Revision Breast Augmentation in Houston
Breast augmentation is a permanent enlargement of the breast with saline-filled or silicone implants. There are many sizes of implants. Implants can be smooth or textured, round or anatomically shaped. The implant can also be placed under or above the chest muscle.
When a patient gets breast augmentation surgery with implants, they may be unsatisfied with the results. This can be the results of multiple different factors. Some women may find that the size of their breasts after their breast augmentation no longer aligns with their preferred aesthetic image, and they would like to change from their current size to a smaller or larger one. Other women may experience complications as a result of their breast augmentation procedure, and these complications can ruin the aesthetic quality of their results.
If you have received a breast augmentation you are unsatisfied with, you may be interested in revision breast augmentation at our office. This procedure can correct issues from the primary augmentation.
During a consultation at ACPS Clear Lake, patients have the opportunity to discuss all of the options regarding the size and type of implant to use if replacing an implant, depending on their concerns, size of their breasts and shape.
Reasons for Pursuing Breast Revision Surgery
There are several different reasons why someone would choose to undergo breast revision surgery. Here are a few of the most common issues that can be addressed through revision surgery.
Capsular Contracture – This is one of the most common complications that women may experience after their breast augmentation procedure. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms in a capsule around the implant is thicker than it should be. In these cases, it begins to contract and place pressure on the breast implant. This can deform the shape of the breast, cause pain and discomfort, and even cause the implant to rupture.
Implant Rippling – This issue most commonly occurs in patient who have chosen saline-filled implants. Rippling is characterized by the appearance of a wavy pattern in the skin around the outside of the breast or close to the cleavage. The issue is typically the result of having implants that are underfilled or overfilled.
Implant Malposition – if the breast implant is placed improperly, it can lead to undesirable results. Some women may experience breast asymmetry and others may simply have breasts with an unattractive shape. The implant can be repositioned or removed so that a new implant can be properly placed in the breast.
Implant Rupture – Implant ruptures can occur as a result of capsular contracture, natural wear and tear, or due to a flaw in the material of the implant. When a saline implant ruptures, there will be a noticeable decrease in breast volume. Ruptures can sometimes be difficult to detect in silicone gel implants, but they can still alter the appearance of the breasts. Even if the rupture does not alter the appearance of the breasts, you should still have the implant replaced.
Increase in Size – Some women may realize that a bigger size of implant could better complement their figure. In these cases, the implant can be removed and replaced with a larger one.
Decrease in Size – During revision surgery, the implants can be removed and replaced with smaller implants if desired. When it comes to decreasing the size of the breast implant, a breast lift will often need to be performed at the same time. This is done to remove any excess tissue so that the smaller breasts have a smooth and perky appearance.
Changing the Type of Implant – Saline and silicone implants offer different benefits. Silicone implants have a more natural-looking appearance, but they tend to be more expensive. Saline implants are more affordable and provide excellent results. Sometimes, patients may choose to move from saline implants to silicone implants.
Implant Exchange Surgery is an outpatient procedure. A general anesthesia is used for this surgery. The actual surgical time will vary with the amount of surgery necessary for each patient. An Implant Exchange usually requires about an hour.
View Breast Implant Exchange Gallery
What To Expect After Surgery
After surgery patients have a special dressing that will stay on until their post-operative visit the following day. Patients may have pain or nausea for 24 hours after surgery. This pain subsides to a pressure-like discomfort by 48-72 hours. Patients are given prescription pain medication before their surgery.
After this initial post-operative visit, patients wear a soft cotton jogging or runner bra for 24 hours a day for 3-4 weeks. Patients may take a shower after 48 hours. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, and light exercise (walking) maybe resumed after two weeks.
Patients must remember that before they see the improvement they are expecting, they will go through a standard post-operative period in which they will look quite battered and bruised. The implants will appear “high-riding.” The implants appear this way from the swelling and muscle spasms. They will gradually settle, sometimes taking 1-4 weeks. In some patients, there is a slight emotional depression while they anxiously await final results. This is quite normal and should not be alarming. Fortunately, this period usually passes rather quickly.
Stitch removal begins 10-14 days after surgery. Removing stitches is quick and uncomplicated.
Dr. Hustak and Dr. Wentworth routinely see all breast surgery patients annually, at which time post-operative photos are taken.
If you should have any other questions about surgery, please call the office at 713-799-9999.
Revision Breast Augmentation FAQs
A: Revision breast augmentation refers to a procedure where the aim is to improve the results of a previous breast-augmentation surgery. The procedure varies depending on the goals of the patient. It requires the skills of an experienced surgeon and more time for the medical professional to correct the issues.
A: Yes, you have the option of increasing the size of the breasts with revision breast augmentation. If you have saline implants, we may be able to add more saline to the existing implants in order to increase the size.
This is not the case with silicone breast implants. Because these implants are always pre-filled, silicone implants will need to be removed and then larger implants will need to be inserted.
A: Revision breast augmentation can correct health issues and aesthetic problems resulting from a previous breast augmentation. For example, often as a result of a poorly performed procedure, breast deformities may be present, which can negatively affect one’s body image. These can include capsular contracture and breast rippling.
If you are unhappy with the results of your previous breast augmentation for any other reason, this can also be addressed with a revision procedure. You can get larger or smaller implants, change the position of your implants, or change the type of implants you have.
A: If you are unhappy with the way a breast augmentation turned out, you are the right candidate for revision breast augmentation. If there is asymmetry, sagginess, or pain resulting the earlier surgery, you will benefit from revision breast augmentation. Make sure you are in excellent health before you undergo this procedure.
