About Breast Revision Surgery
Breast revision surgery is a plastic surgery procedure to correct previously performed breast surgery. Breast revisions are extremely challenging and require detailed analysis of breast anatomy, extensive experience, and technical skill.
As breast revision surgery varies from patient to patient depending on their individual anatomy and concerns, each revision surgery is specifically tailored to each patient. Because there are anatomic changes and deformities created as a result of the previous surgery, a detailed analysis of breast anatomy is critical, as is experience with breast revision surgeries to tackle complex problems.
The most common complications that we see in patients who have had previous breast augmentation surgery with implants are implant pocket problems like lateral displacement and bottoming out, implant size issues, or capsular contracture (hard scar tissue around the implant).
Symmastia where the implants cross-chest midline is also a breast implant problem we have treated.
Patients also have complications or issues with previous mastopexy surgeries where the breasts are persistently droopy, asymmetric, there are lift scar problems, or the areolas are asymmetric, irregular, or have an abnormal placement (too high, too low, or off-center).
- Before Procedure
- During Procedure
- Results & Recovery
Good to Know Before Breast Revision Surgery Procedure
We have performed many breast revision surgeries to correct various breast augmentation or breast lift problems. We believe that the key to any breast surgery is communication – being good listeners so we can understand what our patients hope to achieve, and also us taking the time to answer questions and set realistic expectations on what can and cannot be fixed with surgery.
It is extremely important and helpful for surgical planning for you to get your previous operative reports and also implant information. Also – as previous surgeries may have created irreparable damage or anatomic changes, it is important to understand that revisions are challenging and require an experienced surgeon to tackle these complications.
What Happens During Procedure
For your comfort and safety, breast revision surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. We will also place a numbing solution in your breasts so you will not feel pain even though you are under anesthesia.
The Breast Revision Surgery may take 3 to 7 hours depending on complexity, anatomy, and what needs to be repaired. We will make a precisely calculated incision usually using your previous surgical incision. If there is an implant problem, the old implant will be removed and replaced. If there is a pocket problem it will be repaired with sutures and sometimes with an internal support tissue.
All repairs will be performed to restore anatomy as best as possible and create an aesthetic improvement. We take extreme care during breast revision surgery to be very gentle and to keep the pocket clean with little to no bleeding. If your breast revision includes implants, we will meticulously test the pocket, and then when both pockets are symmetric and perfect, the entire field will be re-prepped for final implant placement. The implants will be placed using a no-touch technique to minimize the risk of contamination of the pocket. After the implants are placed, any lift revisions will be made, and if needed the areola will be adjusted and re-sized.
The entire breast revision will be done precisely and meticulously to create the best possible scars and best possible results. We take extreme pride in our attention to detail with every single step of breast revision surgery.
Breast Reduction Recovery & Results: What to Expect
At AJ Plastic Surgery Centre we have developed a special breast reduction technique that has minimal pain and a quick recovery. You will feel some soreness in the breast area and there will be swelling. The swelling lasts about a month. You will also have drains placed which are removed after about 1 week. It takes a full 4-6 months for the tissues to sit at their final shape or position. If you do have discomfort, Tylenol is usually all that’s needed.
You will need to minimize arm movement for about 2 weeks and you will wear a supportive bra for 2 months after breast reduction surgery. This is something we will measure and provide for you in our clinic. Most of AJ Plastic Surgery Centre patients feel almost back to normal at around 1 week after their breast reduction surgery. Moderate exercise such as walking or stationary biking is allowed after two weeks, and vigorous exercise such as jogging or aerobics may be resumed after 4 weeks.
You will most likely be able to return to work within a few days, but you will need to avoid any strenuous activity for at least a couple of weeks after breast reduction surgery.
Breast reduction surgery produces some of the most dramatic results of all breast plastic surgeries. It improves the physical discomfort of large breasts and makes your body appear more evenly proportioned, and clothes fit better. Some of my happiest patients are breast reduction patients. This is one of our favorite procedures to perform because it is often life-changing for patients.
