Houston Breast Revision (Breast Implant Revision) Specialists
A Breast Augmentation Revision, which is also referred to as breast implant revision surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure that addresses issues stemming from a patient’s previous breast augmentation. A plastic surgeon can also utilize this procedure to make the corrections a patient desires such as exchanging the existing breast implant for a newer one, repositioning the breast, correcting asymmetry, etc. At Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston, our double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shitel Patel uses his skills, artistic vision, and insight to resolve complications following implant surgery and to provide patients with the true outcome they have desired.
Reasons Women Choose to Have a Breast Augmentation Revision in Houston
There are a variety of reasons why patients decide to have a Breast Augmentation Revision, but it is typically to address something that is an issue for them. Sometimes an issue is linked to their previous augmentation mammoplasty (e.g., implant rupture, migration of an implant, etc.). A patient may also decide to have this procedure to reach a particular goal (e.g., change implant size or shape, switch from one implant material to another, etc.).
As Time Passes, Changes to the Implants and the Tissue is Likely
With time, the size or shape of an implant can change, in addition, the tissue above the implant may begin to deteriorate. When the patient reflects on the initial results of her original augmentation procedure, she may consider her breasts to be less desirable in how they look as well as in the way they feel.
Lifetime Warranties on Breast Implants: What Patients Need to Know
Many implants come with a lifetime warranty, however, after 10 years have passed, the implant device itself is still covered, but, the other costs associated with replacing the implant are no longer covered under the warranty. These charges include the surgery fee itself and the surgeon’s fee.
Issues that require a breast augmentation revision to correct them include:
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Implant palpability
— the implant can be felt.
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Symmastia (Uniboob)
— this complication occurs when the plastic surgeon creates the pockets for the implants too far inward towards the patient’s breastbone. Sometimes surgeons use this placement in an attempt to create cleavage. This complication also occurs when the implants are too large for the area.
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Asymmetry
— the breasts appear uneven in their shape, size or level.
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Atrophy of the breast tissue
— if the tissue above the implant thins and shrinks, it may become visible or palpable.
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Capsular contracture
— this complication occurs when the body creates too much scar tissue around the implant. This excess scar tissue causes the area to become firm or harden. If severe, this tissue places pressure on the implant itself. This complication can be quite painful.
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Implant deflation
— a saline implant deflates when its solution (salt water) leaks out, which usually occurs due to a tear in the shell of the implant. This tear can result in a complete or partial collapse of the implant.
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Implant extrusion
— when there is a breakdown of the skin that is above the implant, it may become visible.
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A malpositioned (displaced) implant
— this complication occurs when an implant moves from its original position, affecting the appearance of the breast. This shifting of the implant can result from trauma, gravity or capsular contracture.
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A ruptured implant
— a hole or a tear in the outer shell of the implant.
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Implant rippling
— when this happens, the implant can be felt or is visible through the patient’s skin.
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A double bubble
— this is an extremely rare complication that occurs when the patient’s implant falls below her natural inframammary crease. Once the implant falls beneath this crease at the base of the breast, a second bulge becomes visible underneath. This complication can also occur when the implant rises, causing the lower portion of the breast to appear deflated. The development of capsular contracture usually causes the double bubble that forms on the higher portion of the breast.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Breast Augmentation Revision in Houston?
The ideal candidate for this surgery is a woman who would like to exchange her current implants for one of the newer implant options available. In addition, a woman interested in changing the size of her implants or a woman who is experiencing a complication resulting from her previous implant surgery may want to consider having this procedure.
For example, many women choose to replace their saline implants with the newer silicone gel implants because the gel looks and feels more natural.
How Long Does a Patient Need to Wait to Have a Revision After the Original Augmentation?
If a patient is unhappy with her original augmentation results, she may be able to have a revision within a few months of the procedure, nonetheless, some patients will need to wait longer. This waiting period is essential because after an augmentation, the breasts need some time to settle.
The patient’s personal recovery rate determines the length of time a patient must wait to have her revision. During an initial consultation, Dr. Patel may be able to determine how long the patient needs to wait to have her revision procedure. This wait time is crucial because it ensures that the patient achieves the best results possible.
Is a Breast Augmentation Revision Painful?
During this surgery patients receive general anesthesia which means they remain asleep during surgery and will not experience any pain. However, while recovering from a revision, patients will experience some pain. Even so, patients usually have less pain after this procedure than they did following their initial implant surgery because the implant’s pocket has already been stretched.
What to Expect During an Initial Consultation for an Implant Revision in Houston
During the initial consultation at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston patients should discuss what issues they would like the plastic surgeon to address.
If a patient is currently receiving medical treatments of any kind, is allergic to latex, has drug allergies or a chronic medical condition (e.g., hypertension, heart disease, etc.), she needs to let the plastic surgeon know. The plastic surgeon also needs to know about any previous surgeries the patient has had.
During this consultation the surgeon will:
- Evaluate the patient’s overall health.
- Assess the patient’s pre-existing risk factors, including health conditions.
- Examine the patient’s current implants.
Once this examination is complete, the plastic surgeon knows if the patient is a good candidate for a revision. The surgeon takes the specific needs of the patient into consideration while determining which procedures will provide her with the results she desires. Next, the surgeon discusses the patient’s options with her. Some other topics include likely outcomes as well as potential complications and risks.
The Surgeon Takes Presurgical Photographs
If the patient decides to move forward with this surgery, the surgeon takes photographs of her breasts to place in her file. Understandably, some patients feel uncomfortable about having pictures taken of their breasts, however, the photos taken remain in the patient’s medical record. Since these photos are confidential, Lift Plastic Surgery will never use the patient’s presurgical or postsurgical pictures for promotional purposes without her written consent. Furthermore, these pictures play a vital role in the creation of the patient’s customized surgical treatment plan.
A Custom-Designed Augmentation Revision in Houston
This surgical procedure usually consists of replacing saline or silicone implants to change their type, size and shape as well as to correct any complications related to a patient’s previous augmentation.
However, since each patient is unique, the surgeons at Lift Plastic Surgery create each patient individualized surgical treatment plans. By taking the time to create these plans, Dr. Patel knows that they are providing their patients with the best care possible.
Patients who are having implant revision surgery choose their implants’:
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Shape
— anatomical or round.
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Material
— silicone or saline.
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Outer shell
— smooth or textured.
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Size.
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Projection.
Once the patient makes her decisions, Lift Plastic Surgery schedules her procedure.
Preparing for Implant Revision Surgery in Houston
This is an outpatient procedure, therefore, patients return home shortly after surgery. Since patients are unable to drive for 24 hours after receiving general anesthesia, they are required to bring a driver with them on the day of their implant revision in Houston.
Dr. Patel want each patient to return home safely after their procedures. For this reason, after procedures requiring anesthesia, patients may not use public transportation or any of the other transportation services (e.g., Uber, etc.).
Each patient is unique, which is why some patients will require presurgical medical testing and others will not.
Common tests ordered before implant revision surgery include:
- Blood work.
- A medical evaluation from the patient’s general practitioner.
- An MRI, mammogram or an ultrasound to attain imaging of the implant.
- Adjust or discontinue taking certain medications.
- Start taking a new type of medication.
All tests need to be completed at least a week before the patient’s procedure. This ensures that there is enough time for Lift Plastic Surgery to receive the results.
Medications, Vitamins and Herbal Supplements
Patients who regularly take medications, vitamins or herbal supplements should ask their plastic surgeon if they need to discontinue any of these products for a certain length of time before and after their implant revision surgery.
Prescription medications
— patients need to keep in mind that they must continue taking all their prescription medications until they receive the okay to temporarily stop the medications that could be problematic during surgery (e.g., Warfarin, Celebrex, Plavix, etc.).
Over-the-counter medications
— there are some over-the-counter medications that can also lead to excessive bleeding. These medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Motrin and Aleve. In addition, patients must avoid taking aspirin and products that contain aspirin. Some aspirin-containing products include Bufferin, Excedrin and Pepto-Bismol. If a patient does need to take a medication to address her pain before surgery, she can safely take Tylenol (i.e., non-aspirin).
Vitamin E and herbal supplements
— Patients must also stop taking vitamin E and herbal supplements like Kava-Kava, and Ginkgo Biloba because these products can all lead to unnecessary bleeding.
Nicotine and Alcohol Use
These products can cause excessive bleeding or inflammation during surgery as well as afterwards, which is why they need to be avoided.
Products to avoid before and after surgery include:
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Products containing nicotine
— patients who use products that contain nicotine (e.g., e-cigarettes, traditional cigarettes, nicotine gum, etc.) must discontinue using these products for at least four weeks before and four weeks after their plastic surgery procedure.
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Alcohol
— since alcohol increases swelling, to reduce the likelihood of the patient experiencing more inflammation than necessary, she needs to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for at least a week before and a week after her surgery.
The Night Before Surgery
The night before their procedure, patients need to stop eating and drinking at midnight. This includes water, however, patients who need to take medication that has previously been approved by their plastic surgeon for use before surgery should be able to use a little water to take their medication. It is important for patients to discuss the need to take this medication with their plastic surgeon ahead of time.
A Houston Implant Revision at Lift Plastic Surgery: The Procedure
Patients should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled surgery. They must have their driver with them. If a patient arrives without her driver, she will need to cancel and then reschedule her surgery for a time when she has someone who can take her to and bring her home from her plastic surgery procedure.
This procedure can take anywhere from one to three hours. Please keep in mind that patients who choose to combine procedures will spend more time in the procedure room than those who do not.
Pre-Op
While the patient is in the preoperative area, her surgeon may come in to see how she is doing and answer any last-minute questions that she has.
The first step is administering medications (i.e., general anesthesia) to put the patient to sleep.
Once the patient is comfortably asleep, her augmentation revision begins.
Ideally, the surgeon would like to use the same incision locations that were used in the patient’s previous augmentation; however, ultimately, incision location is dependent upon which issues the surgeon is addressing.
The incision options for this procedure include the:
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Periareolar incision
— the surgeon creates an incision that extends partially around or all the way around the nipple-areolar complex.
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Inframammary incision
— the surgeon creates an incision within the crease at the base of the breast.
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Breast lift incision
— the surgeon makes an incision in the center of the breast. This incision runs vertically down the breast from the base of the nipple-areolar complex to the inframammary crease.
To Change Implant Placement or Increase Breast Size
The surgeon manipulates the space inside the patient’s breast tissue so that the new implant fits nicely within the pocket. For example, if the patient is having larger implants placed, the surgeon may need to enlarge the implant’s pocket. In addition, if necessary, the surgeon can use an acellular dermal matrix (e.g., AlloDerm or Strattice, etc.)to provide the implant’s pocket with extra support.
Addressing Capsular Contracture
Patients who develop excess scar tissue around their implants may eventually experience capsular contracture. Dr. Shitel Patel address this issue by releasing or removing the overly tight capsule that surrounds the implant. This procedure is referred to as a capsulotomy or a capsulectomy. After releasing the capsule, the current implant can be removed and a new implant can be placed.
Closing the Augmentation Revision Incisions
Closing the incisions can be accomplished using sutures, clips, skin adhesives or surgical tape.
Upon waking, there will be a bandage covering the patient’s incisions, and she may or may not be wearing a support bra.
Recovering from a Houston Implant Revision
A thin tube may temporarily be placed beneath the skin near the incisions. This tube offers a place for excess fluid and blood to drain, which keeps it from collecting within the breasts. These drains reduce the amount of inflammation the patient experiences.
The Recovery Area
Once the patient is fully awake, she receives information about caring for her surgical sites, medications, particular signs that indicate she needs to seek medical assistance and when her follow-up appointment will be. Her follow-up appointment takes place at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston. After addressing everything and answering the patient’s questions, she is released to her driver.
What Patients Should Expect as They Recover from a Breast Augmentation Revision in Houston
Although the full recovery period for each patient varies, feeling tired and sore for the first 72 hours following this surgical procedure is common. At this time, patients will also have inflammation and bruising. Nonetheless, the recovery after this surgery tends to be easier than the recovery following an initial augmentation.
Restrictions
Patients need to refrain from raising their arms above their heads. In addition, the patient should avoid lifting items that weight more than 10 pounds. The surgeon recommends that patients stay active, walking and light activity helps increase blood flow and decrease inflammation. Moreover, patients must avoid subjecting their incisions to excessive force, motion or abrasion as they heal.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Patients experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath or heart palpitations should seek medical attention right away. These complications can be serious and could result in the need for additional treatment and possibly hospitalization.
The Key to a Successful Surgery
Abiding by the instructions received from the plastic surgeon is the key to a successful augmentation revision result.
Results
Initially, inflammation obscures the true results, however, the first results of an augmentation revision can usually be seen once the patient reaches the three-month mark. As the swelling dissipates, patients will continue to notice the changes made during their procedure. Final results become evident after about 12 months.
What to Expect After Healing is Complete
After an implant revision at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston, patients will have well-placed implants that, once healing is complete, offer them the beautiful, natural-looking results they desire. When the swelling resolves, the breasts will feel softer and more natural, which makes patients happy, frequently improving their overall self-confidence level.
Addressing the Scars
The resulting scars will fade with time and once the patient’s incisions have completely healed the plastic surgeons at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston can help provide tips for reducing the visibility of scars.
Risks Associated with an Augmentation Revision
As with the initial augmentation mammoplasty, there are risks and complications to consider before having this plastic surgery procedure in Houston. Dr. Patel discusses these risks and complications with the patient before her procedure.
Potential risks and complications include:
- A reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure.
- Breasts that appear asymmetrical.
- Bleeding.
- Infection.
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- Cardiac complications.
- Pulmonary complications.
- Fat necrosis.
- Persistent pain.
- Poor incision healing.
- Changes in skin sensation (e.g., numbness).
- Seroma (i.e., fluid accumulation)
- Unfavorable scarring.
- Skin loss.
- BIA-ALCL.
- Hematoma (i.e., localized bleeding outside the blood vessels).
- Loose skin.
- A suboptimal result.
One of the best ways to avoid complications is by choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform this procedure.
How Much Will an Augmentation Revision Cost?
To determine how much this procedure would cost, Dr. Patel needs to evaluate the individual interested in having this surgery. The evaluation can be accomplished during an initial consultation.
To learn more about the implant revision surgery that is available at Lift Plastic Surgery in Houston contact the office today.
Contact Houston / Webster, Texas Plastic Surgeon Shitel D. Patel, MD at Lift Plastic Surgery.
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