Breast Revision in Houston, TX

Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the United States, and in the majority of cases, it creates terrific outcomes. Unfortunately, sometimes a patient can be unhappy with the appearance of her breasts and at some point may want breast revision treatment. Keep in mind, not all revision surgeries are because of doctor error.

While there are a few surgeries that do end with a poor outcome, there are women who want a different size implant while some may have a visible irregularity and prefer to have the implant corrected or taken out completely. In addition, there are some women who must have revision treatment for a unique condition. Houston, TX board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Pierre Chevray provides breast revision surgery and gives a thorough exam at Chevray Plastic Surgery so that the right outcome is delivered.

Should you have any trouble (whether medical or cosmetic) after breast augmentation, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Chevray. Whether it is scar tissue, drooping or sagging, ripples under the skin, or size variations between the breasts, breast revision surgery can help. We understand that you want a normal and healthy outcome. This procedure can also help if you want to change the size, implant styles, or address another aspect of your breasts.

Although implants can last a long time, they usually do require replacement. You should have your implants examined regularly. Dr. Chevray can help you determine when your implants should be replaced. With so many advances in plastic surgery, you may want to consider the newest implant shapes and types to achieve your best look.

Secondary breast augmentation either takes out an implant that no longer functions or is no longer desired. 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 cases in which a revision surgery is desired or required:

• Asymmetry
  Balanced breasts should be equal in size, position, and shape. You may want a revision surgery in situations like if your initial breast augmentation did not result in symmetrical breasts (surgeon error), you have the wrong size implant, or one breast sags more than the other. 
• Bottoming out
  When breast implants "bottom out" or drop lower than they should, the breast implant placement may need to be amended.
• Capsular contracture
  If you have internal scar tissue that is hardening around your saline or silicone implant, the tissue can change the implant placement and create an unpleasant appearance.
• Change in breast implant size
  With the original surgery, you may have gone too conservative or gone a bit too large. A different breast implant size can be placed to achieve the desired aesthetic goal.
• Implant rippling
  With saline implants, you may see rippling under the skin around the edge. Thin women may experience rippling more often because the area is not padded well. Often, this condition can be repaired by simply changing to a silicone implant.
• Implant rupture
  Breast implant rupture of any kind will require breast revision surgery. Silicone breast implants deflate the breast when it is ruptured. If a silicone implant ruptures, you may not know anything is wrong. Silicone breast implant ruptures are only detected through MRI imaging. It is recommended that you have a plastic surgeon assess your breast implants every few years to see if they need to be replaced.
• Symmastia
  When breast implants are positioned too closely together, it is called symmastia. In most cases, this is because the implant chosen was the incorrect shape, size, and width. A secondary procedure will repair this problem by utilizing an implant that fits your body type and looks well balanced.

To revise a breast augmentation, you will have outpatient surgery with general anesthesia. Dr. Chevray will devise a treatment plan for you, whether you want to replace or remove your implants altogether. In some cases, Dr. Chevray can perform a capsulectomy or an en bloc capsulectomy. There are a few differences between these two surgeries:

• An en bloc capsulectomy
  Dr. Chevray will make a larger incision on both breasts to remove the entire capsule of scar tissue with the implant inside of it. This will produce a larger scar on the breasts. It is also very complex and will add time to your surgery.
• A capsulectomy
  A capsulectomy will still be accomplished by Dr. Chevray, but this technique removes the capsule of the attached scar tissue and the implant is removed in pieces. Because of the limited view of the breast implant with the en bloc, removing the scar tissue and implant separately may be safer. The incision does not have to be extensive because the narrower pieces can pass through a smaller incision.

Whether you have your breast implant and the surrounding scar tissues removed as a whole or in pieces, Dr. Chevray will accomplish this in one surgery. If you choose to have your implants replaced, he will put in the new implants. He will make sure that your breasts look symmetrical. Any other techniques used to improve the appearance of your breasts with or without implants can be discussed in your treatment planning session before surgery. Dr. Chevray may also insert surgical drains to help with excessive fluid and post-op swelling during your first few weeks of recovery. Drains will be removed at one of your follow-up appointments.

Following your surgery and an observation period, you should be able to go home to start your recovery. The overall recovery varies, depending on the complexity of your surgery. Revision surgery that requires grafting or complex reconstruction will need a longer recovery, which could take up to 6 – 8 weeks. You should slowly start to see your surgical results when the bruising and swelling start to disappear. Dr. Chevray or someone on this team will discuss what you can expect during your recovery, plus recommendations to help speed your healing. You should go to your follow-up visits as often as directed. Dr. Chevray can monitor your recovery and results.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery will vary, depending on what needs to be done. In your consultation, Dr. Chevray will listen carefully to your concerns and goals before performing a physical examination of your current implants. After this, he can talk about your choices before creating your treatment plan. The cost of revision surgery will be based on the length and complexity of the procedure, as well as your new implants.

What if Dr. Chevray wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Chevray can perform your breast revision surgery, even if he was not the surgeon who performed your breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery is sometimes more difficult compared to the original augmentation, especially if you want dramatic changes or have problems. It's best to choose a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, like Dr. Chevray, who has advanced training and experience in breast surgery. Dr. Chevray also encourages his patients to return to Chevray Plastic Surgery if you experience a problem or want a change.

Will there be new scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Chevray will make incisions for revision surgery in the original incisions. If this isn't possible, he will place the revision incisions where they will be less visible. Revision surgery may use a trans axillary incision (in the armpit), a periareolar incision (along the lower edge of the areola), an inframammary incision (under the fold of the breast), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Chevray or a member of his team will explain scar care management for your new incisions to heal smoothly and blend into your skin.

Breast implant revision surgery is tailored for your individual concerns by our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Chevray. If you're displeased with your breast implants or desire a different outcome, we invite you to get in touch with our Houston, TX office to book your appointment at Chevray Plastic Surgery. Dr. Chevray will perform a physical assessment, create your revision recommendations, and discuss treatment to improve your results.