Dr. Hootan Daneshmand

Breast Revision Surgery

Breast Revision Surgery

breast revision surgery

Breast revision surgery refers to the removal or replacement of saline or silicone gel implants following breast augmentation surgery complications. The goal is to correct or improve poor results from prior cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Unfortunately, not every plastic surgery procedure leads to perfect results. Some of these unfortunate results are avoidable while others are merely due to how the body healed from surgery. 

Women may choose breast implant revision surgery while others may opt for breast augmentation revision surgery. In cases involving capsular contracture, saline implants may be replaced with silicone gel alternatives. No matter the scenario, Orange County breast revision surgery can correct the physical and aesthetic problems that may have been caused by a previous negative breast augmentation experience. 

We hope that the following commonly asked questions can help you gain a more complete understanding of Orange County breast revision surgery. We welcome you to visit with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Daneshmand to discuss your individual desires and questions regarding breast revision surgery. Call 949-359-8397 today for an initial consultation.

What is Breast Revision Surgery?

A breast revision procedure is basically corrective surgery for botched breasts or damaged silicone implants. But sometimes women undergo breast revision surgery not because their breasts are botched from a previous breast augmentation, but because they simply don’t like the look or feel of the breast shape. 

Common Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery

There are countless reasons why women undergo breast revisionary surgery. The most common reasons are listed below. 

  • Capsular contracture from a previous breast augmentation
  • Switching to a different breast implant due to implant rippling, breast appearance, breast feel, etc.
  • Fixing a double bubble, which occurs when a breast implant drops below the breast crease 
  • Desiring a complete breast implant removal
  • Desiring larger implants after a previous breast augmentation
  • Breast sagging and skin stretching after weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, breast feeding, aging, etc.
  • Breast implant deflation, which is basically the loss of saline implant volume

Is Breast Revision Surgery Safe?

Yes, breast implant revision surgery is a commonly performed and safe outpatient procedure. Of course, every single surgical procedure comes with its own set of risks. But as long as you’re physically healthy and honest with your doctor about your health concerns, you should have no issues undergoing breast augmentation revision surgery.

Why Should I Choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon For My Breast Revision?

One way to reduce the risks associated with breast implant revision surgery is to seek out an Orange County board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Daneshmand. Plastic surgeons with this title have received a certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. These qualifications ensure that you and your well-being are in good hands. Each ASPS Member Surgeon:

  • Has at least five years of surgical training and a minimum of two years of plastic surgery training.
  • Has a board certification from The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
  • Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face, and reconstruction.
  • Is peer-reviewed for safety and ethical standards prior to attaining the honor of active membership.
  • Only operates in accredited facilities.

Should Breast Implants Be Placed Above or Below the Muscle?

There are several advantages to placing the implants below the pectoral muscle (submuscular). The extra coverage of the implant in the upper portion of the breasts can create a more youthful breast contour and appearance. The implant is also less likely to be as palpable when it is placed under the muscle. The nerves that supply nipple sensation are less likely to be affected by this approach. There is evidence that scar tissue formation around the implant (capsular contracture) is reduced. Another important benefit is that there is less interference with mammography because the implant is partially separated from the breast tissue by the muscle. For these reasons, we generally feel that it’s better if breast implants are placed below the pectoralis major muscle. However, breast surgery is highly individualized and there are some situations where placing the implant above the chest muscle (subglandular) may be more appropriate.

Dr. Daneshmand will examine you and let you know if it’s better to place the implants above or below the muscle.

breast revision surgery

Breast Revision Surgery Incision

There are four main choices for breast implant surgery incision location: periareolar, inframammary fold, transaxillary, and transumbilical. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each incision location.

  1. The periareolar incision heals with an extremely inconspicuous scar because of the natural color border present between the areola and surrounding breast tissue. The periareolar incision can be used in almost all patients. In fact, most patients choose this location. Another advantage is that if a minor breast lift is necessary, it may be done through this incision.
  2. The inframammary fold location is also possible. The main disadvantage associated with this location is the potential for a visible scar if a bathing suit “rides up” when lying down.
  3. Although the transaxillary approach is not as widely used and has certain limitations, this works well for some patients. Again, the main disadvantage is scarring in a potentially visible area. The location of the incision does not influence the potential for nipple numbness postoperatively.
  4. An incision in the umbilicus (belly button) can also be performed. Patients may see the least amount of scarring with this type of incision. 

What Type of Breast Implants Are Best?

The best shape or style of implant is dependent upon your breasts and your cosmetic concerns. Most women will get the best aesthetic result from round, moderate profile implants. High-profile implants may be beneficial for women with thin chests who require a smaller breast width for a given projection. Anatomic or “teardrop” implants are occasionally useful. Studies have shown that round implants are equally anatomic and natural appearing once implanted. The type of implant certainly must be individualized to the patient. But round, moderate profile implants generally achieve the best shape. 

At Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we offer silicone breast implants, saline-filled breast implants, and gummy bear implants in a variety of shapes and sizes. During your initial consultation with Dr. Daneshmand, he will help you determine the best implant type, shape, and size for your body and aesthetic goals.

How Do Plastic Surgeons Know What Size Breast Implants to Use?

It is extremely important that you and your plastic surgeon are in agreement regarding your desired breast size and shape. Using named cup sizes is helpful, but not completely accurate because bra sizes vary among manufacturers. 

To determine the best size of breast implant for you, Dr. Daneshmand will take measurements of your chest wall and breast. Then, he may ask you to try on different implants under a bra or view other patient photographs. Another method of size estimation is to place dried rice in a Ziploc bag and measure the ounces (1 ounce = 30cc) to achieve the desired fullness. Finally, pictures of breasts that match your aesthetic goals can help your surgeon give you the look you want.

Do Breast Implants Deflate?

Yes, they can deflate (rupture), but this is generally not harmful to your health. The saltwater is merely reabsorbed by the body and the affected breast will flatten. Rupture of saline-filled implants occurs at about 1% per year, per implant. A breast implant revision procedure is the simplest solution for deflation problems. During this procedure, plastic surgeons just replace the deflated implants with new implants in the pre-existing implant pockets. You can also request a larger implant or a different type of implant during a breast implant revision surgery.

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when the body forms thick scar tissue around a breast implant following a breast augmentation surgery. This is not a dangerous condition, but it can cause the breast to become tight, hard, and unattractive. Evidence supports that breast massage after surgery can help to decrease the risk of capsular contracture. Additionally, placing the breast implants under the pectoralis major muscles can reduce the risk of capsular contracture. 

Will Breast Implants Increase My Risk of Breast Cancer?

The breast implants themselves do not cause breast cancer, but they may lead to breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC), which is different than regular breast cancer. There is a slight decrease in mammographic breast tissue visualization after implants and additional modalities such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to aid in screening. As of now, evidence suggests that women who have undergone previous surgeries on their breasts do not develop breast cancer at a higher rate than women with natural breasts. 

Does Breast Revision Surgery Affect Nipple Sensation?

Any type of breast revision procedure can cause changes in nipple sensation. Generally, this change in sensation is temporary and affects only 5-10% of women. Board-certified plastic surgeons, such as Dr. Danesmand, take great care during surgery to avoid harming nerves that create nipple sensation.

What Kind of Anesthesia is Used During Breast Revision Surgery?

General anesthesia is the preferred method of achieving adequate sedation and pain control. In other words, you will be asleep for the duration of the breast augmentation revision procedure. Board-certified anesthesiologists deliver the anesthesia and care for you before, during, and after surgery so that you have a comfortable and safe experience.

Breast Revision Surgery Recovery

Breast augmentation revision surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so you will be able to go home after surgery. Many surgeons get their patients up and walking a few hours after their surgery. 

Pain and the recovery process will certainly vary from patient to patient. Most women are able to stop taking pain medication 2-3 days after their surgery. Within 5-7 days of a breast implant revision, many women are back to work and performing non-strenuous activities. At 4 weeks, patients are allowed to resume low-impact exercise. Finally, at 6 weeks, patients can perform any and all activities. 

breast revision surgery

Call Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute Today

At Silhouette Plastic Surgery Institute, we offer countless breast surgeries including fat grafting breast augmentations, internal bra breast lifts, areola reductions, breast reconstructions, and so much more. We also offer countless before and after photos of breast surgeries on our site because we know how important it is for patients to see a surgeon’s work before actually paying for it. If you’re interested in scheduling a free consultation with Dr. Daneshmand, call 949-359-8397 today.

Check out our breast implant revision results here!