Breast revision surgery is sometimes an unfortunate reality for patients that have had previous breast augmentation or breast reconstruction. Whether it's dealing with tight, poorly positioned breast implants or improving an unsatisfactory result after breast reconstruction, Dr. Seth use his extensive experience in breast surgery to achieve breast revision results that match or exceed his patients goals and expectations. As a trusted name in Chicago and the North Shore for all aspects of breast surgery, Dr. Seth has become a local expert for patients seeking breast revision surgery.
- Procedure Length: 1-2 hours
- Anesthesia: General
- Disposition: Outpatient
- Recovery: 2-3 weeks
Schedule a consultation online or over the phone (847.504.2300) with Dr. Seth today.
Why Breast Revision?
For most patients, implants for breast augmentation or breast reconstruction can provide long-lasting, satisfactory results. Despite this, there can be several reasons why some patients may be unhappy with the outcomes of their breast implant surgery. In these cases, Dr. Seth may recommend breast revision surgery to improve or enhance your outcome. Reasons Dr. Seth commonly performs breast revision surgery include:
- Implant Tightening (Capsular Contracture)
- This is one of the most well-known complications of breast implants. When any kind of implant is placed in the body, the body's natural response is to form a scar 'capsule' around the implant. Sometimes, in the case of breast implants, this capsule can be come thickened and firm. Known as capsular contracture, this can cause your breast implant to change shape and position or become uncomfortable and painful. Common reasons for capsular contracture may be a recent implant infection or implant rupture, although sometimes the cause be unclear. Capsular contracture is not a medical emergency, but these sudden change in your implants can often be corrected by Dr. Seth with breast revision surgery.
- Malposition
- This is a general term for implants that are not in the correct position relative to your breast tissue and/or chest. This includes implants that are too high or low on your chest, or implants that are sitting too close or far apart. Breast implants can be poorly positioned for a variety of reasons, including from your surgery itself or from 'aging' of your implants and/or the surrounding breast tissue over time. Dr. Seth will often perform breast revision surgery for malpositioned implants in both breast augmentation and breast reconstruction patients.
- Aging or Rupture of Implants
- All implants have a 'shelf-life' to them. Although today's implant look better and last longer than previous generations of implants, no implant lasts forever. As implants age, the surrounding shell can stretch or weaken, making them more susceptible to leak or rupture. Ruptured saline implants will often deflate, while a ruptured silicone implant can lead to capsular contracture. If the implants don't break, they may stretch and sag. In either case, Dr. Seth may recommend breast revision surgery to 'upgrade' your breast implants and enhance their cosmetic appearance.
- Animation Deformity
- For breast reconstruction patients with implants below their pectoralis muscle (sub-pectoral), a common complaint can be movement of their implants when they contract their chest muscles. This can lead to an unsightly, but temporary, distortion of their overlying breast skin. In these cases, Dr. Seth may recommend breast revision surgery to change the position and orientation of your implants to be above your pectorals muscle (pre-pectoral).
- Unsatisfactory Results
- Some patients may just be unhappy with their results following breast implant surgery. Whether it's the size, position, or symmetry of your implants, breast revision surgery is generally the best option to improve your outcome. Dr. Seth will work closely with you to understand your goals and expectations to ensure that breast revision surgery is right for you.
Case ID: 255
What Are My Options?
Depending on the reason for your breast revision surgery and your individual goals, you may have some options for how to best optimize your result. Regardless, it is important to recognize that breast revision surgery is typically not 'one-size-fits-all', and must be individualized to your skin quality and body type. Having an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Seth, who understands the nuances of breast implant surgery, is critical to achieving the best results.
During your consultation, Dr. Seth will customize your breast revision surgery to your expectations. Options he may discuss with you include:
- Modifying Your Existing Breast Implants
- Sometimes, significant improvements can be made to your breasts simply by modifying your existing result. These modifications can include releasing the scar tissue around your implant, adjusting the implant 'pocket' to improve its position, or tightening of the surrounding skin similar to a breast lift. During your consultation, Dr. Seth will let you know if modification of your breast implants will be enough to achieve your goals.
- Replacing Your Implant
- Depending on your individual concerns, Dr. Seth may recommend replacement of your existing implant. With his significant experience in breast revision surgery, Dr. Seth is always up-to-date on the latest in breast implant technology. If it's time to 'upgrade' your breast implants, Dr. Seth will work with you to pick the best type and size of implant to achieve your goals.
- Removal of Your Implants
- For some patients, breast revision surgery may include breast implant removal. Dr. Seth recognizes that removing your breast implants is a very personal decision. He will ensure that you understand what to expect after breast implant removal, including if a breast lift would further enhance your outcome.
- Conversion of Your Breast Reconstruction
- For patients that have had breast reconstruction with implants, Dr. Seth offers specific options for improving your results by 'converting' your reconstruction to a different type. This includes:
- Conversion from implants below (sub-pectoral) the pectoralis muscle to above (pre-pectoral) the pectoralis muscle
- Conversion from an implant reconstruction to a reconstruction using your own tissue (e.g. DIEP Flap)
- For patients that have had breast reconstruction with implants, Dr. Seth offers specific options for improving your results by 'converting' your reconstruction to a different type. This includes:
How Much Does It Cost?
Because breast revision surgery is not one-size-fits-all, the cost of breast revision surgery can vary widely. Typically this can be between $2,500 and $11,000. This cost is individualized to each patient and can depend on several factors, including:
- Fees charged by the anesthesiologist and surgical facility
- The surgical technique and anticipated technical difficulty of your procedure
- The expected length of your surgery
After your consultation, you will receive an individual quote for the anticipated cost of your breast revision surgery. If you are interested, third-party payment plans may be available for eligible patients.
If your breast revision surgery is related to a previous breast reconstruction, the cost of your surgery may be covered by your insurance company. During your consultation, Dr. Seth will discuss whether or not this is an option for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are my restrictions after surgery?
- Generally most patients begin feeling like themselves again after only a few days. Dr. Seth will place you in a surgical bra immediately after surgery and ask that you wear it or a sports bra at all times for up to 4 weeks after surgery. You will be ok to resume light activity whenever you feel comfortable. Generally, more strenuous activity and exercise can be slowly resumed starting at 4-weeks after surgery.
When can I drive?
- You are ok to drive once you are no longer taking any 'strong' or narcotic pain medication and when you feel comfortable behind the wheel to be safe.
When can I go back to work?
- You can return to work when you feel comfortable to do so, keeping in mind your activity restrictions. For most patients, this means going back to work after 1-3 weeks.
Will I need surgical drains?
- Breast revision surgery can vary widely from patient to patient. Depending on the type and extent of your surgery, Dr. Seth may place a surgical drain. It is important to know that these are temporary and are removed in the office. Once your drains are removed, Dr. Seth will typically recommend continuing to wear your bra to further manage swelling for the next few weeks.
Do I have to wear a bra after surgery?
- For the first 4 weeks after surgery, Dr. Seth will have you wear a surgical bra or sports bra at all times. After that, Dr. Seth will recommend that you wear a bra during the day when you are active, but not at all times.
What can I do for my scars?
- Often times most breast revision surgery can be done using your existing scars. Regardless of your breast revision is done, there are certain scar care tips that Dr. Seth will recommend after surgery to help optimize the appearance of your scars. These may include scar massage, good sunscreen, and scar creams. In general, most of Dr. Seth's breast revision surgery patients are so thrilled with their new breasts that they are not bothered at all by their scars.
