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Woman in a tan bra holding her breast

Many women choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery so that they can achieve larger, more voluminous breasts; however, there may come a time when a patient begins to feel unhappy with her breast implants. Dr. Knowling performs breast revision surgery to remove or replace breast implants and produce a more natural-looking bust that is more in line with your aesthetic goals.

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What Is Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast revision surgery is a customized procedure designed to address concerns related to previous breast augmentation surgery. Some women experience changes to their bodies that can cause discomfort, medical issues may arise due to their implants, or they may feel that their implants no longer reflect who they are as a person. Breast revision can help restore comfort, confidence, and aesthetic balance.

Depending on your needs and goals, the breast revision procedure may involve removing and replacing existing implants, correcting implant positioning, addressing scar tissue around the implants (capsular contracture), or addressing changes to the breasts due to aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or natural tissue stretching.

Benefits of Breast Revision Surgery

Breast revision surgery offers both cosmetic and functional benefits for patients who are no longer happy with their original breast augmentation results or who are experiencing implant-related discomfort or other concerns.

Some of the most common benefits of breast revision include:

  • Improved breast shape and symmetry: Corrects issues such as implant malposition, asymmetry, or changes in breast appearance that may have developed over time.
  • Treatment of complications: Addresses concerns such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, rippling, or discomfort.
  • Opportunity to update implant: Allows patients to switch to a different implant size, profile, or material that better aligns with their current goals.
  • Restored comfort: Relieves discomfort caused by hardened scar tissue, displaced implants, or aging implants.
  • More natural-looking results: Modern implant technology and advanced surgical techniques can provide a softer, more balanced appearance.
  • Restored confidence: Many patients feel more comfortable and confident after correcting aesthetic concerns or implant-related issues.

Whether your goal is to resolve a complication or improve your previous results, breast revision surgery can help ensure your breasts align with your lifestyle, preferences, and long-term expectations.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Revision Surgery?

Good candidates for breast revision should be in good health and have realistic expectations for what the procedure can achieve. Dr. Knowling will also ask that you stop smoking cigarettes and using other nicotine products for at least two weeks before and after your surgery.

Ideal candidates for breast revision are patients experiencing one or more of the following concerns:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Implant rupture
  • Breast implant illness
  • “Double bubble” deformity
  • Implant displacement
  • Unsatisfying results from a previous surgery
  • Needing to replace old implants

During your consultation, Dr. Knowling will review your medical history, examine the condition of your breasts, and discuss your aesthetic goals with you to determine if the procedure is right for you.

How Breast Revision Surgery Is Performed

Breast revision is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia so that you will not experience any pain or discomfort during your surgery. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the extent of the correction needed.

During your procedure, the incision site from your previous breast augmentation will be used, if possible, to prevent additional scarring. The implants and any surrounding scar tissue are then carefully removed. Once the old implants are removed, Dr. Knowling will tighten the breast pocket before closing the incision with sutures. If you are having your old implants replaced, Dr. Knowling will place the new ones before closing the incisions.

If you need your breast implants removed or replaced due to a rupture or other complication, any silicone in the breast pocket will be safely removed, and the breast pocket will be cleaned at the time of your surgery.

Can Breast Revision Be Combined With Other Cosmetic Procedures?

Many women choose to combine their breast revision with breast lift surgery (mastopexy). One of the reasons for this is the fact that it is common for breasts to sag or droop after the implants have been removed. A breast lift helps correct this by reshaping the breast tissue, giving breasts a perkier appearance.

In addition to providing more natural and dynamic results, combining these procedures also reduces overall cost and recovery time, since you undergo and recover from both procedures simultaneously.

Breast Revision Recovery and Aftercare

It’s important to know what to expect after breast revision surgery. Following your procedure, you will have some swelling and bruising in the surgical areas. These side effects should resolve completely in a few weeks. Additionally, you will likely feel some tightness and soreness in your breasts. This is completely normal and to be expected; however, if you experience prolonged or increased pain after your revision surgery, please contact Dr. Knowling immediately.

You will be asked to wear a compression garment and surgical bra for several weeks to support your breasts and minimize swelling. It’s important that you wear these garments and take any prescribed medications as directed, as they will help speed up your recovery.

You will need to avoid any strenuous activities for at least a few weeks. This includes exercise and lifting anything heavy. However, taking short, slow walks and engaging in light stretching can help shorten your recovery time. Also, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water can help improve your recovery period.

Recovery time after breast revision varies for every patient and is dependent on various factors, including the extent of your removal procedure, whether you are combining your procedure with a breast lift, and whether you have new implants placed. However, most patients can return to work between two and four weeks after surgery, unless Dr. Knowling instructs otherwise.

What Results Can I Expect From My Breast Revision?

The results from breast revision surgery are both physical and psychological. Not only will you have a physique that helps you express yourself the way you want to be seen, but you will also feel more comfortable and confident in your appearance. You can expect long-lasting results that will restore your breasts to their natural state, and if you had your implants replaced, then you will continue to enjoy the voluminous look that you desire. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help you prolong your stunning results.

Have additional questions about Breast Revision in Huntsville, AL? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Knowling for further information. You can also contact our office at (256) 881-2220.