Introduction to Breast Revision in Baltimore, MD
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. Unfortunately, that popularity means many women choose plastic surgeons who do not deliver the best results.
Double Board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Steven J. Rottman offers revision breast surgery to the women of Baltimore, MD, and surrounding communities who are not satisfied with their breast augmentations.
Before & Afters
Revision breast surgery is a secondary surgery that most often occurs after breast augmentation.
Some of the cosmetic concerns that can be corrected with revision breast surgery are the following:
Breast revision surgery can sometimes be combined with other procedures to help you reach your desired breast shape, size, and look. During your consultation, Dr. Rottman will discuss your goals and decide if combining procedures is right for you.
A breast lift can be done along with breast revision surgery to correct sagging skin, changes from pregnancy or aging, and changes in breast tissue after implants. This lifts and reshapes the breasts for a more youthful look and better contour.
Some women decide to have their implants removed instead of replaced. Implant removal can be done by itself or with other procedures, like a breast lift, to help restore a natural breast shape.
If you want a more natural way to restore breast volume, fat transfer breast augmentation might be a good choice. This method uses purified fat from another part of your body to add fullness to your breasts without using implants.
Breast revision surgery is recommended for women who have undergone breast enhancement and have specific cosmetic and health issues related to their implants. Dr. Rottman is able to determine if revision breast surgery is right for you during your personal consultation.
Revision breast surgery may be recommended for cosmetic and health reasons. The surgery restores the breast augmentation to a more appropriate appearance while reducing potential health risks.
Dr. Rottman asks questions about your breast augmentation surgery, implants, and other related issues. He examines your breasts to determine what steps need to be followed during surgery. He reviews his recommended treatment plan and provides you with pre- and post-surgical instructions.
Prior to your revision breast surgery, you will need to follow specific instructions to ensure your surgery is successful. Dr. Rottman provides you with detailed instructions during your consultation. The instructions also include any special aftercare you may need. You should arrange for a family member or friend to help you after surgery.
Dr. Rottman specializes in the repair and revision of complications resulting from prior breast surgeries.
Although breast implants are medical devices designed to last for many years, patients can expect to undergo some form of revision surgery within their lifetime. In revision breast augmentation, Dr. Rottman can resolve complications, exchange breast implants for a different type or size, or reshape the breast for a more youthful appearance. Depending on the reason for revision, procedures can range from simple adjustments to complex surgical procedures.
Symmastia is a serious but rare complication that can occur after breast augmentation. The problem occurs when the breast implant crosses the midline between the breasts, essentially joining the breasts together. Symmastia can be obvious or subtle, becoming visible only when the patient is lying down.
The basic causes of symmastia are oversized breast implants and over-dissection of the breast pocket. Symmastia is often seen when one patient chooses progressively larger implants in multiple breast augmentation procedures.
After breast augmentation (or reconstruction with implants), the body can form scar tissue that surrounds the implant. This reaction, known as capsular contracture, places pressure on the implant and causes hardness, displacement, and distortion of the breast implant, requiring breast revision. Surgical procedures to correct the complication include traditional capsulectomy, capsulotomy, and placement of an acellular tissue matrix (AlloDerm® or StratticeTM).
Rippling of the breast implant can become visible in some patients, particularly when a saline implant is not filled to the proper volume. Correcting implant rippling or wrinkling may require adjusting the implant volume, replacing it with silicone gel implants, or inserting an acellular tissue matrix such as Strattice™. To prevent rippling, plastic surgeons often recommend placement of the implant below the chest muscle.
Breast implant displacement (or malposition) occurs when the implant moves beyond the margins of the breast pocket. The cause may be poor surgical technique (over-dissection of the tissue) or scar formation that gradually pushes the implant from its optimal location. Such complications are often called “bottoming out,” “double-bubble,” “symmastia,” or “high-riding” of breast implants.
Your Guide to Post-Breast Revision Care
Recovery from revision breast surgery varies based on the extent of correction needed. Most patients are required to restrict their activities for up to four weeks, including staying home from work. Strenuous activities are typically restricted for six to eight weeks. You will need to keep the surgical site dry. Healing is fastest if you can sleep on your stomach. Dr. Rottman may be able to recommend some special pillows to help you with this. Common symptoms after breast revision surgery are tenderness, swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort.
Breast revision surgery is an elective cosmetic procedure. The cost of the surgery varies by patient. We work with CareCredit® to offer you a convenient way to afford your breast revision surgery. To learn more, please visit our financing page.
Revision breast surgery involves the repair and restoration of soft tissues, as well as the repositioning or replacement of your breast implants. The approach is unique to each woman in the Baltimore area, so you want a plastic surgeon like Dr. Rottman, who is skilled in the most advanced revision breast surgery techniques.
Contact
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your breast implants or are experiencing complications from a previous breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Steven J. Rottman at Rottman Plastic Surgery in Owings Mills, Maryland, and serving patients throughout the Baltimore area.
Call (410) 297-0831 today to learn how breast revision surgery can help you feel more comfortable and confident and achieve natural-looking results.
