Breast Revision

Breast revision surgery is performed to correct a complication or dissatisfaction resulting from a previous breast surgeon/surgery. Even at the hands of the most skilled and qualified breast augmentation surgeon, the need for breast revision surgery may arise.

There are many types of breast revision surgeries. During your consultation for breast revision surgery, Dr. Larson will assess your concerns and determine the best technique to meet your needs.

Common Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery

The following are some of the most common reasons for breast revision surgery:

Bottoming Out

Bottoming out occurs when the breast implant descends too low after surgery, causing the breast to lose volume in the upper portion. This complication can also cause the nipple to appear too high on the breast. Dr. Larson may perform a capsulorrhaphy, which involves sutures in the lower portion of the breast that will elevate the breast implant to the correct position.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is one of the most common breast augmentation complications. This complication occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens excessively, squeezing the implant and producing discomfort and/or an unnatural breast appearance. This complication usually requires removal of the scar tissue. The implants themselves are not usually removed or replaced unless they are defective.

Malposition of Implants

When breast implants are placed too closely together, too far apart, or when they do not “settle” into the correct position once the final breast augmentation results develop, the solution may be to completely remove the implants and possibly replace them if the patient desires. Another option is to manipulate the tissues that support the implants to move them into the correct position.

Ruptured Implant

The rate of implant rupture has decreased significantly over the last few years. Rupture can occur with either silicone or saline implants. Rupture of a saline implant will result in an obvious deflation of the breast, whereas silicone implant rupture generally requires an MRI screening to detect. During breast revision surgery for a ruptured implant, Dr. Larson will remove the affected implant, irrigate the breast pocket, and replace the implant.

Size Change

The desire to change implant size is the most common reason for breast revision surgery. Usually, the patient desires to have larger breasts than her primary augmentation achieved. During your breast revision consultation, Dr. Larson will assess your chest width to determine if larger implants will safely and effectively achieve the look you desire.