Most breast augmentation procedures go smoothly and provide gorgeous results that help women love the way they look and feel. But sometimes, unforeseen complications arise, or unwanted changes take place over time. These may include: breast asymmetry, irregular breast shape or contours, shift in positioning of implant, or size regrets. The good news is that breast revision surgery can address and correct most of these concerns. Of course, if you have experienced capsular contracture or other complications as the result of a previous augmentation surgery, you’ll probably want to do as much research as possible before committing to further changes. To help ease your mind, we’ve addressed a handful of concerns regarding breast revision surgery below. If you have questions or concerns beyond those we cover here, feel free to give us a call anytime.
What is the recovery time for breast revision surgery?
As with any procedure, the recovery time for breast revision surgery will vary from person to person. Those correcting a saline implant rupture, for example, will likely have a quicker recovery time than their original breast augmentation procedure. Conversely, those who are opting for significantly larger implants or whose breast revision surgery requires the removal of excess fibrous tissue may need more time to recover.
On average, patients who follow their doctor’s post-operative instructions can return to work within 1 to 3 weeks following breast revision surgery. Generally, it is recommended that most patients wear a surgical bra for about 4 weeks and avoid heavy lifting for 8. Your doctor will be able to give you a better idea of what kind of recovery time you’ll need based on the specifics of your breast revision surgery.
How much does breast revision surgery cost?
Breast revision surgeries range from fairly simple to more complex, and the cost varies accordingly. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1000 to $4000 for the surgery itself, though you may incur more costs for a hospital stay or anesthesia. For those undergoing revision of a previous breast reconstruction that was covered by insurance, the insurance should pay for the revision as well.
How can breast revision surgery correct capsular contracture?
After a breast augmentation with implants, the body responds by forming “capsule” of tissue around the implant to protect the rest of the body from the foreign object. This is normal, and it happens in everyone who gets breast implants or pacemakers. But in 10% of cases, the capsule contracts, or squeezes, resulting first in a firming of the breast, then a hardening, and eventually breast deformation and pain. There are things a good surgeon will do to reduce the risk of this happening, but when it does, breast revision surgery can correct it.
The first thing a surgeon must do to correct capsular contracture is to make incisions in the capsule to release its hold on the implant. Then the implant can be removed along with the excess tissue fibrous tissue that formed around it. The doctor may then recommend replacement of an older implant with a new one, the creation of larger pockets for the implants, or relocation of the implant under the muscle. Some post-operative measures can also be taken to help reduce the risk of recurrent capsular contracture.
What options are available for breast reconstruction revision?
For women who have had lumpectomies or mastectomies, the original breast reconstruction surgery may have gone very well, but time, older implants, and changes in weight sometimes result in asymmetrical breasts, rippling implants, and otherwise dissatisfying changes. In these cases, many women opt for breast construction revision, which is often covered by insurance. Depending on the issue and the length of time since the first reconstruction, the patient may choose to have the old implants replaced with newer ones that look and feel more natural and are less prone to wrinkling. Others patients may decide on a single breast lift or fat grafting to improve symmetry. Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to provide you with specific options to address your particular concerns.
We can help you get the beautiful breasts you desire. Give us a call today!
At San Diego Body Contouring, our cosmetic surgeons have performed thousands of body contouring procedures, including breast revision surgery and breast reconstruction revision. Our experience, skill, and excellent standing in the field of cosmetic surgery make us a solid and reliable partner in helping you look and feel your best. Whether you’re looking to achieve larger breasts, improve your breast symmetry, or correct complications from a previous breast augmentation procedure, we can help. For more information about breast revision surgery or any of our other cosmetic procedures, give us a call today at (619) 697-1325.
