Why would I need a Breast Revision surgery?

Why would I need breast revision surgery?

Breast revision surgery is one of the many cosmetic procedures that Dr. Bloch can perform for you if an initial breast augmentation is causing cosmetic concerns or posing health risks. Breast augmentation involves increase of breasts’ volume with silicone or saline filled implants and a revisional surgery can involve removal or replacement of the implants to correct the existing complains. Common problems associated with breast implants include rupture, capsular contracture, rippling, nipple sensitivity or loss in sensitivity or signs of immune system disorders. You need breast revision surgery if you have one of these problems after having surgery.

When to consider breast revision

Your saline breast implants have deflated or an X-ray or MRI suggests your silicone implant has a shell leak
If you want to change your implant/breast size
If you have tightening of the scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) or your breast implants have shifted in position
If your breast tissue has changed as a result of skin stretching or weight loss/gain

How is breast revision surgery done?

Your breast revision surgery begins with admission of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Incisions and placement of new implants is similar to that of initial breast augmentation. Dr. Bloch will recommend the best incision option for you. The doctor may make incisions on inconspicuous areas of your body which might include the inside of your armpit, around the areola, on crease beneath your breast or through your naval. Older or non-functional implants will be removed through these areas and new ones inserted through the same access point. Additionally, your breast implant may or may not have a new pocket depending on existing complain. Pockets normally used are located under the breasts or under the chest muscle. The secondary breast augmentation should be keenly done to avoid future complains; professional and experienced plastic surgeons will minimize future risks if you have them perform the correctional surgery.

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.

Recovery

After a revisional breast surgery, your breast will be dressed with bandages or gauze. You may also have tiny drainage tubes to remove blood and fluids that may accumulate if unattended. As anesthesia wears off, your breast might feel hard, swollen and painful. This will eventually fade and you will be given pain reliving medications and antibiotics to prevent infection. Dr. Bloch will recommend aftercare visits but will also caution you against strenuous tasks that will require arm lifting. Your stitches will be removed within 10 days. A compression garment or surgical bra will quicken healing. Incision scars will remain pink for several weeks. Full recovery from a breast revision surgery may take almost similar time like your initial breast augmentation. Good lifestyle habits, exercise and healthy eating will prolong the good results of your revisional surgery.