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Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States, and in most cases, creates beautiful and natural outcomes. However, sometimes a woman can be unhappy with the results of her breast procedure and may require or desire breast revision surgery. It is important to note that not all revision surgeries are due to doctor error. While there are a few surgeries that do end with a poor outcome, there are women who later desire a different sized implant while others may have a problem and ask to have the breast implant revised or taken out altogether. In addition to these circumstances, there are some women who require revision surgery for a specific condition. Our expert team of plastic surgeons in Tacoma, WA provide breast revision surgery and perform a thorough assessment at Aesthetic Surgery Centre & MedSpa so that the correct outcome can ultimately be achieved.
If you have any issues (whether cosmetic or medical) with your breast implants, please schedule an appointment for a consultation with one of our surgeons to talk about your goals and to create your unique surgical plan. Whether it is scarring, breast sag, rippling, or breast asymmetry, revision surgery can help repair the irregularity and create a more appealing outcome. This procedure can also help if you would like to change size, implant styles, or address any other aspect of your breasts.
Secondary breast augmentation either takes out an implant that is not functioning correctly or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch implant size or go from a silicone to saline implant (or vice versa). There are a few other common cases in which a revision treatment could be wanted.
Asymmetry occurs when the breast implants look out of balance. This can be due to an incorrectly sized implant, sagging on one side, or another condition that can possibly cause asymmetry. An in-depth evaluation would need to be made to determine what is causing the asymmetry, then surgery can be implemented to correct the condition. Finally, new implants can be inserted to achieve a balanced appearance.
Bottoming out is a condition that may happen when one or both breasts drop too low, or "bottom out." In many cases, this is a positioning and placement error from the first breast augmentation surgery. To fix this, a new placement technique may be recommended. In some cases, tissue grafting will be needed, as well as a surgically produced pocket to fit the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone implant will solve this problem.
There are times when revision surgery is as simple as receiving a larger or smaller sized implant. With the original surgery, you may have chosen to go too small or too big. A new breast implant size can be placed to remedy this and achieve your desired appearance.
This is the term used for an area of hardening because of scarring, occurring when the smooth tissue around the breast implant becomes hard and thickens. While breast implants do result in some internal hardening, most individuals will never realize this. In some circumstances, the scarring could change the implant placement, which could change the implant function and create an undesirable outcome. Scar removal surgery to eliminate scarring would be needed.
Rippling occurs when there are noticeable lines and ripples beneath the skin. This condition generally forms around the edge of the implant. Rippling is more common in females who are relatively thin. Often, this condition can be repaired by simply changing to a silicone implant.
Although this represents a small percentage of cases, implant rupture may occur. If a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation will take place rather quickly. Therefore, a visible flattening will occur. On the other hand, if an implant made of silicone ruptures, it is only caught through an MRI. In either case, if a rupture happens, a replacement treatment will be needed.
This condition occurs when implants are positioned too close together. In most cases, this is because the implant selected was the wrong shape, size, and/or width. A secondary procedure will correct this issue by using an implant that is acceptable to your body type and looks balanced.
After your surgery and an observation period, you will be sent home to start your recovery. The overall healing period will vary, depending on the complexity of your surgery. Any type of revision that requires grafting or complex reconstruction will typically involve a longer recovery, which may take up to several months. You should start to see your results once the swelling disappears. Your surgeon or a member of our team will go over what is normal to expect during your recovery and give you suggestions to help speed along your healing. You should attend follow-up appointments as directed so we can assess your recovery and results.
How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery can vary greatly, depending on what needs to be done. During your consultation, we will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam to assess your implants. Then, we can explain your options before developing your surgical plan. The cost of revision surgery will depend on the extent of the procedure, as well as what you choose for your new implants. To help make your surgery easier to afford, Aesthetic Surgery Centre & MedSpa accepts several payment methods, and we can help you find low-interest financing.
What if someone else was my original surgeon?
We can still perform your revision surgery even if we weren't the ones who performed your initial breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the original surgery if you desire dramatic changes or have problems so it's better to choose an experienced plastic surgeon, like those on our staff, who have years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. We also invite our patients to return to Aesthetic Surgery Centre & MedSpa for revision surgery if they have a problem or want a change.
What about loose skin?
If you are having your implants removed or are changing to a significantly smaller size of implants, you may need to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After listening to your goals and assessing your current implants, we can discuss your need for a breast lift to remove loose skin. If you lose a significant amount of weight, become pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift can help you achieve better results.
Will there be new scars?
If possible, we will make the incisions for your revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. However, if this is not possible, we will place the new incisions where they will be less visible. Breast revision surgery typically uses a transaxillary incision (through the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (under the fold of the breast), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Your surgeon or a member of our team will then go over scar care management so your incisions heal properly and blend into your skin.
Do I have to change my implants?
While implants can last a long time, they will need to be replaced at some point. After augmentation surgery, it is important to have your implants checked regularly so we can help you decide when your implants should be replaced. With so many advances being made in the medical field, you may want to consider the newest implant shapes and types to achieve your best look during breast revision surgery.
Breast implant revision surgery is a custom treatment individually tailored to address your unique situation. If you're displeased with your breast implants or desire a different outcome, our skilled team of plastic surgeons welcomes you to contact our Tacoma, WA office and book your appointment at Aesthetic Surgery Centre & MedSpa. There are many factors to think about when considering this surgery. We will provide you with a full physical examination, create your revision recommendations, and help set realistic goals and expectations.