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Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast Lift in Fort Worth. Over 30 years’ experience!

Overview

Like all medical technology, breast implants are regularly improved and updated, so many patients choose to have breast revision surgery to replace or upgrade their breast implants. Additionally, our bodies change over time and the breast implants that were perfect 10 years ago may not suit the current version of you. Our plastic surgeons perform breast revision surgery to remove or replace breast implants based on your current lifestyle. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to correct medical or physical problems with a breast implant, including implant rupture and implant displacement. During the initial consultation, one of our plastic surgeons will discuss your concerns with your current breast implants and explain the surgical options available to achieve your goals.

Why Have Revision Surgery?

There are various circumstances as to why a woman may decide to undergo breast revision surgery. The most common reasons are listed below.

Ruptured implant

If a saline implant ruptures, the implant device will deflate due to the leakage of saline. This will result in an obvious deflating of the breasts. Silicone implants will not deflate visibly, however a break in the shell may still occur. The only true way to detect a shell break is through an MRI, which is why routine breast exams are recommended.

Breast rippling

Breast rippling and/or wrinkling can occur along the side of the breast, or underneath it. This occurs with saline implants resulting in an unnatural appearance under the skin. This is most common in women who are extremely thin.

Double bubble implants

“double bubble” is a rare complication with women who have breast implants. This occurs when the implant drops down behind the natural breast crease, or it has risen and now over-drapes (double folds) the breast. When this occurs, an unnatural indention will result in a “double” breast appearance. This is usually caused by improper breast placement from the original surgery, or severe capsular contracture, which shifts the implant from its position.

Breast implant removal

Some women may decide later in life they no longer wish to have breast implants in place. Breast implant removal is a procedure that removes the implants and tightens the skin around the breasts to create a natural look.

Breast size

Some women will be unhappy with their breast size following breast augmentation surgery. They may desire a secondary surgery to replace the implant with one of a different size or shape. Some women may want to go from saline to silicone, or vice versa to achieve the results they desire.

Capsular contracture

Scar tissue that has formed around the implant may create a capsular contracture. When this occurs, excessive tightening of the capsule will result in a hard feel of the breast. Sometimes to correct this, a capsulectomy must occur. This is the removal of scar tissue from around the implant. In general, silicone implants have a higher incidence of capsular contracture (approximately 10-15% chances) than saline implants (5% chance).

Implant bottoming out

An implant may bottom out post-surgery when an implant shifts or moves from its original location. This can also occur with aging, gravity, trauma to the chest area, or with excessive scarring.

Surgical error

Some women are not good candidates for breast augmentation surgery. Instead, they should first have a breast lift. Women who have sagging breasts and undergo breast augmentation surgery alone will not have long lasting results. The breast will continue to sag further due to the weight of the implant.

Surgical Technique

Patients who wish to have their implants replaced will undergo a procedure where an exchange of one or both implants will occur. These revision surgeries are generally straightforward. If scar tissue does exist around the implant, an additional step will be taken to remove this. Some patients may require a breast lift during the revision surgery. In addition, a reconstructive tissue matrix device known as Strattice may be used if added support is needed. The goal of the revision process is to resolve or overcome issues in a way that satisfies the patient’s aesthetic goals.

During/After Surgery

Breast revision surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The ease of recovery will depend on exactly what was done during the revision process. Most women resume their normal work activities after a full week of rest. Returning to exercise will be a gradual process. It may take up to a full year for the scars to fade and for the newly revised breast or chest area to look and feel natural.

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