While patients who undergo breast augmentation report high rates of satisfaction with the surgery, there are situations when a woman may decide to remove and replace her breast implants out of preference or necessity. To help these women, Dr. Genaro Valladolid performs revision augmentation. Using advanced techniques, he commits himself to achieving breasts that women can be happy with again.
There are a variety of reasons that women seek revision surgery:
Dr. Valladolid develops a surgical plan that is in line with the goals his patient sets for revision augmentation; the precise approach often depends on the reasons for revision surgery.
Although many aspects of the surgery are similar to the first breast augmentation procedure, including the use of anesthesia, it the surgery often lasts last longer. Scar tissue that formed from the first surgery can impede the most straightforward approach, and it is important to be extra careful with future incisions to prevent an accumulation of scar tissue. The pocket in the breast that holds the implant may also need to be resized to hold the new implant.
For most women, recovery from breast revision surgery will be comparable to that of the first breast augmentation surgery. Patients typically take at least one week off from work to rest and relax. While walking is good for blood circulation, it is important to avoid engaging in strenuous exercise for several weeks. It is also important to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and the risk of blood clots.
Revision augmentation is a more difficult procedure than primary breast augmentation and therefore requires a more advanced set of skills. Not all plastic surgeons have practice performing revision surgery or understand the techniques necessary to achieve an attractive outcome. Fortunately, Dr. Valladolid has the experience necessary to remove and replace breast implants to help you achieve a healthier, more aesthetically pleasing chest.
Some breast revision patients want to correct issues from a previous breast revision. If you have previously had one or more breast revisions, you may still be a good candidate for the procedure. Breast revision can be tailored to your body and unique surgical history to help you achieve the look you want. Depending on the date of your last revision, your doctor may advise you to wait a certain amount of time before undergoing another revision. This is to allow time for swelling to fully subside and for your body to properly heal from the most recent surgery so that an accurate assessment can be made. Scheduling a consultation with your surgeon is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for breast revision. It is important to remember that since breast revision is such a personalized procedure, your surgeon will work with you to set expectations and determine the best course in line with your desired results.
Breast revision carries some of the same risks as your original breast augmentation. However, it is typically an effective and safe procedure that can improve the results of previous breast surgeries. To ensure a safe and successful recovery, patients should follow their surgeon’s post-operative instructions for wound care, dressing changes and activity restrictions, and attend all follow-up appointments. Additionally, it is recommended that patients avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for the first four to six weeks to ensure proper healing. Dr. Valladolid will guide you through the entire process to ensure your safety and comfort. During your consultation with him, you will discuss specific risks associated with the procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have.
Breast revision surgery is a patient-specific procedure based on the individual’s unique set of circumstances. Before your procedure, your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation and determine the appropriate surgical plan for you. Because of this, there is no single approach to breast revision. You can trust that Dr. Valladolid has the experience to deliver the best results for each patient.
Your results largely depend on your initial reason for choosing breast revision surgery. If your intent was to replace your implants with larger or smaller alternatives, your result may be a more slimming or contoured breast profile, for example. If a previous augmentation left you with asymmetry, you may be able to expect a more balanced look.
Having already undergone breast augmentation, you may wonder if a second surgery results in a second scar. Like any procedure, you can expect some scarring from breast revision as it is a natural part of the healing process. However, innovative technology and techniques make minimal scarring a possibility. Dr. Valladolid will provide a list of aftercare instructions that will help you limit scarring.
To discuss revision augmentation with Dr. Valladolid, please request a consultation at our Scottsdale, Mesa or Phoenix office by calling (480) 770-5015.
