While breast augmentation often creates beautiful results that last for years, there are still instances that require implants to be replaced. Sometimes this happens with time. In other cases, a breast revision in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach can be required to correct a complication.
Procedure at a Glance
Procedure Time
2-4 hoursTreatments
1
Results
Improved symmetry, full results in 6 months
Recovery Time
1-2 weeksWhy Should I Have My Implants Removed?
If you've found yourself interested in exchanging your implants, correcting a problem that has arisen, or would like to remove them completely, we are here to help. Our surgeon's high level of certification and experience allow them to approach even the most complex of breast revision procedures, and he's earned a reputation when it comes to creating incredible results for patients in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and the nearby areas. Reach out and set up your complimentary consultation, to learn more about what we can do for you today.
What Is Breast Revision Surgery?
As the name suggests, our breast revision in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach is a procedure by which a previous breast augmentation surgery can be corrected, reversed, or revised. This can be necessary due to various factors, ranging from subpar procedural performance to biological happenstance that simply can’t be predicted or avoided.
In some patients, the body doesn’t react well to the placement of an implant, and a complication known as capsular contracture can present itself. In other cases, a patient may simply decide that they’re unhappy with the results of the augmentation they had performed in the past.
You may have decided that you’re no longer happy with the size and shape of your bust, and would prefer to see it larger or smaller. Conversely, you may be dealing with complications like migration or rippling. Whatever the case may be, the surgical team here at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery has extensive experience with breast revision surgery, and will create results that restore your appearance, and your quality of life right along with it.
What Are Your Personal Aesthetic Goals?
There are many reasons why you may need a revision procedure. Some of the most common include:
- Dissatisfaction with your current breast appearance: This can be due to a poor cosmetic outcome from your initial breast augmentation or to changes in your breast appearance over time that are related to factors such as pregnancy, aging, or fluctuations in weight.
- Interference with physical activity: Some women find that their breast implants make it harder to participate in their favorite athletic activities. Changing to a more moderately sized implant can often facilitate an active lifestyle.
- Changes in style over time: Body image trends are continually evolving. A breast appearance that was considered attractive a decade ago may no longer be in style. A revision procedure can help ensure your breast appearance reflects current beauty trends.
- Desire to upgrade from saline to silicone breast implants: Breast implant technology is continually evolving, and today’s silicone implants are more natural-looking than ever before. Many women who initially chose saline implants may want to replace them with silicone implants to achieve a more natural look and feel.
- Complications from a prior breast augmentation: Breast implant revision can be performed to address complications such as capsular contracture, rippling, implant rupture, or necrosis of the tissue around the breast implant.
- Development of breast implant illness: While rare, some women need to have their implants removed due to an adverse reaction associated with a breast implant in the body.
What is the procedure like?
Your breast revision procedure will vary depending on your unique needs and your desired aesthetic goals for your breasts. Breast revision surgery is done under general anesthesia.
Breast implant removal with replacement implants
- For capsular contracture
Capsular contracture, the tightening of the tissue that forms around implants in the body, happens when the capsule becomes infected. The implant feels hard and can be painful.
During this surgery, incisions are made in the same place as in your original implant surgery. The implant and the capsule together are removed. New breast implants of your choosing are placed into the breast pocket, and the incisions are closed.
- For breast implants being replaced due to another concern
For this procedure, incisions are made in the same place as in your original implant surgery. The implants are removed, and your new implants are placed. The incisions are closed.
Breast implant removal with breast lift and replacement implants
It is common for breast skin to stretch or sag. In this case, a breast lift may be done as a part of your implant replacement. The breasts will be lifted higher on the chest wall, and excess breast skin will be removed to achieve a more youthful look. As needed, the nipples will be repositioned for a perky look.
Breast implant removal without new implants
For those who no longer wish to have implants, the procedure includes implant removal only. A simultaneous breast lift may also be provided if desired. Patients who would like to retain more breast volume may also opt for a fat transfer to achieve a more full, rounded breast appearance.
Am I a Candidate For Breast Revision?
If you are unhappy with your breast augmentation results or are experiencing breast implant complications, you are a candidate for breast revision surgery You must be a nonsmoker, generally in good health & have realistic expectations for this procedure
If you’re experiencing the following concerns, you are a likely candidate for breast revision in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant migration
- Rippling, leakage, or deflation
- Change in aesthetic taste and preference
- Infection or buildup of dead tissue
- Asymmetrical appearance of implants
- Hardened breast tissue
- Hardening or tightening of breast scar tissue
- Discomfort or pain
Featured on the Plastic Surgery Channel: “The 'Internal Bra' is Upping the Success of Breast Revision”
How do I Prepare for Breast Revision Surgery?
Before your breast revision in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery, discuss any medications or supplements you are taking with Dr. Pozner, as some medications may need to be paused before your procedure. Certain medications and supplements have a blood-thinning effect and may interfere with your surgery or healing process. Stop smoking at least two weeks before your breast revision surgery.
Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home after your surgery and help you during your initial healing period. It’s also a good idea to stock the fridge with healthy foods you don’t have to spend time preparing during your recovery, as you’ll want to be resting as much as possible.
What If a Breast Implant Ruptures?
Modern implant shells are very durable, and ruptures are rare. However, they do occur on occasion, and you will need to undergo a revision procedure to resolve the problem.
When saline implants rupture, the sterile saline solution is safely absorbed by your body. This results in a breast that appears deflated, which is immediately noticeable. It is necessary to replace the implant to restore a natural-looking, symmetrical breast appearance.
Silicone breast implants are filled with a form-stable, cohesive material that holds its shape in the event of a rupture, making it harder to detect the issue. An MRI or ultrasound may be used to ensure the implants remain intact. While the silicone gel in these implants should not pose any danger, you must replace the implant by undergoing breast revision surgery. In these cases, replacing both implants may be the best approach, depending on how long you have had the implants.
How Much does a Breast Revision Cost?
The cost of breast revision varies for each patient, depending on how complex the procedure is, whether new implants are placed or a fat transfer is performed, and whether you’re having a complementary procedure at the same time as your breast revision, such as a lift, tummy tuck or other surgical procedure. Generally, breast revision costs between $8000 to $15,000.
Removing Breast Implants in Boca Raton
Whether you have suffered some back pain due to larger breast size, are concerned about breast implant illness, or have changed your aesthetic vision and now prefer your original breast size, our surgeons can perform a breast implant removal procedure.
Your breast revision in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach will be performed under general anesthesia and will take one to three hours, depending on your case. Often, we recommend a breast lift in association with the implant removal procedure to restore a perkier, more youthful appearance. Fat grafting can also be performed to add subtle volume to the upper portion of the breast.
Recovery After Breast Implant Revision
When replacing an implant, the revision recovery process is similar to what you experienced in your initial breast augmentation procedure. When your implants are being removed, the recovery is often much more comfortable than what you experienced during the initial breast augmentation. It is crucial to understand that the recovery process will vary based on the extent of your revision and your unique healing ability.
Specific instructions will be given depending upon the type of breast revision performed
Many of our breast revision patients are from out of town. Virtual consults are available. Please start the process by sending photos (no face) to Lisa at [email protected] along with a brief description of the problem and surgical breast history.
Schedule a Private Consultation at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton
Our highly experienced surgical staff is here for you, and we're excited to learn more about what we can do for you. If you think you might be a good candidate for breast revision in Boca Raton, reach out and set up your complimentary consultation. We'll learn your unique cosmetic goals and create a customized surgical plan tailored to your needs.