Women undergo breast augmentation revision for various reasons, including a change in personal preference or medical purposes. Most commonly, the surgical procedure involves removing or replacing implants from a prior breast augmentation.
Breast implant revision is often more complex than the initial breast augmentation, so it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Dan Shell, with years of training and experience performing breast augmentation revision surgery.
Women choose to undergo breast augmentation revision for many reasons. Some of the most common causes include:
During your consultation with Dr. Shell, he will be able to determine if you are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation revision surgery.
Even though breast revision is sometimes performed to correct implant-related complications, this is an elective procedure that is not covered by most insurance policies.
Women who are experiencing health-related complications with their implants or wish to return to a natural aesthetic can choose to remove their implant without replacement.
The implant is removed, and the breast pocket is cleaned and closed. In some circumstances, no other surgical technique is needed.
Many women choose to remove and replace their implants. This can be selected to change the size of the implant (larger or smaller), the material of the implant (saline to silicone or vice-versa), or replace an implant that is damaged in any way.
Often, a breast lift is performed at the same time as breast implant revision regardless of whether the implant is being replaced. Breast lift surgery addresses sagging breasts by tightening tissues and removing excess skin. This helps restore the breasts to a more youthful position.
Patients suffering from capsular contracture (where the scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens) often require a separate technique called a capsulectomy.
A capsulectomy removes the scar tissue and the implant (either in pieces or in one piece — a technique known as an en bloc capsulectomy).
Prior to surgery, Dr. Shell will work with you to design a personalized surgical plan.
Once you have been placed under anesthesia, Dr. Shell will likely use the same incision as your original breast augmentation. He will then be able to remove or replace your implants.
Since you have already been through breast augmentation, you have a good idea of the recovery process.
Following breast augmentation revision, patients often experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the chest area. Prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to alleviate any discomfort.
Most patients can resume work and social activity within one to two weeks. Strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise may be restricted for several weeks.
Much of the swelling and bruising will subside at this time, and your implants (if replaced) will begin going through the drop and fluff stage, where they will fall into a more natural position in the chest.
You will be instructed on how long to wear your recovery compression garment.
By three months, your swelling should have subsided, and you can enjoy the results of your revision surgery.
Implant removal or replacement with a smaller implant carries the risk of an undesirable cosmetic outcome, especially for women who have had large implants for several years. When breast augmentation is performed, the breast skin stretches to hold the implants, but when implants are removed, the skin will not shrink to its original size, and you may be left with sagging skin. Dr. Shell may recommend a breast lift to remove excess skin and tissue in this case.
There are many factors to consider before committing to revision breast surgery. Below is a list of frequently asked questions about breast augmentation revision in North Mississippi.
As with all surgeries, breast augmentation revision presents a degree of risk. The risks associated with breast augmentation revision will be the same as your original surgery.
Some potential risks may include adverse reactions to anesthesia, infection, blood clots, capsular contracture, a loss of nipple sensitivity, rippling, or rupture.
During your consultation, Dr. Shell will listen carefully to your concerns, ensuring that all treatments are customized to meet your goals. His practice uses the latest technology in a comfortable and confidential setting.
Dr. Shell is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABOS) and The American Board of Surgery. He is a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS), The Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
Dr. Dan Shell is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing breast augmentation revision. If you are considering breast augmentation revision, he would be happy to sit down with you and explain the process in detail.
His practice serves Northern Mississippi. Contact our plastic surgery practice in Oxford, Mississippi, by calling 662-236-6465 to set up a consultation today.
