Breast Revision in Dallas, TX
When you undergo breast augmentation, your intention is typically to keep the implants for the rest of your life. However, there may come a time when they need to be removed. Breast implants are durable and made to last, but they require replacement after a certain time. Additionally, lifestyle changes, age, breast implant complications, and medical conditions may also play a part in your decision to undergo breast implant revision. No matter your reason for choosing breast implant revision, Dr. David Morales can help.
What Is Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast revision is a secondary procedure used to improve the look and feel of the breasts after the initial augmentation. Breast implants are susceptible to aesthetic changes and physical complications as they age and can require a surgical fix. Breast revision removes and/or replaces damaged or unwanted implants to provide healthier and more attractive breasts.
To Correct a Complication
Complications are the leading cause of breast revision. Capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant displacement, and bottoming out are all potential complications that require breast revision surgery. The implant will be removed, and a new one can be placed.
To Exchange Implant Size
Women who choose breast augmentation must make many decisions before their surgery, including selecting the size, shape, filling material, texture, profile, and implant location. While some women are happy with their selections, others wish they had chosen different specifications. Breast revision surgery allows for those changes.
To Change Implant Location
Implants can be placed below the glandular tissue or below the pectoral muscle. There are positives and negatives to both placements. Breast revision allows women to move their implants if they are unhappy with the look or feel created by their implant location.
To Remove Your Implants Permanently
While many women are satisfied with their results, not every woman who chooses to augment her breasts with implants is pleased with the outcome. Breast revision allows women who are dissatisfied with their implants to remove them for good.
To Improve Implant Aesthetics
Aesthetic changes to the breasts are common after your augmentation. Breast revision can correct breast asymmetry or other cosmetic concerns that may have developed post-op. Breast lift surgery can also be performed if the breasts develop noticeable ptosis (sagging).
Ready To Acheive Your Goals? Schedule Your Breast Revision Consultation With Dr. Morales in Dallas, TX.
What Are My Breast Revision Options?
Depending on the reason for breast revision and your desires for your post-treatment appearance, you have many different revision options. Unless your implant only needs to be moved back into the breast pocket, your breast revision will begin with removing the implant.
Implant Removal
Only
Some women who experience complications or are unhappy with the appearance of their augmented breasts decide not to replace their implants. If the implants are removed permanently, both the implant and scar tissue will be removed, and the breast pocket will be cleaned and tightened.
For women who decide to keep their implants and their augmented style, new implants are inserted once the damaged ones are removed. These implants can be the same style or be a different size, filling material, shape, and texture.
Implant Removal
and Breast Lift
Sometimes, women who choose to remove their implants discover that the excess weight and volume of the implants (especially large or old implants) have resulted in premature breast sagging. Breast lift surgery will restore a youthful appearance to the breasts by tightening the breast tissue and removing excess skin. Large or stretched areolas can also be resized during this procedure.
Some women who still want larger, fuller breasts need to remove their implants entirely because of complications. Fat transfer is appropriate for these women. Fat transfer uses fat taken from another body region through liposuction to augment the breasts.
How Is Breast Revision Surgery Performed?
Breast revision is an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia that takes about one to three hours. Dr. Morales will make an incision along the breast crease to remove the damaged or unwanted implant. If possible, the incision will be made in the same place as the original incision. Through this incision, Dr. Morales will reposition or remove the implant. Some patients choose to replace their implants; others decide not to. The specific procedure steps will vary depending on the reason and specifications of your breast revision.
What Can I Expect During My Breast Revision Recovery?
Your recovery will be similar to that of your breast augmentation. The breasts will be wrapped in a compression garment that should be worn continuously for a few days or a few weeks. Patients can expect bruising, swelling, and some post-operative pain. The pain is typically most significant during the first 48 hours, but it improves with each day and can be relieved with medications. During this time, patients must limit their upper body movement to reduce any strain on the breasts. Most patients can return to work after one week but should avoid strenuous movement or exercises for at least four weeks.
When Will I See My Breast Revision Results?
The swelling from breast implant revision surgery will gradually subside over several weeks. Because of the swelling, your breasts may seem stiff and unnatural, but eventually, they will soften to a more natural feel. Your final results will become apparent once the swelling has resolved, and most women experience satisfactory results for many years if not decades.
Why Choose Dr. David Morales For Breast Revision in Dallas, TX?
When searching for the best plastic surgeon in Dallas to perform breast revision surgery, you want to find one with the training, skills, and experience to perform your surgery successfully and provide you with stunning aesthetic results.
Dr. David Morales is board certified in both plastic and reconstructive surgery. That means that he has not only completed the required education and training to be a plastic surgeon but also met the stringent requirements for board certification set forth by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification must be renewed periodically, requiring Dr. Morales to engage in continuing education and stay on the cutting edge of new plastic surgery techniques and technologies.
Besides his education and experience as a plastic surgeon, Dr. Morales also takes the time to listen to and get to know each of his patients. He works with you to tailor a treatment plan to meet your aesthetic goals and applies his artistic and medical skills to ensure that you receive the best possible results every time.
Testimonials
Breast Reduction FAQs
Ideal candidates for breast revision are at least 18 years old, in good health, not currently pregnant or nursing, non-smoking individuals, and experiencing aesthetic or physical complications with their breast implants.
There are several potential concerns regarding breast revision. These include:
- Anesthesia risks
- Post-operative infection
- Prolonged bleeding
- Blood clot
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
Capsular contracture develops when the scar tissue around the implant begins to tighten, causing the breasts to feel hard. There is no definitive way to prevent capsular contracture, but breast implant massages are thought to lower your risk.
Nipple sensitivity loss is typically temporary and lasts for a few weeks; however, it can be permanent in some cases. It occurs when the nerves beneath the nipple are severed. Because the implant is being removed and replaced, there is a chance that damage may occur.
Yes. Breast implants are safe. While there have been reports about breast implant illness, these are unproven. However, reports are linking textured implants to BIA-ALCL, a cancer of the lymphatic system. This diagnosis is treatable and so rare that the vast majority of patients will never experience it. Please do not hesitate to discuss any of your concerns with Dr. Morales during your consultation.
Implants do not always need to be removed during a breast revision; however, they usually are after one or two decades. The reason behind the revision surgery will determine whether your implants need to be removed, replaced, or repositioned.
The broad answer is typically no; insurance will not cover breast revision surgery. However, insurance companies may make an exception depending on your insurance type and the reason for your breast revision surgery. While some insurance carriers specifically bar complications from plastic surgery from coverage, others may cover the surgery if deemed medically necessary. The best way to determine if insurance will cover your breast revision surgery is to contact your benefits provider and ask.
Breast implant revision alone will not lift drooping breasts. However, many women add a breast lift to their revision to maintain a youthful silhouette.
If your reasons for getting a breast revision are purely cosmetic, you should wait a minimum of six months before undergoing one. This allows the swelling to dissipate and the implants to “drop and fluff” into their permanent place on your chest. However, in the case of complications like capsular contracture or implant displacement, you may need to undergo a breast revision earlier.
