Breast Revision Surgery

While infrequent, there are conditions that can rise after breast implant surgery that may require a person to have a breast revision procedure. The conditions include capsular contracture, implant malposition, implant deflation or rupture, or a patient may wish to change the size of her implants.

Capsular contracture is the condition wherein scar tissue has formed tightly around the breast implant. An open capsulotomy treats scarring which occurs around breast implants or to revise the shape of the pocket where the implant is placed. This usually involves surgical cutting of scar tissue that forms around a breast implant and the placement of a new breast implant.

If a patient wishes to replace her implants with a smaller size or remove the implants, it may be necessary to reshape the surrounding skin and tissue with a breast lift procedure.

Your Consultation

We believe you need to be well-informed about the surgical procedure in which you are interested. That includes the processes of preparing for a procedure, and the recovery period. The physician will meet with you about your concerns and personal goals. Feel free to bring in images of looks that you do or don’t like to help us understand your aesthetic tastes and goals. The surgeon will then examine you, and base her opinion on how to achieve your goals based on best practices, and how the procedure will affect you.

Choosing a surgeon is an intensely personal decision. We encourage you to take time to question the physician, and her team. We believe the formation of a personal bond is an integral part of the surgery and healing process.

The Surgery

A breast revision procedure usually takes 1 to 2 hours of time, and is performed with general anesthesia. Some patients go home the day of surgery, but for some it is recommended that they stay in the hospital overnight. Most patients should plan to restrict their activity and remain off work for at least one week after surgery, but some may require additional time to heal.

Recovery

Recovery is relatively quick and most women find they are able to resume a regular work or home schedule within a week. Most can return to strenuous activity levels in 4-6 weeks.

Risks

Breast revision procedures, as with all surgical procedures, carry a certain amount of risk. It is important that you understand these risks, and the possible complications or adverse events, associated with them. Your surgeon will discuss any risks with you during your consultation and pre-operative appointments.

Contact the Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery

If you have questions about breast revision surgery, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon, please contact the Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery.