Breast Revision in Scottsdale, AZ

Through breast revision surgery, Scottsdale, AZ board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. John Williams, helps patients correct previous breast augmentations, lifts, reductions or reconstructions that are no longer attractive or fit the patient’s current lifestyle or body shape. Like all implantable medical devices, breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. Although there is no expiration date on implants, there is a very good chance they will need to be replaced at some time in a patient's lifetime. There are many reasons why women need breast revision surgery including excessive scarring (capsular contracture), rippling, implant rupture, sagging, changes in body shape or weight or even a desire for a size change. Some women also decide to have their implants removed altogether. Breast revision surgery is challenging and should only be performed by experienced plastic surgeons such as Dr. Williams.

It is not uncommon for women to desire a different implant size after living with their implants for many years. Since the shape of our bodies and breasts continue to change throughout our lives, implants that looked great at age 25 might not look so good at age 40. Factors such as weight gain and weight loss, childbirth, and breast feeding can drastically change the size and shape of your natural breast tissue which may necessitate an implant size change.

Many women get breast implants strictly for aesthetics. However, some may decide later on that they no longer wish to have them and will desire to have them removed. Breast revision surgery in this case is a process where the implant is removed and the breast reshaped back to a normal size and position so that it looks natural. Skin tightening with a breast lift may be needed if the skin was stretched over time due to the implant.

Despite significant advances in medical technology and strong, durable manufacturing, there are rare cases where an implant may rupture. If the implant is filled with saline, there will be a noticeable deflation of the breast. In the case of silicone implants, the gel stays intact, so there will not be a noticeable difference. An MRI will be needed to detect the defect. Implant ruptures are typically covered under the manufacturer's warranty and a free replacement or a discount on a more expensive implant (saline to silicone) is usually available.

It is common for scar tissue to form around the breast implant once it has settled into the surgical pocket within the chest. In most cases, this scar tissue does not cause any harm or problems for the patient. However, in some cases, the scar tissue can tighten around the implant which causes the implant feel hard or tight, become displaced in an unnatural position and even become painful. This is called a capsular contracture. This is corrected by exchanging the implant and removing the hardened scar tissue (capsulectomy).   

A noticeable rippling can sometimes be seen underneath or on the side of the breast. This is generally more common among patients who have very low tissue volume and who are thin.  Although not really a complication, the unnatural wrinkling may cause discomfort and an unsightly appearance. Rippling is most common with saline implants. 

Recovery from breast revision surgery varies greatly. Patients who are having surgery for a simple change in size (for example, removing a smaller implant for a larger one), will have a quick and relatively simple recovery. Patients who require more extensive treatment, such as the removal of scar tissue, will experience a longer recovery period. This will be discussed in detail during the initial consultation.

If you are unsatisfied with the results you received from your breast augmentation, lift, reduction or reconstruction procedure performed by another plastic surgeon, or simply, you wish to make a change in size or shape, please contact our practice today for a complete consultation. Our team will provide a thorough assessment and provide you with all of the options to create a healthy, aesthetically appealing breast appearance.