“If pregnancy, weight change, or time has caused a change with your breast implants, a revision may be the next step.”
Common name – Breast Revision.
Technical name/also known as – Augmentation/Capsulectomy/Capsulotomy/Capsulorrhapy.
Benefits of a Breast Revision
Breast implants are not expected to last a lifetime, and over time, the implants may shift, tighten, or rupture. Similarly, the breast tissue itself can change with time, pregnancy, and age. Revision surgery may be able to restore a more balanced appearance and improved feel and position of the breasts.
How it is done:
This surgery is as individual as the women who come to talk about it. For capsular contracture, removal of scar tissue around the implant is a solution, commonly performed with placement of a new implant. For women dissatisfied with shape or size of the breast, a different sized implant may be chosen or surgery on the breast to reposition the nipple or remove skin may be suggested. For a ruptured implant, replacement or removal with lift may be discussed. For an implant which is out of positon, several techniques are available to reposition the implant in the proper place. Contour irregularities may be improved by fat transplantation from another part of the body to the breast. You will find which is right for you at your consultation.
Upside
Usually women who seek revision surgery are unhappy with some component of their breast and or/implant. This is an opportunity to make that better.
Downside
For surgery done to treat capsular contracture, recurrence is a possibility. Additional permanent scars may be required for women wishing to downsize or remove their implant completely. For an implant which is out of position (for example, a double bubble) additional implanted materials may be recommended. Sensation to the nipple can change. A drain may or may not be used.
Who pays for this
This is a cosmetic procedure, paid for by the patient.
My Post-Operative Bra Suggestions
Please click this link for suggested bras to be worn after surgery.
What to expect
Length of operation
3 -5 hours (depending on the extent of procedure).
Anesthesia used
General anesthesia, you will be asleep and monitored the entire time.
In or out patient
Outpatient surgery, you will go home the same day.
Time until final appearance
3 to 4 months, depending on how swelling resolves.
Length of results
6 months to one year.
Side effects
Temporary swelling, bruising, and some pain commonly occur. Irregular skin contour may be noticed initially. For the first two weeks after surgery, sutures will remain in the hairline and facial skin which will be removed in the office. Sensation of the face may be different initially. Fluid collections below the skin are possible. Scars are permanent and may stay red for 6-12 months, but can be concealed with makeup once scabs resolve.
Risks of procedure
All surgery carries risk. I recommend patients carefully weigh the benefits of having surgery against the potential risks which may arise. Risks include pain, bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures, need for other procedures, recurrence of skin laxity, dissatisfaction with appearance, asymmetry, seroma, sensory changes including permanent loss of sensation, temporary or permanent changes in facial movement, wound healing delays requiring wound care, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolus. A complete list of risks will be discussed with you before surgery.
“I love when patients tell me their friends and coworkers ask if they’ve gone on vacation or lost weight—their results are seen as a natural improvement. They look like themselves, just better rested.”
– Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell
Your Next Step!
Call or email us to schedule an appointment and find out if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
Our phone number
248-885-8858
Give our office a call Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to noon.
Our email address
Please also email us anytime with questions you have.
info@delucapytell.com
Quick Contact Form
Before and After Gallery
When you come into the office for your appointment, you will be able to see more ‘before and after’ photos of this procedure including different options.
Recovery time
If healing proceeds as expected:
Rest at home (princess treatment) 2 weeks (no housework or exercise). Outsource housework a while you rest. Walk around the house, but do not work out. Rest with your head up and sleep with your neck extended (to avoid creasing) for the first two weeks.
Return to gentle exercise and household chores at two weeks, but no heavy lifting or strenuous activity for six weeks. May cover scars with makeup once scabs are gone. May resume work if it is sedentary. May color hair at three weeks after surgery.
Return to full activity 6 weeks after surgery.
Returning to Work
This depends on the type of work that you do. Many women can return to sedentary work at three to four weeks, though not everyone is ready to return to work by then. Surgery affects different people differently. If your work is more strenuous, six weeks off work may be needed.
Time until final appearance
3 to 4 months, depending on how swelling resolves
Length of results
Long lasting, but varies from patient to patient.
Smoking and Surgery
If you smoke, it is imperative that you quit six weeks both before and after surgery. To better understand why, please click this link:
Other Information
if you color your hair, do so right before surgery as you will not be able to color your hair until three weeks following the procedure. Plan to bring a scarf with you to the hospital on the day of the procedure as well as dark glasses to camouflage your temporarily swollen appearance on leaving the hospital.
Testimonials
See what her patients have to say about their surgical experience.
Follow the link to read some of the many letters received by Dr. Danielle DeLuca-Pytell.
Your Appointment
When you visit the office for your appointment, we will talk about the side effects and risks of this procedure.
You will have the chance to ask any questions you might have.
Don’t forget: it is your body! There is no such thing as a bad or silly question!