Breast Revision in Dallas, TX

Breast augmentations, breast lifts, breast reductions, and breast reconstructions are all amazing procedures that can yield fantastic results. Unfortunately, the body does not always heal in a predictable manner and certain breast abnormalities can pose challenges that sometimes lead to an unfavorable result or a result that could benefit from a little improvement. Other times, patients’ objectives or lifestyles change so they desire larger breasts, smaller breasts, or no implants at all. Elevate Medical Spa and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas, TX, led by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Thornwell Parker, provides breast revision surgery and gives a thorough assessment so that the desired outcome is achieved.

Many patients who have had prior breast procedures are considered good candidates for revision if they are unhappy with their results. Most procedures can be performed safely under IV sedation or local anesthesia. The most common reasons for revision are to change breast implant size or to replace an old implant that has become firm or leaked. Other revisions focus on patients who experience worsening breast sag, rippling, or uneven breasts. Also, revision surgery can help repair the deformity or scars from breast reconstruction and create a more appealing and healthy outcome. A more complete list of reasons for revision is listed below.

Secondary breast augmentation either takes out an implant that no longer functions appropriately or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch out an implant due to a desire to change the size or going from silicone to saline (or vice versa). Moreover, there are a few other common reasons for which a revision surgical treatment is wanted:

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

• Capsular Contracture - This is the term used to describe increasing implant firmness because of scarring, which occurs when the smooth tissue around the breast implant becomes thick and firm. In some situations, the scarring can misshape and displace the implant, creating an undesirable outcome. Scar removal surgery to clear away scarring would be needed.

• Asymmetry - Asymmetry occurs when the breast implants look out of balance. This most often occurs because the breasts were not symmetrical to begin with. Enlarging asymmetrical breasts can sometimes make the asymmetry more noticeable. Also, lack of good tissue support, contractures, or leaks could contribute to 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. 

• Bottoming Out - Bottoming out is a breast implant irregularity that can occur when the breast implants drop too low or "bottom out." This is often due to weak tissue support. 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.

• Symmastia - This condition happens when implants are positioned too close together. In some cases, this results from excessively large implants and a wide breast pocket. A secondary procedure can correct this issue by resuturing the inner limits of the breast pocket and utilizing an appropriately sized implant that is acceptable to your body type and looks balanced. 

• 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 improved by simply replacing it with a cohesive silicone implant. If rippling occurs in the upper pole of the breast when the implant is in a subglandular location, the implant can also be moved to a submuscular location to create thicker coverage.

• Breast Size - There are times revision surgery is as simple as receiving a larger or smaller size 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. 

Secondary breast surgery is performed with IV sedation or local anesthesia. The overall recovery varies based upon the type and complexity needed. For instance, if a new size is being inserted, a breast lift might be required 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. Many women will begin to see their surgical results almost immediately with continued improvement as 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.

This surgery is a unique treatment tailored to your individual problem. If you're displeased with your breast implants or want a different outcome, we welcome you to contact our Elevate Medical Spa staff to book your appointment. There are many factors to think about, and we will provide you with a full physical examination, create your revision recommendations, and help set realistic goals and expectations.