Breast Revision
Breast augmentation revision, often simply shortened to “breast revision,” is a procedure designed to either treat complications related to your saline and silicone implants, or to replace your implants with newer devices. This can improve the original results of a primary breast augmentation, address the condition of the implants themselves, or reverse changes to your breasts caused by pregnancy or breastfeeding after your original surgery.
Revisionary procedures typically require the skill and experience of a well-trained breast surgeon to obtain the best possible results. Minneapolis plastic surgeon Joe Gryskiewicz, MD is among the most renowned providers of breast surgery in the region. He can listen to your concerns and develop a surgical plan based on your reasons for the procedure and your unique goals.
Reasons to Undergo Breast Revision
From dissatisfaction with the outcome achieved by another plastic surgeon to the formation of tight, painful scar tissue, each woman has her own personal reasons for pursuing breast revision. Potential motivations behind a secondary breast augmentation procedure include:
- You want to replace your breast implants with a different size, shape, or type of implant (e.g. upgrading from saline to silicone implants).
- Your first breast augmentation surgeon did not meet your expectations.
- The edges of your implant are easily seen or felt under the skin (implant rippling).
- Hardened scar tissue is causing pain, tightness, discomfort, or changes in the appearance of your breasts.
- There may be a leak or tear in your implant(s), which is indicative of rupture and observed through changes in the look or feel of your breasts.
- Weight gain or loss has changed your breast contours.
- The position of your implants has shifted.
In some cases, you may want to remove your breast implants altogether. Breast implant removal is also available for patients who decide they no longer have use for their implants anymore, and explantation is commonly followed by breast lift surgery to restore a natural-looking breast shape after years of implant use.
Is Breast Revision Right for Me?
Breast revision is commonly pursued by patients who are concerned about the condition of their implants, or who are no longer happy with their previous breast augmentation results. Secondary revision procedures can often be more complex than the primary surgery, which is why it’s important to see an experienced plastic surgeon. Your needs will be evaluated in person, but most candidates for breast revision are:
- At a healthy, stable weight
- Realistic about what breast revision can accomplish
- Non-smokers
Familiarizing yourself with breast revision and exploring before-and-after photos of the potential results can help you determine whether your expectations align with the outcomes typical of breast revision. Dr. Gryskiewicz will speak with you thoroughly about the details of the procedure and encourage you to communicate your concerns and goals so he can create a personalized treatment plan.
How is the Breast Revision Procedure Performed?
The details of breast revision vary from patient to patient based on their goals and the nature of their treatment plan. Dr. Gryskiewicz will walk you through your procedure so you understand what to expect during every phase of the process. In many cases, the original incisions placed during breast augmentation can be “re-used” during breast revision, allowing patients to avoid additional scarring. This possibility varies depending on the size and type of your new implants (if you’re undergoing implant exchange). Other techniques such as fat transfer and mastopexy may be utilized to achieve your goals, if necessary.
What is Recovery From Breast Revision Like?
During your recovery period, reactions like swelling, bruising, and tenderness are common and expected. We encourage you to get plenty of rest immediately after surgery to allow your body to heal. Dr. Gryskiewicz will provide you with instructions on post-operative care, including incision care instructions and activity restrictions. Exercise and other strenuous activities are prohibited for at least four to six weeks. Most patients feel well enough to do light activity around the house within a few days, but it can take one to two weeks to return to work and your daily routine.
What Can I Expect From My Breast Revision Results?
The goal of breast revision is to improve the original results achieved with your initial breast augmentation procedure. That said, those who replaced their implants with a newer type, size, or fill-material can expect them to last years — or even decades — into the future. While breast implants aren’t considered lifetime devices, many patients do not ever feel the need to replace or remove their implants. Dr. Gryskiewicz and our team recommend staying vigilant to possible changes in the look or feel of your breasts. Silicone implants often do not show visible signs of rupture, so it’s important to monitor the condition of your implants as the years go by.
Will I Have Noticeable Breast Revision Scars?
In general, scarring from breast revision is similar to the post-operative scars observed after your primary breast augmentation. In fact, Dr. Gryskiewicz can often “re-use” these incisions during breast revision to avoid further scarring, although this possibility depends on the size and fill-material of your new implants. Rest assured that Dr. Gryskiewicz will show you what you can expect your breast revision scars to look like during your consultation. Incisions are always placed discreetly along the natural breast contours whenever possible. In any case, scar brightening creams and doctor-grade skin care products can help scarring lighten and fade over time.
How Much Does Breast Revision Cost?
In Minneapolis, the cost of breast revision depends on the details of your procedure, your geographic location, and other factors related to your treatment plan. Aspects of your surgery that may influence the price of breast revision include:
- The size and fill-material of your new implants (if applicable)
- The different surgical techniques used to attain the desired outcome
- The overall complexity of your procedure
- Fees related to lab testing, the surgical facility, anesthesia, the surgeon’s experience, etc.
Although we cannot provide a personalized cost estimate of your breast revision expenses until you meet with Dr. Gryskiewicz in a consultation, our office accepts CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ Credit for qualified patients. This can make your breast revision costs more manageable and bring the procedure into your individual budget. Don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team to learn more about plastic surgery financing and the cost of breast revision.
Questions? Breast revision can allow you to exchange your implants for a new type or size, as well as address implant-related complications. Please call or text our Minneapolis office for information about potential solutions and to book an appointment.