Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States, and in most cases, yields beautiful and natural outcomes. However, in some instances a woman can be dissatisfied with the results of her breasts and may require breast revision surgery. It is important to note not all revision surgeries are due to doctor error. While there are a few surgeries that do end with a poor outcome, there are women who desire a different size implant, while others may have a problem and ask to have the breast implant revised or taken out all together. Furthermore, there are some women who require revision surgery for a specific condition. Plastic surgeons Dr. Carlos Raul Barceló and Dr. Huay-Zong Law provide breast revision surgery and give thorough assessments so that the right outcome is achieved. Schedule a free consult at Sage Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX today to learn more.

An important part of breast revision surgery is having the right expectations. Also, revision surgery may not always be needed. For example, some women may not like the the size of their breasts, and in some cases it may help to speak to a second surgeon before contemplating a revision treatment. During this visit, some patients may discover that the original size chosen still pairs well with their body and frame. If you are experiencing scarring, breast sag, rippling, or unbalanced breasts, revision surgery can help repair the problem and create a more appealing and healthy outcome.

Secondary breast augmentation either takes out an implant that no longer functions or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch out an implant due to a desire to change the size or switching from silicone to saline (or vice versa). Moreover, there are also common reasons for which a revision surgery is wanted:

• Implant Rupture
  Although this is rare, implant rupture may occur. If a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation will occur rather quickly. Therefore, a visible change will be noticeable. On the other hand, if an implant made of silicone ruptures, it is only detected through an MRI. In either case, if a rupture happens, a revision treatment will be needed.
• Capsular Contracture
  This is the term used for areas of hardening because of scarring, which occurs when the smooth tissue around the breast implant becomes hard and thickens. While breast implants do result in some internal hardening, most individuals will never realize this. In some cases, the scarring could change the implant placement, potentially changing the implant function and creating an undesirable outcome. Scar removal surgery to remove scarring would be needed.
• Asymmetry
  Asymmetry occurs when the breast implants look out of balance. This could be the result if an incorrect implant size was chosen, or because of ptosis on one side, or another condition that can possibly cause asymmetry. A proper diagnosis would need to be made to determine what is causing the asymmetry, then surgery would be implemented to correct the condition, and finally new implants would be inserted to attain a proportionate appearance. 
• Bottoming Out
  Bottoming out is a breast implant irregularity that can occur when the breasts drop or "bottom out" too low. Sometimes this is a positioning and placement error from the first surgery. To fix this, a new placement approach may be recommended. In some cases, tissue grafting will be needed, as well as a surgically produced pocket to hold the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone implant will solve this problem.
• Symmastia
  This condition occurs when implants are positioned too close together. In most cases, this is because the implant selected was the wrong shape, size, and width. A secondary procedure will correct this issue by selecting an implant that is acceptable to your body type and looks balanced. 
• Implant Rippling
  Rippling occurs when there are noticeable lines and ripples beneath the skin. This condition generally forms around the edge of the implant. Rippling is more common in females who are relatively thin. Often, this condition can be repaired by simply replacing the silicone implants.
• Breast Size
  There are times revision surgery is as simple as attaining a larger or smaller implant size. With the original surgery, you may have opted to go too small or big. A new breast implant size can be used to attain the desired outcome. 

A secondary breast surgery is performed with general anesthesia. The overall recovery varies based upon the type and complexity needed. For instance, if a new size is being inserted, a breast lift might be required if smaller-sized implants are used to help tighten loose skin. Any type of revision that requires grafting or complex reconstruction will incur a longer recovery, which may take up to several months. Many women will begin to see their surgical results once the swelling begins to disappear. The goal following breast revision surgery is to achieve a result that is both natural looking and healthy.

This surgery is a unique treatment, tailored for your individual problem. If you're displeased with your breast implants or want a different outcome, we welcome you to contact our office to book your appointment. There are many factors to think about and we will provide you with a full physical examination, your revision recommendations, and help set realistic goals and expectations.