What is a Breast Revision?

A breast revision is a secondary surgical procedure on the breasts to correct or improve the appearance of the breasts. Breast revision surgery may be needed after a breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. Breast revision surgery may be needed to correct implant problems post-primary augmentation such as implant malposition, implant rupture, or desire for larger implants. Breast Revision surgery may be needed post breast lift or breast reduction surgery to improve breasts which have relaxed over time, to improve asymmetries, or to further improve the contour of the breasts. The expectation after a breast revision is to have improved, contour, shape, and symmetry.

Who is a Candidate?

Whether your primary procedure was a breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction if the primary procedure resulted in an unsatisfactory outcome, you may be a candidate for a breast revision. Revision surgery can correct changes that resulted over time or from an initial unsatisfactory outcome of a breast procedure.

The Procedure

The key to a successful breast revision surgery is understanding the patient’s expectations and tailoring a surgical plan to match. Breast revision surgery will be unique to the individual patient’s concerns. In patients who have implant mispositioning issues, the surgical plan may include placement of an internal support system, removal of capsular contracture, or even surgical tightening of the implant pocket. All patients should be aware that if an implant is ever ruptured, Dr. Sweat will recommend that the implant be replaced. Patients who have concerns with their prior breast lift or reduction may also have a surgical plan which includes surgical support placed to help with sagging of the breast tissue or have a more straightforward plan to only have excess tissue removed to reshape the breast. Every patient is unique, and everyone’s surgical plan will be tailored to their desired outcome. Due to the intricacies and attention to detail needed to revise a primary breast procedure, these cases are more complicated.

The Results

After a revision breast procedure, patients can expect a recovery period like their initial breast procedure. Swelling, redness, and general discomfort can be expected and will be managed with pain medication and activity restrictions. The general recovery period can range from 4-6 weeks. To learn more about breast revision surgery procedures and to determine the best course of treatment for your case, contact our office and schedule your consultation with Dr. Sweat.