Serving - atlanta, ga
Breast revision surgery may be offered for a variety of reasons: to add volume to the upper breast with fat transfer; to exchange implants that are hard, ruptured or asymmetric; to remove implants and the capsule altogether; or to lift and tighten droopy breast tissue.
The goal of breast implant removal surgery is to remove breast implants from breast augmentation or breast reconstruction patients. This may entail replacing the implants that are old, hard, ruptured or textured with smooth, soft implants or removing implants altogether with possible breast lift.
On occasion, breast implants may cause pain or other health concerns and patients would like to remove the implants to see if it helps their symptoms. Other times, women are just not happy with their implants. When this is the case and explanation and capsulectomy are required, patients may be anxious about what they will look like without implants. In the hands of an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Lindsey Webb, you can expect beautiful results that fit your natural form. Dr. Webb will listen to your concerns and expectations you will together develop a plan to safely remove your implants and leave you with an aesthetically harmonious outcome.
Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure where existing breast implants are removed and replaced with a new pair of implants. This procedure may be medically necessary or initiated by the patient’s personal choice. When someone has had implants for over ten years, the risk of implant rupture goes up. Implant rupture or leak is not a medical emergency but removing the affected implant before the breast shape changes or develops capsular contracture, where the scar tissue gets tight, painful or starts to change the breast shape, is important. Sometimes it is necessary to change the pocket where the implant is (above or below the pectoralis muscle) because of visible rippling of the implant or muscle animation. During the implant exchange consultation, Dr. Webb will review the location of incisions, possible breast lift or moving the nipple position higher, the type of implants you have and whether to change them (i.e. saline to silicone; textured to smooth; shaped to round; bigger to smaller) and the post-surgical recovery process.
The breast implants that a woman initially chooses may not work for her personal image or life circumstances down the line. Some women may feel like their initial choice of implants was too conservative, while other women may feel that their first choice of implants was too large. As long as candidates are in good health and understand the limitations of the procedure, breast implant exchange is a viable option in both cases.
The breasts are often a source of cosmetic concern for women, particularly if they are not the size or shape a woman wants. While breast augmentation using implants is a standard method of enlarging and adding fullness to the breasts, it isn’t the only option. Fat transfer is the process of taking excess, unwanted fat from one region of the body and injecting it into the breasts to achieve the desired size and shape. Dr. Lindsey Webb has extensive experience in the latest fat transfer techniques, to perform comprehensive treatment for patients in the Atlanta area that have a variety of contouring goals they would like to achieve.
Breast reconstruction surgery is ultimately performed to restore symmetry and re-establish an overall aesthetic balance between the breasts. In order to achieve this balance, breast reconstruction may be performed in stages with several procedures over time. The priority of the first stage of breast reconstruction is to preserve the natural shape and structure of the breast while the patient completes oncologic breast surgery, as well as any additional therapy required, such as radiation therapy. Dr. Webb will work with you to develop a breast reconstruction plan that fits your needs and oncologic treatment plan. The first stage includes implant-based reconstruction or autologous tissue (DIEP or latissimus flap) reconstruction.
The second stage, or symmetry procedure, usually occurs no earlier than 3 months after the initial operation. The reason for this delay is to allow the body time to heal from the prior procedure and to allow time for swelling to subside, ensuring that the new breast shape is settled before optimizing the final result. The symmetry procedure is a shorter procedure, compared to the first stage reconstruction, and can be completed as an outpatient. Most patients can resume light activity two weeks after surgery and can resume their normal activity 4-6 weeks after surgery.
The priority for the second stage of reconstruction is to address breast symmetry, and ultimately, achieve the breast shape and size the patient desires. A second procedure is not always required but may be necessary to achieve an optimal result. It may involve exchanging a tissue expander for final implant on the mastectomy side and placing a small implant under native breast tissue on the other side for symmetry. Fat transfer which involves liposuction of excess fat from the love handles or thighs, processing it, and injecting it into the breasts can also enhance breast contour, soften the breast, and augment the breast by adding volume to improve breast symmetry. When a patient has had lumpectomy and radiation or other breast biopsies, a natural scar depression or deformity may develop and fat grafting or other tissue transfer to the area helps improve the aesthetic appearance.
Though most natural breasts are not perfectly symmetrical, ensuring that the reconstructed breasts are as even as possible in shape, size, and position is important to Dr. Webb. Each patient’s reconstruction journey will vary but Dr. Webb strives to help her patients feel beautiful and confident in their own skin.