Breast Revision

Revisional breast surgery may be done for a variety of reasons. In some cases, it may be necessary to correct a problem that developed with a previous augmentation. In other cases, it may need to be done after previous breast lift or breast reduction surgery.

Breast revision surgery can be done for such conditions as capsular contracture, implant deflation, asymmetry, unsightly scarring, irregularities, or an otherwise unsatisfactory result.

Technique

Revision breast surgery is complex. Each patient is different and presents with a unique combination of surgical problems. The key is to correctly identify each problem and carefully plan each solution.

The correction may require a variety of procedures. This may include total removal of a capsule, removal and replacement of implants, revision of scars, excision of breast tissue, reshaping of breast tissue, and other related procedures.

The individualized plan for correction can not be determined until a full consultation and careful examination is completed.

Recovery

The recovery depends on how complicated the problem is. In general, the recovery will be proportional to the complexity and number of procedures required to correct the deformity. Most patients who undergo revision breast surgery will be able to resume their full level of activity in approximately 3-4 weeks.

This is discussed in further detail once an examination and consultation is completed.

Results

This patient had undergone a breast augmentation by another surgeon. The implant in the left breast deflated. Over time, thick scar formed around the implant within the breast. We corrected the problem by making an incision around the nipple for access. The thick scar within the breast, called the capsule, and the implant were both carefully removed. The tissues within the breast were carefully manipulated in order to soften the breast. A new implant was then inserted. The incisions were then meticulously closed. The postoperative pictures were taken approximately one month after surgery. Notice the improvement in the symmetry between the two breasts.

We approach each revisional breast surgery case in the same systematic way. We carefully and thoughtfully plan a surgical solution to each unique problem so that the chances for a successful outcome are increased.

The patient, in the pictures below, underwent breast surgery by another surgeon. Her previous surgery was complicated by infection and unsightly scarring. She came to me in order to correct and revise her results. There are several issues We had to address. As you can see in the "Before" pictures, her left nipple and areola were significantly larger than the right nipple and areola. In addition, her breasts are asymmetric in size and shape. Furthermore, both breasts are low in position. In order to correct her problems, we reduced the size of the nipples and areolas and made them the same diameter. We also removed some tissue from the left breast in order to make the breasts more similar in size. Lastly, we carefully shaped the breast tissue in both breasts to lift the breasts and make them more symmetric in shape. As you can see in the "After" pictures, her breasts are now much more similar in shape and size, they are both lifted in position, and her nipples and areolas are now the same shape and have a smaller diameter. There was no implant used in this case. The "After" pictures were taken about 3 months after surgery.

The patient below had a breast lift and augmentation done by another surgeon. She came to me because she was unhappy about the appearance. She had developed "capsular contracture" which is a tightening of scar around the implant. The implant was pushed up and the breast shape was distorted. The breast tissue was also beginning to fall below the implant. Our approach was to remove the old implant and excess scar. Once this was done, we inserted new implants which were slightly smaller in size. We then molded the breast tissue around the new implant and created a lift of the breast. As you can see in the "After" picture, the appearance of the breast is dramatically improved. The shape and contours are much more natural looking.