Breast Revision
Quick Facts About Breast Revision Surgery
- Principle Benefits: Achieve the desire for a new size, shape, position, and/or type of breast implants; or return to a natural appearance
- Candidates: In good health with realistic expectations to change or remove existing breast implants for cosmetic or medical reasons
- Procedure: Outpatient procedure with general anesthesia (approximately 1-3 hours)
- Recovery: Resume non-strenuous work and activities within 1-2 weeks
- Surgeon’s Experience: Board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Every year, hundreds of thousands of women undergo breast augmentation with the goal of enhancing their figures, boosting their confidence, and obtaining the breast volume they desire. Indeed, breast augmentation is consistently ranked as one of the most popular and satisfying plastic surgery procedures available. That said, sometimes patients find that their results do not align precisely with their aesthetic goals. This can occur for a number of reasons: Though rare, certain complications can compromise the outcome of a breast augmentation. In other cases, a woman may have regrets surrounding the size, shape, or type of implant chosen. Sometimes, a woman who has enjoyed the results of her initial procedure for years simply wishes to explore a new implant type or adjust her breast size. Whatever your reason may be for seeking out a breast revision, our board-certified plastic surgeon—Dr. Steven Holzman—can help. Dr. Holzman has extensive experience with both breast augmentation and revision, and he will work closely with you in order to help translate your cosmetic goals into reality.
- What is Breast Revision Surgery?
- Breast Revision Surgery Candidates
- Breast Revision Surgery Benefits
- Breast Revision Surgery Procedure
- Breast Revision Surgery Recovery
- Appearance After Breast Revision Surgery
What is Breast Revision?
Breast augmentation revision surgery, also known as explantation, is designed to modify a previous breast enhancement procedure by either removing or replacing the breast implants. The surgery may be performed based on the desire to change breast implant size, shape, position, and/or type, or it can also be employed to completely remove the breast implants for personal or medical reasons. Due to the potential complexities of breast revision surgery, such as hardened scar tissue, thinning breast skin, and compromised implant material, it is imperative to choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon with the training and skills necessary to deliver a safe, natural-looking outcome.
“Dr. Holzman did my breast reconstruction surgery 11 years ago and I have been back to have the implants switched out this past year. Dr Holzman and his entire staff are very easy to work with. They listen and are helpful and kind. ”
Who is a Candidate for Breast Revision Surgery?
The optimal candidate for breast revision surgery is someone who has previously undergone a breast augmentation and wishes to either switch out or remove their implants. This can be motivated by a number of different factors, including:
- The desire to increase or decrease breast volume by changing the size of the implants.
- The desire to change implant types (i.e. going from saline to silicone, or vice versa).
- The desire to change the implant shape or texture.
- The desire to return to one’s original breast size by removing the implants entirely.
- Correcting poor shaping or asymmetry in the aftermath of augmentation.
- Replacing or removing the implants in the aftermath of rupture or deflation.
- Correcting aesthetic or functional flaws brought about by complications such as capsular contracture (the buildup of hardened scar tissue around the implant)
Dr. Holzman believes that breast augmentation can be an incredibly rewarding aesthetic procedure, and he wants every patient to feel confident and satisfied with their results. Whether you are looking to upgrade, downsize, or remove your implants entirely, he can support you through every step of the breast revision process.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Revision?
Any cosmetic enhancement surgery should ultimately be focused on what the individual patient wants. Breast revision surgery allows you to control your breast aesthetic by changing, repositioning, or removing your implants. The benefits of the procedure largely depend on your individual goals, but a number of outcomes can be achieved, including:
- Changing your implant size for increased or reduced breast volume
- Removing your implants and returning to your original breast size
- Transitioning from saline implants to silicone, or vice versa
- Enhancing the symmetry and shape of your breasts by repositioning your existing implants
- Treating capsular contracture for improved comfort and aesthetics
Dr. Holzman also notes that this procedure is typically quicker and simpler than the initial breast augmentation, with minimal downtime.
What Can I Expect From the Breast Revision Procedure?
During an initial consultation, Dr. Holzman will ask about your goals and establish a treatment plan designed to optimize your results. Depending on whether you are removing, repositioning, or exchanging your current implants, Dr. Holzman can provide suggestions regarding the optimal size, placement, and type of implant. Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are his top priorities, and he will do everything in his power to ensure that you feel confident and well-informed throughout the consultation and treatment process.
Following your surgery, there will likely be some bruising, swelling, and general discomfort. In most cases, this is quite manageable with pain medication and rest. If you are having your implants replaced, Dr. Holzman may recommend wearing a specialized compression garment in order to promote proper healing. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a week after surgery, but more strenuous activities should be avoided until you have received clearance from your doctor.
What is Recovery Like After Breast Augmentation Revision?
The recovery process after breast augmentation revision may vary depending on the complexities of each treatment plan and the patient’s unique rate of healing. Dr. Holzman will discuss the individual surgical plan prior to the breast revision procedure and will provide detailed post-surgery care instructions.
For reference, below is an average timeline and general information about the explantation recovery process. In cases of capsular contracture, post-surgical discomfort may be more severe due to the scar tissue removal, therefore, further advice will be provided to ensure a safe, effective recovery.
General Timeline for Breast Revision Surgery Recovery
1 to 3 Days Following Surgery
- Normal to experience tenderness, swelling, soreness, and bruising
- Pain can typically be well-managed with prescribed oral medication
- Symptoms may be more severe and last longer if significant scar tissue is removed
1 to 2 Weeks After Surgery
- May resume non-strenuous work and normal daily routines, as directed
- Any drains that were placed are typically removed by this point
- Continue to use care when lifting or moving arms
4 to 6 Weeks After Surgery
- May ease back into more strenuous activities, such as aerobic exercises and heavy lifting
- Transition from wearing the post-surgery compression garment to a supportive bra
What Will My Breasts Look Like After Breast Implant Removal?
There are several factors that can affect how breasts will look after breast implant removal surgery, including the size of the implants that are removed, how long the patient had their previous implants, the volume and quality of remaining breast tissue, and the amount of residual scar tissue. For example, if the patient had relatively small breast implants and good skin elasticity, they might be less affected and still have a natural breast appearance after breast implant removal. However, it is possible for any breast augmentation revision patient to experience some degree of sagging or drooping once the implant no longer fills out the chest area.
To achieve an optimal outcome, Dr. Holzman may recommend additional procedures to complement explantation, such as a breast lift (mastopexy) or a breast reduction to elevate the breast tissues and remove excess skin. Both of these procedures can help restore a more youthful and firm breast appearance after breast implant removal.
If you have any questions, or if you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Holzman, please contact us today.