Breast Implant Revision
Dr. Branman can help you improve your breast augmentation result
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure known for its high patient satisfaction rate. However, a certain number of patients undergo revision, either to correct a problem with their breast implants or because they want to change their implant size or type.
If you would like to improve your breast augmentation results, you want to increase or decrease your breast implant size, or you are experiencing problems with your implants, we can help. 10-time Best of the Best award-winning Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys R. Branman is experienced in multiple breast augmentation revision techniques. Whatever your needs or goals, he can help you get the results you want for the beautiful breast contour you deserve!
What Can Breast Augmentation Revision Help With?
There are many possible reasons for seeking another breast procedure. Listed below are some of the indications that have been documented by plastic surgeons.
- Capsular contracture: If abnormally tight scar tissue hardens around the implant, revision surgery is needed to correct the symptoms.
- Breast implant displacement: The healing process can sometimes displace the implant (especially with very large implants), prompting a re-centering procedure.
- Breast implant deflation: If an implant ruptures due to trauma or any other reason, surgery is necessary to replace the implant, which is often covered under a manufacturer’s warranty.
- Saline implant adjustment: Saline breast implants are filled to a specified level during surgery. Sometimes an adjustment in the fill level is performed to correct rippling in the implant.
- Size change: Patients (or their surgeons) may decide that a different implant size, type, or position is appropriate.
- Breast droop: A significant amount of breast sagging can prompt a mastopexy, or breast lift surgery, to restore a pleasing breast position.
- Scar revision: If the patient is dissatisfied with the way her scar has healed, a procedure can be performed to minimize or improve its appearance.
“The actual surgery and results have been phenomenal. Dr. Branman is an artist when it comes to breast augmentation. The scars are almost faded already and my breasts are so perky and youthful. I feel feminine and pretty in a swim top, and I love my new breasts as if I’d had them my whole life. They are proportionate and balanced in every way. I feel like I went to the best cosmetic breast augmentation surgery center in the state.”
Should I remove my breast implants?
In some cases, medical indications (or simply patient preferences) may necessitate breast implant removal. Having your breast implants removed can sometimes result in scarring, wrinkling, and deflated-appearing breasts. However, a good surgeon will take steps to mitigate negative effects and ensure you maintain an enhanced breast appearance even after your implants have been taken out.
When choosing a surgeon to perform your breast augmentation, consider the possibility of revisionary procedures that may be necessary years later. Choosing a surgeon who is highly experienced in breast these procedures is one of the best ways to avoid common problems with breast augmentation and to ensure continued satisfaction with your breast implants.
“I was embarrassed and vulnerable about my body and from the moment I stepped into the clinic, I felt comfortable. Everyone treated me with kindness and respect, and I never felt ashamed. The whole procedure from scheduling to post-op care was well-organized and I felt like all my answers were answered in a timely manner.”
Dr. Branman’s Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Your Consultation
If you are considering having your breast implants replaced, you will first meet with Dr. Branman for a thorough consultation. He will sit down one-on-one with you and take the time to discuss your concerns, goals, and the issues you’re experiencing with your current implants. During this consultation, Dr. Branman will perform a physical examination and review your medical history to determine the best approach for your revision surgery. He will also take the time to go over your implant options, and provide a clear outline of what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
Breast Revision Surgery: What to Expect
On the day of your revision surgery, you’ll be placed under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Branman will then carefully make incisions, often using existing scars to minimize additional scarring, and proceed to address the issues identified during your consultation. This may involve removing the old implants, treating any complications such as capsular contracture, and placing your new implants. Dr. Branman’s expert eye and meticulous technique ensures that your results are both aesthetically pleasing and aligned with your body’s natural contours.
Recovery after having your implants replaced
Recovery from a breast implant revision typically involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed medications and proper post-operative care. Dr. Branman will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth, speedy recovery. Most patients can return to light activities within a week, though full recovery and final results may take several weeks to a few months. Throughout your recovery, Dr. Branman will monitor your progress through regular follow-up appointments to ensure your healing is on track and that you are satisfied with your new results.
Dr. Branman’s Breast Implant Removal Procedure
Your Consultation
If you would like to have your implants removed altogether, you can begin the process with a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Branman. There, he will sit down with you and discuss your reasons for seeking implant removal, whether it’s due to discomfort, a change in aesthetic preference, or complications such as capsular contracture. Dr. Branman will then perform a thorough examination and review your medical history to determine the most appropriate approach for your implant removal. During this consultation, he will also explain the implant removal process in detail, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Breast Implant Removal: What to Expect
On the day of your surgery, you will be put under general anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Branman will then carefully make incisions, often using existing scars to minimize additional scarring, and proceed with the removal of your implants. Depending on your individual needs, the procedure may involve removing the surrounding scar tissue (which is known as a capsulectomy) and, in some cases, perform additional procedures such as a breast lift to maintain a natural and aesthetically-pleasing breast contour after your implants have been removed.
Recovery after having your implants removed
Recovery after breast implant removal typically involves some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which is managed with prescribed medications and proper post-operative care. Dr. Branman and his staff will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to streamline your healing and optimize your results. Most patients are able to return to light activities within a week, although full recovery may take several weeks. Dr. Branman will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing well and satisfied with your results, helping you feel confident and comfortable in your body again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Implant Revision
Can I switch from saline to silicone implants?
Yes, you can switch from saline to silicone implants during a breast implant revision procedure. Silicone implants are often chosen for their more natural feel, and Dr. Branman can guide you through the process to ensure you get the best outcome.
How much does breast implant revision cost in Little Rock?
The cost of breast implant revision in Little Rock varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and specific patient needs. You will be provided with a personalized quote during your consultation with Dr. Branman at the Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center.
Will having my breast implants removed cure Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
While many patients do report improvement in symptoms after implant removal, there is no definitive scientific evidence that removal will cure Breast Implant Illness (BII).
What are the risks of breast implant revision?
The risks of breast implant revision include infection, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, implant rupture, and capsular contracture. As a board certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Branman takes every precaution to minimize these risks and ensure a safe procedure. Closely following your post-operative instructions will also help minimize any risks after your procedure.
What complications can breast implant revision or removal address?
Breast implant revision or removal can address complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant malposition, double bubble, bottoming out, rippling, and asymmetry. It can also alleviate discomfort or pain associated with these issues.
Will insurance cover breast implant removal?
Because breast augmentation is an elective procedure, insurance typically does not cover the cost of surgery if you decide to have your implants removed. However, this does vary from carrier to carrier, so it is best to ask your insurance provider to see if they will cover a breast implant removal.
How do I pick the best breast revision surgeon?
To choose the best breast revision surgeon, look for a board certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience in breast revision procedures. Review their before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and schedule a consultation to assess their approach, techniques, and bedside manner.
Board certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys R. Branman has over 30 years of excellence in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Branman’s bedside manner, attention to detail, extensive training, and significant experience in cosmetic breast procedures has helped him deliver the best results to hundreds of Little Rock breast implant revision patients. If you have questions or would like to learn more about your options for exchanging or removing your breast implants, Dr. Branman and the entire Cosmetic Surgery Center team are here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Branman at our Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery office.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Improved Aesthetic Results: Breast implant revision can correct issues like asymmetry, rippling, or implant malposition, to improve your breast appearance.
- Addressing Complications: Revision surgery can effectively resolve complications from the initial breast augmentation, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or implant migration.
- Updated Implant Technology: Breast implant revision provides an opportunity to replace older implants with newer models that offer advanced safety, durability, and a more natural look and feel.
- Customization to Changing Preferences: Over time, a woman’s aesthetic preferences or lifestyle needs may change. Revision surgery allows for customization, whether it’s opting for a different size, shape, or type of implant to better align with current goals and desires.
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL): A rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma associated with certain types of breast implants, particularly textured implants.
- Anesthesia: Medication used to prevent pain during surgery, typically general anesthesia for breast implant revision procedures.
- Asymmetry: A difference in size, shape, or position between the two breasts, which may be corrected during a breast implant revision.
- Bottoming Out: A complication where the breast implant drops too low on the chest, causing the nipple to appear too high, which may require revision surgery.
- Capsular Contracture: A condition where scar tissue around a breast implant tightens, causing firmness, distortion, or pain, often necessitating revision surgery.
- Consultation: The initial meeting with the surgeon to discuss goals, options, and the process of breast implant revision.
- Deflation: The loss of volume in a saline breast implant due to leakage, which often requires revision surgery to replace or remove the implant.
- Double Bubble: A condition where the implant drops below the natural breast crease, creating a visible fold or “double bubble” effect, often addressed in revision surgery.
- Explantation: The removal of breast implants, either permanently or as part of a revision process to replace them.
- Implant Exchange: The process of removing old breast implants and replacing them with new ones, typically done during breast implant revision surgery.
- Implant Malposition: When a breast implant shifts from its original position, leading to asymmetry or other aesthetic issues, which may require revision.
- Implant Rippling: Visible or palpable wrinkles in the implant, often occurring in thin-skinned patients or with saline implants, which can be corrected through revision.
- Inframammary Incision: An incision made along the natural crease under the breast, often used during implant revision to access and replace the implants.
- Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast, sometimes required before and after implant revision surgery to monitor breast health.
- Migration: The movement of a breast implant from its original position, leading to discomfort or aesthetic concerns, often corrected during revision surgery.
- Rupture: The breaking or leaking of a breast implant, particularly silicone gel implants, which may require revision surgery to remove or replace the implant.
- Saline Implant: A type of breast implant filled with sterile saline solution, which can deflate if the outer shell ruptures.
- Scar Tissue: The fibrous tissue that forms around a breast implant, which can sometimes become problematic and lead to capsular contracture.
- Silicone Gel Implant: A type of breast implant filled with silicone gel, known for its natural feel, but may require revision if ruptured.
- Symmastia: A condition where breast implants migrate towards the center of the chest, creating a “uniboob” appearance, often corrected through revision surgery.
- Sutures: Stitches used to close incisions after breast implant revision surgery.
- Tissue Expansion: A technique sometimes used before implant revision to create more space for the new implants by gradually stretching the skin.
- Ultrasound: An imaging technique used to assess the condition of breast implants and surrounding tissue, often before revision surgery.
- Wrinkling: The visible folds or ripples on the surface of the breast, typically due to implant rippling, which may be corrected during revision surgery.
