Breast Implant Revision

Every day a woman’s body is changing continuously, and factors such as weight fluctuations, stress, hormonal changes, medications, or simply the natural aging process may cause the shape and size of your breasts to change, which may lead to a desire to revise and make changes to a breast implant procedure. Breast revision surgery is a procedure that corrects any potential problems with breast implants or lets you revise and update the shape, size, or type of implants. the
For residents of the greater Houston area who want to revise their original breast augmentation procedure and make changes or corrections to it, Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa is an advanced cosmetic surgery center in Houston that provides this service. By trusting your surgery to the highly respected plastic surgeon Dr. Olga Bachilo, whose list of satisfied patients spans communities such as Sugar Land, Katy, and surrounding areas, you’ll be in the best of hands.
Breast revision surgery will require the same level of time, risk, and downtime as your original implant surgery, but no new scars will arise from the procedure because Dr. Bachilo will use the very same incisions used in the original implant procedure to perform the revision surgery.

Breast Implant Size Change

Changing the breast implant for the purpose of either enlargement or reduction is one of the most common reasons for choosing a breast revision procedure.  Many women also change their mind about the type of implant that they want, and may choose to switch, for example, from saline to silicone implants, or vice versa.

Breast Asymmetry

When one breast begins to look noticeably larger than the other, it’s time to update your implants and change the size of one or both accordingly.  Breasts may also become asymmetrical in shape and this too may affect which type of implant is the best for you.

Bottoming Out

Sometimes an implant will shift position and sink to the area below the fold of the breast. This is called “bottoming out” and may be easily corrected through breast revision surgery.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur with breast implant procedures when internal scar tissue forms a capsule around a breast implant, constricting and contracting the implant, causing it to lose its original shape and become hard.

Breast Implant Rippling

Rippling is among the most common problems that may occur following a breast augmentation procedure with saline or silicone implants.  Rippling typically occurs around the outer perimeter of the breast, on the side or bottom of the breast, or in the center groove between the breasts. It may affect one or both breasts, causing the appearance of visible ridges or wrinkles in the implant. This condition requires revision surgery in order to be corrected.

Breast Implant Rupture

If a saline implant ruptures, your body will naturally absorb the saline fluid, but you will need to undergo a breast revision procedure to replace the ruptured implant. If the ruptured implant is silicone, it may cause pain or changes in the shape or surface texture of the breast. While ruptured silicone breast implants aren’t considered dangerous, you should see your plastic surgeon immediately if you suspect an implant has ruptured.

Double Bubble

Similar to “bottoming out” this condition occurs when the implant drops below the crease where the breast natural folds, causing the appearance of two bubbles, one above the other.  Breast revision surgery effectively addresses this problem by repositioning the implant to its proper position. At this time, you may also wish to revise the size and/or shape of your implants.

Breast Ptosis

This condition refers to simple sagging of breast tissue which may occur naturally for a number of reasons such as weight loss, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and many other causes.  This condition is corrected by a breast lift, and you may also choose to undergo an augmentation or reduction procedure at this time.

Breast Symmastia

This condition is best described as a “uniboob” in which there is no separation between the breasts because one of both implants have shifted into the middle of the chest.  Symmastia may be surgically corrected by performing a breast revision procedure.

In-Office Implant Deflation for Saline Implants

If you notice a sudden loss of volume in one or both implants, this is referred to as “deflation.” Implant deflation in saline implants may occur suddenly or gradually over a period of several days. The result will be visibly noticeable as a reduction in the size of the breast or a change in the breast’s shape. This procedure may be corrected through revision surgery. You may also choose to change the size and/or shape of your implants, or replace saline with silicone implants.

Implant Removal

Should you decide that you want to reduce the size of your breasts by having your breast implants removed, you will likely need to have a breast lift or mastopexy performed in order to correct sagging skin that may have developed while wearing implants.

Implant Exchange

Replacing or exchanging implants is one of the most common reasons that women choose to undergo revision surgery.

Capsulectomy/Capsulotomy

Both of these surgeries are performed to treat advanced capsular contracture. A capsulectomy is performed when the capsule has become thick and calcified because it may contain harmful bacteria that may cause new capsule formation. A calcified capsule is identified in the body as a foreign body and must be removed. A Capsulotomy is performed when the capsule is not yet thick but may be squeezing the implant and constraining it, causing pain and hardness.

Capsulorrhaphy

This procedure is done to tighten the capsule around the breast implant when the body is not doing a good job of anchoring down the implant.  A capsulorrhaphy procedure may prevent implants from moving or shifting from their position, while providing structural support for the implant, helping it stay in place and looking natural.

Mastopexy

Mastopexy is the medical name for a breast lift procedure. This procedure is performed to simply lift the breasts to a higher position on the chest and to make the nipples point outward instead of downward.  A Mastopexy may be combined with either a breast augmentation or breast reduction procedure to achieve more complete correction.

Breast revision surgery is performed in an outpatient surgery center or a hospital operating room. The procedure usually takes less than two hours and is done under general anesthesia. Many patients choose to combine their operation with other procedures such as a tummy tuck or a breast lift (mastopexy) during the same session, which will take longer to complete. To minimize scarring, Dr. Bachilo will generally perform your breast revision through the same incisions that were created during your original breast augmentation procedure.

However, sometimes a larger or a different incision is needed to achieve the best result. Your original implants are removed and needed changes to the pocket are made. If you have a problem with capsular contracture, your breast capsule or the scar is removed. New implants of your choosing can then be placed. Incisions are closed with all absorbable sutures and your breasts are wrapped in a supportive dressing.

ADJUNCT PROCEDURES THAT MAY BE NECESSARY DURING BREAST REVISION SURGERY:

• In-office Implant Deflation for saline implants:  If you notice a sudden loss of volume in one or both implants, this is referred to as “deflation.” Implant deflation in saline implants may occur suddenly or gradually over a period of several days. The result will be visibly noticeable as a reduction in the size of the breast or a change in the breast’s shape. This procedure may be corrected through revision surgery. You may also choose to change the size and/or shape of your implants, or replace saline with silicone implants.
• Implant removal: Should you decide that you want to reduce the size of your breasts by having your breast implants removed, you will likely need to have a breast lift or mastopexy performed in order to correct sagging skin that may have developed while wearing implants.
• Implant exchange: Replacing or exchanging implants is one of the most common reasons that women choose to undergo revision surgery.
• Capsulectomy/Capsulotomy: Both of these surgeries are performed to treat advanced capsular contracture. A capsulectomy is performed when the capsule has become thick and calcified because it may contain harmful bacteria that may cause new capsule formation. A calcified capsule is identified in the body as a foreign body and must be removed. A Capsulotomy is performed when the capsule is not yet thick but may be squeezing the implant and constraining it, causing pain and hardness.
• Capsulorrhaphy: This procedure is done to tighten the capsule around the breast implant when the body is not doing a good job of anchoring down the implant.  A capsulorrhaphy procedure may prevent implants from moving or shifting from their position, while providing structural support for the implant, helping it stay in place and looking natural.
• Mastopexy: A mastopexy is a medical name for a breast lift procedure. This procedure is performed to simply lift the breasts to a higher position on the chest and to make the nipples point outward instead of downward.  A Mastopexy may be combined with either a breast augmentation or breast reduction procedure to achieve more complete correction.

You will go home after your procedure and will need someone to drive you home and stay with you to provide assistance as home. Most patients need a few days of rest. It is normal to experience some swelling and tenderness of your breasts and any discomfort will be relieved with oral pain medication.

You will be asked to wear a supportive bra with no underwire to protect the breasts and to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for about three to four weeks. Most patients are able to return to work in just a few days. However, if your job requires strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, or extensive movement of the upper body, we recommend that you take at least two full weeks off work after your surgery.

You will enjoy an updated look with your new implants of different sizes and/or enjoy an improved breast shape. You will have relief of pain if you were suffering from capsular contracture. Many of our patients choose to complement their breast revision surgery with other procedures such as breast lift or body contouring treatments to achieve a more comprehensive full-body makeover.