Breast Revision Surgery in Everett Washington

Breasts that have been augmented, lifted, or reconstructed may over time develop changes that warrant further surgery. There are long-term complications related to breast implants regardless of whether they were placed to augment the breast or to reconstruct a breast. The body sometimes forms a tight scar shell around an implant that should be excised surgically if it becomes noticeable or uncomfortable. Breast implants have a roughly 1% risk per year of rupturing. With a saline implant, a rupture is immediately noticeable as the salt water contained within the implant leaks out of the implant shell and is absorbed by the body. The breast will lose all the volume it gained after the augmentation over a very short period of time. With a silicone implant, the rupture may cause pain, redness, and swelling of the breast. Often, however, it goes undetected for some time and only manifests itself if it is caught on a routine breast imaging study or causes a tight capsular contracture. If you have a breast implant in place and the breast is becoming painful, red, or swollen, it is important to contact your surgeon right away for evaluation.

Breast tissue, even after surgery to augment or lift the breast, will slowly droop over time. An implant may become more noticeable in the upper part of the breast through this process, and patients may elect to undergo a lift of the breast tissue to reposition it more centrally above the implant. Many patients also reach a point where they no longer want their implants. Simply removing the implants is a quick surgery with a fast recovery, and this will sometimes be combined with a breast lift in order to avoid a “deflated” appearance to the breast. There are many other reasons to seek revision, and your specific concerns can be addressed during your consultation.

What to expect: During the office consultation you will discuss all aspects of breast revision surgery with one of our surgeons in order to establish a thorough and well-informed plan. Your surgeon will mark and measure your breasts prior to surgery according to the plan discussed with you. For breast revision surgery, every attempt is made to use only the scars already present on the breasts, but sometimes additional incisions, which lead to extra scars, are required.

The recovery: The breasts will have some bruising and swelling that improves over 2-4 weeks after surgery. Your postoperative course is monitored in the clinic by your surgeon and staff. Sometimes small drains are used after the surgery and are removed at the clinic visit. Local anesthetic and pain medication are often used to manage any discomfort you might have after the operation. We ask that you avoid wearing an underwire bra, but a camisole or other soft bra is safe.

Some of the unlikely complications: Infection, fluid collection, or bleeding can occur and may require surgical drainage. Some asymmetry in breasts is expected before and after the operation. Healed incisions can sometimes be raised or wide regardless of the technique used. A more complete discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives will always be included at your visit. As always, our efforts are directed at minimizing the risk of these complications and optimizing your safety.