ESPAÑOL

Revision Breast Surgery

ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH YOUR BREAST LIFT, ENHANCEMENT, OR RECONSTRUCTION?

Revision breast surgery in Atlanta is additional breast surgery performed to improve the results of an earlier breast procedure such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction. These secondary procedures encompass a wide range of treatment options, from replacing and removing deflated saline breast implant & leaking silicone breast implant, to complete overhaul of a disappointing surgical outcome. Often quite challenging and technically difficult, Dr. Okoro can remove and replace your breast implant and improve previous breast misadventures. Due to previous experience with difficult revision surgery, Dr. Okoro is exceptionally qualified to present you with all your safe breast revision options during your consultation, and you will leave our office with a clear understanding of any proposed treatment plan.

SALINE TO SILICONE IMPLANT EXCHANGE

Now that silicone breast implants are once again approved by the FDA, many patients with saline breast implants desire a switch to silicone implants. Most women make this switch to enjoy the more natural feel of silicone implants, and many women take this opportunity to change the size or projection of their current implants. Higher profile implants are often a good choice, depending on soft tissue characteristics and chest wall anatomy. Implant exchange has become a very common breast procedure, but simply replacing implants does not guarantee a superb result; several other variables often exist that can detract from an optimal result. Consultation with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Okoro ensures that all relevant issues are addressed.

CAPSULAR CONTRACTURE

Capsular contracture is a condition where excess scar tissue forms around the breast implant. While it is normal for a thin layer of scar tissue to form around an implant, the scar tissue in a capsular contracture is excessively thick and firm, often leading to unfavorable shape changes and firm breasts. Some women with capsular contracture may experience deformed breast or even breast pain. Radiation therapy increases the risk for its development. To correct this problem, Dr. Okoro will use the latest technique, which may include removing the deranged capsule, a procedure called a capsulectomy, or he releases the scar tissue, a procedure called a capsulotomy. He may use new material such as regenerative tissue matrix such as Alloderm, Strattice, or Flex HD. Dr. Okoro may salvage the existing implants or he may replace them with new implants, depending on their age, design, and patient preference. Dr. Okoro is usually able to revise capsular contracture problems using existing breast scars. The goal of this revision surgery is to restore soft, symmetrical breasts.

BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL

For a variety of reasons, some women decide to have their breast implants removed and not replaced. For some patients, implant removal is a simple procedure and the breasts may resume their previous size and shape in no time at all. For others, severe capsular contracture or silicone implant rupture can make the procedure much more involved. In these instances, the capsules are usually completely removed so that the breasts remain soft and all silicone is removed. In patients with overly large implants and thin tissues, implant removal may result in loose, drooping breast skin that does not resume its former shape. This change is usually seen in women who have had breast implants for a long period of time because the breasts have also aged through the years. These patients may be candidates for breast lift or mastopexy, to restore their previous breast form. Depending on existing conditions, breast implant removal may or may not require general anesthesia. During your consultation with Dr. Okoro, he will address all your concerns related to implant removal and you will leave our office fully informed of your options. Dr Okoro has written articles on this topic. Click here

BREAST IMPLANT DEFLATION

Breast implants are not lifetime devices and saline implants sometimes deflate as they age. We understand how inconvenient and upsetting an implant deflation can be and we are available to provide prompt assistance. If the implants are older, most surgeons agree that both implants should be replaced after a deflation in order to avoid another potential procedure. Depending on their goals and desires, some women elect to use this occasion to change the size or style of their implants while others request an additional procedure such as breast lift they have been considering. Many women are unaware that various warranties are available to help defray the costs of replacing deflated saline breast implants, depending on the manufacturer and age of the implants. Please be sure to bring any implant records to your consultation with Dr. Okoro so that we can investigate your warranty coverage.

PREVIOUS BREAST SURGERY

Many patients seeking plastic surgery have had previous breast surgery. Previous surgery may include a breast biopsy, reduction, augmentation, lift, or even a partial mastectomy. Having had previous breast surgery does not disqualify a woman from undergoing further breast surgery, but further surgery must be performed as safely as possible due to the surgical changes present. Experienced plastic surgeons like Dr. Okoro thoroughly understand the intricate blood and nerve supply to the breast, able to prevent unwanted outcomes in riskier situations. A patient who has undergone a previous breast reduction can safely undergo another reduction, or even a lift or an augmentation. And a patient with a partial breast can safely undergo a lift and an augmentation to restore symmetry after cancer surgery. Even previous radiation therapy does not rule out further breast surgery so long as safety is given proper consideration. Patient safety is always a top priority for Dr. Okoro, especially when evaluating patients who have had previous surgery. During your consultation with Dr. Okoro, you will discuss and understand all your safe treatment options, given your previous breast surgery.

WHAT WILL IT COST?

The cost of revision breast surgery varies. We offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask. The cost may include the following:

  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Hospital or surgical facility costs
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Implant cost
  • Medication and lab test

Most health insurance plans will not cover cosmetic breast revision surgery and related complications. However, if your surgery is related to breast cancer, most insurance will cover the cost of revision. Some carriers even exclude breast diseases in patients who have breast implants. Please review your health insurance policy.

YOUR SATISFACTION INVOLVES MORE THAN A FEE

When choosing the best plastic surgeon for revision breast surgery, remember that the surgeon’s experience with breast implants and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery. Dr Okoro takes his time to understand your goals and desire for the best long term outcome. We will make every effort to make the cost affordable.

For more information about revision breast surgery or to schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Okoro, please call us or email us today!

Share This:

Request an appointment

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Latest Posts

let's connect