What is a Breast Revision?

Generally speaking, a Breast Revision is any secondary breast procedure. It may involve correcting complications from a previous breast surgery or improving changes that have occurred over time or due to pregnancy and nursing. A breast revision may include removing and/or replacing the breast implant, removing excess scar tissue (capsulectomy), pocket exchange and/or breast lift (mastopexy). Breast implants may eventually fail (deflate or rupture) and patients may require one or more additionally procedures in their lifetime. Given that a Breast Revision is more difficult than a first time Breast Augmentation, it is very important to locate a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as Dr. Grover, who not only has significant experience but who specializes in this area.

What are common reasons for a Breast Revision?

There are many reasons that many women who have had breast surgery desire a Breast Revision. Dr. Grover attributes his meticulous nature as to why he has a very low breast revision rate.

Cosmetic reasons as to why women may seek a revision range from rippling to improper implant positioning or simply the desire to exchange their current breast implant for silicone gel or saline implants and/or to change their implant size. Rippling can be felt or even seen through the skin and may develop from the thinning of the tissue covering the implant. Patients may exchange their present implants for new smaller or larger implants as a result of lifestyle changes or simply to appear more natural by improving the implant position.

Hardening of the breast implant, also known as a Capsular Contracture may be one of the other reasons some women choose a revision. Excess scar tissue may cause some women to experience firmness, visible distortion and discomfort. An Open Capsulectomy, which is the removal of the entire capsule surrounding the implant, will improve often improve the discomfort and distortion of one's breast and soften the breast.

Saline implant deflation or silicone gel implant rupture is another reason why women may undergo a breast revision. It is very apparent when saline implants deflate, as you may notice that your breasts have changed in size or shape. Within a few days, you may see that your breasts are softer and appear smaller as the saline is being harmlessly absorbed into your body. Additionally, you may experience some discomfort as the edges of the deflated implant may poke you. In order to avoid closure of the pocket, it is highly recommended that you replace your ruptured implant within a few weeks; otherwise, you may require more extensive surgery to open up the previous pocket. When silicone gel implants rupture or fail, it is less obvious because the silicone gel is self-contained within the capsule or pocket and is not absorbed by the body. There may be very little noticeable changes to your breasts with a silicone gel implant leak; therefore to confirm a rupture, tests such as an ultrasound or MRI may be required. Implants today come with warranties to cover some of the costs associated with a failed implant, including some of the facility and anesthesia costs.

What is the recovery like?

Dr. Grover's Breast Revisions may take two to six hours under general anesthesia at an outpatient surgery facility depending on the complexity of the case. The recovery and the risks are similar, if not the same, as those of a Breast Augmentation and or Breast Lift. You may experience soreness, fatigue, numbness and possibly, as with any surgery, infection. It is very important that you follow pre- and post-op instructions carefully in order to have a quick recovery. Dr. Grover's patients experience very little bruising or swelling and are well on their way to recovery within 3-5 days and depending on your occupation, able to return to work at that time. Because of his meticulous nature, skill, artistic eye, pre- and post-operative care, and his ability to listen and really understand his patient's desires, Dr. Grover is able to provide a very high level of patient satisfaction.