Breast Revision in Duluth, GA

The cosmetic surgeons of Prima Center for Plastic Surgery in Duluth, GA sometimes works with patients who desire or need a breast revision surgery. Although the majority of women are thrilled with their breast augmentation results, sometimes a revision process is needed. This is primarily for cases where implant rupture is identified, or for excessive scarring (capsular contracture), rippling, or even a simple and straightforward change of size. Breast revision surgery should be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who understands the revision process and has a history of creating natural-looking results.

The cosmetic surgeons of Prima Center for Plastic Surgery perform breast revision surgery for women in varying circumstances and the surgery is tailored according to the cosmetic issue the patient is addressing. Ultimately, the correction aims to fix the issue that’s the source of the patient’s dissatisfaction. The most common cases where a patient may be a candidate for this treatment are listed below.

Some women learn after breast augmentation surgery that they did not get the size quite right. They feel they either went a bit too big or too small. Most of these individuals live with their implants for some time before deciding they would like a secondary surgery to address the size change. This surgery is usually pretty straightforward and easy to accomplish. However, to ensure that each of our patents are 100% satisfied, during the initial consultation, the cosmetic surgeons of Prima Center for Plastic Surgery make a great effort to work with the patient to determine the right size and look so that this surgery does not become necessary.

Many women get breast implants strictly for aesthetics. However, some may decide later on that they no longer wish to have them and will desire to have them removed. Breast revision surgery in this case is a process where the implant is removed and the breast reshaped back to a normal size and position so that it looks natural. Skin tightening may be needed if the skin was stretched over time due to the implant.

Despite significant advances in medical technology and strong, durable manufacturing, there are rare cases where an implant may rupture. If the implant is filled with saline, there will be a noticeable deflation of the breast. In the case of silicone implants, the gel stays intact, so there will not be a noticeable difference. An MRI will be needed to detect the defect. Implant ruptures are typically covered under warranty by the manufacturer within a certain amount of time. Patients may get new implants during the revision surgery. Again, implant rupture is a rare situation.

Double bubble is a term used for an implant that has moved out of place and causes a visible crease  and a double breast appearance. This can occur if the implants were improperly placed or if a significant amount of scar tissue forms around the implant. A revision surgery is needed to correct this condition. To ensure the implant stays in its proper position, an internal support ( STRATTICE®, SERI®) may be used to protect it from moving.

It is common for scar tissue to form around the breast implant once it has settled into the surgical pocket within the chest. In most cases, this scar tissue does not cause any harm or problems for the patient. However, in some cases, the scar tissue can tighten around the implant, which causes the implant to be displaced. This causes a hardening of the breast, which can look aesthetically unappealing, as well as cause discomfort. This is corrected by a capsulectomy in which the scar tissue is surgically removed.

A noticeable rippling can sometimes be seen underneath or on the side of the breast. This is generally more common among patients who have very low tissue volume and who are thin.  Although not really a complication, the unnatural wrinkling may cause discomfort and an unsightly appearance. Rippling is most common with saline implants.

Recovery from breast revision surgery varies greatly. Patients who are having surgery for a simple change in size (for example, removing a smaller implant for a larger one), will have a quick and relatively simple recovery. Patients who require more extensive treatment, such as the correction of scar tissue, will experience a longer recovery period. This will be discussed in detail during the initial consultation.

The cost of a breast revision surgery also varies greatly depending on what is being done. A change in implant size or shape can cost less, where as a more extensive revision surgery could lead to a higher cost. Depending on the surgical case, insurance and/or warranty protection may be applied.

If you are unsatisfied with the results you received from your breast augmentation procedure performed by another plastic surgeon, or simply, you wish to make a change in size, please contact Prima Center for Plastic Surgery today for a complete consultation. We will provide a thorough assessment and provide you with all of the options to create a healthy, aesthetically appealing breast appearance.