Understanding Breast Revision Surgery

Posted Monday, February 6, 2012 to PROCEDURES > Breast

Posted by John D. Smoot, M.D., F.A.C.S.

When undergoing breast augmentation surgery, few women consider the possibility that a second surgery—known as breast revision surgery—may be required. The goal of most board-certified plastic surgeons is to help patients attain their goals by choosing the right implants and surgical procedures the first time. Even with proper planning and execution, however, changes in the implants or breast tissue can occur that necessitate the consideration of another surgery.

Are You a Candidate for Revision Surgery?

There are a number of factors that may influence whether breast revision surgery is a good option for you. The three most common reasons for breast implant revision are changing implant size, improving the natural look and feel of breasts, and tightening of the scar tissue around the implant (known as capsular contracture). Sometimes a failure within the implants themselves may also require breast revision surgery to correct, such as saline implant deflation or an MRI which suggests a leaking silicone implant.

Some women experience changes in the volume and shape of their breast tissue resulting from a pregnancy, breast feeding, weight gain or loss, or aging. If you notice a change in breast appearance or feel, such as one breast sitting higher than the other (a sign of scar tissue constricting) or one breast being firmer than the other, you may want to consult with a certified plastic surgeon about the possibility of revision surgery.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

One of the most important decisions you can make for optimal breast revision results is selecting the right surgeon. Often, revisions surgery is needed, not because of a faulty technique employed in the first surgery, but because of changes within the implants or the breasts themselves. If this is your situation, you may elect to return to your original plastic surgeon if you trust his or her abilities.

Keep in mind, however, that revision surgery is nearly always more difficult than first breast augmentation. Scar tissue and the stretching and anatomical changes caused by previous implants make the results of the surgery harder to predict. For these reasons, it’s important to choose a surgeon that is well qualified with extensive experience in this type of surgery. It’s a good idea to consult with several different surgeons and go with the one that you feel most comfortable with.

Successful Revision Surgery

One of the secrets to a successful breast revision surgery (or, for that matter, any cosmetic procedure) is good communication between you and your surgeon. Tell your doctor what your goals are for the surgery and ask for full explanations of what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. You should also let your surgeon know if there’s a possibility that you may become pregnant or lose a significant amount of weight in the future, as both of these things can affect breast volume and shape.

Every patient is different, and the surgical techniques employed for your revision surgery should be adapted to your specific needs. Sometimes implant revision is more successful when the implant is placed on a different plane from the first surgery (under the muscle, as opposed to above it, for example), but this decision and others are ones that you and your surgeon should make only after careful consultation.

Don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon questions, whether about the procedure or about his or her qualifications. With the right information and preparation, you can experience good results with breast revision surgery.

Associates for Plastic Surgery is located at 9850 Genesee Ave. Suite 300 La Jolla, CA 92037. Reach us at (858) 587-9850.

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