About Revision Breast Augmentation
Revision breast augmentation in Washington DC is a common breast procedure performed for women who have previously undergone breast augmentation with implants. Much to the surprise of many patients, nearly all women with implants will need a revision surgery at some point in their lives. Breast implants are not meant to last forever, and everyone’s breast and skin envelopes change as they age.
Most importantly, remember that breast implants are an investment. Breast augmentation is rarely, if ever, a one-and-done procedure; the younger the woman is when she has her first breast augmentation, the more likely she will need a revision augmentation or sometimes two.
Revision Breast Augmentation Before-and-After Gallery
Am I a Candidate for Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery?
If you are healthy and do not smoke, chances are you are a great candidate for breast augmentation revision. You’ve had a similar procedure once already, so you understand the importance of realistic expectations and adequate planning. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss their proposed technique, the details of your new breast implants (if you elect to replace your current implants), and what you can expect in terms of outcome and recovery. Your consultation for revision breast surgery will be similar to your initial consultation for breast augmentation and, at this visit, you will have the opportunity to ask questions that will help you understand how your revision breast augmentation may differ from your previous procedure.
What Conditions are Improved by Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast augmentation revision can improve your breasts in many ways. Each procedure is personalized to address unique needs. So, your revision may improve your breasts’ symmetry, shape, size, projection, or other characteristics. Breast revision surgery may improve your physical and emotional comfort after you’ve experienced a complication like capsular contracture, symmastia, bottoming-out, double-bubble, or other conditions. The objective of performing breast augmentation revision is to re-establish the shape and size that is ideal for your body, your lifestyle, and your preferences.
Dr. Pittman discusses Revision Breast Augmentation on ABC7 Good Morning Washington
What Are the Benefits of Breast Augmentation Revision Surgery?
There are general benefits that you receive from having breast augmentation revision and also personal benefits. That latter relate more to your specific concerns. If you have capsular contracture, for example, one of the benefits that you may get from surgery is that you no longer feel the discomfort of tightness across your chest. The more general benefits that stem from having revision breast surgery relate to your overall satisfaction with your shape. Improvements to size and shape can allow you to feel more like yourself again. You may find that you can feel more confident in more varied types of clothing or that you are more motivated to exercise due to improved physical comfort.
How is Breast Revision Surgery Different from Other Breast Enhancements?
Breast augmentation revision may differ from your initial breast augmentation procedure only slightly. This is dependent on your reasons for seeking the revision. Generally, the technique is similar. The doctor will use your original incisions to access the breast pocket unless circumstances prevent this. When removing your existing implants, it may be necessary to navigate and trim a fair amount of scar tissue, as well. For this reason, breast augmentation revision is typically considered mildly higher-risk than a standard breast augmentation procedure. Keep in mind that your surgeon will explain the expected surgical approach based on your situation and desired outcome.
What Postoperative Cautions Should I Have After Surgery?
During the initial few days after your breast revision, your most important job is to rest. You will need to walk short distances a few times a day to maintain proper blood flow. However, you will be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks. Also, you will need to avoid lifting or reaching for up to about six weeks. Before your breast surgery, you will receive detailed instructions that you should follow during your post-op period. Please review your document before the day of surgery and contact us if you have any questions.
How Long is the Recovery After Breast Augmentation Revision?
You can expect to return to work and most light activities one to two weeks after your procedure. By that time, you may no longer need your prescription pain relievers and will be comfortable using only over-the-counter medication. You may still wear a compression garment or sports bra for another few weeks, but this should not interfere with the level of activity that you will be approved for at that time.
There are a variety of reasons for breast augmentation revision:
- Implant Rupture – The rupture rate for silicone and saline implants is about 1% per year. So, at 10 years, there is about a 10% chance that the implant can rupture. Newer “gummy bear” silicone implants have a slightly lower rupture rate, but women should always be aware that they could have a rupture. It’s important to follow up with a plastic surgeon about every two years to have your implants checked for rupture. MRI scans and high-resolution ultrasound are also useful tools in diagnosing a rupture.
- Aging Breasts – With time, the perky fibrous tissue of the breast is replaced with fatty tissue and the ligaments that support the breast become lax. This leads to breast ptosis (AKA saggy breasts). The breast will start to fall off the implant and create what is commonly called a “snoopy deformity.”
- Implant Malposition – With time, implants can move downward or toward the sides. In these cases, patients complain that one breast appears lower than the other or both breasts are starting to sag. Women also complain that the implants are dramatically moving to the side when they lay on their back. This is referred to as lateral implant descent and is more common in women with saline implants than in those with silicone implants.
- Capsular Contracture – E– Every breast implant forms a small amount of scar tissue around it. This is the body’s way of isolating a foreign object. However, in the case of capsular contracture, the scar tissue becomes thickened, the breast starts to feel too stiff, and the position of the implant will change.
- Implant Size Change – With age, some women’s goals will change in relation to implant size. Patients may desire smaller or larger implants.
- Implant Removal – Women may not want their implants anymore after a time. Those who have had implants placed at a young age sometimes experience this with changes in perspective.
"In 2018, I was considering slightly larger breasts with a bit more cleavage than I had following my first procedure. I went to see Dr. Pittman, and during my consultation, he understood the exact subtlety of the change I wanted to make within seconds of me talking (he’s also an incredible listener)…he made me feel so comfortable about my decision. Fast forward to now, it’s been about 7 weeks since my procedure and I am absolutely thrilled with the results. My breasts are now a full D, they are the perfect shape and evenness, and my nipples are absolutely symmetrical, which was a concern of mine when going to the larger implant size."
Details of a Breast Augmentation Revision
Augmentation revisions are performed in Washington DC for any of the above reasons and typically require implant removal and/or removal of internal scar tissue. A change in the internal architecture of the implant pocket is often performed.
Usually (but not always), the incisions used during the primary breast-enhancement procedure will be used for revision surgery. This helps to avoid new post-surgical marks. Commonly, Dr. Pittman will place a supportive mesh in order to support a new implant and prevent a future malposition. Once the new implant is placed, if there is a need for removal of excess skin and repositioning of the nipple, a mastopexy is performed.
Women who wish to have their implants removed altogether and no new implants placed usually wish to have the remaining breast tissue rearranged with a mastopexy. This helps to reshape their breasts and prevent their breasts from looking deflated. Fat transfer is often a good option to volumize the breast after implant removal.
Once the incisions have been closed with stitches and the revision procedure is complete, the patient will need to undergo a recovery and healing period that is typically similar to their original healing period. The exact details will depend on the techniques that were used.
Ask About Breast Augmentation Revision in Washington DC
Revision breast augmentation in Washington DC is a highly individualized procedure. No two patients are the same, and each operation is specifically tailored to the needs and desires of the patient. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Troy Pittman to discuss your revision surgery.
Check out some of our work in these before and after galleries for revision breast augmentation.
