What is a Breast Revision?

Breast revision surgery is a procedure that addresses imperfections and complications that can develop following an initial breast augmentation.

Sometimes women need breast revision to correct medical issues that arise due to improper healing or significant trauma after plastic surgery. Pregnancy, extreme weight fluctuations, and natural aging can also alter the aesthetic results of breast augmentation, which may lead to a displeasing breast appearance.

Whether you seek breast revision for medical or cosmetic purposes, Dr. Mendieta possesses the expertise and experience to enhance the look and feel of your breasts.

Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Removal or Replacement?

Before undergoing any cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedure, patients should be evaluated by a board-certified surgeon. Women age 18 or older may consider a secondary breast augmentation following their initial breast augmentation if they experience complications or dissatisfaction with their results.

What Are My Options for Breast Revision?

Every breast revision case requires individualized care. This outpatient procedure is performed using general anesthesia. Surgery can take between one to three hours to complete depending on the techniques used.

During your private consultation, Dr. Mendieta will analyze your condition and consider your expectations for the procedure. This will help him determine the most appropriate approach to reach your cosmetic goals.

Common Reasons for Breast Revision Include:


  • Breast Implant Removal

    Patients who are unhappy with their breast augmentation surgery results may choose to remove their implants without replacing them.

    We may recommend that you combine your breast implant removal surgery with breast lift surgery if you experience significant skin laxity or if the removed implants are large.

  • Breast Implant Exchange

    Breast revision patients can opt to exchange their implants if they want implants of a different size, shape, or type. Dr. Mendieta can also perform implant exchange in cases of implant rupture or capsular contracture.

    If possible, Dr. Mendieta uses the same incision location as the first breast procedure to avoid additional scarring. He then extracts the existing breast implants and places new ones.

  • Changing Implant Placement

    Some patients are dissatisfied with their breast implants as a result of where they were placed. Breast implant revision surgery allows patients to remove their implants and have new ones placed in the location they desire.

    Patients can choose between subglandular (under the breast tissue) or subpectoral (under the muscle) implant placement. Women who do not have enough breast tissue to conceal the edges of the implants may decide that subpectoral placement would give them a more pleasing breast profile.

  • Is a Breast Capsulectomy Necessary?

    After breast augmentation, a layer of scar tissue naturally forms a capsule around each breast implant. Capsular contracture develops when the scar tissue becomes too thick and contracts around one or both implants. This can distort the bustline and cause pain.

    A capsulectomy is the removal of the thickened capsule of scar tissue. If capsular contracture occurs, a capsulectomy is almost always necessary to improve the condition and appearance of the breasts.

     

    There are various types of capsulectomies, including:

    • Total capsulectomy, which removes all scar tissue within the breast in sections
    • En bloc capsulectomy, which removes all scar tissue in a single mass

    Partial capsulectomy, which only removes some scar tissue and lets the body absorb the rest naturally

If you have any questions, please contact our practice online or call 305-860-0717.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Breast Revision Surgery?

Patients often choose to take between three and five days off of work to recover. Recovery times can vary depending on the patient’s natural healing process.

Most breast revision patients experience the bulk of fatigue and soreness during the first three days of recovery; after which the discomfort should subside. Swelling and bruising are also common. But these side effects tend to resolve within one month. Light activity is recommended to promote blood circulation and minimize swelling. However, patients must avoid heavy lifting and raising their arms for a minimum of two weeks.

When Can I Exercise After Breast Revision Surgery?

Patients must wait at least six to eight weeks before resuming their regular exercise regimen to prevent postoperative complications and physical discomfort. Dr. Mendieta will give you a detailed recovery timeline during your consultation at his Miami practice.

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What Are the Risks of Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast revision surgery is generally quite safe. However, just like breast augmentation, certain risks always exist when planning for a surgical procedure.

These risks include:

  • Bleeding or hematoma
  • Abnormal reaction to anesthesia
  • Scarring
  • Changes in breast sensation
  • Infection

 

Your plastic surgeon will take all necessary precautions to reduce these risks to the extent possible.

When Will I See the Results of My Breast Revision?

After breast revision surgery, it may take a few months for the breasts to take their final shape. Patients generally experience a boost of self-confidence and satisfaction after their final results are visible. The results of this procedure are long lasting, but subsequent aging, gravity, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect the appearance of the breasts.

What Combination Procedures Work With Breast Revision?

Breast revision may be performed at the same time as body surgeries or other breast surgeries.

The most commonly combined breast procedure is a breast lift. Depending on your goals, breast reduction surgery or natural breast augmentation may be performed.

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*Legal Disclaimer: Individual results may vary; every patient is unique, therefore, no single technique is suited to all cases. Before & after photos and videos are not guarantees that your results will be the same or even similar: each individual patient’s results will be different.

Frequently Asked Questions About Secondary Breast Surgery


  • How much does a breast revision cost?

    The total cost of breast revision surgery varies depending on many factors, including the techniques used, surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and the extent of correction required. You will be given an accurate cost estimate for your procedure during your initial consultation. And there are some great financing options available for this procedure.

  • Will I have scarring after breast revision surgery?

    Whenever possible, Dr. Mendieta creates breast revision incisions in the same locations used for the previous breast augmentation procedure to avoid additional scarring. However, depending on the reason for your revision, your surgical technique may require different incisions. This will be determined at your consultation.

  • What should I do to prepare for my breast revision procedure?

    Dr. Mendieta will give you thorough preparation instructions before your scheduled procedure.

    Generally, you should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication and quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery. Patients are also advised to reduce alcohol consumption to less than three alcoholic beverages per week.

    It is also recommended to arrange for a friend or relative to help you during the first two weeks of recovery. It will be difficult to perform daily tasks unassisted.

  • How do I know if I need a breast revision?

    There are many reasons why patients might consider breast revision. The most common are medical complications, such as capsular contracture, or cosmetic concerns that make you unhappy with your results.

    If patients experience medical complications following breast surgery, they should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon immediately. The surgeon will be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment plan.

  • How soon can I get a breast revision?

    If your main concerns are cosmetic, we recommend that you wait at least six months after your initial breast enhancement surgery to plan a breast revision. This is because the final results of breast enhancement are often not fully visible until that time.

    If you are still unhappy with your appearance six months after surgery, please schedule a consultation.

  • Does medical insurance cover breast revision surgery?

    Some medical insurance programs cover breast revision as a medical necessity. This is more common when the reason for the revision surgery is medical in nature, such as after a mastectomy.

    Some insurance plans may cover complications such as implant ruptures, capsular contracture, and implant displacement (including symmastia). Most insurance plans will not cover revision surgery for purely cosmetic reasons.

    In addition, it is worth pointing out that not all medical insurance providers will cover breast revision surgery, even for medical reasons. Therefore, patients should inquire with their medical insurance provider to see if their insurance covers breast revision.

  • What will my breasts look like after implant removal?

    Patients who get their implants removed without replacing them can expect their breasts to look slightly caved in for a few weeks until the breast tissue recovers. 

     

    Patients should not expect their breasts to return to their original shape. Breast implants cause breast tissue to stretch and sag over time to accommodate the implant. Without the implant, the breasts will have different contours than they did before the original implant augmentation.

    Those who want to maintain augmented or shapely breasts without implants may consider a breast fat transfer

  • What is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

    Certain textured breast implants have been linked to an increased risk of BIA-ALCL, a type of cancer that affects the immune system around the breast. It is important to note that this is not breast cancer. BIA-ALCL is a type of lymphatic system cancer that occurs within scar tissue that surrounds a breast implant.

     

    Patients who have textured breast implants should be aware of the increased risks. However, we do not recommend that patients undergo breast revision surgery solely for this reason.

Contact Dr. Mendieta

If you are interested in getting a breast revision and/or other plastic surgery procedures,  call Dr. Mendieta’s Miami center for plastic surgery today at (305) 860-0717. You may also contact us online or simply fill out the contact form below and a member of our team will get in touch.



 

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Miami Florida
2310 & 2320 South Dixie Hwy.
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 860-0717