Breast Revision Detroit

Breast Revision (Breast Augmentation Revision) in Metro Detroit, MI

There are several reasons that a woman will decide to have a Breast Revision (aka breast implant revision surgery, a breast augmentation revision or an augmentation mammaplasty revision). For example, a woman who has had her breast implants for some time may decide to exchange her current implants for a set of the newer, more advanced models that are available. Furthermore, a woman may require a revision to address a complication resulting from her initial procedure. Women in the Metro Detroit Area who choose to have their breast augmentation revision performed by Chau Plastic Surgery’s board-certified plastic surgeons can attain the beautiful, natural-looking breasts they desire.

What is a Detroit Breast Revision?

A breast augmentation revision is a procedure designed to address complications resulting from breast implant surgery or to make specific changes per the patient’s request.

During breast implant revision surgery, the woman’s current implants can be replaced with a set of new ones or the implants can be removed altogether, without inserting replacements. Changes can also be made to enhance the appearance of the patient’s breasts.

A Breast Revision can be an extremely complex surgery; therefore, it is vital that women find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform their procedure.

Why Would a Woman in the Metro Detroit Area Choose to Have a Breast Revision?

Women decide to have an augmentation revision for a variety of reasons.

A woman may choose to have breast implant revision surgery to:

• Add volume to or decrease the size of her breast implants.
• Change from saline to silicone implants (or silicone to saline).
• Change the shape of her implants (round or anatomical).
• Acquire a more natural-looking result.
• Change the position of the pockets that hold the implants (subglandular, submuscular or subfascial).
• Replace her current implants with a set of the newer, more innovative breast implants.

Decreasing Implant Size

Some women like having breast implants but would prefer a smaller size. These women can choose to have a breast augmentation revision to exchange their larger implants for smaller ones. However, once the implants are exchanged, the patient may have excess skin, which can cause her breasts to sag. The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery realize that this is a possibility, which is why a breast lift is usually performed during the same surgical session.

Increasing Implant Size

Women who would like to increase the size of their breast implants may be candidates for a Breast Revision procedure near Detroit. In order to increase the size of the patient’s implants, the surgeon needs to revise the pocket in which the current, smaller implant sits, therefore, candidacy for this revision is determined by the current state of a patient’s breasts.

Changing the Shape or Profile of Her Breast Implants

A Breast Revision can also be used to change the profile or shape of the implants.

Implants with a higher profile can create a more projected look, which also gives the illusion that the breasts are bigger because they extend further out from the chest wall.

Patients have the option of round or anatomical (teardrop) shaped implants.

What Issues Would Lead to the Need for a Breast Revision?

While some women choose to have breast implant revision surgery for personal reasons, others need a revision to address complications resulting from their previous breast implant procedure.

Issues that plastic surgeons address with breast augmentation revisions include:

Capsular Contracture

Following breast implant surgery, the body creates a soft layer of scar tissue around the breast implant. This layer of tissue is referred to as the implant’s capsule.

The creation of this scar tissue is a natural reaction to the implant because it is a foreign body and, as long as the capsule remains soft, the patient cannot feel it. However, sometimes a patient’s body continues creating scar tissue, causing the capsule to thicken. This thickening leads to the capsule tightening around the breast implant. This painful condition is referred to as capsular contracture and is addressed during a Breast Revision with either a capsulectomy (i.e., all or part of the capsule is removed and a new breast implant is placed) or a capsulotomy (i.e., the capsule is just partially removed or released).

If a new implant is being placed, the insertion position may be changed (i.e., subglandular, submuscular or subfascial).

The symptoms of capsular contracture include:

• Pain.
• A tight and extremely firm breast.

In addition, as time passes, the affected breast may become distorted. Breast distortions frequently seen with capsular contracture include the implant sitting too high on the chest as well as breast tissue that sags or cascades off the breast implant.

Asymmetrical Breasts

Sometimes one breast implant heals differently than the other. This can lead to asymmetrical (lopsided) breasts.

Also, when a patient has breasts that are naturally asymmetrical, if the breast augmentation surgeon neglects to take this into consideration while creating her plan, the patient will need to have a Breast Revision to make her breasts as symmetrical as possible.

Symmastia

Symmastia which is also referred to as ‘uniboob’ results when the pockets of the breast implants merge across the middle of the patient’s chest. Once the pockets merge, it looks as if the patient has a single breast because the cleavage that is naturally in between the breasts no longer exists.

Correcting symmastia during a Breast Revision is accomplished by either using the patient’s own breast capsule material to separate the pockets or by implanting the biologic scaffolding material Strattice™.

For many women with symmastia, just working on the capsule corrects the problem, however, there are times when implant downsizing is required.

Implant Placement Issues Can Be Addressed with a Breast Revision

Sometimes, while performing breast implant surgery, inexperienced surgeons place a patient’s breast implants too far apart, too close together or too high on her chest: Each of these circumstances creates an unnatural-looking result. Women experiencing one of these complications may want to consider having a Breast Revision at Chau Plastic Surgery in Berkley, Michigan, near Detroit.

Bottoming Out

This condition occurs when the patient’s breast tissue is rigid. Due to this poor tissue elasticity, the implants drop further down on the patient’s chest wall than is desired. When bottoming out occurs, the breast implants appear too low and the nipple-areolar complexes look too high.

Chau Plastic Surgery has experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons who can correct this problem with a Breast Revision. The surgeon repositions the patient’s the breast implants and then secures them in place with a revolutionary material called Strattice™. This innovative biologic scaffolding material allows the surgeon to create the patient an internal bra to ensure the patient’s implants remain where they are placed.

A Rippling Breast Implant

While rippling occurs more frequently with saline breast implants, it is possible to develop a ripple with silicone breast implants as well.

When rippling occurs, folds and wrinkles in the implant become visible through the skin. This unnatural-looking complication can be embarrassing and frustrating. With breast implant revision surgery, the plastic surgeon can correct this rippling to provide the patient with smooth, natural-looking breasts.

To address rippling, the surgeon can perform a Breast Revision procedure in which the implant is moved to a submuscular position (if the implants were initially placed subglandularly) or exchange the implants for one of the newer breast implants consisting of a more cohesive gel, which makes the implant firmer, thus, reducing the likelihood of visible rippling.

A Leaking or Ruptured Implant

If a breast implant ruptures or starts leaking, one of Chau Plastic Surgery’s board-certified plastic surgeons can remove the damaged implant and replace it.

When the patient’s implants have been in place for a significant amount of time, she may decide to have a full Breast Revision to exchange both of her current implants for one of the newer, more innovative breast implant models.

This Highly Personalized Procedure Requires an Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Just like the initial augmentation, a Breast Revision is a highly personalized procedure. Therefore, the surgical procedure plan must be designed to address the complications that resulted from the patient’s initial breast implant procedure or to help her fulfill her breast enhancement desires. The surgeon performing the breast augmentation revision will be dealing with the scarring that resulted from the patient’s initial procedure.

To successfully address all these issues, the plastic surgeon must be seasoned in the art of performing various breast enhancement procedures, including implant revision surgery. The surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery are seasoned in performing numerous breast enhancement procedures. Collectively, these surgeons have more than three decades of experience performing a variety of complex plastic surgery procedures.

What Makes an Individual a Good Candidate for a Breast Augmentation Revision Near Detroit?

An implant revision procedure is designed for women who have already had breast implant surgery, but are unhappy with their results or for those who have experienced a complication that needs to be addressed.

During Breast Revision surgery, the surgeon addresses implant-related problems and any aesthetic concerns a patient has. With this procedure, the surgeon can revise the patient’s breast profile and address any other aesthetic issues related to the breast.

A good breast augmentation revision candidate is physically stable without any chronic medical issues. She should be a nonsmoker (or willing to stop smoking for a short time so her body can heal well after surgery) and at a healthy, stable weight. Depending on the issue being addressed, patients experiencing complications from their initial augmentation need to remain positive, but realistic, about the results they can expect from a revision.

An Initial Consultation at Chau Plastic Surgery

Patients need to be prepared to provide the surgeon with their medical history, including current medications, vitamins and herbal supplement usage. Many patients find that writing this information down so they can bring it with them to their consultation is helpful.

In addition, writing down questions to ask the doctor during the consultation is recommended: This ensures that the patient can have all her questions answered.

The surgeon will have numerous questions for the patient as well. After reviewing the patient’s medical history, the surgeon will ask if she is experiencing any complications from her first augmentation or if she would just like to exchange her implants for new ones.

If complications are being experienced, the surgeon assesses the patient’s breasts to determine if a Breast Revision is the right choice for her.

When a patient is not experiencing a complication and she is interested in exchanging her implants, the surgeon will examine her breasts and then discuss the innovative breast implant appliances that are available.

What the doctor is evaluating during the breast assessment:

• The size and shape of the current breast implants.
• Whether the implants are sagging or drooping.
• The symmetry of each breast in relation to breast volume and the position of the nipple-areolar complex.
• The condition of the scars resulting from the initial breast implant procedure. The surgeon determines if the scars are thin, wide, flat, faded, pink, purple or brown.
• Measurements of the breast are taken. These measurements include the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple and from the nipple to the inframammary fold. Breast diameter is also determined.
• The distribution of the patient’s breast tissue is noted.
• The elasticity and thickness of her skin is determined.
• Reference photographs may be taken. These photos are usually taken from each side, the front and various angles. The surgeon at Chau Plastic Surgery in Berkley, Michigan, near Detroit, uses these photos while creating the patient’s personalized Breast Revision surgical plan.

Patients are encouraged to be open with their surgeon about their goals and desires. The only way a surgeon can provide a patient with the breasts she desires is if she is open and honest about what she wants. An experienced plastic surgeon can manage the patient’s expectations while ensuring that she is happy with her Breast Revision results.

The patient and surgeon will discuss the differences between breast implant sizes, types, shapes and profiles so the patient can decide on the specific characteristics she would like her implants to have.

Natural Breast Characteristics Need to be Considered

A woman may have natural breast characteristics that are unique to her body. These natural characteristics may affect or limit the surgeon’s ability to achieve her goals. However, any issues the surgeon notices will be discussed with the patient during her consultation.

How Often Should a Woman Replace Her Breast Implants?

On average, women replace their breast implants every 10 years, nevertheless, if complications arise or a woman is interested in making changes (e.g., implant size, shape or type), she will need to have a breast revision sooner. In addition, women interested in a more youthful profile may consider having a breast lift at the same time they have their new breast implants placed.

The 10-year guideline is only a recommendation, not a requirement. For example, patients who are not experiencing any complications and have no intention of exchanging their breast implants can forego a revision until an issue arises that requires the revision

Mammograms and Monitoring Silicone Breast Implants

At the age of 40, women should start having an annual mammogram screening. In addition, the FDA recommends that women with silicone breast implants have an MRI three years after their initial breast augmentation and then continue having MRIs every two years.

Why Do Women with Silicone Breast Implants Need to Have Biannual MRIs?

This MRI schedule is recommended because the silicone implants used today consist of a thick gel and the thickness of this gel keeps the implant intact even when the shell is compromised. Since the implant stays intact, the patient may not realize there is a problem with her implant, an MRI is usually the only way to identify a leaking or ruptured silicone implant, which is the reason for the FDA’s recommendation.

The same MRI schedule should be followed after a Breast Revision procedure.

It is important to note that an MRI does not replace the annual mammogram.

How Long Do the Results of a Breast Augmentation Revision Last?

Although the results achieved during an augmentation revision are permanent, the body continues to age. In addition, changes in hormones and weight can affect the patient’s revision results.

Patients who had a breast augmentation revision to correct capsular contracture are more likely to experience this complication again.

Preparing for a Breast Revision Procedure Near Detroit

Just like when they had their initial augmentation, patients will need to take an adequate amount of time off work or school (a week or two). In addition, women who have pets that roam free throughout the household and small children need to ask someone that they trust to care for them for a few days, preferably at a different location.

Prior to surgery, patients should ask someone they trust to drive them to the hospital and then home after their procedure. Patients also need to ask someone to stay with them for at least three days following surgery.

To ensure a more comfortable recovery, patients need to create themselves a recovery area at home.

Patients should fill any prescriptions they need before they have their augmentation revision.

For some time, family, friends or the patient’s significant other needs to help with certain tasks as she heals.

A Breast Augmentation Revision: The Procedure

During a Breast Revision near Detroit, patients receive general anesthesia.

The procedure can last anywhere from 30 to 150 minutes. The length of this procedure depends on the type of revision that is being performed (e.g., implant exchange, capsular contracture, etc.).

During this procedure, the surgeon removes the patient’s current breast implants to just replace them with a new set or to correct the complications resulting from her initial breast augmentation procedure. Whenever possible, the surgeon uses the same incision location that was used during the patient’s initial procedure.

The specific details of a patient’s breast augmentation revision procedure depend on the issues the surgeon is addressing. The surgeon discusses the details of the patient’s personalized surgical plan with her before she schedules her surgery.

What to Expect Directly After a Breast Revision

Directly after the procedure, dressings are applied over the incisions and a soft wrap dressing will be placed over the top.

Drains may be placed. These drains help to reduce the amount of swelling a patient experiences because they prevent fluid from accumulating in the surgical area. These drains typically remain in place for a few days.

The next day, the top dressing is replaced with a support bra.

Recovering from a Breast Revision Near Detroit

As each patient is unique so is each recovery experience. In general, patients can return to work a week or two after their breast implant revision surgery; however, vigorous activities and exercising must be avoided for up to six weeks.

Many patients find that their recovery following a breast augmentation revision is much easier than their recovery following the initial surgery was.

For the initial 24 to 72 hours following surgery, patients should expect to feel tired and sore.

Inflammation, bruising and itching should be expected. Bruising usually subsides within a couple of weeks, but inflammation takes about three weeks to diminish.

The patient should avoid lifting her arms above her head.

During the healing process, patients must avoid picking up anything that weighs more than 10 pounds.

Remaining somewhat active benefits the body as it heals because it increases blood flow and reduces swelling, therefore, performing light activities, such as walking, is encouraged.

It is critical that patients follow the instructions they receive from their Chau Plastic Surgery surgeon. This information may include instructions on caring for drains, taking pain medication and wearing compression garments.

Although most of the inflammation subsides within three months of the procedure, final results can take up to a year to become evident because as time passes the shape of the patient’s breasts may change.

Scarring

Scars fade substantially during the first year after a Breast Revision near Detroit. Especially when products designed to help reduce the visibility of scars (e.g., silicone scar therapy) are used.

The Follow-Up Appointment at Chau Plastic Surgery Near Detroit

The day after surgery patients return to Chau Plastic Surgery in Berkley, Michigan, for their follow-up appointment. The surgeon checks to ensure the breasts are healing well. Patients should receive their support bra at this appointment.

Possible Complications Associated with Having a Breast Augmentation Revision

As with all surgical procedures, patients must consider the potential complications.

Some possible complications include:

• Infection.
• Scarring.
• Excess bleeding.
• A hematoma.
• Capsular contracture.
• Additional surgery at some point in the future.
• Issues related to general anesthesia.
• Breast pain.
• Breast discomfort.
• A feeling of tightness in the breast.
• Unhappy with the results achieved.
• Breast implants moving within their pockets.
• Implant rupture.
• Increased pressure and stretching that affects the rib cage and body’s natural tissues.
• The need for another revision.

How Much Will a Detroit Breast Augmentation Revision Cost?

Cost varies and is based on which issue has led the patient to seek a revision. During an initial evaluation at Chau Plastic Surgery in Berkley, Michigan, near Detroit, the surgeon will evaluate the patient to determine how much her Breast Revision will cost.

Would Health Insurance Pay for a Breast Augmentation Revision?

The specifics of the patient’s policy will determine whether the health insurance will cover any charges associated with her augmentation revision.

What About Breast Implant Warranties?

Some manufacturers offer warranties on their breast implants. If there is a warranty available, patients need to contact the manufacturer to learn more about their options.

Since a breast augmentation revision is more complex than an initial breast augmentation, it is essential that women who are considering Breast Revision surgery choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform their procedure.

Why Do Women Choose Chau Plastic Surgery?

Due to their caring demeanor, skill-level and dedication to their craft, women in the Metro Detroit Area frequently choose the surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery to perform their breast augmentation revisions. These qualities have contributed to the surgeons at Chau Plastic Surgery being ranked among Hour Detroit Magazine’s Top Docs.

Whether you reside in the Metro Detroit Area or you plan on visiting this area in the future, consider scheduling a complimentary initial consultation with one of Chau plastic Surgery’s board-certified plastic surgeons in Berkley, Michigan, near Detroit.

To schedule a Breast Revision consultation call (248) 799-2880 or click here to request an appointment using the online form. Chau Plastic Surgery’s address is: 27901 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100.