Breast Revision in Birmingham, AL
Breast implants, while long-lasting, are not designed to last an entire lifetime.
If you have undergone breast augmentation, chances are you’ll need or want a breast revision procedure at some point.
There are multiple reasons a woman may need or want to undergo breast revision surgery. Dr. Grotting’s experience with cosmetic breast surgeries will help you achieve your goals to improve, maintain, or adjust the results of prior breast augmentation.
Before & After Photos
What Is Breast Revision?
Breast revision surgery or breast implant revision is a secondary cosmetic procedure that is performed on a patient after a primary breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery is highly individualized to the patient, her goals for the process, and the quality or state of her current breast implants.
With a breast revision, your surgeon can change the size, shape, and placement of your breast implants, updating them based on your preferences.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Revision?
Changes to the body or implant (such as rupture), an undesirable result from a primary breast augmentation, and the patients’ desire to update her breast implants to better match her aesthetic or lifestyle are all common reasons to undergo breast revision.
Results will vary from patient to patient, but some of the benefits of a breast revision include:
- A remedy to an issue with the implant (rupture, leak, or capsular contracture)
- A change in size, shape, and implant material to suit your preferences
- The removal of implants (explantation)
- Replacing older implants for safety and continued longevity
- Revision of a prior, suboptimal breast augmentation result
- The degree of aging, enlargement, or drooping of the overlying breast tissue
What Are My Breast Revision Options?
Breast implant revision is entirely customizable based on your specific needs and goals. If you think you are ready for breast implant revision, you have plenty of options to get the look and feel that you want.
Breast Implant Size
If you are unhappy with the size of your original breast implants, you have the opportunity to change them during your breast revision. Some women look for larger, rounded implants for their first procedure, only to discover they want a more natural look later on in life. Alternatively, you may be ready for a size upgrade and want more “wow factor.”
Implant Exchange or Upgrade
Many breast revision patients realize that implant technology has evolved since their initial procedure; today, we have more options than ever when it comes to breast implant material, shape, and projection.
If you think you’d like to change your implant type, be sure to discuss all of your options with Dr. Grotting during your consultation. He will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of each type to help you decide what is best for you, your lifestyle, and your body type.
Capsular Contracture
Any time a foreign object–even a medical device–is placed in the body, it naturally responds by forming scar tissue around it. This happens each time a patient has breast augmentation surgery and is an integral part of the recovery process. But, in some cases, this scar tissue can become too thick and begin to constrict the implants, causing them to become distorted, hard, and even painful.
This hard, painful scar tissue is called capsular contracture, and it is a frustrating problem that many breast augmentation patients face–and a primary reason for breast revision surgery. Dr. Grotting can perform a capsulectomy to remove scar tissue and restore comfort to the patient. Many women undergo a capsulectomy and replace their implants in one breast revision surgery.
Breast Implant Rupture
Unfortunately, breast implants can rupture. Some patients can see when their implants have ruptured, as the breasts may appear misshapen or deflated. If your implant has ruptured, Dr. Grotting can remove the damaged implant, ensure the rupture has caused no internal issues, and then replace your implants.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Revision?
If you have any of the above issues, or you simply want to update, revise, or remove your implants, breast revision may be for you. Candidates should also be generally in good health, are nonsmokers, and have reasonable expectations for results.
One of the most critical steps in the process is your consultation with Dr. Grotting. If you are considering a breast revision for aesthetic issues or you want to update your older implants, take some time to decide what look you are going for.
Do you want smaller, more natural-looking, or manageable breasts? Have you experienced some natural skin laxity and would like a higher-profile implant? Dr. Grotting can help you choose the perfect implant to help you reach your goals.
If you have experienced issues with your primary breast augmentation results or you had an undesirable result from a prior surgery, it’s important to tell Dr. Grotting about your experience so he can help you through the process.
How Is Breast Revision Performed?
Breast revision surgery is a highly individual procedure that will look different for each patient, depending on your needs and goals for the procedure, the specific technique that Dr. Grotting uses, and whether or not you have combined your breast implant revision with any other procedures, such as a breast lift.
During your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Grotting can give you a more specific idea of your surgical plan.
Additional Before & After Photos
What Can I Expect During Breast Revision Recovery?
Although each patient will have a slightly different recovery process, in general, breast revision recovery is more straightforward than an initial breast augmentation. Dr. Grotting will provide specific instructions based on the nature of your surgical plan.
As with any plastic surgery recovery, it is crucial to get plenty of rest following your breast revision. You may be provided with a surgical bra to aid in the healing process, which you must wear as per Dr. Grotting’s instructions. Your surgical dressings and stitches will be removed within a week when you should be able to return to work and most daily activities. You may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise and physical activity for up to 6-8 weeks.
Follow Dr. Grotting’s aftercare instructions closely, and always call our office with any questions or concerns throughout the process.
What Will My Breast Revision Results Be Like?
Following your breast revision, your breasts will be tailored to your specific goals. Whether you have changed the size, shape, or projection or removed your implants altogether, a breast revision will get you the aesthetic and comfort that you desire.
Breast Revision Frequently Asked Questions
How much does breast revision cost?
The cost of your breast revision surgery will vary depending on the type of implants you choose for replacement, the specific surgical techniques Dr. Grotting uses, the type of anesthesia, and facility fees.
Once Dr. Grotting has designed a surgical plan for you, he will happily provide you with an accurate cost estimate after your consultation.
Will I have scars after breast revision?
If possible, Dr. Grotting will place your incisions along the scars from your initial breast augmentation. If your surgical plan allows, this will reduce the risk of additional visible scarring. If you need a lift procedure, you may have additional scars required to shape your breast.
In any case, Dr. Grotting has a precise surgical hand and will only place incisions where absolutely necessary. Most breast revision or breast augmentation scars are easily concealed by clothing and will fade over time.
Can I combine my breast revision with any other surgeries?
Yes. If you have skin laxity and breast ptosis (sagging), a breast lift is an ideal procedure to combine with your breast revision.
Patients who have a breast augmentation often experience skin laxity as time goes on, as the skin must accommodate the size and weight of the implants. Even if you are replacing your implants with new ones, a breast lift can give you a youthful breast profile that contributes to the longevity of your results.
Patients who are removing breast implants with explantation can also greatly benefit from a breast lift. By removing excess skin and creating a more pleasing contour, a breast lift can give your breasts a natural-looking shape even without implants.