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Breast Revision in Houston
Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure that can help patients achieve improved breast augmentation results. During this procedure, Dr. Paul Vitenas replaces old breast implants with new ones to address a variety of issues that keep patients from being completely happy with their results.
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“Dr. Vitenas is very professional and his team is so nice and answered all my questions. I am so happy with my results, I had a breast implant exchange and absolutely love my results!.”
The before and after photos below showcase examples of Dr. Vitenas’ excellent revision surgery outcomes. Each case depicts a unique patient who required revision procedures to correct complications and achieve an improved aesthetic result.*
The before and after photos demonstrate how customized breast implant revision procedures can successfully improve a patient’s outcome after the initial breast augmentation. By replacing and repositioning implants, issues like capsular contracture, rupture, and malposition can be resolved.
Each Patient is Unique and Individual Results May Vary
What is Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision surgery is a procedure performed on patients who previously underwent breast augmentation. The surgery helps correct issues that have developed with the original breast implants.
Revision procedures may also be performed when a patient wants to alter the size, shape, or style of their implants after breast augmentation. By replacing the implants, patients can achieve improved results that better match their aesthetic wishes.
Benefits of Breast Implant Revision
- It enables patients to correct complications from their original augmentation, like capsular contracture, malposition, or rupture. This helps relieve discomfort and improves aesthetic results.
- During revision, old implants causing issues can be removed and replaced with new ones selected to achieve the patient’s goals.
- For patients who are unhappy with their initial breast augmentation results, revision offers a chance to alter the implant size, shape, or style and attain improved aesthetic outcomes.
- Revision procedures can reposition implants that have shifted out of place over time into a more optimal position with better symmetry.
- In cases of rupture, leaking, or deflation, the problematic implants can be exchanged for intact replacements.
Breast implant revision surgery can often successfully improve aesthetic results and help patients feel pleased with their breasts after having unsatisfactory results from an initial breast augmentation procedure. With his expertise, Dr. Vitenas can completely change a patient’s perspective on their breast augmentation results with a breast implant revision.
Types of Breast
Implant Problems
Bottoming Out & Stretch Deformity
Lateral Fold Malpositions
Symmastia
Symmastia, sometimes called “uni-boob,” is a complication where the implants are positioned too close together in the midline of the chest, causing the appearance of a single continuous breast mound instead of two separate breasts with a natural space between them.
The breasts may even touch, creating undesirable cleavage. Oversized implants and excessive medial pocket dissection often cause this. A symmastia revision can be complicated, but it can be done using mesh for stabilization.
Wrinkling and Rippling
Capsular Contracture
Dealing with Ruptured Implants
Saline breast implants tend to deflate quickly when ruptured, as the saltwater leaks out and is absorbed by the body. Silicone implants, however, do not deflate rapidly when the shell ruptures. Instead, the silicone filler material can remain trapped in the surrounding scar tissue capsule.
With silicone implants, signs of rupture may include breast swelling, hardening, and changes in breast shape or size. In some cases, ruptures are only detectable via medical imaging. However, Dr. Vitenas can often identify silicone implant ruptures through careful physical examination.
When rupture occurs, it is advisable to have the implants replaced promptly to avoid complications. Breast implant revision surgery can remove ruptured implants and replace them with new, intact ones.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?
Ideal candidates for breast revision surgery have previously undergone breast augmentation with unsatisfactory results.
Additionally, candidates may:
- Be dissatisfied with the appearance or feel of their breast implants
- Suspect that their implants may be ruptured
- Be experiencing complications like capsular contracture
- Wish to alter the size, shape, or style of their existing breast implants
Ideal candidates are healthy, have realistic expectations for their revision procedure, and are nonsmokers. Smoking can impede healing after breast surgery.
During your consultation, Dr. Vitenas will determine if you are a suitable candidate for breast implant revision surgery.
The Breast Implant Revision Consultation
The first step is to schedule a breast implant revision consultation with Dr. Vitenas.
During the consultation, Dr. Vitenas will:
- Listen to your concerns about your existing breast implants
- Physically examine your breasts and implants
- Review your full medical history
- Take photographs of your breasts from multiple angles
- Discuss the potential benefits and risks of revision surgery
- Explain what you can expect from a breast implant revision procedure
- Review replacement implant options if you wish to exchange your implants
- Make recommendations regarding implant type, size, shape, and surgical techniques to help you achieve your goals
Preparing for Breast Implant Revision
- Discontinuing nicotine use for several weeks before and after surgery
- Stopping certain medications like blood thinners prior to surgery
- Undergoing breast imaging tests to evaluate the current implants
- Completing lab screening tests before the revision procedure
On the day of your revision procedure, arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility. Having someone available to assist you at home while recovering is also recommended.
Proper preparation helps ensure you are ready for your breast implant revision surgery and recovery.
The Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Dr. Vitenas performs breast implant revision surgery at his state-of-the-art accredited outpatient surgical facility. The procedure typically takes one to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia.
During the surgery, Dr. Vitenas will:
- Make an incision to access the breast implants (often in the breast crease)
- Remove the existing breast implants along with any scar tissue present
- Perform tissue rearrangement, capsular modifications, breast pocket adjustments, and other corrections as needed
- Insert the new breast implants and position them appropriately
- Use sutures to close the incisions
In some cases, Dr. Vitenas may place drains to help avoid fluid accumulation as you initially recover. He may also utilize dermal matrix products like Strattice to help support implants and minimize complications.
The specific techniques Dr. Vitenas uses will depend on your unique goals. The procedures can be customized to correct the issues that you are experiencing and provide improved aesthetic results.
Recovering from Breast Implant Revision
Initial recovery time usually lasts one to two weeks. Many patients can resume work activities within several days to a week after surgery.
Dr. Vitenas will provide detailed post-op instructions to support your recovery process. Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and remove any drains will be scheduled.
Exercise and strenuous activity are restricted for four weeks, while full healing typically takes six weeks. Most revision patients experience greatly improved outcomes and satisfaction after healing is complete.
Breast Implant Revision FAQ
Breast revision surgery is performed as a secondary procedure to correct or improve the outcome of a previous breast augmentation surgery. It involves removing the existing breast implants and replacing them with new ones to fix issues and alter outcomes.
The exact price of breast implant revision surgery depends on the complexity and nature of the revision, fees for the surgical facility and anesthesia, and implant costs. During your consultation, Dr. Vitenas will provide you with an accurate price quote for your customized procedure.
Yes, in many cases, a breast lift can be done in conjunction with implant revision to lift and reshape sagging breasts. This is known as an augmentation mastopexy. Combining the procedures may enable better contour and perkiness.
Breast implant revision side effects are usually minor but can include swelling, bruising, numbness, and discomfort during recovery. More significant risks like infection, bleeding, implant rupture, and scarring may occur but are uncommon.
Most surgeons prefer to wait at least 3-6 months after the initial augmentation before performing revision surgery. This allows complete healing and ensures that the implants have settled into their final positions. However, in cases of serious complications like rupture or severe capsular contracture, more urgent revision may be warranted.
You may be a good candidate for breast implant revision surgery if you have had a prior augmentation and want to improve your results by exchanging implants due to complications, dissatisfaction with their appearance, or desire for a change.
Breast implant revision is typically performed using general anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia with sedation is an alternative option in some cases. Dr. Vitenas will discuss anesthesia choices with you during your consultation.
Dr. Vitenas is one of the most experienced and trusted breast surgeons in Texas. He is board-certified and has performed thousands of successful breast procedures over his 30+ year career. Dr. Vitenas stays up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies to provide exceptional care. He has the skill and artistry to help breast revision patients achieve dramatic improvements.
Dr. Vitenas will guide you in selecting the optimal replacement implants during your revision. Type (saline or silicone), shape, size, and surface texture will be selected to ensure that your new implants will match your goals.
The most appropriate placement of the new implants will depend on your previous results, your tissue characteristics, the amount of sagging, and implant dimensions. Common options include submuscular, subfacial, or dual-plane placement. Dr. Vitenas will determine the ideal location during your consultation.
Patients will see significant improvements right after breast implant revision surgery. However, it takes around 6 weeks for most residual swelling to resolve and the breasts to fully settle. Final results are visible by about 3-6 months post-op.
