While there are many cosmetic breast procedures, the one less talked about is breast revision surgery. This particular surgery arises when patients wish to revise a procedure previously performed on them before. Breast expert, Dr. Galanis sat down with Haute Beauty to share all the ins and outs of the breast revision surgery.
What is breast revision surgery?
Breast revision surgery essentially applies to any surgery on a breast which had previously been operated on. There may have been a prior augmentation, lift, or reduction. It does not necessarily indicate that the prior procedure was "botched" or that there was some sort of complication. It may simply be that the breasts have changed naturally with time and the patient is interested in addressing certain aspects of their size, shape, position, or symmetry that have changed since their previous surgery.
Describe the process?
As with all surgery, the process begins with a consultation. Breast revision surgery can be quite complex so I encourage patients to seek out board certified plastic surgeons who have breast surgery experiences as a particular focus of their practice. During a consultation, a patient's concerns are discussed and a thorough history and examination is performed in an attempt to determine the most appropriate course of action. At that point if patients wish to move forward, a preoperative workup including blood and other tests are performed to confirm the patient is safe for surgery. From there, surgery can be scheduled.
Which patients qualify?
Any patient dissatisfied with the appearance of her breast or breasts and who is otherwise healthy with no medical conditions that make them unfit for elective surgery is a potential candidate. Obviously the surgeon has to feel comfortable that he or she can satisfy the patient with another operation.
How long is the recovery process?
The recovery process will vary somewhat depending on the extent of work performed by the surgeon. In some cases, patients may require little to no pain medication and can resume unrestricted activity 2 weeks after surgery. In other cases, patients can expect to take a week off of work and have activity restrictions for 6-8 weeks. It is rare to have significant pain medication requirement beyond a week after these surgeries.
How long do results last?
This is a tricky question since breast revision surgery encompasses just such a broad range of procedures with varying degrees of complexity. The reality with plastic surgery is that whether we're talking breast revision surgery, facelift surgery, or most any other aesthetic procedure, no result is permanent. Your body and tissues will continue to age and change and with that, results can change. The goal with both primary and revision surgery is to give the patient a result that will last them decades. However, when I am seeing patients with more complicated issues, I will be very candid with them regarding the possibility that additional revision surgery may very likely be required down the road. I think patients need to understand that and I try to be as transparent as possible with them throughout the entire process
