure. This may not be possible in all cases, particularly if the patient had a transaxillary incision or if a breast lift is required as part of the breast revision. Patients should expect that their revisionary procedure will remove and/or replace their implant(s) as part of the procedure.
What Are Your Breast Revision Options?
There are several options when it comes to your breast revision. Ultimately, your breast revision should result in improved breasts.
Breast Implant Removal and Replacement
You can select to replace your implants with new ones. You can select the same size/style implants as before (which is common with women choosing breast revision to counteract the effects of a complication). You can also choose to change the shape, type, or size of your implants. This is commonly known as implant volume revision.
Breast Implant Removal
You can select to remove your implants permanently without a placement. If the implants were small, Dr. Chin can usually remove the implant and close the pocket and incisions.
If the implants were large or you had the implants for a long time, it may be recommended to combine your breast implant removal with a breast lift.
Breast Implant Removal and Breast Lift
Commonly, women choose to combine their breast revision with a breast lift (both with and without a new implant). Women’s breasts sag naturally over time. This process can be expedited once a heavy implant is removed.
Breast lift surgery tightens the breast tissue and removes excess skin to result in a firmer, perkier breast appearance.
Faqs
A: The chances of something going wrong during a breast revision are relatively small, especially if you choose an experienced doctor. Still, all surgeries carry some element of risk.
Some potential complications associated with breast revision include:
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Breast sagging
- Loss of sensation in the nipples
- Rippling
- Implant rupture
- Implant displacement
- Capsular contracture
A: A good candidate will:
- Have implants that are close to “expiring” and should be replaced
- Have outstanding breast issues, such as capsular contracture, implant displacement, or leakage, that need to be addressed
- Want to improve the overall look of their breasts
- Be in generally good health
- Be a non-smoker or be willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure
- Have realistic expectations for the results