There are a number of reasons women in the Las Vegas area seek breast revision surgery, including but not limited to the following:
- Dissatisfaction with results from an initial breast augmentation or reduction: Concerns include not enough cleavage, unnatural appearance, size difference, and sagging.
- An implant rupture or leak: Saline implants usually deflate rapidly when a hole develops, while a leak in a silicone implant is likely to be gradual and may require imaging tests to be identified.
- Exchanging implants: As breast implant technology has improved so rapidly over the past decade, you may wish to change to a newer, more realistic looking/feeling implant.
- A complication may occur: This includes capsular contracture (the normal scar tissue around the implant thickens and hardens), bottoming out (implant drops too low), or symmastia (implants placed too close together).
Here are 5 things you need to know about breast revision surgery.
Revision breast surgery is typically more complex than the original procedure for many reasons including scarring, compromised tissues, and leaked silicone from older implants. Whenever possible, I try to use the same incision placement as the original procedure to minimize scarring.
If you’re unhappy with a surgery you recently underwent, I typically advise patients to wait at least 6 months to pursue corrective surgery. This is so the original surgery is able to fully heal and the implants can settle. However, if you feel anxious about waiting 6 months, we can have a consultation sooner and discuss your concerns and future plans.
ADMs (essentially a soft tissue graft; brands include SERI®, Alloderm®, and Strattice®) are used to reinforce thin, weakened tissues and provide internal support to the breasts. ADMs can breast augmentation when the implants are too low, have “bottomed out,” or are too close together. ADMs can also be used to treat capsular contracture when other means have failed.
If you’re pursuing a new surgeon, do your research on his/her background and credentials. Here are 11 important questions to ask when making your decision. You can read more about my credentials here.
Although implants generally last for 10 years, today’s implants often last 15+ years before needing to be changed. If you’re not experiencing any issues and you’re happy with your implants, you may not need to have them replaced.
For before & after photos of some of my revision breast surgery patients, visit my online photo gallery. To discuss your specific case with me, contact us using our online form to request a consultation or call (702) 734-4100 to schedule an appointment.