Breast Revision in Hinsdale, IL

Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the U.S., and in the majority of cases, it offers outstanding outcomes. Unfortunately, sometimes a patient can be dissatisfied with the appearance of her breasts and may need breast revision treatment. Keep in mind that not all breast revisions are because of surgeon error. While few breast augmentations do end with an undesirable outcome, there are individuals who want a larger or smaller implant while some may have a defect and prefer to have the implant corrected or removed altogether. Furthermore, some women need revision treatment for a unique condition. Board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon Dr. George Kouris performs breast revision surgery after giving an in-depth evaluation at Kouris M.D. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery so that a healthy and desired outcome is delivered.

Should you have any trouble (either medical or cosmetic) after breast augmentation surgery, please make a consultation with Dr. Kouris to discuss your needs and wants and to determine your custom breast revision surgery plan. Whether it's scar tissue, breast drooping, ripples under the skin, or size variations between the breasts, revision surgery can help the condition and provide a more pleasing and properly functioning outcome. This operation may also be appropriate if you want to alter the implant style, size, or address another aspect of your breasts.

This cosmetic surgery 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 saline to silicone (or vice versa). There are other common situations where a revision or secondary surgery is needed.

This condition occurs when the implants look uneven. This may be due to an incorrect size implant, or sagging/drooping on one side, or a different condition that would cause asymmetry. A physical examination would need to take place to determine the cause of the asymmetry, then a revision surgery would be performed to resolve the issue, and finally, a new set of breast implants would be placed to achieve a balanced look.

This is a problem that can happen if one or both implants "bottom out" or drop too low. Sometimes this is a placement issue from the original treatment. To correct this, a different placement positioning approach may be considered. For some patients, tissue grafting may be needed in addition to a surgically created pocket to encircle the new implant. For many patients, moving to a silicone breast implant can solve this issue.

Sometimes breast revision surgery is as straightforward as getting a different sized breast implant. During the first surgery, you may have gone too big or too small. A different implant size can be chosen to achieve the desired goal.

This is known as scar tissue, occurring when the soft tissue that surrounds the implant becomes thick and hard. While most augmentations do create some internal scarring, most patients will never know. In some patients, the hardening tissue could alter the implant placement, which may change the breast shape and result in an undesirable outcome. Scar tissue removal surgery to clean up and remove scarring would be necessary.

Implant rippling occurs when you see visible wrinkles and ripples under the skin. This deformity typically forms near the edge of the implant. Rippling is generally found in women who are very thin. Many times, this issue can be corrected by simply switching to a silicone breast implant.

While this is a rare occurrence, breast implant rupture can occur. When a saline implant ruptures, the implant will deflate quickly. Because of this, a visible defect will be noticeable. Meanwhile, if a silicone implant ruptures, it is only detected via an MRI. Either way, when a rupture occurs, an additional surgery will be necessary.

Symmastia occurs when breast implants are placed too closely together. Most often, this is because the breast implant chosen was the incorrect width, shape, or size. Breast revision surgery will repair this visible deformity by picking an implant that works with your frame and looks proportionate.

Following your procedure and a brief observation period, you should be able to go home to begin your recovery. The recovery period varies, depending on what is involved in your surgery. A revision that needs any type of reconstruction or grafting will have a longer recovery, which could last up to 6 – 8 weeks. You should slowly start to see your surgical results when the bruising and swelling start to disappear. Dr. Kouris or someone on his team will discuss what you can expect while you recover, plus tips to help you heal faster. You should also schedule your follow-up visits as often as directed so Dr. Kouris 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. Kouris will listen carefully to your needs and goals before completing a physical examination of your current implants. After this, he will discuss your choices before creating your treatment plan. The total cost of breast revision surgery will be based on the length and complexity of the procedure, plus your new implants. It's better to concentrate on getting great results by choosing a skilled surgeon, like Dr. Kouris, instead of the cheapest surgeon. As a way to help make your surgery affordable, Kouris M.D. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery accepts many payments, and we will give you information on low-interest medical financing.

What if Dr. Kouris wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Kouris can perform your breast revision surgery even if he was not your original surgeon. Revision surgery is sometimes more difficult compared to augmentation surgery, especially if you want significant changes or have problems, which is why it is important to select a doctor, like Dr. Kouris, who has advanced training and experience in breast surgery. Dr. Kouris also encourages his patients to come back to Kouris M.D. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for breast revision surgery after their original breast augmentation surgery if they notice an issue or would like new implants.

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. Kouris can discuss adding a breast lift to remove sagging skin. If you lose a lot of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after breast augmentation surgery, a breast revision combined with a lift gives you better results.

Will there be new scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Kouris will try to make incisions for breast revision surgery in the same place as your 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 TUBA incision (transumbilical, through the belly button). Dr. Kouris or a member of his team will explain scar care instructions so your new incisions heal flat and blend with your normal skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants are long-lasting, they usually do require replacement eventually. Once you've had breast augmentation surgery, it's important to get your implants examined at least once a year so Dr. Kouris 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 revision surgery is a specialized procedure tailored for your specific needs by Dr. George Kouris. If you are not happy with your breast augmentation results or wish for a different result, we invite you to call our Hinsdale, IL office to schedule your appointment at Kouris M.D. Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. There are numerous factors to consider and Dr. Kouris will give you a full physical exam, create your revision options, and discuss realistic expectations.