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Before & After

After a breast augmentation procedure, a woman may be unhappy with her outcome for any number of reasons. These may include a desire to increase or decrease her cup size, an implant complication or rupture, or the desire to forego implants and opt for an all-natural look instead. Dr. Delgado has extensive expertise in the field of breast revision surgery and can perform implant removal or exchange to better align your results with your wishes.

BREAST REVISION AT A GLANCE

Procedure Time Anesthesia Recovery Time Issues Treated
2-3 hours; more for an added breast lift General 7-10 days; 4-6 weeks before resuming exercise Capsular contracture, implant malposition, rippling, rupture, implant exchange, and more

WHAT IS BREAST IMPLANT REVISION?

While most breast augmentation procedures result in a high rate of patient satisfaction, there are times when clients do not get the results they were hoping for. A breast implant revision in San Francisco can help correct any issue that may have arisen during your primary surgery. This includes scar contraction, implant deflation or rupture, changes in the breast shape from pregnancy or weight fluctuations, and a desire to exchange or remove the implants. Regardless of the reason for the revision, the goal of the procedure is to create a breast appearance that is balanced, aesthetically pleasing, and well-suited to the individual.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR BREAST IMPLANT REVISION?

  • Capsular contracture – This occurs when excess scar tissue forms around the implant. The inflamed tissue may harden and constrict the implant, compromising its cosmetic appearance and causing discomfort ranging from mild to severe.
  • Deflation or rupture – Saline implants will appear deflated if they rupture, while silicone implants will hold their shape, especially if they are gummy bears. Women with silicone implants may need to undergo regular MRIs to detect if a rupture has occurred.
  • Skin laxity – Sagging skin occurs over time and can cause the implant to migrate, necessitating a revision procedure. In addition to aging, multiple pregnancies can lead to increased skin laxity in the breasts. The skin will bounce back after breastfeeding for younger mothers, but with each additional pregnancy, more skin will droop and lose its integrity.
  • Desire for an implant exchange – Sometimes a woman will change her mind about her current implant size and wish to go smaller or bigger. As long as no complicating factors are present, this is a relatively straightforward and simple procedure in Santa Rosa. The implants can also be switched from saline to silicone or from silicone to gummy bear if the patient so desires.
  • Implant malposition or asymmetry – Occasionally, the implants will shift from their intended position, altering the cosmetic appearance of the chest. They may migrate upwards, downwards, inwards, or outwards, or only one implant may be affected while the other remains anchored in place. Here, the doctor will need to correct the breast capsule, potentially using ADM (Acellular Dermal Matrix) as an internalized mesh bra to keep the implants stationary. 
  • Implant rippling or wrinkling – This complication is typically due to the implants themselves rather than the surgical technique or the patient’s body. Those with a limited amount of breast tissue to cover the implants or those who have opted to place the implants above the pec muscles may also see rippling occur at a greater frequency. 
  • Desire to remove implants completely – Some women will want to remove their implants because they are tired of the extra weight. Others may have experienced BII (breast implant illness) and want to get to the root of their symptoms. Finally, some women may just wish to go back to a more natural look, in which case Dr. Delgado can perform a breast lift in tandem with implant removal in Napa Valley to ensure an aesthetically pleasing outcome.

BEFORE & AFTER
BREAST IMPLANT REVISION

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BREAST IMPLANT REVISION?

  • Correction of cosmetic flaws
  • Increased comfort
  • Increased breast symmetry
  • A more natural look
  • Enhanced self-confidence
  • A better quality of life
  • Peace of mind

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE?

An ideal candidate for breast implant revision in Marin County is unhappy with some aspects of their primary breast augmentation surgery and would like a correction to the chest. They are both physically and mentally healthy, with no major medical concerns that might limit the scope of their procedure. Lastly, patients will need to have realistic expectations for their outcome, which is based on a private consultation with Dr. Delgado and his team of experienced, caring providers.

Building Facade

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE PROCEDURE?

Breast implant revision surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and takes around 1-2 hours on average. Using general anesthesia ensures you are completely comfortable and relaxed during surgery and that you feel no pain whatsoever.

Dr. Delgado will seek to use the previous incisions wherever possible so as to avoid creating new scarring. He will remove the old implants through the openings and analyze the scar tissue. Any scar tissue that has hardened will be excised.

The doctor will then assess the viability of the breast capsule, either reducing or enlarging the pocket as needed. In certain cases, Dr. Delgado will need to create a new capsule beneath the pec muscles, which can help decrease the chance of implant visibility and rippling.

In order to achieve the best possible outcome, Dr. Delgado may incorporate ADM (Acellular Dermal Matrix) or mastopexy as part of your breast implant revision process. He will discuss all of your options with you in-depth during your initial consultation.

BREAST AUGMENTATION | IMPLANT REVISION SURGERY - PART 6 OF 6 - PATIENT IMPRESSIONS - BEFORE & AFTER

Breast Augmentation Implant Revision Surgery – Part 6

WHAT WILL MY RECOVERY ENTAIL?

After breast revision surgery in Sonoma County, you will be fitted with bandages and drains that stay in place for the first few days. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home after you wake up from the anesthesia. This person should also stay with you the first night of your recovery.

To help manage any swelling, bruising, or tenderness, Dr. Delgado will provide you with prescription pain medications. He will also send you home with a detailed and personalized aftercare plan.

You will be able to take gentle walks after your surgery, which can help improve circulation as well as enhance your mood. However, it’s important that you abstain from vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for up to 4 weeks, or as instructed by the doctor.

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WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?

The risks for breast implant revision surgery are similar to other types of breast surgery and include anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, and a poor cosmetic result. If breast lift surgery is performed at the same time, the patient may need to undergo scar revision and management.

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Dr. Miguel Delgado

WHY CHOOSE DR. DELGADO?

Dr. Delgado received elite training at among the most prestigious institutions in the country. He graduated with honors from the University of California San Francisco, continuing his education with an internship and residency at Johns Hopkins University teaching hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, he pursued a plastic surgery residency at Stony Brook University Medical Center in East Meadow, New York.

Dr. Delgado is passionate about his work and stays ahead of the curve by taking note of the latest advances and breakthroughs in cosmetic science. Despite this openness towards new innovation, Dr. Delgado is conservative and cautious. He will painstakingly test and retest any new technique or device before making it available to his patients.

As far as his approach goes, Dr. Delgado goes the extra mile to ensure your complete satisfaction and well-being. He listens carefully to your concerns and creates a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to your goals.

Breast Implant Revision FAQS

How to I prepare for breast revision surgery?

What is the cost of breast implant revision surgery?

Will I have new scars from breast implant revision?

How long should I wait after my initial procedure before undergoing breast implant revision?

Can the breast implants just be removed?

Is there a manufacturer warranty for failed implants?

Can breast implants be reduced in size?

Can breast implants be removed and not replaced?

Can breast implants last a lifetime?

Can capsular contracture get worse?

Can capsular contracture go away by itself?

Can I have my breast implants removed?

How long do breast lifts last?

Can breast implants change shape over time?

Can breast implants last 30 years?

Can you feel a ruptured breast implant?

Does insurance cover breast revision?

How long does it take to recover from breast revision surgery?

How much is a breast implant revision?

How do you fix capsular contracture?

What are the early signs of capsular contracture?

Is there an alternative to breast implants?

Is it dangerous to have breast implants removed?

How soon after breast augmentation can I get a revision?

How often should breast implants be replaced?

What is breast revision surgery?

What is the most common breast implant size?

How to I prepare for breast revision surgery?

Dr. Delgado will provide you with specific instructions for stopping certain medications and what to eat and drink on the day prior to your surgery.

What is the cost of breast implant revision surgery?

The cost of revision surgery will vary, depending on your individual reasons for pursuing the procedure and the specific techniques used by Dr. Delgado to correct your issues.

Will I have new scars from breast implant revision?

Whenever possible, Dr. Delgado strives to reuse previous incisions so as not to create new scarring. However, if the patient chooses to undergo a breast lift as part of their revision process, new incisions may be inevitable.

How long should I wait after my initial procedure before undergoing breast implant revision?

Patients should wait six months before undergoing implant revision. After six months, the scar tissue will have softened, and a clear picture of the surgical outcome can be perceived

Can the breast implants just be removed?

Yes, but if you would like to remove your implants, you may need to undergo a breast lift at the same time to avoid a deflated and visually unappealing chest appearance.

Is there a manufacturer warranty for failed implants?

Yes. Dr. Delgado uses Mentor Implants, which come with a lifetime replacement for failed implants and a ten-year warranty for compensation toward replacement surgery.

Can breast implants be reduced in size?

Yes, breast implants can be swapped for smaller implants during a breast implant revision procedure.

Can breast implants be removed and not replaced?

Yes, if a patient desires to remove her breast implants completely, this can be done without replacing them with new implants. However, removal may result in an aesthetic concern and may require a breast lift, if desired.

Can breast implants last a lifetime?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that breast implants are not considered to be lifetime devices. For most patients, breast implants last around 10 years.

Can capsular contracture get worse?

Yes, without treatment capsular contracture can worsen. If you are experiencing painful symptoms due to your breast implants, you should speak with your plastic surgeon.

Can capsular contracture go away by itself?

No, capsular contracture will not resolve on its own. Surgery is needed to remove the hardened capsule.

Can I have my breast implants removed?

Yes, patients can undergo breast implant removal surgery to have their breast implants removed.

How long do breast lifts last?

In general, women can enjoy their breast lift results for 10-15 years or longer.

Can breast implants change shape over time?

Over time, breast implants can change shape or size. The overall size can increase if you lose weight or may change shape if there is an issue with the breast implant. Breast implant revision surgery can correct this issue if it becomes bothersome.

Can breast implants last 30 years?

For some patients, breast implants can last for 30 years. The lifetime of implants can vary from person to person. However, silicone implants need to be monitored for a silicone leak with an MRI. Saline implants are just water implants that the body will safely absorb.

Can you feel a ruptured breast implant?

Breast implant ruptures often cause some tenderness or pain in the breast. Patients with a saline implant rupture may also notice a loss of shape and sagging of the breast skin in the affected breast.

Does insurance cover breast revision?

Some insurance companies may cover the cost of breast implant removal or revision surgery if it is considered medically necessary. Contact your insurance company today to learn more.

How long does it take to recover from breast revision surgery?

Recovery from breast revision surgery is generally around 1-2 weeks.

How much is a breast implant revision?

The cost of breast implant revision may vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact our office today to discuss pricing.

How do you fix capsular contracture?

The only effective treatment option for capsular contracture is to have your surgeon remove the capsule and breast implant. A new implant can be placed if desired during breast implant revision surgery.

What are the early signs of capsular contracture?

Common symptoms of capsular contracture include a firm or tight sensation, pain, breast asymmetry, high-riding breasts, or misshapen breasts.

Is there an alternative to breast implants?

Breast augmentation can sometimes be done with fat transfer. However, results may not be as dramatic as they would be with breast implants. Women who wish to lift their breasts to a perkier position and improve the shape of their breasts can also undergo breast lift surgery.

Is it dangerous to have breast implants removed?

Breast implant removal surgery is a safe procedure with minimal risk of complications.

How soon after breast augmentation can I get a revision?

Patients should wait at least six months after their initial breast augmentation procedure to undergo breast implant revision.

How often should breast implants be replaced?

Most saline and silicone implants are FDA approved for 10-20 years, though some people may enjoy their implants for longer.

What is breast revision surgery?

Breast implant revision surgery is done to replace old breast implants with new implants. The goal is often to improve the appearance of the breasts while updating the implant.

What is the most common breast implant size?

The most common implant size ranges between 350 and 500cc. Dr. Delgado with work with you to determine the best implant size for your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

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