Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Articles

Breast augmentations continue to be the most widely performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States. In the vast majority of those cases, I help women get the shapelier, perkier breasts they always wanted. But for others, their new breasts fall short of their expectations. In those instances, they can appear distorted and even result in physical pain.

A breast augmentation revision is a surgical procedure that addresses issues that stem from an initial breast augmentation. They can be concerns that are immediately apparent or develop later on. Revision surgery is also appropriate for women who were satisfied with their outcome initially, but whose desires for their body changed over time.

Poor positioning of the implant, bottoming out of the implant, incorrect implant size, and poor scarring are the most common reasons women pursue corrective surgery following their breast augmentations. In rare instances, implants can rupture, in which case we would remove any free silicone and scar tissue. At that point, we would normally replace the breast implants with new implants.

A condition called capsular contracture also prompts those affected to seek out a breast augmentation revision. Here, the tissue tightens and contracts around the implant, resulting in unnaturally firm and distorted breasts that can be quite painful. While the cause is unknown, several evidence-based methods have been shown to prevent it from recurring.

What does it entail?

Here at Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, a breast augmentation revision involves removing and/or replacing implants, removing scar tissue, and/or restoring symmetry to the breasts. However, revision surgery tends to be more complicated than the original breast augmentation.

However, done correctly, a breast augmentation revision can safely provide a woman with the outcome she had in mind when she entered into her first surgery.

During the procedure itself, I will create incisions that we discussed during your consultation. Whenever possible, I try to use the incisions from the original surgery to minimize scarring. If necessary, the current implants are then removed and either replaced or the breasts are left without them.  We may also perform a formal breast lift, or a periareolar lift – moving the nipples back to where they are anatomically supposed to be – after we remove the implant. Any scar tissue will also be removed. In all, the surgery can take anywhere from an hour to three hours, depending on its complexity.

Typically, recovery is about six weeks, but most are able to return to work and their routines after a week or two.

How to find a surgeon

Because revision surgery is more complex than a standard breast augmentation, seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience performing the procedure.

It’s also critical that your surgeon be a good listener. The consultation, always an essential part of the process, takes on even more significance here. Each woman has a unique aesthetic goal for her breast augmentation. Should you ever feel like your interests or concerns are being ignored, find another surgeon.

When your breasts are different sizes, it can cut deeply into your self-image. You’re constantly confronted with the reality, and each time, it may feel a bit more isolating. But know that you’re not alone. Breast asymmetry is very common. It’s estimated that it affects more than half of all women to varying degrees.

The condition stems from a variety of causes. And while there appears to be no reason to be concerned, physically, in most cases, the emotional toll shouldn’t be discounted. If you’re feeling particularly self-conscious or even depressed because your breasts are different shapes or sizes, know there’s a way to help. Corrective surgery could restore balance and proportion, not to mention your confidence.

Finding the right fit

Breast asymmetry correction refers to a number of techniques that can be employed to help you achieve your ideal shape and size. At Davis Cosmetic Plastic Surgery we set you up for a consultation and discuss which treatment, or combination of treatments will be used to correct the asymmetry of your breasts, listening to your personal goals.

Generally, both breasts will require correction. Large breasts, for example, may be reduced to a more proportionate size, but the amount of reduction might differ between the breasts if one is naturally larger than the other. An augmentation can be performed in a similar fashion, using different sizes of implants to create balance while enhancing the size.

With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Davis has extensive experience performing cosmetic breast surgeries. While all plastic surgery requires a meticulous attention to detail and an artistic eye, these qualities, which are honed through practice, are essential to creating proportionate, natural-looking breasts.

What to expect

The procedure is an outpatient surgery, meaning you’ll most likely be free to return home the same day as your procedure. Incisions will be placed in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Commonly, that means either the breast crease underneath the breast or encircling the areola – all things discussed ahead of time during your consultation.

If your breasts are enhanced, an implant will be placed in your breasts. If you’re having a reduction or lift, excess skin will be excised and breast tissue will be removed to create perkier, shapelier breasts.

The typical recovery for breast-related surgery is about six weeks, but most women return to their normal routines and work within a week or two with little evidence they underwent surgery. And once you’ve fully healed, your results should be long-lasting.

If you’re tired of always scrutinizing your breasts, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and discover the life you deserve. It’s closer than you think it is.