Breast Implant revision in the Chicago Metro area

If you live in the Chicago Metro area and are dissatisfied with your previous breast augmentation procedure, you can consider having a breast revision at Body by Bloch run by Dr. Bloch. Breast revision is also known as breast implant replacement. The surgical procedure involves the removal and replacement of your silicone or saline implants from your primary breast augmentation. This is to correct a health complication arising from the implants or for restoring a youthful breast contour. The correctional surgery is done in an outpatient basis but you may need a night stay incase of any complications. You will need a ride home after you are discharged.

Am I a good candidate for breast revision?

Even if your breast implant surgery was perfectly planned and beautifully executed, changes can occur over time.

The following are some common reasons why you may want to consider breast revision:

• • You are in good health.
  • You are not a smoker.
  • You wish to increase or decrease the size of your breasts.
  • You wish to correct breast asymmetry.
  • You want to address problems that have developed with your implants and/or surrounding breast tissue.
  • Pregnancy and/or breast-feeding has changed the appearance of your implants.
  • Weight loss or weight gain has negatively affected the appearance of your breast implants.
  • You should have undergone a breast lift with your initial augmentation, but did not.
  • You are unhappy with the results of previous surgery due to poor implant placement or other aesthetic problems.
  • You wish to remove your breast implants permanently.

If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.

Breast revision procedure

Breast revision is done under general anesthesia. Dr. Bloch will use a specific procedure in breast implant removal and replacement depending on your individual need. For instance, if you wish to change your breast implant size, your surgeon will use your original incision to remove and replace the implant. A larger implant may need a surgical enlargement of the space or pocket surrounding your implant. For smaller implants, the pocket or surrounding space will be reduced with sutures. Other than the implant incisions, additional incisions may be needed in uplifting the areola and nipples. Original incisions used in implant placement will be used to remove them permanently. The capsule or lining surrounding the implant is then removed to boost quick healing. Tiny drainage tubes may be inserted to drain any accumulating fluids. Incisions are then dressed with gauze and you will be instructed to wear a compression garment.

Recovering from breast implant replacement

You should begin to walk immediately after anesthesia wears of once you have had a breast revision. Discomfort which might include pain, swelling, stiffness, bruising and itching may be felt but the extent will depend on the placement of new implants or implant size. Pain killers will help remove the discomfort but if it persists, you should seek medical attention. Antibiotics are also prescribed to reduce chances of infection. Dr. Bloch normally instructs his patients on potential signs of complications to watch out for on surgical sites. In the first week of recovery, resting on your back is important.

Dressings and drains will be removed after 3 days which is the time you are allowed to shower. Immersing your breast in a Jacuzzi or tub is however prohibited for at least 4 weeks following surgery. Stitches are also removed within a week. You may resume work after 7 to 10 days if your work is not strenuous. Swelling will subside in a month’s time. Numbness or tingling around surgical sites will also begin to disappear after a few months as implants take their new position. Breast implant results are permanent but may be impaired by aging, pregnancies or changes in weight. Follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon will ensure that the implants are not posing any health risks.

Maintenance

Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. You may need to have the implants replaced if you have complications or if the size and shape of your breasts change over time.

Women who have silicone gel-filled implants will need to get an MRI scan three years after the implant surgery and then MRI scans about every two years to check for silent rupture. If your implants rupture, you will need to have them removed or replaced.

Having breast implants can make it more difficult to get a mammogram, but special X-ray views can be done. There is a chance breast implants may make you more likely to get breast cancer. Breast implants also may make it harder for you to breastfeed.

To book a consultation with Dr Bloch call 847-432-0840 or go to www.bodybybloch.com