Breast Revision

Breast Revision Surgery describes a procedure that is performed on a breast that has previously had surgery where an implant was used, most commonly breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Breast implant revision surgery is not a standard or routine procedure and needs to be tailored specifically to the patient’s goals and desires. This shttps://dradelynho.com/procedures/breast/breast-reconstruction/urgery should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is well-trained and experienced in all types of breast surgery and who will listen to the patient’s goals and desires and will develop a surgical plan specifically to address all of the issues at the time of surgery.

There are several reasons why someone may choose to undergo breast revision surgery, but in general include correcting an unsatisfactory result from a previous breast surgery, correcting changes that have occurred over time, such sagging, capsular contracture/hardening of the implant, breast implant rupture, or movement/migration of the implant, or changing type of implant, including saline or textured.

You may be a good breast implant revision candidate if:

• You are unhappy with size, shape or appearance of your breast implants
• You are concerned about the integrity or condition of your implants
• You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
• You have realistic expectations
• You are a non-smoker

In the preoperative area, surgical markings are drawn on the breasts to plan the operation.

Breast implant revision surgery is typically performed in a hospital or licensed ambulatory surgery setting, under a general anesthesia. Immediately after surgery, you will be taken into a recovery area for close monitoring and will be permitted to go home the same day with a responsible adult when you are stable for discharge, typically after an hour. It is important that you have someone that will stay with you for the first 24 hours. There may be a drain placed in each breast that will be removed after 5-7 days in Dr. Ho’s office.  In general, most women recover well over the first week, and we provide you with all the medication and supplies to help you through this process. When thinking about time off work, or away from social commitments, 2 weeks can be a safer window of down time. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4 weeks. Dr. Ho will see you in the office over the recovery period to review all of the important information with you and ensure you are doing well. The final results can appear gradually over the first few months as the breast tissue settle into the correct position and the swelling subsides. The incisions continue to fade over the first year, and all of the important things you can do to help optimize your results are reviewed during your follow-up visits.

Some of the potential risks associated with breast revision surgery include hematoma (blood collection), seroma (fluid collection), infection, poor scarring, delayed wound healing, nipple areolar complex loss or numbness, asymmetry, the need for further surgery and medical complications associated with a general anesthetic.