Breast revision surgery is aimed at correcting or improving the results of a previous breast surgery. Candidates are patients who have undergone breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift or breast reconstruction and are experiencing issues with their implants and/or are dissatisfied with the aesthetic results. In this blog post, we will explore what breast revision surgery involves, the reasons for undergoing this surgery, and what you can expect during the process.

breast revision surgery blog

Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery

Breast revision surgery may be considered under various circumstances.

 

Implant-Related Issues

  • Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant, causing hardness, visual distortion and ultimately discomfort.
  • Implant Malposition: Sometimes, implants shift from their original position, resulting in an unnatural appearance or discomfort. The reason for this is often related to gravity and changes in skin elasticity over time.
  • Implant Rupture or Leakage: Silicone or saline implants can rupture or leak, necessitating their removal and replacement. Breast implants are not lifetime devices. As such, all implant shells will fail with time causing leaks of varying severity. For this reason, it is important to monitor the health of your implants and replace them prior to a problem occurring. It is important to note, ruptures are not dangerous, however they will cause aesthetic distortion to the breast, the repair of which requires surgery.
  • Cosmetic Concerns: Over time, some patients may desire a change in the size or type of their implants due to personal preference or changes in body shape.

Complications from Previous Surgeries

  • Symmetry Issues: Differences in size or shape of the breasts may require correction. Occasionally this is related to implant size, but more often is due to natural variation in breast tissue quantity and chest wall shape.
  • Unsatisfactory Results: Occasionally, the outcome of a previous surgery might not meet the patient’s expectations, or their aesthetic preferences might change over time.

Health & Safety Considerations

  • Aging Implants: While not all implants need to be replaced, it is often recommended to evaluate them for potential replacement every 10 to 15 years.
  • Breast Implant Illness (BII): Some patients report a variety of systemic symptoms which they attribute to their breast implants, leading them to opt for implant removal.

Breast revision surgery can significantly improve both the aesthetic and functional outcomes of previous breast surgeries.

The Process of Breast Revision Surgery

Demystifying the process from consultation to surgery.

 

Pre-Surgery Consultation

  • Assessment: A thorough examination and discussion about the patient’s medical history, previous surgeries, and current issues are essential.
  • Goals and Planning: We will discuss your goals, review the possible surgical options, and plan the procedure accordingly to achieve the desired outcome. This is very important to make sure your vision is clear and that we are on the same page prior to surgery.

During Surgery

  • Techniques: The specific techniques used during breast revision surgery will depend on the issues being addressed. This may involve removing or replacing implants, adjusting the implant pocket, or reshaping the breast tissue. To support the implant and breast tissue, an internal mesh (“internal bra”) is often used as reinforcement. This product is an absorbable material that serves as a robust support structure until it dissolves harmlessly in 12-18 months. At this point, controlled scarring has occurred, and your own tissues can assume the support role as time goes on.
  • Anesthesia: Apart from mild scar revisions, breast revision surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
  • Duration: The duration of the surgery can vary widely, generally lasting from one to several hours, based on the complexity of the correction required.

Post-Surgery Recovery

  • Initial Recovery: Patients can expect swelling and mild discomfort immediately following surgery. This is managed with medications and a light activity schedule.
  • Recovery Time: Most patients are advised to take it easy for at least a week and may need several weeks before resuming full activities. Typically, my patients can resume light desk work within a week with light, low-impact exercise at 3 weeks. Clearance for heavy lifting can be expected at the 2-month follow-up.
  • Follow-Up Care: Post-operative care is crucial for monitoring healing and ensuring optimal outcomes. Follow-up visits help manage any potential complications and assess the aesthetic results. I see all my patients regularly to make sure you are healing appropriately and that the scars are managed appropriately. Silicone-based dressings and laser treatments are used to help the scars heal to their full potential.

What to Expect in Terms of Results

Breast revision surgery can significantly improve both the aesthetic and functional outcomes of previous breast surgeries. Patients often experience:

  • Enhanced Comfort: Correction of issues like capsular contracture or implant malposition can alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
  • Improved Appearance:This surgery aims to address cosmetic concerns, creating a more balanced and pleasing breast appearance.
  • Increased Confidence: Successfully correcting previous surgery issues can lead to increased self-esteem and satisfaction with the body’s appearance.

Conclusion

Breast revision surgery is a complex procedure tailored to address specific concerns arising from previous breast surgeries. These can be quite complex and often a “simple fix” will ultimately leave you dissatisfied and in the same place you started. The goal of these procedures is to not only restore a sense of “normal,” but also to facilitate a natural aging of the breast moving forward. This will make any future replacement surgeries simple and straight-forward.