Change is Possible in Austin
For patients suffering the disappointment of breast implant problems, breast reconstruction failures, and radiation injury, our plastic surgeons have the extensive experience, meticulous technique, and commitment to personalized care to address your particular breast concerns with breast implant revision at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
Whether your initial results fell short of your aesthetic goals in size, shape, or symmetry, or you have experienced complications over time such as capsular contracture or deflated or shifting implants, we can help. Our practice renowned for consistently delivering safe and beautiful results.
Contact Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery to set up a consultation to learn more about breast implant revision in Austin, TX. Call (512) 815-0123 or send a message online.
Why Should You Consider Breast Implant Revision?
As much as we would like to control every aspect of our lives, healing can be unpredictable after plastic surgery, and your breast shape will change over time. Women experiencing breast firmness or asymmetry or those with concerns about the possibility of breast implant revision can choose an experienced plastic surgeon with a specialized, breast-focused practice at Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.
Some women find that their breasts are still too small or look overly large after their breast augmentation surgery. Others who want breast implant revision may find that they are no longer symmetrical. The human body continues to age, repair itself, and otherwise change after surgery, so the healing process can sometimes create disappointing results. As noted above, one possibility is capsular contracture, which is the result of the formation of hard scar tissue around an implant. This tissue can constrict the device itself, squeezing into a new shape. It is also possible for implants to rotate in their pocket, and even to leak. Saline-filled implants can deflate, causing an overnight asymmetry.
Whatever the motivation, a solution is available in our breast-focused plastic surgeons' experienced hands.
Austin Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
- Known for natural-looking aesthetic results in breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery.
- Elected by peers for inclusion in Texas Monthly's Texas Super Doctors®: Rising Stars listing.
- Reconstructed over 6,000 patients, including more than 2,500 DIEP flap reconstructions.
- 4.9-star average rating over hundreds of reviews for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?
If you are unhappy with any aspect of your breast implants or concerned about their integrity, you may be a great candidate for revisional breast surgery. During your consultation, you have the opportunity to sit with one of our friendly, experienced surgeons and discuss what you'd like to achieve. Your doctor will listen thoughtfully to you and devise a treatment that meets your needs. Expect a thorough review of your medical history during your consultation, as well. This and, if needed, lab work, will help your doctor confirm that you are in good health and have the capacity to recover well from your procedure.
Will I Have Any Scars After My Procedure?
Your breast implant revision will be performed using your original incision pattern. In some cases, an additional incision is needed to perfect the projection and height of the breasts. This additional incision may begin at the areola and run down the center of the breast to the inframammary crease. You may need this more extended type of incision if your revision procedure will also include a breast lift. Your doctor will do her best to minimize the length and number of incisions made during your procedure. You will also be fully informed before surgery so will know what to expect.
Is Breast Implant Removal Painful?
No. Your breast implant removal or revision is performed using general anesthesia. You won't feel a thing during the procedure. Afterward, when you wake up in the recovery area, you may feel mild to moderate soreness and tenderness. This is similar to your initial sensations after having breast augmentation. You may rely on prescription painkillers for a few days to manage post-operative discomfort at its peak. By about one week after surgery, you may be ready to switch to an over-the-counter pain reliever. Wearing your compression garment as directed and following your doctor's recommended activity restrictions, you should find that your surgical recovery is relatively easy!
What is the Recovery and Aftercare for Breast Implant Revision?
You may find that your recovery from breast implant revision surgery is shorter and more comfortable than your initial surgery. This can depend on the specifics of your case. Generally, revision surgery incurs soreness and swelling. You'll have a dressing in place for a few days, as well as a compression garment, to help mitigate these side effects. Post-surgery, you will need to take it easy. You may want to arrange to have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours to help you remember to take your medication and to ensure that you move safely and nourish your body. Your post-op instructions will outline when you can shower and how to care for your surgical wounds well. You can and should walk short distances a few times a day but must refrain from more intense exercise for up to six weeks.
How Soon After My Breast Implant Procedure Can I Undergo Breast Implant Revision?
It takes approximately four months for breast implants and surrounding tissue to settle and heal after breast augmentation surgery. Until that time, your breasts may feel and look firmer or larger than you had anticipated. It is important to allow the body to recover from the procedure before evaluating your results. If, after four to six months, you're still unhappy with the appearance of your breast augmentation, it may be time to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with revision breast surgery.
Your Breast Implant Revision Surgery Experience
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will listen to your unique goals for breast implant revision and answer any questions or concerns you might have. Together, you will craft a customized plan to help you safely achieve breasts that you find aesthetically pleasing, soft, and symmetrical.
When there is capsular contracture and firm breasts after augmentation, it can be caused by several factors. Bacterial contamination of the implant with breast duct or skin flora during the augmentation can occur. Surgery glove powder or other contaminants can cause irritation around the implant, which can contribute to scar contracture around a breast implant. A leak of liquid silicone can further irritate the scar pocket around the breast implant. Finally, a person's unique genetic makeup can cause a predisposition to scar formation and contracture around the implant.
During a breast implant revision surgery, your surgeon will systematically address each problem. It is important that severe contracture with or without a silicone breast implant leak be treated before reshaping begins by a technique called "en bloc resection of the capsule" before reshaping begins. After removal of the entire intact scar pocket and its contents (also known as "en bloc implant removal"), the surgical field is re-prepped and the breast is irrigated with antibiotic irrigation. Then reshaping and a lift is performed to restore a pleasing breast shape. Temporarily, drains may be needed.
The surgery itself will involve removing old implants as necessary, reshaping and making repairs, and inserting a new implant or implants as desired. Some patients desire implant removal at the time of resection. This involves en bloc resection of the scar capsule and implants and a lift and reshaping of the remaining tissue without the use of an implant. Patients will be under general anesthesia, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or a certified anesthetist in our outpatient surgery center. Incision placement, breast lift, and other surgical details will be determined by the nature and scope of the breast implant revision.
Download Our Breast Reconstruction Post-Operative Care Guides
We've compiled detailed post-operative care instructions to best equip our breast reconstruction patients throughout their recovery process. To ensure the best and safest recovery, your plan encompasses appropriate prescriptions and clear directions towards maintaining your comfort to get you back to normal life and activity as soon as possible. Individual patients respond uniquely, and the type of procedure may differ, but these basic guidelines will help you along your journey.
Best Options Beyond Breast Implant Revision in Austin, TX
Our surgeons' goal is to avoid or minimize the need for future breast implant revision surgeries. For women who want a change to their breasts' appearance, our surgeons offer breast lifts and breast reductions. These procedures can be combined with other restorative surgical procedures and treatments for a Mommy Makeover to correct cosmetic damage done to the body by childbirth and nursing.
To find out more about breast implant revision surgery in Austin, TX—or any other breast-shaping options—call our office at (512) 815-0123 or send a message online.
