Breast Implant Revision
For individuals seeking to address concerns with previous breast augmentation, breast implant revision offers a precise surgical solution. Volpe Plastic Surgery provides breast implant revision surgery in Newton, MA. The procedure is performed to correct issues that can occur following breast augmentation, such as asymmetrical results, capsular contracture, and size issues.
What is Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure performed to modify or correct the results of a prior breast augmentation. This procedure may involve replacing existing implants, repositioning them, addressing scar tissue formation, or removing the implants entirely. The aim is to resolve existing issues and improve the overall breast appearance.
Am I a candidate for Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision is a frequently sought procedure, particularly by individuals who have undergone breast augmentation elsewhere and are now seeking to improve or correct their initial results.
Often, conditions can be greatly improved or totally corrected with breast implant revision surgery. Breast enhancement surgery, in general, has a very high satisfaction rate.
Unfortunately, situations and complications can sometimes occur, creating conditions that are not optimal. Common conditions that patients present with include:
- Size issues
- Asymmetries and malpositions
- Capsular contracture
- Loosening of breast skin
Why You Need Breast Implant Revision
The size of one’s breasts depends on the size of the implant used and also the amount of pre-existing breast tissue. How one’s breast looks on one’s body also depends on one’s anatomy, height, weight, chest dimensions, and other parameters.
More often than not, the presenting issue is that the implants are not large enough. There could be a couple of reasons for this. It is possible that your anatomy did not allow a larger implant to be placed at your first augmentation. Surgeons must consider the available skin and breast tissue to cover the implant and your underlying anatomy.
Volume can be limited. Sometimes, sizing issues arise from miscommunication with the original surgeon. Fortunately, in many cases, changes can be made. Breast implant exchange can be performed with either the placement of larger or smaller implants. This may also include creating a larger implant pocket to accommodate a larger implant or tightening up a pre-existing pocket if smaller implants are to be placed.
It is very unusual for a woman to have perfectly symmetrical breasts, and placing implants behind the breast may not correct the asymmetries. Implants can also be asymmetric due to either a technical issue or implants that settled in slightly different locations when they were placed. This can result in implants being too far off to the side or one implant being higher or lower in its position than the other side.
Every individual’s situation is unique, and the correct course of action must be carefully considered. As part of your evaluation, you will be asked to determine whether capsular contracture (see below) exists.
Secondary breast implant surgery, which usually involves repositioning the implant pocket, can often greatly improve asymmetries. This may require closing part of the pocket in one place and opening the pocket in another to allow the implant to shift. Implants are often exchanged and can be placed closer together, higher, or lower.
Sometimes, minimal implant asymmetries can be improved with techniques such as fat injection. Special bras and extra care may be necessary during the postoperative period to allow healing.
Capsular contracture is a condition that sometimes can occur following breast augmentation surgery. This is seen more commonly when implants are placed on top of the muscle.
It occurs when the body creates excessive scar tissue above and beyond what is normal around the breast implant. This results in a tightening of scar tissue around the implant and can make your implant feel firmer. In more developed cases, it can cause an implant malposition, which is typically a higher position than the opposite side.
At your consultation, we would try to determine the reason it developed and possible treatment options. These may include replacing your implant, removing scar tissue, and repositioning the new implant. Sometimes, this may involve placing the implant in a new pocket below the muscle.
It can be a complicated problem to fully correct for some, and there is a chance of recurrence. When performing breast augmentation for the first time, we take all steps to minimize the possibility of this condition.
Unfortunately, as time passes and we age, changes may be seen in the breasts. This can result from normal aging processes, genetics, pregnancy, weight gain, and weight loss.
Whether or not a woman has breast implants, there may come a time when she requires a breast lift. The medical name for this is mastopexy and can often be performed if there are pre-existing breast implants. It involves the removal of the excess breast skin and repositioning of the nipple. This does result in scars, and there are also limits as to how high the breasts can be lifted, but significant improvements can be made.
Again, every individual is unique, and careful consideration will be given to your circumstances.
What should I do before my consultation?
Discussing your concerns with your original surgeon before your consultation is always wise. This may give you insight into why you developed your concern, and there may be an easy solution. Sometimes, issues resolve with time.
After your original surgery, it can take six or more months to see the final results.
If you are seeking a second opinion and possible treatment, it is best to obtain all information regarding your previous surgery, including breast implant size, type, and technique, from your original surgeon.
Your “operative note,” obtained from the facility’s medical record office where you had your procedure, also contains much information.
The Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Based on your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Volpe develops a tailored surgical plan. This plan outlines the most appropriate surgical approach, which may include removing the existing implants, excising scar tissue (capsulectomy), performing a breast lift (mastopexy), or placing new implants. The selection of new implants, if applicable, involves considering various types, sizes, and profiles to match the desired physical outcome.
The surgical procedure is performed with precision. Dr. Volpe makes incisions that often follow existing scars to minimize new marks. He carefully removes or repositions the current implants, addresses any complications such as capsular contracture, and then places new implants or reshapes the breast tissue as planned. The incisions are meticulously closed, and dressings are applied.
What to expect with your Breast Implant Revision Recovery
The length of your recovery and what to expect following your breast implant revision will vary based on the techniques used and other variables. Swelling, bruising, and some discomfort are to be expected and will subside over time. Patients will need around 2 weeks of recovery.
Cost of Breast Implant Revision
The cost of your breast implant revision can vary depending on several factors. As an experienced breast implant revision surgeon, Dr. Volpe will meet with you in his office to discuss all options and pricing. Care Credit financing is available to help make breast implant revision procedures more accessible, allowing patients to manage the cost through flexible payment options.
Choosing the Right Surgeon
When considering breast implant revision, selecting a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon is critical for achieving optimal results. Dr. A. George Volpe at Volpe Plastic Surgery and New England Plastic Surgical and Aesthetics (NEPSA) is a board-certified plastic surgeon with the expertise required to perform successful breast implant revision procedures in Newton, MA.
His specialized training in complex breast surgeries allows him to address a wide range of revision concerns and deliver precise surgical outcomes. The practice is committed to patient safety through state-of-the-art surgical facilities and comprehensive care protocols. Dr. Volpe’s methodical approach involves thorough evaluation, detailed surgical planning, and personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs and anatomical considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule A Consultation
Contact Dr. Volpe today to schedule a consultation for your breast implant revision in Newton, MA. We are here to provide you with the attentive, excellent care you need throughout the entire process and are dedicated to giving you the more attractive-looking breasts you wish for.
* Individual results may vary.
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View before-and-after pictures of real patients of George Volpe, M.D., F.A.C.S.
