What is Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast revision surgery is a secondary cosmetic breast procedure which is performed for a variety of reasons such as age-related changes that occur with breast tissue or breast implants. In addition, some patients may have experienced complications or are unhappy with their results from a previous surgery and decide to undergo revision surgery.
Breast revision surgery is safe and sometimes can involve a simple solution, while other times requires more complex techniques to address a patient’s concerns. Here at Tucson Plastic Surgery, both Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic are highly trained with expertise in the latest cosmetic breast surgery techniques and look forward to discussing the possibility of revision breast surgery with you.
WHY BREAST REVISION SURGERY?
With time and aging, breast tissue and breast implants undergo changes, and sometimes this results in misshapen, asymmetric or painful breasts. The breast tissue surrounding the implant changes with weight fluctuations and breastfeeding and can become overstreched and sag over the implant. In these cases, patients may consider a breast lift or “mastopexy” to tighten the breast tissue around the implant.
Implants also age with time and can develop thick scar tissue called capsular contracture, which can cause implant firmness, distortion of shape, and sometimes pain. In these cases, it is recommended that a patient consider revision breast surgery to remove the thickened capsules and replace the implants. At this time, patients can decide to change their implant size, as well as consider a simultaneous breast lift or “mastopexy” to improve their overall breast contour.
WHO’S A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR BREAST REVISION?
The ideal candidate for breast revision surgery is a healthy non-smoker with a stable weight and realistic expectations, who is concerned about the shape, size, integrity, or appearance of their breast implants.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Before undergoing breast revision surgery, candidates must have a presurgical medical evaluation and need either a mammogram, MRI, or breast ultrasound. Candidates who smoke will be encouraged to quit, and certain medications may need to be adjusted before the procedure can be performed.
THE PROCEDURE
Breast revision surgery is performed under general anesthesia and patients go home the same day following surgery. Depending on the surgical plan, incisions may be placed in the breast crease or require a vertical or wise-pattern breast lift/mastopexy scar. The prior implant capsules are surgically removed, and typically new implants are placed.
RECOVERY
It’s normal to experience swelling following breast revision surgery, and it can last from a few days to a few weeks. In some cases, a drain may be placed to allow fluids to drain.
Patients are given pain medications and antibiotics following surgery.
Activity restrictions are typically in place with gradual return to normal activity in 4-6 weeks, depending on the type of revision breast surgery performed.
Scar care begins a few weeks after surgery with high quality physical sunscreen and silicone applications to optimize scar formation.
BREAST IMPLANT REVISION IN TUCSON, AZ
If you live in the Arizona area and are concerned about the condition of your breast implants size, or shape, trust Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir at Tucson Plastic Surgery to help. Call Tucson Plastic Surgery today or contact us online to request a consultation.
