Breast Revision in Houston, TX

Breast augmentation is one of the most effective cosmetic surgeries in America, and in many cases, creates terrific outcomes. However, in some situations a woman can be unhappy with the results of her breasts and may want breast revision surgery. It is important to note not all revision treatments are due to practitioner error. While there are a few surgeries that do end with an unpleasing outcome, there are women who wish to have a different size implant, while others may have a visible irregularity and would like to have the breast implant revised or taken out all together. Moreover, there are some women who must have revision surgery for a particular condition. Houston, TX plastic surgeon, Dr. Phi P. Nguyen, offers breast revision surgery and gives a thorough exam at MIA Plastic Surgery so that the correct outcome is attained.

An important part of breast revision surgery is having an idea of positive expectations. Furthermore, revision surgery may not actually be needed. For example, some women may be unhappy with the shape or sizing of their breasts, and in some cases it could be beneficial to get the advice of a second surgeon before thinking about a revision treatment. During this visit, some patients may recognize that the original size and shape chosen still is ideal for their body size and frame. If you believe you have scarring, drooping or sagging, rippling, or breast asymmetry, revision surgery can help correct the irregularity and result in a more normal and healthy outcome.

Breast revision surgery either takes out an implant that is not working or functioning correctly, or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to change out an implant due to wanting a bigger or smaller size or going from an implant to a fat transfer (or vice versa). In addition, there are a few other common situations for which a revision treatment is desired or required:

• Implant Rupture
  Even though this represents a small percent of cases, implant rupture can possibly happen. If a saline implant type ruptures, deflation will take place almost immediately. Therefore, a visible flattening will occur. On the other hand, if the implant is silicone based and does rupture, it is only seen through an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, if a rupture happens, a a replacement procedure will be required.
• Capsular Contracture
  This is the term used for scar tissue hardening, which occurs when the delicate tissue around the saline or silicone implant becomes hard and thickens. Although many implant surgeries do result in some internal scar tissue, most women will never see or feel it. In some circumstances, the scarring could interfere with implant placement, which can change the breast shape and implant functionality and deliver an undesirable outcome. Capsular contracture surgery to eliminate scarring would be recommended.
• Asymmetry
  Asymmetry occurs when the implant sizes look disproportionate. This may be because the wrong size implant was placed, or because of sagging on one side, or another condition that may cause asymmetry. An in-depth evaluation would need to be made to determine what is leading to the asymmetry, then surgery would be needed to correct the problem, and finally new implants would be positioned to create a symmetrical result. 
• Bottoming Out
  Bottoming out is a side effect that can occur when both breasts or one drop or "bottom out" too low. Most often this is a case of a positioning error from the first breast augmentation surgery. To modify this, a new placement technique may be needed. In some cases, tissue grafting most likely will be needed, as well as a surgically formed pocket to "house" the new implant. For most women, going to a silicone implant usually solves this problem.
• Symmastia
  Symmastia is a condition that takes place when implants are inserted and placed too close together. In most cases, this is due to the wrong shape and width of the implant. A revision treatment will correct this problem by using an implant that fits your body type and looks pleasing to the eye. 
• Implant Rippling
  This condition occurs when there are obvious rippling and wrinkles beneath the skin. This irregularity generally forms just along the edging of the implant. Rippling is more common in patients who are of low body weight. Often, this condition can be fixed by simply switching to a silicone implant.
• Breast Size
  There are times a secondary breast surgery is as straightforward as receiving a smaller or larger size implant. With the original surgery, you may have opted to go too conservative or gone a bit too large. A new breast implant size can be placed to reach the desired appearance. 

Revision breast surgery is performed with general anesthesia. Recovery from a revision surgery varies based upon the revision type wanted or needed. For instance, if a new size is being placed, a breast lift could be needed if smaller-sized implants are used to help remove loose skin. Revision surgery that warrants complex revision techniques will need a longer recovery that could possibly take up to several months. Patients will begin to see their newly revised outcomes once the swelling begins to disappear. The goal following a repair or revision surgery is to reach a result that is both natural and healthy looking.

This surgery is a specialized treatment, tailored for your distinct aesthetic goal. If you notice a visible defect with your breast implants or desire a different outcome, we welcome you to get in touch with our office to make your appointment. There are so many factors to think about and we will perform a full physical assessment, create your revision treatment plan, and help set realistic outcome expectations.