Breast revision Procedure

Nearly 3 million women have under gone breast augmentation in this country. Although the satisfaction rate with the procedure is quite high, there are many patients who are unhappy with their results, have poor outcomes, develop implant complications, or want a different look.

Breast
revision in Reno, Nevada

The most common complications include capsular contracture, wrinkling, knuckling, deflation (saline), implant leak or rupture (silicone), implant malposition (including symmastia), “double-bubble” deformity, infection, and loss of nipple areolar complex. Additionally, there are a few scenarios that lead to poor outcomes: performing larger breast augmentations in the subglandular space, significant weight gain, prolonged breast feeding, and significant breast or chest wall asymmetry. In some cases, patients may change their mind about wanting implants or the appearance of their implants are below their expectation. Patients should know that there are several treatments available to improve the appearance of the breasts.

about breast revision surgery

Dr. Charles Virden, a board-certified plastic surgeon, offers revision breast surgery for patients in the Reno, Nevada. Dr. Virden is highly-experienced in this area and has become a national authority on correcting poor results from breast augmentation.

Many of the techniques that Dr. Virden utilizes for repairing poor results after breast augmentation can combine multiple techniques including: capsulotomy, capsulorrhaphy, implant exchange to silicone, addressing size and shape discrepancies, nipple and areolar asymmetries, and mastopexy (breast lift) to achieve a much more pleasing aesthetic result.

Many patients who have been unhappy with their initial breast augmentation are now thrilled with their result after visiting Charles P. Virden, MD.

Ideal Breast Revision Candidates

Breast revision surgery may be needed due to a breast augmentation procedure that did not turn out well, an implant that is malfunctioning, or for a simple change of aesthetics. Women decide to have this procedure for a number of different reasons, including:

A desire to have a different breast size | After having breast implants for several years, some women decided to change the size of their implants to smaller or larger ones. This may be a personal aesthetic preference to shape, type of implant, texture of the implant. It may also be necessary as a woman’s weight fluctuates with age.
The removal of breast implants | Some women desire to have their breast implants removed all together as they no longer wish to have them or have a medical condition that requires the removal.
Implant rupture | A silicone implant rupture usually happens and goes undetected until the shape of the breast is noticeably different or is detected with an MRI. However, a saline implant will immediately deflate. Both require a surgical intervention.
Double bubble | A double bubble refers to the breast implant being placed incorrectly by the plastic surgeon or from the implant shifting downward under the breast giving the appearance of a double breast. This can happen on one or both breasts.
Scarring or capsular contracture | Scarring can cause breast implants to lose their shape and feel very hard. As scar tissue has grown around the implant (usually saline implants), it has to be surgically removed for best results.
Breast rippling | When a breast implant develops a ripple or a wrinkle within itself, it sometimes can be seen under the skin around the outside of the breast of the patient. This rippling can happen with saline or silicone implants and within one or both breasts.

What to expect during your breast revision

Breast revision surgery is usually very similar to the initial breast augmentation surgery, but it depends on the surgical case,and what is being addressed. For women who are getting a smaller size or complete removal, a breast lift may be necessary to correct loose skin. For other patients who have scar tissue, rippling, double bubble, or an implant rupture, a reconstructive process will be performed to prevent a reoccurrence. The plastic surgeon will address the issue at hand and resolve the problem with a realistic outcome discussed prior to treatment. Patients should keep in mind that the more difficult the procedure, the longer the recovery will be.

anticipated results

Breast revision patients will again be educated on how to properly care for the surgical incision points and the best skincare treatments to reduce scarring. There will also be significant bruising and swelling for the first couple of weeks. Patients should limit strenuous exercise, but still get up and move around to promote healing and blood circulation. All breast surgery patients at Charles P. Virden, MD will be given a special, post-operative bra (front closure, compression, no underwire) that should be worn for at least 3 weeks after their surgery. Our office also has these bras for sale if patients want more than one during their recovery. Most patients recover in 4 – 6 weeks and extremely happy with their breast revision results.

Achieve the right look

If you are not happy with your current size, shape, texture, or look of your current implants, please contact us today. If your implants are 10 years or older, you may want to have a consultation to discuss your breast health, as well. We want all of our patients to be pleased with their breast augmentations. At a private consultation, we will answer all questions and concerns (even if our plastic surgeon did not perform the first surgery). Please schedule a free consultation today with our front office staff.