Breast Revision (Implant Exchange) - Fort Worth, TX
Overview
In the decades since modern breast implants first came on the market, their technology has continually improved. As such, many women who had breast implants inserted years or even decades ago may choose Brest Revision Surgery to replace their first set of implants with a higher-quality modern set. Additionally, people change over time and the breast implants that were ideal 10 years ago may not suit the current version of you. Breast Revision Surgery may also be performed to correct medical or physical problems with a breast implant, including implant rupture or displacement. Dr. Daniels, performs Breast Revision Surgery on his patients in the Fort Worth area to suit their current aesthetic needs and lifestyle. If you are considering revision or implant exchange, a consultation with Dr. Anderson will address your concerns and explain the surgical options available for your needs.
Plan Your Procedure
| Average Cost | $7,500 - $15,000 |
| Recovery Time | 1-2 Weeks |
| Avg Procedure Time | 2-4 Hours |
| Post-Op Follow-Up | 1 Week |
| Recovery Location | Out-Patient |
Surgical Technique
Implant revision surgery is generally very straightforward, though scar formation requires an extra step to complete. Depending on how much time has elapsed since the initial implant surgery, patients may opt to include a breast lift along with their implant exchange or replacement. If added support is required due to the addition of larger-size implants being inserted, a tissue matrix device known as Strattice may be used. The goal of the revision process is to resolve or overcome issues in a way that satisfies the patient’s aesthetic goals.
Reasons For Revision Surgery
Several circumstances can spur a woman to undergo breast revision surgery. The most common reasons include:
Ruptured Implant
When a saline implant ruptures, the implant will quickly deflate due to leakage of the saline. This occurrence causes an obvious lopsided appearance of the breasts. Silicone implant ruptures are much more difficult to detect by the wearer as the implant does not visibly deflate when a breakage occurs in its shell. The only foolproof way to detect a shell break is through an MRI, which is why routine check-ups are recommended throughout the years.
Breast Rippling
Most common in women who are extremely thin, breast rippling or wrinkling occurs with saline implants. It appears along the sides or bottom of the breast and results in an unnatural appearance under the skin.
Double Bubble Implants
“Double Bubble” is a very uncommon complication from breast implants. It occurs when the implant drops down behind the natural breast crease or rises and over-drapes (double folds) the breast. An unnatural indention develops, giving the appearance of a “double” breast. This is usually a complication of improper breast placement during the initial placement surgery, or as a result of severe capsular contracture shifting the implant from its intended position.
Breast Implant Removal
Some women simply make a personal choice that they no longer wish to have breast implants in place. Breast implant removal is a procedure that removes the implants and tightens the skin around the breasts to create a natural look. A breast lift may be done at this point for optimized appearance.
Breast Size
Some women are not satisfied with their initial breast augmentation surgery results and desire a subsequent surgery. This may be done to change to a different size, texture, or shape. It may also be done for women who want to switch from saline to silicone, or vice versa.
Capsular Contracture
When scar tissue forms around an implant it can create a capsular contracture. When this occurs, excessive tightening of the capsule will result in a hard feel of the breast. This may require corrective capsulectomy to remove the scar tissue from around the implant. Silicone implants produce a higher occurrence of capsular contracture (approximately 10-15% chance) than do saline implants (5% chance).
Implant Bottoming Out
Bottoming out can happen post-surgery when an implant slips below the inframammary crease just under the breasts. Aging, gravity, trauma to the chest, or excessive scarring can also contribute to this reaction.
Surgical Error
Women whose breasts are already sagging will not have good results with breast augmentation unless they first have a breast lift. Augmentation without a concurrent breast lift will cause the breasts to continue to sag further and faster due to the increased weight of the implant.
What to Expect During And After Surgery
Breast Revision Surgery is an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility by a qualified plastic surgeon. The length and quality of your recovery period depends on which specific techniques were done during your revision. A full week of rest should be sufficient to allow a comfortable return to normal work schedule. Returning to exercise is a gradual process and should not be pushed too quickly. Allow up to a full year for scars to ease and the newly revised breasts to look and feel natural.