Breast Surgery Revision in Vancouver WA

On occasion, even careful planning and excellent surgical technique can produce disappointing surgical results or unmet expectations following breast enhancement surgery procedures such as breast reduction or breast augmentation. Revision surgery may help women who are disappointed with their results immediately after breast surgery as well as those who have seen unwelcome changes in their outcome over time.

When considering breast revision surgery, the surgeons at PeaceHealth Medical Group Plastic Surgery may recommend the use of a product known as Strattice™ Reconstructive Tissue Matrix (TM). Strattice TM is used to assist in the repair of complications associated with breast implant revision surgery.

Breast Surgery Challenges and Solutions

Here you'll find visual examples of common complications that may result from a breast augmentation and how Dr. Gabriel and Dr. Thimmappa may use Strattice to correct them.

Bottoming Out

Lengthened distance between the nipple and bottom of the breast due to skin stretching, resulting in the implant dropping lower than desired.

Fold Malposition

The inframammary fold or lateral fold has moved, allowing implants to move inferiorly or laterally.

Symmastia

Medial malposition presenting with implants too close together or even touching.

Wrinkling and Rippling

Appearance of implant wrinkles, ripples, or irregular contours on the skin surface.

Capsular Contracture

Tightness, firmness, and changes in breast appearance due to scar tissue that continues to increase in thickness.

Mastopexy

Mastopexy Augmentation is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts.

Breast Implant Removal

Almost every woman with breast implants will undergo implant removal with or without revision surgery sometime in her lifetime. The three most common reasons for breast implant removal are change of size and shape, implant leakage or rupture, and capsular contracture. Implants may also need to be removed if I woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.

Procedure

Dr. Gabriel and Dr. Thimmappa use the preferred implant removal technique that utilizes existing scars to remove or replace the breast implant. Such minimally invasive procedures decrease recovery time and minimize complications such as loss of nipple sensation and inability to breast-feed.

Breast implant removal (without revision or re-implantation) is done under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia combined with IV sedation. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour and is performed either in our onsite outpatient surgical center or at Southwest Washington Medical Center.

Recovery

Initial recovery from breast implant removal surgery is usually quick, with many patients returning to everyday activity within a few days and full activity within two to three weeks. Full recovery may take a few months. For the first few days after breast implant removal, there may be mild discomfort, swelling and bruising. Some uncommon, but possible, complications include: loss of nipple sensation; scarring; bleeding; and loose skin.

If you are in the Vancouver or Portland-metro area and are considering breast implant revision or removal, we encourage you to call our office at 360-514.1010 for a free consultation.