Breast Revision Surgery

Am I a candidate?

Many women are good candidates for breast implant revision, whether they are interested in correcting a complication or have simply experienced a change of heart about their shape. If you have concerns about the structural integrity of your breast implants and are in good general health, you may be an excellent candidate for revision. If you prefer to change your breast implants to enlarge or reduce your current shape and are in good health, a revision procedure may be ideal for you. Dr. Leedy sits with each of our patients to understand their concerns and desired outcomes. From there, he can plan the most appropriate revision technique for them.

How is Breast Revision Surgery Different from Other Breast Enhancements?

Breast revision surgery is highly detailed and relatively complicated in comparison to initial enhancement procedures. When performing revision, the surgeon must be mindful of the condition of the skin and changes caused by earlier surgery. They must work around scar tissue and determine how to create the ideal shape amidst these factors. It is important to find a surgeon who is trained and very familiar with the surgical techniques that are useful in revision procedures.

What Conditions are Improved by Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast implant revision may address a number of concerns or goals, such as:

• Downsizing. Due to changes in preference or a desire for improved physical comfort, some women choose to replace larger implants with smaller ones. For this revision, the surgeon pays close attention to the appearance of the skin and superficial breast tissue after new implants are inserted. To achieve the best results in these cases, the doctor may perform a breast lift alongside implant replacement.
• Capsular contracture. The body naturally forms a capsule of scar tissue around breast implants. In some patients, this capsule thickens and becomes tight around one or both breast implants. This is referred to as capsular contracture. To correct this condition, the surgeon may remove the capsule around the affected breast implant and may also replace or reposition breast implants in a different position near the chest muscle to achieve the best results.
• Rippling. This breast augmentation complication is more common in women who are very thin and ripples in breast implants are visible on the skin. To correct this problem, the surgeon may consider options like fat grafting, the use of a scaffolding material, or a reduction in the size of breast implants.
• Bottoming out. This complication occurs when the breast implants have dropped significantly in relation to the position of the nipples.
• Breast implant rupture. Replacement or removal must be done if an implant ruptures or leaks.

How is recovery after breast revision surgery?

The recovery period after breast revision surgery may be similar to the initial enhancement procedure. Patients are advised to take it easy for at least a few days and up to a week. Prescription pain medication may be needed for two to three days while postoperative discomfort is most intense. As inflammation and soreness decrease, patients may switch to an over-the-counter pain reliever to sustain comfort. Strenuous exercise must be avoided for several weeks, as must lifting objects that weigh more than a few pounds. We generally expect a full return to normal activities in six to eight weeks.

Should I remove my implants completely?

According to The Aesthetic Society, breast implant explantation, the removal of breast implants, increased by more than 34% in 2019. That year, 54,539 implant removal procedures were performed. Women provide several different reasons for choosing to remove their implants rather than replace them. Each is very personal. Examples include:

• Aesthetic preferences have changed.
• Desire to improve physical comfort.
• Desire to correct a complication such as rupture or capsular contracture.
• Interest in ruling out implants as a contributing factor to health problems.
• Need to remove implants for breast cancer treatment.

What complications may be associated with breast implant revision?

The risks associated with breast implant revision are not much unlike those that exist for primary breast enhancement procedures. The difference is that, due to scar tissue and other changes, some risks may be elevated. Breast implant revision risks include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Blood clot
• Infection
• Excess scar tissue formation leading to capsular contracture
• Hematoma or seroma (build-up of blood or fluid beneath the skin)
• Loss of nipple sensation
• Implant rupture
• Poor cosmetic outcome

Financing Options

It’s something you’ve wanted to do, but something else was always there to hold you back. Well, not anymore. We offer CareCredit, a card designed specifically for your healthcare needs. CareCredit can help you move forward with getting the procedure you’ve always wanted. With low minimum monthly payment options, no up-front costs, no prepayment penalties and no annual fees, you can get your procedure sooner.

Read what our patients are saying!

Initial consultation with Dr Leedy was very thorough and he took his time to answer all our questions and concerns. Staff is very professional and friendly. Looking forward to my surgery and awesome outcome. Thank you

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Schedule Your Consultation Today!

For more information on breast revision surgery or to schedule a consultation with Cleveland Plastic Surgery Institute, call 440-461-6100 or click here to contact us online. Our practice serves Mayfield Heights and the surrounding Cleveland Metropolitan Area.