Breast Implant Revision in Riverside, CA

Just like how a woman wants to change her hairstyle, she can also change her breast implants with breast augmentation revision surgery. Inland Empire board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Childers can remove and/or replace breast implants for any number of reasons. In some cases, a woman may desire larger or smaller implants, a different texture or shape, or a newer model. In other cases, a woman doesn’t want her implants at all and they can easily be removed. Sometimes, it’s a necessity to remove implants in instances of rupture, a shift in the chest, or take on a “rippled” or “bubbled” appearance.

There are various circumstances as to why a woman may decide to undergo breast revision surgery. The most common reasons are listed below.

If a saline implant ruptures, the implant device will deflate due to the leakage of saline. This will result in an obvious deflating of the breasts. Silicone implants will not deflate visibly, however a break in the shell may still occur. The only true way to detect a shell break is through an MRI, which is why routine check-ups are recommended throughout the years.

Breast rippling and/or wrinkling can occur along the side of the breast, or underneath it. This occurs within saline implants resulting in an unnatural appearance under the skin. This is most common in women who are extremely thin.

“Double bubble” is a rare complication with women who have breast implants. This occurs when the implant drops down behind the natural breast crease, or it has risen and now over-drapes (double folds) the breast. When this occurs, an unnatural indention will result in a “double” breast appearance. This is usually caused by improper breast placement from the original surgery, or severe capsular contracture, which shifts the implant from its position.

Some women may decide later in life they no longer wish to have breast implants in place. Breast implant removal is a procedure that removes the implants and tightens the skin around the breasts to create a natural look.

Some women will be unhappy with their breast size following breast augmentation surgery. They may desire a secondary surgery to replace the implant with one of a different size, texture or shape. Some women may want to go from saline to silicone, or vice versa to achieve the results they desire.

Scar tissue that has formed around the implant may create a capsular contracture. When this occurs, excessive tightening of the capsule will result in a hard feel of the breast. Sometimes, in order to correct this, a capsulectomy must occur. This is the removal of scar tissue from around the implant. In general, silicone implants have a higher incidence of capsular contracture (approximately 10-15% chances) than saline implants (5% chance).

This can occur post-surgery when an implant shifts or moves from its original location. This can also occur with aging, gravity, trauma to the chest area, or with excessive scarring.

Some women are not good candidates for breast augmentation surgery. Instead, they should first have a breast lift. Women who have sagging breasts and undergo breast augmentation surgery alone will not have strong results. The breast will continue to sag further due to the increase weight of the implant. 

Patients who wish to have their implants replaced will undergo a procedure where an exchange of one or both implants may occur. These revision surgeries are generally straightforward. If scar tissue does exist around the implant, an additional step will be taken to remove this. Some patients may require a breast lift during the revision surgery. In addition, a tissue matrix device known as a strattice may be used if added support is needed. The goal of the revision process is to resolve or overcome issues in a way that satisfies the patient’s aesthetic goals. 

Breast revision surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The ease of recovery will depend on exactly what was being done during the revision process. Most women are able to resume their normal work activities after a full week of rest. Exercise will be a gradual process. It may take up to a full year for the scars to begin to fade and for the newly revised breast or chest area to look and feel natural. 

The cost of your breast revision surgery will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Childers will listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical examination of your current implants. Then, he can talk about your choices before developing your surgical plan. It's better to concentrate on getting great results by selecting an experienced cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Childers rather than the cheapest option. To help make your surgery easy to afford, Riverside Plastic Surgery accepts many different payment methods, and we will give you information on low-interest medical financing.

Dr. Childers can perform your breast revision surgery even if he was not the surgeon who performed your original breast augmentation. Breast revision surgery is sometimes more complex compared to the original augmentation process, especially if you want dramatic changes or have problems. With years of experience in breast procedures, Dr. Childers understands the complexities of revision surgery and will be happy to help you achieve greater comfort and confidence.

If you are getting your implants exchanged or removed, you may need to have excess skin removed as well to create a more proportionate look. After listening to your goals and assessing your current implants, Dr. Childers can discuss the need for a breast lift to remove loose skin. If you lose a lot of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery, a revision combined with a lift may give you better results.

Whenever possible, Dr. Childers targets the original incisions during breast revision surgery to reduce the risk of new scarring. If that is not possible, he'll make new incisions in areas that are less visible, such as under the breast or in areas that can be concealed with clothes. 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. Childers or a member of our team will explain scar care management so your incisions heal properly and blend with your skin.

While implants are long lasting, they will require replacement at some point. After breast augmentation surgery, it is important to get your implants checked regularly so Dr. Childers can help you determine if your implants need to be replaced. With so many advances in medical technology, you may prefer the new implant types and shapes to achieve a better look during breast revision surgery.