Breast Revision

About Breast Revision Surgery

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States, and in most cases allows for beautiful and natural outcomes. However, sometimes a woman can be unhappy with the results of her breasts and may require breast revision surgery. It is important to note not all revision surgeries are due to doctor error. While there are a few surgeries that do end with a poor outcome, there are women who desire a different size implant, while others may have a problem and ask to have the breast implant revised or taken out altogether. In addition, there are some women who require revision surgery for a specific condition.

Southern California plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Schoemann provides thorough consultations for a customized breast revision surgery at Schoemann Plastic Surgery, so that the desired outcome is achieved. His holistic approach to plastic surgery will help you have the ideal breast size through this treatment plan.

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Ideal Candidates

If you have any worries (whether cosmetic or medical) about your breast implants, please schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Schoemann to discuss your goals and to create your unique surgical plan. Whether it is scarring, breast sag, rippling, or uneven breasts, revision surgery can help repair the deformity, and create a more appealing and healthy outcome. This procedure can also help if you would like to change size, implant styles, or address any other aspect of your breasts.

Common Reasons for Revision

Secondary breast augmentation either takes out an implant that is not working or functioning correctly or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch implant size or go from silicone to saline (or vice versa). There are a few other common cases in which a revision surgical treatment is wanted:

1. Implant Rupture

   Although this is rarely seen, implant rupture can occur. If a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation will take place rather quickly. Therefore, a visible deflation will occur. On the other hand, if an implant made of silicone ruptures, it is only caught through an MRI. In either case, if a rupture happens, a secondary treatment will be needed.

2. Capsular Contracture

   This is the term used for an area of hardening because of scarring, occurring when the smooth tissue around the breast implant becomes hard and thickens. While breast implants do result in some internal hardening, most individuals will never realize this. In some situations, the scarring could change the implant placement, which could change the implant function and create an undesirable outcome. Scar removal surgery to clear away scarring would be needed.

3. Asymmetry

   Asymmetry occurs when the breast implants look out of balance. This is because of a wrong size implant, or lack of tissue on one side, or another condition that can possibly cause asymmetry. An assessment and diagnosis would need to be made to determine what is causing the asymmetry, then surgery would be implemented to correct the condition, and finally, new implants would be inserted to attain a proportionate appearance.

4. Bottoming Out

   Bottoming out is a condition that may happen when one or both breasts drop too low or “bottom out.” In many cases this is a positioning and placement error from the first surgical procedure. To fix this, a new placement method may be recommended. In some cases, tissue grafting will be needed, as well as a surgically produced pocket to stabilize the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone implant will solve this problem.

5. Symmastia

   This condition happens when implants are positioned too close together. In most cases, this is because the implant selected was the wrong shape, size, and width. A secondary procedure will correct this issue by utilizing an implant that is acceptable to your body type and looks balanced.

6. Implant Rippling

   Rippling occurs when there are noticeable lines and ripples beneath the skin. This condition generally forms around the edge of the implant. Rippling is more common in females who are relatively thin. Often, this condition can be repaired by simply changing to a silicone implant.

7. Breast Size

   There are times revision surgery is as simple as receiving a larger or smaller sized implant. With the original surgery, you may have chosen to go too small or big. A new breast implant size can be switched with the original to attain the desired aesthetic goal.

What To Expect

A secondary breast surgery is performed with general anesthesia. The overall recovery varies based on the complexity, which in turn is based on your holistic needs discussed during your consultation. For instance, if a new size is being inserted, a breast lift may work if smaller-sized implants are used to help tighten loose skin. Any type of revision that requires grafting or complex reconstruction will incur a longer recovery which may take up to several months. Many women will begin to see their surgical results once the swelling begins to disappear. The goal following revision breast surgery is to achieve a result that is both pleasing to the eye and functioning.

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Change Your Mind

Breast implant revision surgery is a custom treatment, tailored to your individual problem by Dr. Schoemann. If you’re displeased with your breast implants or wish for a different look, we welcome you to contact our Encinitas, CA office to book your appointment at Schoemann Plastic Surgery. There are many factors to consider and Dr. Schoemann will provide you with a full physical examination, create your revision recommendations, and help set realistic goals and expectations. As a plastic surgeon with a holistic approach, Dr. Schoemann takes great care to produce the right result for you.

Contact Schoemann Plastic Surgery in Encinitas to schedule your consultation with Dr. Schoemann today at (760) 487-2520 or by filling out our online form.