Breast Revision

Breast Revision Overview
Breast Revision Before & Afters

Breast Revision Overview

Breast revision encompasses the surgical correction of a wide-array of conditions which can potentially develop in the breasts following implant and non-implant related cosmetic surgical procedures.

When considering breast enhancement surgery, it is worth noting that breast implants have a finite lifespan. In fact, most manufacturers offer warranties for implants no longer than 10 years. Hence, over the course of a patient’s lifetime, it is reasonable to expect that some sort of revision surgery will be needed – this may be as simple as requiring implant replacement due to aging implants or other mechanical problems such as implant rupture.

According to FDA statistics, the most common reason for breast revision surgery in the United States, at roughly 37 %, is the patient’s desire to switch to larger implants. Less commonly, other maladies of the breasts may develop secondary to breast augmentation surgery and other cosmetic breast procedures. These include hard breasts or capsular contractures, breast implant rupture and mal-position, double-bubble deformities, bottoming out and infra-mammary fold disruptions, symmastia, rippling and wrinkling, age-related changes, weight gain followed by weight loss, pregnancy-related issues, and combination issues.

Additionally, Dr. Vallecillos will occasionally see the patient with a long-standing history of a breast augmentation who – for various reasons – desires to have her implants permanently removed. In this patient population, the implants are generally removed and require a concomitant breast lift in order to create a more aesthetically pleasing breast mound.

Breast Revision Challenges and Achieving Success

Breast revision surgery is to be distinguished from primary breast enhancement surgery. Intrinsically, it is a much more technically difficult surgery to perform and there is often less predictability of outcome in contrast to primary breast surgery - This is primarily due to scar formation and soft-tissue changes ( such as stretching ) which come about as a result of the previous surgery(s). It is paramount that this be adequately communicated to the patient, and that she closely follow all post-operative recommendations by Dr. Vallecillos so that realistic expectations may be maintained ensuring the highest likelihood of a success and satisfaction.

A comprehensive overview of each of these conditions and its treatment are presented below. For a more accurate assessment of your particular condition and treatment plan, schedule a consultation with Dr. Vallecillos.