Breast Implants – Revision

A breast implant revision is a procedure that resolves any complications from the initial surgery and any aesthetic issues that may have arisen. Although the majority of women are extremely satisfied with the results of their breast augmentation after the first surgery, sometimes a revision process is necessary. A variety of issues can cause the need for additional surgeries, such as excessive scarring (capsular contracture), rippling, minor implant rupture, and even a simple change of size. Breast revision surgeries range widely in scope, and are widely successful. After all, implants are not permanent devices, and most women will require a follow-up procedure to maintain the breasts’ enhanced size and shape in the safest way possible.

On occasion, through breast revision surgery, Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Steven J. White helps patients correct previous breast augmentation surgeries. Breast revision surgery should be performed by experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. White who comprehend the revision process with a long-standing record of exceptional and sustainable results. Dr. White has trained with other world-class plastic surgeons who have provided him with the vast surgical knowledge he needs to create amazing, long-lasting results. He is part of a select group of plastic surgeons who have earned double-board certification and have over 30 years of experience. He not only has extensive skill with breast implant revision, but he is also highly qualified to perform a variety of cosmetic procedures with safety and precision in mind.

To get in contact with his practice, USA Plastic Surgery, call (214) 696-6676, or request a consultation online today, and a staff member will get back to you with a time and date that is most convenient for your schedule.

Before and After Photos

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Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery

Dr. White performs breast revision surgeries for women in varying circumstances, ensuring that each procedure is custom-tailored to the cosmetic issue/s the patient wishes to address. The correction is targeted to fix the exact source of dissatisfaction. Some of the most common reasons for this surgery are listed below:

Breast Size Alterations

Some women find that after their breast augmentation, they are displeased with the sizing of their breasts- they may feel that they chose implants that are too small or too big for their liking. Many of these individuals choose to live with their implants for a while before deciding that they should undergo a secondary procedure to address this bothersome issue. Usually, Dr. White can perform this procedure in a straightforward manner. To ensure that his patients are completely satisfied with the results of their breast revision, he will make an effort to understand their exact needs and determine the correct-sized implant to achieve their desired look.

Breast Implant Removal

Many women who get breast implants for solely aesthetic reasons may feel that they no longer wish to have augmented breasts later in life. A breast implant removal is a procedure in which Dr. White can remove the implants and reshape them to a more natural positioning and size. For this technique, he may utilize breast lift (mastopexy) techniques to remove excess skin that may have stretched over the years due to the implants.

Implant Rupture

Even with technological advances and strict adherence to manufacturing standards, there are still extremely rare cases in which an implant can rupture. If a saline implant ruptures, the breast will slowly deflate over a few days, and the body can absorb it without major issues. If a silicone implant ruptures, the gel will stay intact, so there won’t be any obvious signs or a noticeable difference in the breast. Regardless of the type of implant, Dr. White will order an MRI scan to detect the exact defect. Ruptures are usually covered under warranty by the implant manufacturer for a certain period of time. Patients can expect to get new implants at the time of their revision surgery if they choose.

“Double Bubble” Deformity

“Double bubble” is a term that describes when an implant moves out of its original placement and causes an unnatural-looking crease in the breast; it can look like a double breast. Either improper placement or excess scar tissue buildup around the implant itself can cause this aesthetic issue. For this type of revision surgery, Dr. White will place a strattice– a biocompatible mesh- around the new implant to secure it. Another common placement issue that Dr. White can address is dynamic distortion, a concern where the implant moves temporarily as the chest muscles contract. It can look and feel uncomfortable and interfere with certain workout activities.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is distortion of the breast caused by too much fibrous tissue development around the implant, within the surgical pocket. In many cases, the scar tissue does not cause any major problems for the patient, but it can harden the breast, cause some discomfort, and look aesthetically unappealing. Dr. White can correct this problem with a capsulectomy in which he removes the scar tissue and places new implants. Research shows that capsular contracture occurs more often with saline implants. ⁽¹⁾

Breast Rippling

Breast rippling often occurs on the underside of the breast and is more common with slimmer patients who have less breast tissue volume. Although it’s not a medical complication, the wrinkling can be unsightly and warrant revision surgery with new implants. Rippling occurs more often with saline implants.

Personal Consultation

During a consultation appointment with Dr. White, he will speak with you about your goals for breast revision surgery and explain to you, in detail, his recommended surgical approach for your specific case. During your first meeting with him, he will examine your breasts to determine the issue at hand and evaluate any symptoms you have been experiencing. He will outline the necessary steps of the procedure, inform you of how to best prepare, and what you need to do during your recovery. At some point, he will take photographs to communicate his observations of your unique features and to ensure you are on the same page. While he will create the most significant change in your appearance, taking the necessary downtime will allow your body to heal well. Following his aftercare instructions carefully will promote the best results possible and leave you feeling happy with your breasts once again.

If you are unsatisfied with the results you received from your breast augmentation procedure performed by another plastic surgeon, or you simply wish to make a change in size, please contact us online today for a complete consultation or call (214) 696-6676. Our team will provide a thorough assessment and provide you with all of the options to create a healthy, aesthetically appealing breast appearance.

Procedure Options

Implant Replacement

If you have loved your implants but have come across one of the aesthetic issues mentioned above, Dr. White can perform an implant replacement to safely remove any excess scar tissue, fix misplacement, and give you high-quality saline or silicone implants. For this procedure, Dr. White’s anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia so you will be completely unaware of all surgical changes. He will choose an incision type based on your breast tissues and/or any existing scars from your initial breast augmentation:

Dr. White will discuss his recommendations with you during a pre-operative visit and make efforts to keep scarring to an absolute minimum during the procedure.

Breast Lift

For a simpler approach to breast revision, Dr. White can simply remove your old implants, perform a capsulectomy if necessary, and enhance the appearance with a breast lift using one of the following techniques to remove excess skin:

Although your breasts will have less volume post-procedure, they will heal in a more youthful positioning and create a more natural look.

Implant Replacement and Breast Lift

Dr. White will use one of the breast lift incisions to place the new implants. This technique promotes a perkier breast appearance that can promote long-lasting volume through the years. Implant replacement with lift, often referred to as an augmentation mastopexy, can also further improve upper pole fullness and facilitate more pronounced cleavage. ⁽³⁾

Cost of Breast Implant Revision Surgery in Dallas

The cost of your breast implant revision surgery is highly dependent on whether or not you opt for replacement implants, the implant type, surgical techniques, anesthesia, medication, follow-up appointments, and other factors that will help contribute to quality results. At the time of your consultation, Dr. White will review all of these factors with you and give you a comprehensive breakdown of the costs, ensuring that you understand everything entailed in creating the new look you are striving for. Dr. White believes in the philosophy that with quality investment come priceless quality results.

To get in touch with the attentive and knowledgeable staff at USA Plastic Surgery, call (214) 696-6676 or inquire online to find out more of the details of this highly customizable procedure.

References

1. Blount AL, Martin MD, Lineberry KD, Kettaneh N, Alfonso DR. Capsular Contracture Rate in a Low-Risk Population After Primary Augmentation Mammaplasty. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2013;33(4):516-521. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820×13484465
2. Tremp M, Thürlimann A, Oranges CM, Kalbermatten DF. The Double-pedicle Tip Anchor Flap (DPTA-Flap) Preservation Technique for Autologous Breast Augmentation Circumvertical Mastopexy. JPRAS Open. 2022;34:239-244. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpra.2022.08.009
3. Ramanadham SR, Rose Johnson A. Breast Lift with and without Implant: A Synopsis and Primer for the Plastic Surgeon. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2020;8(10):e3057. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000003057