Breast Revision in McLean and Northern Virginia

Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in America, and in many cases, it allows for stunning outcomes. However, sometimes a woman can be dissatisfied with the results of her breast augmentation, and at some point, she may want breast revision surgery. Keep in mind that not all breast revisions are because of doctor error. While few breast augmentations do end with an unpleasing outcome, there are women who desire a different implant size while some may have a functional issue and ask to have the implant revised or taken out altogether. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi offers breast revision surgery to women who are unhappy with their current augmentation results. If you are considering breast revision, contact Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Mesbahi.

The results of a breast augmentation procedure don’t have to stay set in stone forever. Breast revision surgery performed by Dr. Mesbahi can change or fix the outcomes of a past breast augmentation. Benefits of this procedure include:

• Enhancing the overall aesthetic appearance of the breasts
• Addressing problems from a previous surgery
• Allowing you to increase or decrease implant size
• Repairing multiple breast implant issues
• Lifting sagging breasts
• Removing scar tissue
• Improving comfort and daily function
• Boosting self-image and confidence
• Ability to remove implants to obtain a more natural look

Should you have any issues (whether medical or aesthetic) about your breast implants, please schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Mesbahi to go over your goals and to create your personalized breast revision surgery plan. Whether it's scar tissue, breast sag, rippling, or uneven breasts, revision surgery can help repair the condition and provide a more normal and healthy outcome. This procedure can also help if you would like to change implant style, size, or address another aspect of your breasts.

Secondary breast augmentation either removes an implant that no longer functions or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to change implant size or go from saline to silicone (or vice versa). There are a few other common situations in which a revision surgery is needed.

Asymmetry occurs when the implant(s) look disproportionate. This is because of an incorrectly sized implant, drooping on one side, or another condition that can possibly cause asymmetry. A physical examination would need to take place to determine what is causing the asymmetry, then a revision surgery would be performed to resolve the issue, and finally, a new set of breast implants would be inserted to create a symmetrical appearance.

Bottoming out is a condition that may happen if one or both breasts drop too low. In many cases, this is a positioning and placement error from the original surgery. To correct this, a new placement method may be needed. In some cases, tissue grafting most likely will be needed, in addition to a surgically created pocket to fit the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone breast implant will solve this problem.

There are times breast revision surgery is as simple as getting a smaller or larger sized implant. During the first surgery, you may have gone too small or big. A new breast implant size can be inserted to achieve the desired outcome.

This is known as scar tissue, occurring when the delicate tissue that surrounds the breast implant becomes hard and thickens. While breast implants do result in some internal hardening, most women will never know. In some instances, the scarring could interfere with implant placement, which may change the breast shape and result in an undesirable outcome. Capsular contracture surgery to reduce scarring would be necessary.

Implant rippling occurs when you see obvious rippling and wrinkles beneath the skin. This irregularity typically forms just along the edging of the implant. Rippling is generally found in females who are relatively thin. Often, this condition can be fixed by simply changing to a silicone breast implant.

While this is a rare occurrence, implant rupture may occur. If a saline implant ruptures, deflation will take place rather quickly. Therefore, visible flattening will occur. On the other hand, if a silicone implant ruptures, it is only seen via an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, when a rupture occurs, a replacement treatment will be needed.

Symmastia takes place when implants are inserted and placed too closely together. In most cases, this is because the implant used was the wrong width, shape, or size. A revision treatment will repair this issue by picking an implant that is acceptable to your frame and looks proportionate.

Following your surgery and an observation period, you will be able to go home. Recovery from a revision surgery varies based upon what is involved in your surgery. Any type of revision that warrants any type of reconstruction or grafting will have a longer recovery that could possibly last up to 6 – 8 weeks. You should slowly start to see your surgical results once the bruising and swelling begin to disappear. Dr. Mesbahi or someone on our team will discuss what is normal while you recover, plus suggestions to help you heal faster. You should go to follow-up appointments as often as directed so Dr. Mesbahi can assess your recovery and results.

What if Dr. Mesbahi wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Mesbahi can perform your revision surgery, even if he was not the surgeon who did your original breast augmentation. Revision surgery is sometimes more complex compared to augmentation surgery if you want dramatic changes or have cosmetic issues. This is why it's best to select a plastic surgeon, like Dr. Mesbahi, who has years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. Dr. Mesbahi also invites his patients to come back to Mesbahi Plastic Surgery for revision surgery after their original implant surgery if they have an issue or would like new implants.

What about loose skin?
If you are getting your implants removed or are changing to a significantly smaller implant size, you may need to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After listening to your goals and evaluating your current implants, Dr. Mesbahi can discuss the need for a breast lift to remove sagging skin. If you lose a significant amount of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery, a breast revision combined with a lift may give you better results.

Will there be new scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Mesbahi will try to make incisions for revision surgery in the same place as your original augmentation incisions. If this is not possible, he will place the revision incisions where they are least visible. Revision surgery may use a transaxillary incision (in the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower border of the areola), an inframammary incision (beneath the breast fold), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Mesbahi or a member of our team will go over scar care management so your incisions heal smoothly and blend with your skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants can last a long time, they will need to be replaced eventually. Once you've had breast augmentation, it is important to have your implants examined at least once a year so Dr. Mesbahi can help you determine when your implants should be replaced. With frequent advances in medical technology, you may prefer the new implant types and shapes to get a better outcome during breast revision surgery.

Breast implant revision surgery is a custom procedure that is tailored for your individual concerns by seasoned plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi. If you're displeased with your breast augmentation results or want a different outcome, we welcome you to get in touch with our McLean, VA, Washington, D.C., or Beverly Hills, CA office to schedule your appointment at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery. There are numerous factors to consider and Dr. Mesbahi will give you a full physical exam, create your revision treatment plan, and discuss realistic expectations.