Correcting Unpleasing Results

Breast augmentation is one of the most requested cosmetic surgeries in America, and in many cases, it allows for terrific outcomes. However, sometimes, a woman can be unhappy with the results of her breast implants and, at some point, may want them removed or revised. While there are a few surgeries that do end with an unpleasing outcome, there are women who have specific reasons for changing their primary augmentation. Our board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, William Vinyard, MD, FACS, will treat breast revision patients even if he did not perform the first augmentation.

What Is a Breast Revision?

A breast revision is a surgical procedure aimed at modifying or correcting the results of a previous breast augmentation by addressing issues such as implant complications, aesthetic preferences, changes due to factors like pregnancy or weight fluctuations, or the desire to update implants over time. It is important to note that not all revision treatments are due to practitioner error. Some women must have revision surgery for a particular condition. 

Women seek revision surgery because of capsular contracture, implant rupture, asymmetry, displacement, rippling, size change, or the desire to remove the implants entirely. Living with breast implants that "just don't look right" or differ in shape, size, or projection can be uncomfortable or embarrassing. Confiding in a skilled plastic surgeon, like Dr. Vinyard, about your breast implant issues is a significant first step in revising your first surgery. Schedule a one-on-one consultation at VIPS so you can discuss your concerns and goals.

Breast Revision Before & After

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Who Is a Candidate?

If you have any concerns (whether medical or aesthetic) about your breast implants, please schedule a consultative appointment with Dr. Vinyard to develop your personalized plan for breast revision surgery. Whether you are struggling with scarring, sagging, rippling, or uneven breasts, revision surgery can help correct the deformity and produce a more aesthetically pleasing and healthy breast appearance. This procedure can also help if you want to change the breast size or implant style or address any other aspect of your augmentation. You are a candidate for revision surgery or breast implant exchange if you have had your implants for years.

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Your Consultation

With attentive care, Dr. Vinyard listens to your aesthetic goals, offering expert guidance and personalized solutions during your consultation. During the 1-1.5 hours of your conversation, he tailors a treatment plan to your needs, ensuring you are well-informed and comfortable. Dr. Vinyard's approach prioritizes your vision, empowering you to make confident decisions on your journey to enhanced beauty and self-assurance.

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Why Have a Revision Surgery?

Breast revision surgery removes an implant that is not working or functioning correctly or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch implant size or go from an implant to a fat transfer (or vice versa). There are a few other common cases where a revision surgical treatment is desired or required, and the techniques differ based on your needs and goals.

Implant Rupture

Even though this is rarely seen, implant rupture can occur. If a saline implant type ruptures, deflation will take place almost immediately. Therefore, a visible deflation will occur. On the other hand, if the implant is silicone-based and ruptures, it is only seen through an MRI. A secondary procedure will be required if a rupture happens–whether the implants are silicone or saline.

Capsular Contracture

This term is used for scar tissue hardening, which occurs when the delicate tissue around the saline or silicone implant becomes hard and thickens. Although many implant surgeries produce internal scar tissue, most women will never see or feel it. In some situations where scarring interferes with implant placement, changing the breast shape and implant functionality and delivering an undesirable outcome, capsular contracture surgery to clear away scar tissue would be recommended.

Asymmetry

Many women develop breasts that are not even in size or shape. When you have breast implants and one breast is larger than the other, you have breast asymmetry. Nipples and areolas might not heal the same and look uneven or unbalanced on the chest. You should see a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your breasts to see what is causing the asymmetry. Surgery would be needed to correct the problem, and new implants would be positioned to create a symmetrical result.

Displacement

Breast implant displacement is a condition that happens when one or both breast implants drop low or "bottom out." This occurs when the implant moves below the support structures in the breast soft tissues that comprise the natural crease beneath the breast. In many cases, this is a situation where there was a positioning error from the first surgical procedure. Dr. Vinyard will present several options to a patient with "bottoming out" implants, but it would need surgery for repair.

Symmastia

Symmastia occurs when implants are inserted and placed too close together. In most cases, this happens because the implant was the wrong shape and width. A revision treatment will correct this problem by utilizing an implant that fits your body type and looks pleasing to the eye.

Implant Rippling

Implant rippling occurs when apparent ripples and wrinkles beneath the skin appear. Rippling generally forms along the edging of the implant and is more common in patients with low body weight. Often, this condition can be fixed by simply changing to a silicone implant.

Breast Size

Sometimes, a secondary breast surgery is as simple as receiving a smaller or larger-sized implant. With the original surgery, you may have opted to be too conservative or selected a size that no longer fits your lifestyle. A new breast implant of a different size can be switched with the original to reach the desired aesthetic goal.

What to Expect

Revision breast surgery is performed with general anesthesia. Recovery from a revision surgery varies based on the complexity. If you have a revision surgery that warrants many complex surgical techniques, you may need a lengthier recovery that could take up to several months. Patients will begin to see their newly revised outcomes once the swelling disappears.

The goal following revision breast surgery is to reach a result that is both natural-looking and corrects the concern from the primary augmentation. We will discuss expectations, recovery, and more when you visit our office and review the consultation process.

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Why Choose the Makeover Master?

William Vinyard, MD, FACS, affectionately hailed as the "Makeover Master," is our distinguished board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon who goes above and beyond conventional practice standards. With over a decade's experience, he masterfully blends surgical precision and artistic finesse, crafting transformative works of art. Dr. Vinyard's distinctive approach includes compassionately serenading patients with their beloved country songs before procedures, cultivating a soothing ambiance. His empathetic nature establishes him as a cherished confidant for those seeking cosmetic enhancements.

Beyond his exceptional technical prowess, Dr. Vinyard excels in orchestrating comprehensive transformations that align with each patient's vision. He embraces a holistic beauty philosophy, acknowledging the significance of renewed self-assurance and empowerment. Committed to safety, innovation, and patient-centric care, the Makeover Master defies expectations with long-lasting, life-enhancing aesthetic enhancements.

FAQ

How much does breast revision surgery cost?

What if Dr. Vinyard wasn't my original surgeon?

What about loose skin?

Will there be new scars?

Do I have to change my implants?

How much does breast revision surgery cost?

The cost of breast revision surgery can vary greatly depending on what needs to be done. During your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam to assess your implants. Then, he can talk about your options before developing your surgical plan. The cost of revision surgery will depend on the procedure's complexity and what you choose for your new implants. It is best to focus on getting the desired results from a trusted plastic surgeon rather than the cheapest option. To help make your surgery easy to afford, VIPS accepts many different payment methods, and we can help you find low-interest financing through CareCredit.

What if Dr. Vinyard wasn't my original surgeon?

Dr. Vinyard can perform your revision surgery even if he wasn't the surgeon who did your original breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the initial augmentation if you want dramatic changes or have problems, so it's best to find a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon like Dr. Vinyard, with years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. Dr. Vinyard also welcomes his patients to return to VIPS for revision surgery if they have a problem or want a change after their augmentation surgery.

What about loose skin?

If you are having your implants removed or are changing to significantly smaller-sized implants, you may need to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After listening to your goals and assessing your current implants, Dr. Vinyard can discuss the need for a breast lift to remove loose skin. If you lose significant weight, become pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift can help you get better results.

Will there be new scars?

When possible, Dr. Vinyard will make incisions for revision surgery in the original location of your first augmentation surgery. However, if this is not possible, he will place new incisions where they will be less visible. Breast revision surgery typically uses a transaxillary incision (through the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (under the fold of the breast), or a TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Vinyard or a member of his team will go over scar care management so your incisions heal smoothly and blend into your skin.

Do I have to change my implants?

While implants can last a long time, they do need to be replaced at some point. After augmentation surgery, it is vital to have your implants checked regularly so Dr. Vinyard can help you decide when your implants should be replaced. With so many advances in the medical field, you may want to consider the newest implant shapes and types to achieve your best look during breast revision surgery.

Revise Your Implants at VIPS.

Revision surgery for breast implants is a custom treatment tailored to your aesthetic goals by board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. Vinyard. If you notice a visible defect with your breast implants or want a different outcome, we welcome you to contact our beautiful Port Saint Lucie, FL, office to make your appointment at the Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery. Our friendly team serves patients across Palm Beach, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, and beyond. There are many factors to consider in revision surgery, and Dr. Vinyard will break it all down so that you feel comfortable, relaxed, and excited about your gorgeous, renewed silhouette.

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Plan your procedure

  • Recovery time: 1 week
  • Average procedure time: 2-4 hours
  • Post-op follow-up: 1-3 days
  • Procedure recovery location: Outpatient
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