Breast Implant Revision
Changes can occur in the breast and breast implants over time. Breasts that were augmented prior to having children or breastfeeding may need to be adjusted or the breast may have drooped off the implants and need to be lifted. Patients may have gained weight or breast tissue over the years, and they may not need the implants later in life and the implants can be removed or reduced in size. Breast implant revision surgery can encompass a variety of procedures from removing, replacing or adjusting prior breast implants to correcting capsular contracture or hardening of the breasts after breast augmentation. Additional surgery may be required if the patient decides to enlarge or reduce the implant size or replace leaking implants.
More information about the Breast Implant Revision procedure by Dr. Michelle Place.
What are my options if there are problems with previous surgeries on the breast?
Breast revision surgery may be needed in cases where the implant needs to be changed or removed, or the position of the implant adjusted to correct for scarring or relaxation of the breast. Implants have a rupture rate and may need to be replaced at a future time. Fortunately, the rupture rates for both saline and silicone implants are very low but rupture can occur. Capsular contracture, scarring around the implant, can occur producing a firm and tender implant requiring correction. Surgeries for capsular contracture range from releasing the scar tissue, creating a new pocket for the implant to adding an acellular dermal matrix to the pocket to prevent recurrent scarring.
Your breast implant revision consultation
A breast implant revision consultation will involve a detailed conversation about your previous breast augmentation and the issues it has caused. Dr. Place will then perform a physical examination to assess the results of your previous augmentation procedure.
Provide your complete medical history and any medications currently being taken. This will help Dr. Place ensure that the procedure is safe for you.
Dr. Place will recommend effective surgical techniques to achieve your surgical goals. She will go over the details of the procedure and will answer any questions you may have.
How to prepare for a breast implant revision
Preparing for a breast implant revision procedure typically requires the same steps that were required for the primary augmentation procedure. Medical tests will be conducted after your consultation to ensure that the procedure will be safe. You may need to take a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI.
Avoid drinking alcohol at least 48 hours before your breast implant revision. For smokers, quit for at least four to six weeks before your procedure.
Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and certain herbal supplements to prevent excessive bleeding during procedure. Dr. Place will discuss this with you during your consultation.
What can I expect from these surgeries?
Surgery is usually 2 hours and is done as an outpatient procedure in a private fully hospital accredited surgery center. Recovery time is 2-3 weeks and involves no strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 2-3 weeks. Light activity is encouraged after surgery but no strenuous or repetitive activity especially with the arms for the first few weeks. A long-acting local anesthetic is used in the area as a nerve block and patients are usually comfortable after surgery, decreasing the need for pain medications. There are usually no drains and patients can shower 48 hours after surgery. You will go home wrapped in an ace wrap and this can be removed in 24 hours. You will be sent home with a surgery bra to wear after the ace wrap is removed. The surgery bra should be worn for 2 weeks day and night and then for the next 2 weeks at night. Regular bras can be worn after two weeks as long as they are not too tight.
Contact us to learn more
To learn more about breast implant revisions in San Ramon, contact us and schedule a consultation. Dr. Place will be available to assess your eligibility and conduct a safe procedure that will resolve the issues caused by your primary augmentation.