Breast Revision

At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology, we specialize in performing breast revision procedures. With age, pregnancy, weight change, or unsatisfactory previous surgeries, the look of breasts can alter and affect self-esteem. But thanks to new techniques in cosmetic surgery, it is now possible to get a more youthful or symmetrical shape.

Led by Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, a renown double-board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, we are at the forefront of helping women achieve their aesthetic goals. We take great pride in assisting our patients by working with each one individually, rebuilding self-assurance and improving their appearance in a personalized and skillful way.

What Is a Breast Revision?

A breast revision is a type of procedure that helps fix or enhance the results of an initial breast augmentation surgery or reconstruction. Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg and our experts perform this operation to correct problems like malpositioned implants, capsular contracture, asymmetry, or dissatisfaction with the initial results. We aim to improve breast appearance and symmetry, so they look more attractive and natural. Since this procedure can address a variety of concerns and goals, our surgeons use different techniques.

Breast Revision Techniques

We offer a range of breast revision techniques available. These are customized to suit a patient’s individual needs and aesthetic goals:

Breast Implants Related Revision

Implant Exchange

Implant exchange is a procedure that involves removing existing breast implants and replacing them with new ones. This option is often selected if patients want to change the size or type of their implants. Alternatively, they may choose it if they experience deflation or rupture. Our surgeons take out the old implants meticulously, either via the original incision sites or new ones. Subsequently, they position the new implants for ideal symmetry and alignment.

Breast Implant Repositioning

Breast implant repositioning is needed when the implants move from their original position, causing asymmetry or an unnatural appearance. Dr. Greenberg and our team adjust the position of the implants within the breast pocket or create a new pocket. Conversely, they secure them in a way that looks better overall. Such breast implant revision surgery helps make them appear more proportionate and natural-looking.

Capsulectomy

If patients have discomfort, distortion, or firmness from scar tissue that forms around breast implants (capsular contracture), they may consider capsulectomy. This procedure is suitable for patients with noticeable breast distortion or significant capsular contracture causing pain. Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg and our specialists remove the capsule by making incisions to access it. Then, they skillfully excise the capsule and, if needed, replace the implant. This way, patients get breasts that look and feel softer and more natural.

Capsulotomy

A capsulotomy is an operation that involves cutting the tight scar tissue around an implant rather than removing the entire capsule. This technique can be helpful in treating mild to moderate capsular contracture, which may cause discomfort or distortion. By creating incisions in the capsule, our surgeons relieve tension, enabling the implant to drop into a better position. This way, it should enhance both how it looks and feels.

Breast Lift-Related Revision

Scar Revision

Breast surgery can sometimes leave behind noticeable scars. That is why some patients choose this procedure to make these imperfections look better. It can involve removing a scar with surgery, using lasers to make it less visible, and other treatments that improve the way scars look. Our surgeons analyze specific scar characteristics and customize the treatment for every patient. This way, they ensure minimal visibility and improved aesthetic results.

Breast Lift Results Revision

A breast lift results revision is done to improve or correct the results from a previous breast lift surgery. The technique can address concerns such as inadequate lift, unevenness, or changes over time due to aging, weight change, pregnancy, and more. Dr. Greenberg or our specialists assess the initial outcomes against the patient’s goals. Then, they make any adjustments needed to create a breast shape that is both youthful-looking and balanced.

Add-On Procedure: Fat Grafting

Many patients undergoing breast revision surgery choose to have fat grafting as an add-on procedure. Also known as autologous fat transfer, it involves taking fat from one part of the body (such as the stomach or thighs) and injecting it into the breasts. The aim is to improve their shape and increase their size. Our surgeons purify the fat before being injected so that only the best tissue is used. This way, patients get natural-feeling enhanced breasts. Since this is an add-on procedure, the recovery time may be prolonged. Still, it can significantly improve a patient’s body appearance and create a more youthful look.

Breast Revision Procedure

Initial Consultation and Evaluation

During the first visit, our skilled plastic surgeons at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology take a close look at the patient. This helps us decide which breast revision technique is right for them. Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg or our experts examine the patient’s breasts’ current condition. Besides, they analyze their medical history, previous breast surgeries, and desirable goals. They also give patients an estimated cost and take photos to monitor progress.

Next, a comprehensive medical evaluation is performed to detect any preexisting health conditions. Our doctors may ask for different exams, such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG), to make sure that having an operation is medically safe for the patient. Factors that might make a breast revision inappropriate could include:

The Surgery

Marking and Anesthesia: On the day of surgery, our surgeon marks the patient’s breasts before making incisions. This careful marking helps ensure the best possible results. The anesthesiologist then administers general anesthesia. This way, they make sure that the patient is completely asleep and does not feel any pain during the operation.

Incisions and Adjustment: Next, incisions are made according to the pre-surgery markings. Their precise location and pattern depend on the specific technique for revision being used. Then, our surgeon addresses the patient’s specific concerns. These might involve removing scar tissue, repositioning implants, exchanging implants, or reshaping breast tissue. This way, they make an adjustment to provide both the desired contour and symmetry.

Closing the Incisions: Once the necessary changes are made, our expert uses sutures to close the incisions. They take care to minimize scarring while also making sure everything looks as natural as possible. On average, this surgery takes between two and four hours. However, if the case is particularly complicated, it could take more time.

Recovery After a Breast Revision

Immediate Post-Operative Care

After their operation, patients are kept under observation in our comfortable recovery area to ensure their stability and comfort. When they are no longer under anesthesia’s effects, are doing well, and receive post-operative instructions, they are allowed to leave. They must wear dressings on their incisions and use a surgical bra or compression garment. These garments help reduce swelling and provide support for the breasts during healing.

The First Week

After undergoing breast revision surgery, it is expected to experience mild to moderate pain. Dr. Greenberg or our experts will provide prescription medications to help with any discomfort patients may feel during the first few weeks.

Patients should not engage in physical activity that may strain their chest muscles or incisions, such as heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. However, light walking is beneficial and promotes healing by increasing blood flow. We also book further appointments to check how the recovery is progressing and to remove any sutures if needed.

Weeks Two to Four

The swelling and bruising will decrease even more during the next couple of weeks. Still, patients should continue wearing their support garments as instructed and steer clear of anything that might injure their healing. Our surgeons may provide directions on scar care to help make sure scars look as faint as possible. This might involve using creams or gels, silicone sheets, or other specific treatments.

Long-Term Recovery

Patients may see some results shortly after their procedure. However, it may take a few months for their breasts to adjust fully to their new shape and for any swelling to completely go down. During this time, it is advised to follow all post-op care instructions. Regular check-up appointments with our experts are essential to ensure everything is healing well. If there are any problems or worries, these can be dealt with quickly at these follow-up meetings.

Candidates for a Breast Revision

Breast revision surgery is a procedure that focuses on correcting issues related to previous operations with unsatisfactory results. Ideal candidates are those who:

Are dissatisfied with a previous breast surgery: This may include poor outcomes from breast augmentation, lift, or reconstruction. Patients may be unhappy with the size of the implants, their shape or profile, or even asymmetry.

Have complications from previous operations: Some patients may experience capsular contracture, implant rupture or deflation, or malposition. These difficulties can impact the appearance, feel, and overall health of the breasts, necessitating some form of correction.

Face some changes in breast tissue: Various factors such as age, weight change, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can cause breast tissue to change. If this happens, the results of a previous breast operation may no longer be what they want them to be. Having further surgery can help put things right.

Want to change their implants: Patients may request a revision of their breast augmentation surgery to switch implant types. For example, they may change saline to silicone ones or take advantage of newer generations of implants.

Seek to improve psychological and emotional well-being: Those who opt for breast revision surgery often do so because they want to feel better about themselves overall. By addressing issues that affect how they see themselves in the mirror, they can have a significant impact on their mental health and happiness.

Benefits of Breast Revision Surgery

Improved Breast Appearance

Breast revision surgery is a highly effective way to address problems left over from past surgeries. Our surgeons can quickly fix any asymmetry, implant malposition, or unsatisfactory size and shape. Besides, they can remove any scar tissue that may be causing problems. This way, a patient gets improved breast symmetry, refined contour, and overall body confidence.

Corrected Complications

Furthermore, this operation corrects any issues that may have developed from a prior breast procedure. These could include implant rupture, capsular contracture (which causes the hardening of scar tissue around the implant), or wrinkling. By addressing these problems, breast revision surgery improves both the aesthetics and physical discomfort or pain caused by implant complications, resulting in a higher quality of life.

Increased Confidence

After undergoing this operation, many patients experience an increase in self-confidence. This boosted self-assurance can positively impact all areas of life, including personal relationships, social connections, and even career prospects.

Enhanced Comfort and Physical Activity

Correcting problems like implant displacement or painful scarring can significantly improve physical comfort. This way, patients are able to participate in physical activity. This not only contributes to better overall health but also improves quality of life. By eliminating physical limitations that may have been caused by post-surgical pain or discomfort from a previous breast operation, they can return to their normal lifestyle.

Renewed Satisfaction in Personal Life

A breast revision can restore satisfaction in intimate and personal relationships. By addressing any aesthetic or physical concerns that resulted from previous surgeries, patients may feel more self-assured and less hesitant to be their true selves. This enhanced sense of self and ease can have a deep effect on one’s relationships with others and overall well-being.

Cost

The average cost of a breast revision in New York, NY, varies widely, typically ranging from $8,000 to $20,000. This broad price range takes into account various factors, such as the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, operating room charges, supplies used, and any necessary follow-up care. What is more, it can be affected by the case’s complexity, specific techniques used, and any add-on procedures. Those interested in learning more about pricing information for breast revision surgery should schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg or our team of specialists.

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