Breast Implant Revision
You may choose to undergo breast revision surgery for several reasons. Perhaps your previous surgeon did not deliver the results you wanted. Or your implants may have reached the end of their lifespan. Dr. Gabbay is proud to serve patients in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles as a breast implant revision surgeon, allowing patients to reclaim their results while improving comfort, appearance, and health.
What Is A Breast Implant Revision For?
Patients may need to pursue breast implant revision for a variety of reasons. Namely, these include health reasons, aesthetic concerns, and comfort problems. The goal of breast augmentation is to equip patients with a heightened appearance that empowers them and creates a sense of feeling fully at home in and proud of their bodies. However, issues can arise due to problems brought on by factors such as:
- A poorly executed surgery by an inexperienced surgeon
- Accidents or injuries that damage the breasts or implants
- Bodily response to the implants
- Being matched with the wrong type or size of implant
- Natural wear on the implants
Choosing Your Surgeon for Your Breast Implant Revision
One of the main reasons patients need revision is due to their first surgeon not delivering on the promised results. So, it is all the more imperative to find a surgeon with the right set of skills and aesthetic understanding for your procedure. Revision surgery is often more complex than an initial breast augmentation. This is because the expert must not only craft new results but be able to identify and correct key elements of the first surgery.
When choosing your surgeon, key factors to consider include:
- What their before-and-after photos look like (see results on real patients)
- What their certifications are (board certification is a must)
- How well they communicate (ideal results are created when patient and surgeon communicate effectively)
- How comfortable you feel working with them
Why Choose Breast Implant Revision?
Deciding to pursue breast implant revision can be a challenge at first. Many patients may want to put it off because it would entail undergoing another procedure. However, whatever your reason is, it is important to remember that it is fully valid. Below are some of the main reasons patients will need to have the procedure done that either replaces or exchanges their implants.
Breast Volume or Shape Change
No part of the body is static, and the breasts are no exception. Over time, aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations can all change the breasts’ shape and size. New implants may allow you to adapt to those changes.
Saline Breast Implant Deflation
Saline Breast Implant Deflation
Saline implants are highly reliable, but leaks are known to occur. This can lead to a decrease in breast size and notable breast asymmetry. We detect leaking saline implants through MRI and can readily replace them when needed.
Breast Implant Exchange
Breast implants typically last about 10 to 15 years on average. After this period, it is important to exchange them for new ones to minimize the risk of future problems. You can change the type of implant, along with the size or shape.
Capsular Contracture
Certain patients may have scarring develop around the implant, which can impact how the breasts look. Dr. Gabbay is a national leader in treating patients with capsular contracture. Capsular contracture can lead to both aesthetic and physical concerns, including pain and discomfort.
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Implant Malposition
An inexperienced surgeon may place the implants poorly, leading to an imbalanced or unnatural look. Revision can improve the position and appearance of the implants.
Shifted Breast Implants
Implants can shift within the breasts over time, leading to an asymmetrical or cosmetically concerning appearance. In some cases, this can be accompanied by discomfort or pain. Shifting is typically due to inadequate placement or support from the breast’s tissues.
Infection or Allergy
Some surgeons might overlook a patient’s allergies and match them with implants that the body cannot handle. Similarly, the body may overreact to the implant material and reject them. In this case, the implants can pose a health risk to the patient.
Implant Coverage Problems
When the skin over the implant over the implant is too thin, it can create a visible ripple effect. Often, this is best solved by reducing the size of the implants.
When implants shift toward the sternum it can create the “uni-boob” effect. Typically, this occurs if certain muscles were cut or damaged during your augmentation procedure.
Bottoming Out
If the implant pulls the breast down, it can create a bottom-heavy look with too-high nipple placement.
Double Bubble
Breast Implant Removal
Some patients may simply want to go back to how their breasts were before and remove their implants. Breast implant removal requires an experienced hand, and the breast’s skin may have stretched in the interim. This can require additional steps to adjust and return to a natural look.
Implant Size
Changing implant size (larger or smaller) is a highly common reason for revision. Aesthetic preferences may change, and some sizes may be more comfortable for a patient than others.
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Are You a Good Candidate?
Dr. Gabbay lends meticulous care and attention to the process for evaluating candidates for breast revision. Many of the issues patients face with augmentation can be traced to an inadequate consultation process that did not match them with a procedure suitable for their needs. The consultation is doubly important for revision because the procedure’s success can impact the patient’s comfort, health, and confidence for years to come.
Dr. Gabbay takes the time to fully go over your situation and learn about the concerns you have. He also conducts a full review of your medical history to ensure that the process will not cause any additional issues. By not rushing into the process, he can promote an experience where your goals and needs serve as the main guiding for in your procedure plan.
Preparing for Breast Revision
Preparation for breast implant revision will be very similar to that of an initial breast augmentation procedure. It mostly involves four key steps (along with any additional personalized instructions provided by Dr. Gabbay):
- Obtaining all necessary blood work or other test results
- Pausing the use of blood thinners and other specific medications
- Taking a break from smoking (for at least 2 months) and avoiding excess alcohol consumption
- Arranging for someone to drive you home on the day of the procedure
The Procedure Process
Anesthesia
Dr. Gabbay conducts breast revision either as an awake procedure or with general anesthesia. Both options have their own advantages, and each ensures that you will have no pain during your surgery. Awake procedures have the advantage of placing less strain on the patient’s body and promoting a quicker recovery experience. General anesthesia will mean you are fully unconscious during surgery, which is ideal for patients who might be worried about an awake experience.
Duration
The duration of breast implant revision surgery can vary significantly. Though it typically takes about 2 hours, it can range from 1 to 4 or more. It all depends on the issues that need to be addressed and whether one or both breasts are to be treated. While there is plenty of variance, Dr. Gabbay has worked with all manner of concerns. So he can provide an accurate estimate of your surgery’s duration so you can plan accordingly.
The Surgery
Revision involves two steps: correcting previous results and crafting new results. The former may involve steps like removing scar tissue, repairing tissues and muscles, and removing the old implants. Dr. Gabbay then will place the new implants in such a way to create the results you want. After the surgery is complete, he closes all incisions and you are taken to a comfortable waiting room. After spending some time there to rest, you can return home with your driver.
The Recovery
Recovering from your procedure will be quite similar to your first procedure. Expect some swelling, bruising, and pain around the surgical sites. You can manage these with steps such as cold compresses, pain relievers, and compression garments (in some cases). Dr. Gabbay provides each patient with full, personalized instructions for their post-procedure aftercare, but these usually include:
- Attending all your follow-up visits so he can track your recovery
Keeping the surgical sites clean and dry - Taking prescribed medication (e.g., anti-inflammatory medication)
- Avoiding all physical activity for about 2 weeks
- Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and certain medications
- As you continue to heal, you can make a gradual return to your full physical routine. However, continue to care for your breasts, as future injuries can carry additional risk. All residual swelling should fade within several months and your tissues will settle into their final position.
Schedule Your Consultation
Breast implant revision could be your path forward, allowing you to finally reclaim the results, confidence, and comfort associated with breast enhancement. Begin working with a leader in breast revision today by calling Dr. Gabbay’s office, a plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, to schedule your consultation.
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