Breast Revision

Dr. Brent provides patient-centric plastic surgery procedures for patients from across the nation. His approach to breast revision in Beverly Hills involves a thorough process to understand patient goals and help them finally reach them.

What Is a Breast Revision?

Breast revision corrects, adjusts, or improves the outcomes of a previous breast procedure. Most patients have revision for breast augmentation, but it can work for a breast lift also. Successful breast procedures require extensive experience to deliver satisfying results. A combination of skill and understanding the patient form the foundation of satisfying outcomes, and many patients come to our practice dissatisfied with another surgeon’s work. Or perhaps you had an injury that damaged your implants. In any case, we work closely with them to see what went wrong and then build a tailored plan that addresses every issue.

Procedure at a Glance: Breast Revision

Type of Procedure: Cosmetic, revision, breast procedure
Purpose: Corrects or improves previous breast surgery
Incisions: Varies based on procedure type
Duration: About 2 to 3 hours, depending on complexity
Anesthesia: Pain-free with general anesthesia
Downtime: Average of 2 weeks
Results: 10 to 15 years
Price: Varies based on procedure details

Before and After

More Breast Implant Revision Examples

Reasons for Breast Revision

Capsular Contracture: Fixes scar tissue formation around a breast implant that affects how it appears.
Implant Size: Patients may want to adjust for larger or smaller implants.
Implant Type: Patients can switch out one implant type for another (e.g., switching from silicone to saline).
Discomfort: Improper implant placement or size can lead to uncomfortable breasts.
Damaged Implant: Saline implants can rupture when damaged or aged.
Appearance Issues: From asymmetry to bubbling, a range of visual issues may arise.
Aging Implants: Implants do not last forever and need to be replaced after about 10 to 15 years.
Anything In Between: From allergic reactions to changing preferences, any range of issues may require revision.

CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE

Occasionally, the tissue surrounding an implant can harden and contract. This appears to happen to a lesser degree with saline implants than silicone. The submuscular placement also sees it less than placement under the breast tissue. Much mystery still surrounds the reason for it happening. Many believe it results from a low-level infection. Pockets of blood or fluid can also increase inflammation.

Lighter cases require simpler treatment. Sometimes, massage therapy may be enough. In more severe cases, a new implant may be required. For such times, recovery is similar to your first breast augmentation. If the breast has begun to droop, a breast lift can help restore its position.

BOTTOMING OUT

The inframammary fold (IMF) is the area where the lower breast meets your chest. If it loses adhesion to the chest wall, the implant can sink.

The position of the implant relative to the nipple becomes offset. The cause could be as simple and skin laxity. However, if your previous surgeon modified your IMF, it could also be a reason. Dr. Moelleken can perform an inframammary lift. This removes the skin along with it, tightening and raising the crease line.

DOUBLE BUBBLE IMPLANT

This occurs in cases where the implant was placed below the muscle. If the tissue begins to hang, the implant can seem too high. You’ll notice that a bulge appears, as though the implant is stacked on something. There are multiple reasons this could happen. It often is associated with poor positioning. However, placing the implant through the armpit can also lead to it if done improperly. Treatment depends on the cause of the case. The muscle might be adjusted. Or the implant may need to be repaired or moved.

AS SEEN ON

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FAQs

Am I a candidate for a breast revision?

Breast revision can be an immense relief for our patients. Not only can it alleviate the dissatisfaction of previous surgery, but it can finally get you to the aesthetic you wanted. We take the time to ensure our patients are good candidates for the procedure. Breast revision may be right for you if you:

Are dissatisfied with their previous breast surgery
Are in good overall health
Are nonsmoking leading up to (and after) the procedure
Have healthy, realistic expectations about the outcomes

What is the recovery like?

Breast revision recovery involves a few stages. First, patients will have downtime for about 2 weeks. This entails resting at home, avoiding physical activity, and caring for your surgical sites. As the swelling, bruising, and discomfort subside, you can begin resuming light activity. Dr. Brent sees all his patients for follow-up visits to provide feedback on when this can happen. After about 6 to 8 weeks, you can make a return to more strenuous activity.

When and for how long will I see my breast revision results?

We know patients want to see their results as soon as possible. This is particularly true with revision. Patients have spent months or years dissatisfied with their previous surgeon’s work and want to finally feel at their best. However, a careful, smooth recovery is needed first.

You can see initial improvements after about 2 weeks. Much of the swelling should fade by then, and your breast’s new look should become apparent. Continue your post-procedure aftercare in the following weeks, though. Much of the healing happens under the skin. Final results settle a few months after surgery once residual swelling dissipates completely. You can expect results to last for 10 to 15 years.

How visible is the scarring?

Scarring will depend on what incisions are needed for the procedure. Dr. Brent always uses the minimum size and number of incisions for any procedure. He carefully plans your surgery around this concept. Whenever possible, he places incisions at the sites of the previous surgery to create no new scars. While some scarring is inevitable, careful and precise incision placement can reduce their visibility. For example, smaller incisions placed under the breast will naturally be hidden from sight.

Can I combine a breast revision with other procedures?

Breast revision can prove the ideal time to add on another plastic surgery procedure. Combined procedures provide enhanced results, but you only need a single recovery period. Dr. Brent conducts combined surgery with a foundation of balancing each outcome so the results complement each other. Common combinations include:

How should I prepare for a breast revision?

Put a hold on smoking or vaping
Avoid any blood-thinning agents, including medication and supplements
Have lab tests done and bring the results
Clear up any questions or concerns you have by asking Dr. Brent
Make plans for someone to drive you home

Why choose Dr. Brent for this procedure?

Dr. Brent is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has been a central figure in breast revision in Beverly Hills. His mission with every procedure is to empower patients by matching their results to their ideals. He takes the time to fully evaluate your situation, building a tailored plan around your goals.

Schedule Your Consultation

A breast revision could be your solution to finally achieving the comfort and aesthetic you have been looking for. Book your consultation with Dr. Brent today to learn more about his process for this procedure and see if you are a candidate for a breast revision in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles.