Breast Revision

Beyond increasing bust size, breast augmentation is intended to boost a woman’s confidence, which is why it can be so discouraging when the results of this procedure are less than stellar. For patients who are underwhelmed with the work performed by another surgeon, Dr. Debra J. Johnson offers breast revision to give patients a second chance at achieving the breasts they were hoping for from their first surgery.

Breast revision involves making a concealed incision to remove the existing breast implants and then replacing them with new implants that are more to the liking of the patient. The specific approach can differ from procedure to procedure depending on the type of implants the patient has and the techniques used in the original surgery, so Dr. Johnson will create a unique surgical plan that will best address the issues that need resolving.

Candidacy

There are a variety of reasons a woman may choose to re-do her breast augmentation procedure. Women who want to accomplish any of the following changes are typically good candidates for breast revision surgery:

• Changing the size, shape or texture of implants
• Shifting the implants to a more natural and appealing position
• Correcting asymmetry
• Removing excess scar tissue from the breast
• Addressing pain or aesthetic problems caused by capsular contracture (abnormal hardening of scar tissue surrounding the implant)
• Extracting and replacing a leaking or deflated implant

During your consultation, Dr. Johnson will listen to your concerns about your existing breast augmentation and provide an honest assessment about the types of changes she can achieve with revision surgery. If you wish, Dr. Johnson can also perform breast revision in conjunction with breast lift surgery to give your breasts a more youthful appearance.

Recovery

Women who undergo breast revision should expect a timeline similar to that of their original breast augmentation procedure. Expect to rest and wear a compression garment for the first week, taking pain medication as necessary. Many women say they experience less pain the second time around, largely due to not having to create cavities in the breast to hold the new implants.

Most patients are well enough to return to work 10 to 14 days after their surgeries. Do not engage in strenuous exercise that puts strain on the body and your healing incisions for the first month or so. However, some moderate activity can get your blood flowing and accelerate the healing process, so consider going for brief walks once you feel up to it.

Because breast tissue is especially sensitive, swelling from breast revision can last upwards of six months. Accordingly, your breasts may not look or feel entirely “normal” until the swelling has completely subsided.

Breast Revision FAQ

How is Breast Revision Different from Breast Augmentation?

Breast revision surgery is more complicated than your initial breast augmentation due to skin changes, scar tissue and other factors that were not a concern for your first procedure. Revision surgery requires close attention to detail and advanced surgical techniques to reach the best outcome, which is why it’s crucial to choose a breast revision specialist such as our Dr. Johnson.

Should I Have Breast Revision After a Certain Number of Years?

Breast implants come with a lifetime replacement warranty. If you have to have your implant replaced because it ruptured, the manufacturer will reimburse you for the cost of the replacement implant(s). For a number of years following your initial implantation, if revisional surgery is needed for capsular contracture or a broken implant, the manufacturer will also reimburse other surgery costs up to a certain amount. Check the warranty information for your particular implant on the manufacturer’s website.

What Concerns Can Breast Revision Surgery Address?

Breast revision surgery can accomplish several things relating to aesthetic concerns and symptoms from your previous surgery or post-surgical complications, including:

• Scar revision
• Addressing uneven (asymmetrical) results
• Replace, adjust and/or remove breast implants
• Correct the position of breast implants
• Remove scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture)
• Switch implant type or change implant volume

Dr. Johnson will work to perform revision using the existing scars from your previous breast surgery if possible.

Do I Need Breast Revision After Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is a complication of breast augmentation in which your body creates thickened scar tissue around the implant. The scar contracture can distort the soft breast making it feel firmer and causing pain in some cases. With new advancements in breast implants and surgical techniques, capsular contracture is less common than it was a few decades ago.

How Do I Know If I Need Breast Revision Surgery?

Sometimes breast revision surgery is a personal choice because you are not satisfied with your initial results. You may wish to change your breast implant volume or remove them altogether. Revision surgery can improve the positioning of the implant or change the size.

Other times, breast revision surgery is needed to address capsular contracture or an implant leak or rupture. It’s easy to identify a ruptured or leaking saline implant because you will have a noticeable reduction in breast size as your body absorbs the saline solution (salt water). However, replacement of saline implants is often a “quick swap” requiring only a small incision and rapid recovery.

Silicone breast implant ruptures are more difficult to identify because they can be “silent,” causing no symptoms because the cohesive gel cannot be absorbed by your body like saline. However, some women may experience pain, swelling, firmness or changes in breast shape. An imaging test such as ultrasound or an MRI can detect a silicone implant rupture or leak.

Dr. Johnson performs an ultrasound for her patients beginning five years after their breast augmentation to evaluate implant integrity. Repeat imaging tests are performed every two years to detect implant failure. Revision surgery for broken silicone implants is more invasive because the scar capsule around your implant must also be removed.

Choose Dr. Johnson for Your Breast Revision

As most patients who seek breast revision are already aware, selecting an experienced plastic surgeon is a key component to achieving great results. A well-executed breast revision requires a surgeon with advanced technique. Dr. Johnson will skillfully use the original incision lines for revision surgery to avoid creating new scars while creating the look you want.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Johnson to discuss revising your implants at her office in Sacramento, please call (916) 664-3391.