Breast Implant Revision Surgery
While breast augmentation boasts a high satisfaction rate—with nearly 3.5 million people in the U.S. having breast implants—some people choose to go a step further. Breast revision surgery addresses a variety of concerns for those who want to refine their initial results. At. VirdenMD, we take pride in increasing the satisfaction of people looking to improve these results.
Breast Implant Revision in Reno, NV
Breast revision surgery can help you achieve your desired look and help address concerns like complications—including capsular contracture, implant rupture, or wrinkling—and unsatisfactory results with the shape, size, or symmetry of your breasts.
Dr. Virden uses a comprehensive approach to breast revision surgery, often combining multiple techniques to achieve the best outcomes. These techniques may include:
- Scar Tissue Management: Procedures like capsulotomy (releasing scar tissue) or capsulorrhaphy (repositioning scar tissue) address capsular contracture, a common complication where scar tissue forms around your implant.
- Implant Adjustment: Dr. Virden can exchange implants for material, size, and shape discrepancies.
- Nipple and Areola Correction: Asymmetry in nipple or areola placement can be addressed to achieve a more balanced appearance.
- Breast Lift (Mastopexy): A breast lift can help you achieve more youthful and perky breasts.
Dr. Virden’s ultimate goal is to leave you with a more aesthetically pleasing result that you’re happy with.
Ideal Breast Revision Candidates
There are a number of reasons why people choose to explore breast revision surgery. Ideal candidates for this procedure include:
People who are dissatisfied with their initial enhancement. They may want larger or smaller implants, a different shape, type, or texture, or want to correct their breast symmetry. Weight fluctuations may also have impacted their implant results.
There may also be implant issues and complications that lead to a breast revision procedure including a rupture or deflation, malposition (also called a “double bubble” where the implant has shifted), capsular contracture (build-up of scar tissue), or rippling.
We will meet with you to discuss your candidacy for breast revision surgery to tailor the most suitable approach to your unique situation. Book an appointment with us today.
What to Expect Before and During Your Breast Revision Surgery
Dr. Virden will thoroughly discuss your goals, concerns, and medical history with you.
Our team will create a personalized surgical plan based on your unique case.
Your breast revision surgery may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type of revision. Techniques will vary depending on the issue being addressed but these may include: a breast lift to address loose skin, reconstructive procedures to address scarring, rippling, or malposition, or removal and replacement if there was an implant rupture.
Dr. Virden prioritizes minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to minimize scarring.
Breast Revision Surgery Recovery Time and Post-Surgical Care
After your procedure, our team will provide proper care instructions to minimize scarring. Expect some bruising and swelling in the first few weeks, but this is normal and will gradually subside.
You’ll be restricted from strenuous exercise initially, but we do encourage gentle movement to promote healing. A special post-operative bra (front closure, compression, no underwire) will be provided and expected to be worn for at least three weeks.
Most patients recover within four to six weeks after breast revision surgery.
Breast Revision Procedure FAQs
What Is a Breast Revision?
Breast revision surgery is a procedure to refine the results of a previous breast augmentation. This can involve correcting size, shape, or asymmetry, addressing implant issues or complications, or helping to achieve a different, more desired aesthetic.
How Long After Breast Augmentation Can I Have a Revision?
The ideal waiting time for breast revision surgery after augmentation depends on the reason you’re seeking a revision. If you’re not satisfied with your appearance, most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months after breast augmentation for a revision. This allows swelling and bruising to completely subside, and for the implants and surrounding tissues to settle into their final position.
If you experience implant rupture, leakage, or severe capsular contracture, revision surgery might be needed sooner. The exact timeframe will be determined by your surgeon based on the severity of the complication.
How Do You Know if You Need a Breast Revision?
Here are some signs that you might need a breast revision:
- Dissatisfaction with your appearance: This could include changes to size and shape, symmetry corrections, implant aesthetics, or weight fluctuations.
- Implant issues: Issues may include a rupture, deflation, or malposition, where the implant appears uneven or displaced.
- Implant complications: Complications may include capsular contracture (build-up of scar tissues), scarring that impact aesthetics, or rippling.
- Other signs to note: You may seek a breast revision if you experience pain or discomfort, or changes in nipple sensation.
It’s important to consult with a plastic surgeon to determine if breast revision is the right option for you.
Is Breast Implant Revision Painful?
The severity of pain depends on a number of different factors including the extent of your revision, your individual pain tolerance, and what pain management techniques you and your doctor agree on.
The most discomfort will occur in the first few days after surgery. Pain medication and proper care will help the pain subside gradually over the following weeks, and you might experience some lingering soreness or tightness for some time after.
Does Insurance Cover Breast Augmentation Revision?
Cosmetic revisions are not covered by insurance. For other procedures, we do not bill insurance directly.
What Is Considered a Breast Revision?
A breast revision surgery is considered any procedure performed after an initial breast augmentation to address concerns or achieve a different result, including things like correcting dissatisfaction, or handling implant issues or complications.
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.