Breast Revision in La Mesa, CA

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the United States, and in most cases, it allows for beautiful and natural-looking outcomes. However, sometimes a patient can be unhappy with the results of the procedure and may require breast revision surgery. It is important to note that not all revision surgeries are due to doctor error. While there are a few surgeries that do unfortunately have poor outcomes, some women simply desire a different size implant. They may decide to go larger or smaller or to have their implants taken out altogether. In addition, there are some women who require revision surgery for a specific medical condition. La Mesa, CA plastic surgeon Scott Sessions has performed numerous successful breast revision surgeries due to careful assessment and decades of experience. Contact Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre for a consultation if you think you may benefit from a breast revision surgery.

Whether your have scarring, breast sag, rippling, or uneven breasts, revision surgery can help repair the deformity and create more appealing and healthy-looking breasts. This procedure can also help if you would like to change size, implant styles, or address any other aspect of your breasts. If you have any worries (whether cosmetic or medical) about your breast implants, please schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Sessions. He will be able to talk to you about your goals and then create your unique surgical plan.

Secondary breast augmentation, or breast revision, takes out an implant that is not working or functioning correctly 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 in which a revision surgical treatment is wanted.

Asymmetry occurs when the breast implants look out of balance. This can happen if an implant is used that is the wrong size, if there is a lack of tissue on one side, and other conditions. An assessment and diagnosis would need to be made to determine what is causing the asymmetry. Then surgery would be implemented to correct the condition, and finally, new implants would be inserted to attain a proportionate appearance.

"Bottoming out" is a condition that may happen when one or both breasts drop too low. In many cases, this is a positioning and placement error from the first surgical procedure. To fix this, a new placement method may be recommended. In some cases, tissue grafting will be needed, as well as a surgically produced pocket to stabilize the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone implant will solve this problem.

There are times that revision surgery is as simple as receiving a larger or smaller sized implant. With the original surgery, you may have chosen to go too small or too big. A new breast implant size can be switched with the original to attain the desired aesthetic goal.

This is the term used for an area of hardening around the implant because of scarring that occurs when the smooth tissue around the breast implant becomes hard and thickens. While most breast implants do result in some internal hardening, most individuals will never realize this. In some situations, the scarring could change the implant placement, which could change the implant function and create an undesirable outcome. Scar removal surgery to clear away scarring would be needed.

Rippling occurs when there are noticeable lines and ripples beneath the skin. This condition generally forms around the edge of the implant. Rippling is more common in females who are relatively thin. Often, this condition can be repaired by simply changing to a silicone implant.

Although this is rarely seen, implant rupture may occur. If a saline breast implant ruptures, deflation will take place rather quickly, and you will see a sudden visible change. However, if an implant made of silicone ruptures, it is usually only caught through an MRI. In either case, if a rupture happens, a secondary treatment will be needed.

This condition happens when implants are positioned too closely together. In most cases, this is because the implant selected was the wrong shape, size, and width. A secondary procedure will correct this issue by utilizing an implant that is appropriate to your body type and looks balanced.

After your surgery and an observation period, you will be sent home to start your recovery. As with other breast surgeries, you will be given a compression bra to wear to help with swelling and to support your healing breasts. The overall recovery varies based upon the complexity of your surgery. Any type of revision that requires grafting or complex reconstruction will incur a longer recovery, which may take up to several months. You should begin to see your results once the swelling begins to disappear. Dr. Sessions or a member of his team will go over what is normal during your recovery, as well as suggestions to help speed your healing. You should attend follow-up appointments as directed so Dr. Sessions can assess your recovery and results.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery can vary greatly, depending on what needs to be done. During your consultation, Dr. Sessions will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam to assess your implants. Then he can explain your options before developing your surgical plan. The cost of revision surgery will depend on the extent of the procedure, as well as what you choose for your new implants. It is always best to focus on getting quality results rather than on the cheapest option. To help make your surgery more easy to afford, Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre accepts several payment methods and can help you find low-interest financing.

What if Dr. Sessions wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Sessions can perform your revision surgery even if he wasn't the surgeon who performed your breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the original augmentation if you want dramatic changes or have problems so it's better to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Sessions, who has years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. Dr. Sessions also invites his patients to return to Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre for revision surgery after their implant surgery if they have a problem or want a change.

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

Will there be new scars?
If possible, Dr. Sessions will make incisions for revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. However, if this is not possible, he will place the new incisions where they will be less visible. Breast revision surgery typically uses a transaxillary incision (through the armpit), a periareolar incision (on the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (under the fold of the breast), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Sessions or a member of his team will go over scar care management so your incisions heal properly and blend into your skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
While implants can last a long time, they do need to be replaced at some point. After augmentation surgery, it is important to have your implants checked regularly so Dr. Sessions can help you decide when your implants should be replaced. With so many advances in the medical field, you may want to consider the newest implant shapes and types to achieve your best look during breast revision surgery.

Breast implant revision surgery is a custom treatment tailored for your individual needs by Dr. Scott Sessions. If you're displeased with your breast implants or want a different outcome, we welcome you to contact our La Mesa, CA facility to book your appointment at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre. There are many factors to think about, and Dr. Sessions will provide you with a full physical examination, create your revision recommendations, and help you set realistic goals and expectations.