Breast Revision in Dartmouth , MA

Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries in the U.S., and in the majority of cases, it creates outstanding outcomes. However, sometimes a woman can be unhappy with the results of her breasts and may need breast revision surgery. It is important to note that not all breast revisions are due to surgeon error. While there are a few surgeries that do end with an undesirable outcome, there are women who want a different size implant, while others may have a defect and prefer to have the breast implant revised or taken out altogether. In addition, there are some women who need revision surgery for a unique condition. Dartmouth, MA plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Plamondon performs breast revision surgery and gives a thorough evaluation so that the correct outcome is delivered. 

If you have any issues (whether medical or cosmetic) about your breast implants, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Plamondon to discuss your needs and wants and to determine your custom breast revision surgery plan. Whether it is scarring, breast drooping, rippling, or breast asymmetry, revision surgery can help the irregularity and provide a more pleasing and healthy outcome. This procedure can also help if you want to change size, implant styles, or address any other aspect of your breasts.

This cosmetic surgery either takes out an implant that no longer functions or is no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to switch implant size or go from saline to silicone (or vice versa). There are a few other common cases in which a revision treatment is needed.

Asymmetry occurs when the implants look uneven. This is because of a wrong implant size, sagging on one side, or another condition that would cause asymmetry. An in-depth evaluation would need to be made to determine the cause of the asymmetry, then surgery would be performed to correct the issue, and finally, new implants would be placed to achieve a balanced look.

Bottoming out is a condition that can happen when one or both breasts drop too low or "bottom out." In many cases, this is a placement issue from the first breast augmentation surgery. To correct this, a new placement technique may be considered. In some instances, tissue grafting may be needed, as well as a surgically created pocket to fit the new implant. For most women, moving to a silicone implant can solve this problem.

There are times breast revision surgery is as simple as receiving a different size implant. With the original surgery, you may have gone too big or too small. A new breast implant size can be placed to achieve the desired appearance.

This is the term used for scar tissue, occurring when the soft tissue around the implant becomes hard and thickens. While most augmentations do result in some internal scarring, most patients will never know. In some circumstances, the scarring could alter the implant placement, which may change the breast shape and result in an undesirable outcome. In this case, scar tissue removal surgery to would be necessary.

Implant rippling occurs when there are visible wrinkles and ripples beneath the skin. This deformity generally forms near the edge of the implant. Rippling is more common in women who are very thin. This condition can often be corrected by simply changing to a silicone implant.

While this represents a small percent of cases, implant rupture can occur. If a saline implant ruptures, deflation will take place quickly. Therefore, a visible flattening will occur. On the other hand, if a silicone implant ruptures, it is only detected through an MRI. Either way, if a rupture happens, a replacement surgery will be necessary.

Symmastia occurs when implants are placed too close together. In most cases, this is because the implant chosen was the wrong width, shape, or size. Breast revision surgery will correct this visible deformity by using an implant that works with your body type and looks proportionate.

After your surgery and an observation period, you should be able to go home to start your recovery. The healing period varies based on the complexity of your surgery. A revision that needs any type of reconstruction or grafting will have a longer recovery, which could take up to several months. You should begin to see your results once the swelling begins to disappear. Dr. Plamondon or a member of her team will go over what you can expect during your recovery, as well as tips to help speed your healing. You should also schedule your follow-up appointments as directed so Dr. Plamondon 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. Plamondon will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical exam to assess your current implants. Then, she can discuss your options before developing your surgical plan. The cost of breast revision surgery will depend on the length and complexity of the procedure, as well as what you choose for your new implants. It is best to focus on getting the results you want by choosing an experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Plamondon, rather than the cheapest option. To help make your surgery easy to afford, Caroline J. Plamondon, M.D. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing.

What if Dr. Plamondon wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Plamondon can perform your breast revision surgery even if she wasn't your original surgeon. Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the original augmentation if you want dramatic changes or have problems so it's important to select a plastic surgeon, like Dr. Plamondon, who has years of experience and advanced training in breast surgery. Dr. Plamondon also encourages her patients to return to Caroline J. Plamondon, M.D. Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery for breast revision surgery after their original breast augmentation 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. Plamondon 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 breast augmentation surgery, a breast revision combined with a lift can help you get better results.

Will there be new scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Plamondon will try to make incisions for breast revision surgery in the same place as your original augmentation incisions. However, if this is not possible, she 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 (transumbilical, through the belly button). Dr. Plamondon or a member of her team will go over scar care management so your new incisions heal flat and blend into your normal skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
While implants can last a long time, they usually do need to be replaced at some point. After breast augmentation surgery, it is important to have your implants checked regularly so Dr. Plamondon 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 revision surgery is a custom treatment that is tailored to your specific needs. If you are unhappy with your breast implants or want a different outcome, we welcome you to call our Dartmouth, MA office to schedule your appointment. There are numerous factors to think about and Dr. Plamondon will give you a full physical exam, create your revision options, and help set realistic expectations.