Breast Revision Palm Springs | Newport Beach CA
WHAT IS BREAST REVISION SURGERY?
Breast revision is a secondary (or tertiary) procedure that is performed to improve upon the results of a previous breast augmentation surgery. The exact details of the breast revision procedure vary significantly from patient to patient and are contingent upon the nature of the implant-related complication and the patient’s motivation for having the surgery. Your surgical goals will determine whether your breast revision procedure involves implant exchange or implant removal:
- Implant Exchange (implant removal and replacement): implants from a previous breast augmentation surgery are removed and immediately replaced with new, undamaged implants that are a better fit for your physique and aesthetic preferences. Implant exchange may be performed unilaterally (on one breast) or bilaterally (on both breasts)
- Implant Removal (with or without a breast lift): both breast implants are completely removed and are not replaced with new implants. Patients may elect to have a breast lift performed during the implant removal surgery to lift the breasts and remove excess skin, thus preventing post-operative breast sagging
Breast revision requires the operating surgeon to account for unknown variables and quickly respond to unforeseen complications (i.e. buildup of scar tissue). This complex procedure should only be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the field of cosmetic breast surgery, such as Dr. Suzanne Quardt (Dr. Q™), lead plastic surgeon at Dr. Q™ Plastic Surgery. During your initial consultation at our beautiful Rancho Mirage facility, Dr. Q™ will listen to your breast enhancement goals and carefully assess the nature of your implant-related concerns before making her expert recommendations as to the optimal approach for your breast revision surgery.
BREAST IMPLANT DEFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS
Breast implants are not guaranteed to last a lifetime, and breast revision surgery can become a medical necessity when the structural integrity of the implants have been compromised, or when any of the following implant-related complications develop:
- Capsular Contracture: occurs when scar tissue forms a tight, constrictive capsule around the breast implant, giving the breasts an overly firm, round appearance (“grapefruit breasts”), or causing the breasts to feel hard, tender, or painful. Capsular contracture is the most common implant-related complication and can be corrected during breast revision surgery with a capsulectomy or capsulotomy to remove excess scar tissue
- Implant Placement Problems: gradual shifts in implant position or improper implant placement during the original breast procedure
- Symmastia (a.k.a. ‘uniboob,’ ‘breadloafing,’ ‘kissing implants’): this condition occurs when breast implants move toward the center of the chest, creating the appearance of a single implant, rather than two, distinct implants
- Breast implant displacement (a.k.a. “bottoming out”): occurs when the implant shifts downward on the chest, gradually lowering the natural breast crease fold
- High-riding implants: implants sit too high up on the chest
- Implants have moved laterally outward and appear to be situated under the armpits
- “Double bubble” deformity: this “pyramid on a dome” look occurs when an overly large implant causes a constricted breast to sit on a visible implant
- Implant deflation or rupture: numerous studies estimate that the risk of implant rupture increases 1% each year after the original surgery—this means that 20 years after your breast augmentation, your risk of implant rupture and/or deflation will be approximately 20%
- Implant wrinkling or rippling: the development of unsightly wrinkles, ridges, or ripples on or around the breast region is most often seen in patients who had little natural breast tissue prior to surgery, and in patients whose saline implants were under-filled during their original surgery
CHANGES IN BREAST AESTHETICS
Not all breast revision surgeries are performed to correct physical/structural implant complications—many patients seek out breast revision surgery for cosmetic purposes. Aesthetically-motivated breast revision surgery can be an excellent solution for patients who have experienced changes in breast shape and/or a shift in their own aesthetic preferences over time.
Cosmetically-motivated breast revision surgery may involve:
- Modifying the type of implant (switching from saline to silicone or vice versa)
- Completely removing the breast implants (may or may not be performed in conjunction with a breast lift)
- Exchanging the original implants for larger or smaller implants
- Correcting unwelcome cosmetic changes to the breasts (i.e. breast ptosis/sagging, breast asymmetry) that have occurred as a result of pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the natural aging process
- Improving the appearance of artificial-looking nipples or asymmetrical breasts after breast reconstruction surgery
CONTACT DR. Q™ PLASTIC SURGERY
From the moment you walk through the doors of our pristine facility, you will experience the exceptional standards of patient care that Dr. Q™ and her staff work tirelessly to maintain. We treat our patients with the warmth, compassion and respect that they deserve, and are always available to address any of your concerns.
If would like additional information about improving the results of a previous breast procedure with breast revision surgery, please contact Dr. Q™ Plastic Surgery today. We look forward to speaking with you, and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Q™.
Contact Dr. Quardt to find out more about breast reduction or log onto www.palmspringsbreastimplants.com.
Breast procedures performed by Dr. Quardt include:
Schedule a Consultation: (760) 537.4579