Breast Revision
Conveniently located to serve Houston and Sugar Land, TX.About Breast Revision Surgery
Breast augmentation is one of the most effective cosmetic surgeries in America, and in many cases, it yields terrific outcomes. However, sometimes a woman can be unhappy with the results of her breasts and at some point may want breast revision surgery. It is important to note that not all revision treatments are due to practitioner error. While there are a few surgeries that do end with an unpleasing outcome, there are women who wish to have a different size implant while others may have a visible irregularity and would like to have the breast implant revised or taken out altogether. In addition, there are some women who must have revision surgery for a particular condition. Houston, TX cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marcos Ikeda offers breast revision surgery and gives a thorough exam at Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa so that the right outcome is attained.
Ideal Candidates
If you have any concerns (whether medical or aesthetic) about your breast implants, please schedule a consultative appointment with Dr. Marcos to go over your wants and needs and to develop your personalized plan for breast revision surgery. Whether it is scarring, drooping or sagging, rippling, or unbalanced breasts, revision surgery can help correct the problem and result in a more normal and healthy outcome. This procedure can also help if you are wanting to change the size, implant styles, or address any other aspect of your breasts.
Common Reasons for Revision
Breast revision surgery either takes out an implant that no longer functions or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch implant size or go from an implant to a fat transfer (or vice versa). There are a few other common cases in which a revision surgery is desired or required.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry occurs when the implant sizes look disproportionate. This is because of a wrong size implant, ptosis on one side, or another condition that may cause asymmetry. A proper diagnosis would need to be made to determine what is leading to the asymmetry, then surgery would be needed to correct the problem, and finally, new implants would be positioned to create a symmetrical result.
Bottoming Out
Bottoming out is a condition that happens when one or both breasts drop too low or “bottom out.” In many cases, this is a case of a positioning error from the first surgery. To modify this, a new placement approach may be needed. In some cases, tissue grafting most likely will be needed, as well as a surgically formed pocket to hold the new implant. For most women, going to a silicone implant usually will solve this problem.
Breast Size
There are times a secondary breast surgery is as simple as receiving a smaller or larger sized implant. With the original surgery, you may have opted to go too conservative or gone a bit too large. A new breast implant size can be used to reach the desired outcome.
Capsular Contracture
This is the term used for scar tissue hardening, occurring when the delicate tissue around the saline or silicone implant becomes hard and thickens. Although many implant surgeries do result in some internal scar tissue, most women will never see or feel it. In some cases, the scarring could interfere with implant placement, which can change the breast shape and implant functionality and deliver an undesirable outcome. Capsular contracture surgery to remove scarring would be recommended.
Implant Rippling
This condition occurs when there are obvious rippling and wrinkles beneath the skin. This irregularity generally forms just along the edging of the implant. Rippling is more common in patients who are of low body weight. Often, this condition can be fixed by simply changing to a silicone implant.
Implant Rupture
Even though this is rare, implant rupture can possibly occur. If a saline implant type ruptures, deflation will take place almost immediately. Therefore, a visible change will occur. On the other hand, if the implant is silicone-based and ruptures, it is only seen through an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, if a rupture happens, a revision procedure will be required.
Symmastia
Symmastia is a condition that takes place when implants are inserted and placed too close together. In most cases, this is because the implant used was the wrong shape and width. A revision treatment will correct this problem by selecting an implant that fits your body type and looks pleasing to the eye.
What to Expect
After your surgery and an observation period, you can go home to start your recovery. Recovery from a revision surgery varies based upon the complexity of your surgery. Revision surgery that warrants complex revision techniques will need a longer recovery that could possibly take up to several months. You should begin to see your results once the swelling begins to disappear. Dr. Marcos or a member of his team will go over what should be expected during your recovery, as well as recommendations to help speed your healing. You should go to follow-up appointments as directed so Dr. Marcos can assess your recovery and results.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery can vary greatly, depending on what needs to be done. During your consultation, Dr. Marcos will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam to assess your implants. Then, he can talk about your options before developing your surgical plan. The cost of revision surgery will depend on the complexity of the procedure, as well as what you choose for your new implants. It is best to focus on getting the results you want by finding an experienced cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Marcos, rather than the cheapest option. To help make your surgery easy to afford, Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa accepts many different payment methods and we can help you find low-interest financing.
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What if Dr. Marcos wasn’t my original surgeon?
Dr. Marcos can perform your revision surgery even if he wasn’t the surgeon who did your original breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the original augmentation if you want dramatic changes or have problems so it’s best to find a cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Marcos, who has years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. Dr. Marcos also welcomes his patients to return to Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa for revision surgery after their augmentation surgery if they have a problem or want a change.
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What about loose skin?
If you are having your implants removed or are changing to a significantly smaller size of implants, you may need to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After listening to your goals and assessing your current implants, Dr. Marcos can discuss the need for a breast lift to remove loose skin. If you lose a significant amount of weight, become pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift can help you get better results.
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Will there be new scars?
When possible, Dr. Marcos will make incisions for revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. However, if this is not possible, he will place the new incisions where they will be less visible. Breast revision surgery typically uses a transaxillary incision (through the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (under the fold of the breast), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Marcos or a member of his team will go over scar care management so your incisions heal smoothly and blend into your skin.
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Do I have to change my implants?
While implants can last a long time, they do need to be replaced at some point. After augmentation surgery, it is important to have your implants checked regularly so Dr. Marcos can help you decide when your implants should be replaced. With so many advances in the medical field, you may want to consider the newest implant shapes and types to achieve your best look during breast revision surgery.
Change Your Mind
Revision surgery for breast implants is a custom treatment tailored for your aesthetic goals by cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marcos Ikeda. If you notice a visible defect with your breast implants or desire a different outcome, we welcome you to get in touch with our Houston, TX office to make your appointment at Houston Galleria Surgery & Medspa. There are so many factors to think about and Dr. Marcos will perform a full physical assessment, create your revision treatment plan, and help set realistic outcome expectations.
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*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.