Breast Revision in Albuquerque, NM

Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, and in most cases, it creates beautiful and natural outcomes. Unfortunately, sometimes a patient may be dissatisfied with the appearance of her breasts and want a breast revision to exchange the implants, increase or decrease the size of the implant, or remove it without replacing it.

While few breast augmentations do end with a poor outcome, some women develop a problem and ask to have the implant corrected or removed altogether. Furthermore, some women require revision treatment for a specific condition caused by the implant (rupture, capsular contracture, implant rippling, or symmastia). Albuquerque, NM board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gallegos provides breast revision surgery after giving an in-depth assessment at Hermosa Plastic Surgery.

Should you have any issues (either cosmetic or medical) after breast augmentation surgery, please make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Gallegos to talk about your goals and to create your unique surgical plan. Whether it's scar tissue, breast sag, ripples under the skin, or breast asymmetry, revision surgery can help repair the irregularity and create a more appealing and properly functioning outcome. This second surgery may also be appropriate if you would like to alter the implant style, size, or address another aspect of your breasts.

Secondary breast augmentation either removes an implant that is not functioning properly or is no longer desired. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to change implant size or go from silicone to saline (or vice versa). There are other common situations where a revision treatment is wanted.

This condition occurs when the breast implants look out of balance. This may be due to an incorrectly sized implant, sagging on one side, or a medical condition that can possibly cause asymmetry. An in-depth evaluation would need to take place to determine what is causing the problem, then a revision surgery would be implemented to resolve the condition, and a new set of breast implants would be inserted to attain a proportionate appearance.

This is a problem that may happen if one or both implants "bottom out" or drop too low. Sometimes this is a positioning and placement error from the original breast augmentation surgery. To fix this, a different placement technique may be recommended. For some patients, tissue grafting may be needed, in addition to a surgically produced pocket to fit the new implant. For many patients, switching to a silicone breast implant may solve this issue.

Sometimes revision surgery is as straightforward as getting a larger or smaller sized breast implant. During the first surgery, you may have chosen to go too small or big. A different implant size can be placed to attain the desired appearance.

Caps is known as an area of hardening because of scarring, occurring when the smooth tissue that surrounds the breast implant becomes thick and hard. While breast implants do create some internal hardening, most individuals will never realize this. In some circumstances, the hardening tissue could change the implant placement, which could change the implant function and create an undesirable outcome. Scar removal surgery to eliminate scarring would be needed.

Rippling occurs when you see noticeable lines and ripples under the skin from the implant. This condition typically forms around the edge of the implant. Rippling is generally found in females who are relatively thin. Many times, this issue can be repaired by simply switching to a silicone breast implant.

Although this represents a small percentage of cases, breast implant rupture may occur. When a saline breast implant ruptures, the implant will deflate rather quickly. Because of this, visible flattening will be noticeable. Meanwhile, if an implant made of silicone ruptures, it is only caught via an MRI. In either case, when a rupture occurs, a replacement treatment will be needed.

This condition happens when breast implants are positioned too closely together. Most often, this is because the breast implant selected was the incorrect shape, size, and width. A secondary procedure will repair this issue by using an implant that is acceptable to your frame and looks balanced.

Following your procedure and a brief observation period, you will be sent home to begin your recovery. The overall recovery varies, depending on what is involved in your surgery. Any type of revision that requires grafting or complex reconstruction will incur a longer recovery, which may last up to 6 – 8 weeks. You should slowly start to see your surgical results when the bruising and swelling start to disappear. Dr. Gallegos or someone on our team will discuss what is normal while you recover, plus suggestions to help you heal faster. You should attend follow-up visits as often as directed so Dr. Gallegos can monitor your healing and results.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
Your cost for breast revision surgery will vary based on the complexity of your procedure. In your consultation, Dr. Gallegos will listen carefully to your needs and goals before completing a physical examination of your implants. After this, he will explain your choices and then create your treatment plan. The total cost of revision surgery will be based on the extent of the procedure, plus your new implants. It's better to concentrate on getting great results by selecting a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Gallegos, instead of the lowest-priced surgeon. 

What if Dr. Gallegos wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Gallegos can perform your revision surgery even if he was not the surgeon who performed your breast augmentation. Revision surgery is sometimes more difficult compared to augmentation surgery, especially if you want significant changes or have problems. This is why it is better to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, like Dr. Gallegos, who has advanced training and experience in breast surgery. Dr. Gallegos also invites his patients to come back to him at Hermosa Plastic Surgery for revision surgery if an issue emerges.

What about loose skin?
When you are getting your implants exchanged or removed, you may want to have excess skin removed as well. After hearing your goals and evaluating your current implants, Dr. Gallegos can discuss adding a breast lift to remove sagging skin. If you lose a lot of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift may give you better results.

Will there be new scars?
If possible, Dr. Gallegos will make incisions for revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. If this isn't possible, he will place the revision incisions where they are least visible. Revision surgery may use a transaxillary incision (in the armpit), a periareolar incision (along the lower border of the areola), an inframammary incision (beneath the breast fold), or a technique discussed in your consultation. Dr. Gallegos or a member of his team will explain scar care instructions for your incisions with the hopes that the incisions heal properly and blend with your skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants are long-lasting, they will require replacement eventually. Once you've had augmentation surgery, it's important to get your implants examined at least once a year so Dr. Gallegos can help you determine if your implants need to be exchanged. With frequent advances in medical technology, you may prefer the new implant types and shapes to get a better outcome from breast revision surgery.

Breast implant revision surgery is a specialized procedure tailored for your individual problem by plastic surgeon Dr. Miguel Gallegos. If you're displeased with your breast augmentation results or want a different result, we invite you to contact our Albuquerque, NM office to book your appointment at Hermosa Plastic Surgery. There are many factors to consider, and Dr. Gallegos will provide you with a full physical examination, create your revision recommendations, and discuss realistic goals and expectations.