BREAST REVISION

Revision breast surgery is designed to modify and improve upon the results of a previous surgical breast procedure. In some cases, this second operation may be requested due to the patient’s dissatisfaction with or problems with the original outcome, required for medical reasons, or performed in order to remove the breast implants for various reasons.

For those having breast implant revision surgery, Dr. Crabtree will discuss the various options.  Many women will choose to replace their implants with another size or type, or they may seek a breast lift following the removal of their implants.  Some women will choose to just remove the implants.

In addition to personal choice, there are several medical indicators that may necessitate breast implant removal, such as disease, surgery complication, or trauma.

Breast revision surgery can also address:

• Skin rippling
• Unsatisfactory nipple position or breast shape
• A firm, tender internal scar known as capsular contracture
• Torn, deflated, or ruptured implant
• Implant displacement

Your Consultation

In the initial consultation, Dr. Crabtree will use the time to get to know you, learn about your expectations, present you with options to address your concerns and discuss a plan to achieve your goals.  He will discuss the variables of the surgery such as implant type and volume if there will be an exchange or the possibility of other procedures involved to correct the problem.  He will create a custom approach for your surgery.   Prior to surgery you will have a good understanding of the procedure, plan and recovery. If you decide you are ready to proceed you will set a date for surgery and be given instructions on how to prepare. You will also schedule a pre-operative appointment to review your medical history, take pre-operative photographs, and confirm the details of your surgery.

Your Procedure

Your breast revision procedure generally takes about an hour to two hours depending on the procedures planned and will be performed under general anesthesia administered by a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist or a Board-Certified Nurse Anesthetist at Windward Surgery Center in Kailua, Hawaii.  

Your Recovery

After the procedure you will be wrapped in a ‘tube top’ type dressing with bandages covering the breasts.  The sutures are all under the skin and only glue and flesh colored type is visible on the skin itself. You may also have surgical drains to collect any fluid from the incision site.  You can shower 24 hours after the surgery and either rewrap the breasts with the ace wrap or wear a front closing sports bra during the healing process. You can return to normal daily routine in a week, one month of avoiding strenuous activity and several months for scars to fade and normal sensation to resume.  The results will be evident immediately but will continue to improve and “settle” over the course of several months. The results will last many years depending on lifestyle, childbirth, weight maintenance and other factors.

The Breast Revision Procedure:

• Clinic Procedure or Operating Room: Operating Room
• Hospital Status: Outpatient
• Length of Surgery: 2-3 hours
• Anesthesia: General Anesthesia performed under the care of a board certified Anesthesiologist
• Post-Operative: A special bra may be worn for up to two weeks to help with swelling and recovery.  Mild soreness, swelling, and bruising are all normal.
• Recovery Time: Return to normal daily routine in one week, one month avoiding strenuous activity and several months for scars to fade and normal sensation.
• Results: The results will be evident immediately but will continue to improve and “settle” over the course of several months.  The results will last for many years depending on lifestyle, childbirth, weight maintenance and other factors.