Breast Revision in Dothan, AL

Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the U.S., and in the majority of cases yields outstanding outcomes. Unfortunately, sometimes a patient can be dissatisfied with the appearance of her breasts and may need breast revision treatment. Keep in mind not all breast revisions are because of surgeon error. While few breast augmentations do end with an undesirable outcome, there are individuals who want a larger or smaller implant, while some may have a defect and prefer to have the implant corrected or removed altogether. Furthermore, some women need revision treatment for a unique condition. Dothan, AL plastic surgeon Dr. Justin Martin performs breast revision surgery after giving an in-depth evaluation at Martin Plastic Surgery so that the right outcome is delivered. Call our office to learn more.

Should you have any concerns (either medical or cosmetic) after breast augmentation surgery, please call for a consultation with Dr. Martin to discuss your desires and to determine your custom breast revision surgery plan. Whether it's scar tissue, breast drooping, ripples under the skin, or uneven breasts, revision surgery can correct the problem and provide a more pleasing result. This operation may also be appropriate if you want to alter the implant style or size, or address another aspect of your breasts.

Common reasons to have breast revision surgery include implant rupture, asymmerty, rippling, increased droopiness, capsular contracture (firm capsules), desire for implant size change, or desire for implant removal.

While this is rare, breast implant rupture can occur. When a saline implant ruptures, the implant will deflate quickly. Due to this issue, a visible change will be noticeable. Meanwhile, if a silicone implant ruptures, it is commonly detected only with a mammogram, CT, or MRI. Either way, when a rupture occurs, a revision surgery will be necessary.

This is known as scar tissue, occurring when the soft tissue that surrounds the implant becomes thick and hard. While most augmentations do create some internal scarring, most patients will never know. In some cases, the hardening tissue could alter the implant placement, which may change the breast shape and result in an undesirable outcome. In these instances, scar removal surgery would be necessary.

This condition occurs when the implants look uneven. This may be due to an incorrect size implant, or ptosis on one side, or a different condition that would cause asymmetry. A proper diagnosis would need to take place to determine the cause of the asymmetry, then a revision surgery would be performed to resolve the issue, and finally, a new set of breast implants would be placed to achieve a balanced look.

This is a problem that can happen if one or both implants "bottom out" or drop too low. Sometimes this is a placement issue from the original surgery. To correct this, a different placement approach may be considered. For some patients, tissue grafting may be needed, in addition to a surgically created pocket to hold the new implant. For many patients, moving to a silicone breast implant can solve this issue.

Symmastia occurs when breast implants are placed too closely together. Most often, this is because the breast implant chosen was the incorrect width, shape, or size. Breast revision surgery will repair this visible deformity by selecting an implant that works with your frame and looks proportionate.

Implant rippling occurs when you see visible wrinkles and ripples under the skin. This deformity typically forms near the edge of the implant. Rippling is generally found in women who are very thin. Many times, this issue can be corrected by simply switching to a silicone breast implant.

Sometimes breast revision surgery is as straightforward as getting a different sized breast implant. During the first surgery, you may have gone too big or too small. A different implant size can be used to achieve the desired outcome.

Breast revision surgery is performed using general anesthesia. The recovery period varies depending on the revision type. For example, if a different size is being used, a breast lift may work if less CCs are used to help address wrinkled or loose skin. A revision that needs any type of reconstruction or grafting will have a longer recovery, which could last up to 6 – 8 weeks. Most patients will slowly start to see their new outcomes once the bruising and swelling starts to disappear. The most important aspect following breast revision surgery is to attain a result that is both natural looking and healthy.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
Your cost for breast revision surgery will vary based on the complexity of your procedure. In your consultation, Dr. Martin will listen carefully to your needs and goals before completing a physical examination of your current implants. After this, he will discuss your choices before creating your treatment plan. The total cost of breast revision surgery will be based on the length and complexity of the procedure, plus your new implants. It's better to concentrate on getting great results by choosing a skilled professional, like Dr. Martin, instead of the cheapest surgeon. As a way to help make your surgery affordable, Martin Plastic Surgery accepts several forms of payment and provides several financing options.

What if Dr. Martin wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Martin can perform your breast revision surgery even if he was not your original surgeon. Revision surgery is often more extensive compared to augmentation surgery alone, which is why it is important to select a plastic surgeon like Dr. Martin who has advanced training and experience in breast surgery. Dr. Martin also encourages his patients to come back to Martin Plastic Surgery for breast revision surgery after their original breast augmentation surgery if they notice an issue or would like new implants.

What about loose skin?
When you are getting your implants exchanged or removed, you may want to have excess skin removed as well. After hearing your goals and evaluating your current implants, Dr. Martin can discuss adding a breast lift to remove sagging skin. If you lose a lot of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery, a breast revision combined with a lift may give you refreshed results.

Will there be new scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Martin will try to make incisions for breast revision surgery in the same place as your original augmentation incisions. If this isn't possible, he will place the revision incisions where they are least visible. Revision surgery may use a periareolar incision (along the lower border of the areola) or an inframammary incision (beneath the breast fold). Dr. Martin or a member of his team will explain scar care instruction so your new incisions heal flat and blend with your normal skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants are long-lasting, they usually do require replacement eventually. Once you have had breast augmentation surgery, it is important to have your implants examined at least once a year so Dr. Martin can help you determine if your implants need to be exchanged.

Breast revision surgery is a specialized procedure tailored to your specific needs by Dr. Martin. If you are not happy with your breast augmentation results or wish for a different result, we invite you to call our Dothan, AL office to schedule your appointment at Martin Plastic Surgery. There are numerous factors to consider and Dr. Martin will give you a full physical exam, create your revision options, and discuss realistic expectations.