Breast Revision Surgery in Doylestown, PA

Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, and in many cases, this surgical enhancement yields stunning outcomes for women with a wide range of concerns and goals. Unfortunately, there are times when a patient is unhappy with the results of their augmentation, and at some point, may seek or require a breast revision surgery. It's important to keep in mind that not all revision surgeries are needed due to doctor error. While few breast augmentations do end with an undesirable outcome, there are women who may simply desire a different sized implant while others could have a visible irregularity and ask to have the implant corrected or taken out altogether. Furthermore, there are some women who require revision treatment due to a specific condition or side effect. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino offers breast revision surgery after giving an in-depth assessment at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa so that the appropriate outcome is achieved.

Should you have any worries (either medical or aesthetic) about your breast implants, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Tamburrino to go over your goals and to develop your personalized breast revision surgery plan. Even if he wasn't your original surgeon, Dr. Tamburrino can perform your breast revision surgery. Whether it is scar tissue, drooping or sagging, ripples under the skin, or unbalanced breasts, revision surgery can help correct the issue and provide a more visually pleasing and properly functioning outcome. This operation can also be appropriate if you want to change implant style, size, or address any other aspect of your breasts.

Breast revision surgery either removes an implant that no longer functions or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch implant size or go from silicone to saline (or vice versa). There are a few other common cases where a revision or secondary surgery is wanted.

Asymmetry occurs when the implants appear uneven. This may be due to an incorrect size implant, ptosis on one side, or another condition that could cause asymmetry. A proper diagnosis will need to be made to determine the cause of the asymmetry. Following this diagnosis, surgery can be performed to address the issue. Finally, a new set of breast implants can be placed to attain a symmetrical look.

Bottoming out happens if one or both breasts drop too low. Sometimes, this is a placement issue from the first surgical procedure. To fix this, a different placement method may be used. In some cases, tissue grafting will be needed, as well as the creation of a surgically formed pocket to hold the new implant. For many patients, changing from saline to a silicone implant will solve this problem.

Sometimes breast revision surgery is as straightforward as getting a different sized breast implant. During the first surgery, you may have opted to go too small or big. A new implant size can be placed to achieve the desired outcome.

This is known as scar tissue hardening and occurs when the soft tissue that surrounds the breast implant becomes thick and tough. While most augmentations do result in some internal scarring, most women will never know or notice. In some instances, the scarring could alter or affect the implant's placement, which could impact implant function and create an undesirable outcome. Scar tissue removal surgery to reduce scarring may be recommended to address this concern.

Rippling occurs when you see noticeable lines and ripples under the skin. This irregularity generally forms just along the edge of the implant. Rippling is more common in females who are of low body weight. Many times, this issue can be corrected by simply changing to a silicone breast implant.

Even though this is uncommon, breast implant rupture may occur. If a saline implant type ruptures, the insert will deflate rather quickly. Because of this, a change in appearance will be immediately noticeable. On the other hand, if an implant made of silicone ruptures, this can only be seen through an MRI. Whether the insert is silicone or saline, if a rupture occurs, a replacement surgery will be needed.

Symmastia occurs when implants are inserted and placed too close together. In most cases, this is because the implant used was the incorrect shape and/or width. A secondary procedure will repair this abnormality by selecting an implant that fits your frame and looks proportionate.

Following your surgery and a brief observation period, you should be able to go home to begin your recovery. Healing from a revision surgery varies, depending on the complexity of your procedure. Any type of revision that warrants grafting or complex reconstruction will have a longer recovery, which may take up to several months. You should slowly start to notice and enjoy your surgical results once the swelling begins to disappear. Dr. Tamburrino or a member of his team will discuss what should be expected during your recovery, as well as give you recommendations to help fast-track your healing. You should attend follow-up appointments as often as directed so Dr. Tamburrino can monitor your progress and results.

What if Dr. Tamburrino wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Tamburrino can perform your revision surgery, even if he was not your original surgeon. Revision surgery is sometimes more difficult than augmentation surgery if you want dramatic changes or have significant problems so it's better to select a board-certified plastic surgeon who has years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery.

What about loose skin?
When you are having your implants removed or are changing to a significantly smaller size of implants, you may need to have excess skin removed as well. After hearing your goals and evaluating your current implants, Dr. Tamburrino can discuss adding a breast lift to your treatment plan to remove sagging skin. If you lose a significant amount of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a breast revision with a lift can help you get better results.

Will there be new scars?
When possible, Dr. Tamburrino will try to make incisions for breast revision surgery in the same place as your original augmentation incisions. If this isn't possible, he will place the revision incisions where they will be less visible. Revision surgery typically uses a transaxillary incision (through the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (beneath the fold of the breast), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Tamburrino or a member of his team will go over scar care instruction so your incisions heal flat and blend with your normal skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants can last a long time, they do require replacement at some point. After augmentation surgery, it is important to have your implants examined regularly so Dr. Tamburrino can help you decide when your implants should be replaced. With so many advances in medical technology, you may prefer the new implant types and shapes to achieve a better, more natural look with breast revision surgery.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery can vary based on the complexity of your procedure. In your consultation, Dr. Tamburrino will listen carefully to your needs and goals before completing a physical examination of your implants. Then, he can talk about your choices before developing your treatment plan. The total cost of breast revision surgery will be based on the length and complexity of the procedure, as well as what you choose for your new implants. To help make your surgery easy to afford, Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa accepts several payments and we will give you information on low-interest medical financing.

Will breast revision be more painful?
No. In fact, in most cases, breast revision will actually be much less painful than your original procedure. As such, the recovery time is usually shorter, allowing our patients to continue with their normal lives.

Breast revision surgery is a customized treatment tailored to meet your aesthetic goals and address your unique concerns. If you are not happy with your breast augmentation results or wish for a different result, we welcome you to call our Doylestown, PA office and schedule your appointment at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. There are so many factors to consider when it comes to a potential breast revision procedure. To help make the process as easy and smooth as possible, Dr. Tamburrino will give you a full physical examination, discuss his recommendations, and help you set realistic outcome expectations.