Breast Revision in Westlake Village, CA

Breast augmentation using implants is one of the most effective cosmetic procedures in America, and in many cases, it creates terrific outcomes. However, lifestyles change, people change, and other things happen that lead to wanting breast revision surgery. Whether you changed your mind soon after breast augmentation or it's been a long time since your implants were placed, breast revision surgery at Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery can be performed to exchange or remove implants. You may decide you want smaller or larger implants, implants no longer fit with your image, or you would rather have your breasts enlarged with a fat transfer rather than implants. You may also be dissatisfied with the appearance of your implants if they are uneven or don't look natural. No matter the reason, plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ethan Baughman offers breast revision surgery after giving an in-depth exam at his private practice so his patients are pleased with their outcomes. To learn more about your options with breast revision surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Baughman at his practice in Westlake Village, CA.

Should you have any issues (either medical or aesthetic) after breast augmentation surgery, please make a consultative appointment with Dr. Baughman to go over your concerns so he can develop your personalized plan for breast revision surgery. Whether it's scar tissue, drooping or sagging, ripples under the skin, or breast asymmetry, revision surgery can help correct the irregularity and result in a more normal and properly functioning outcome. This operation may also be appropriate if you are wanting to alter the implant style, size, or address another aspect of your breasts.

Breast revision surgery can remove an implant that is defective or no longer desired. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to change implant size or go from an implant to a fat transfer. These are some of the most common situations where a revision treatment is desired or required.

This condition occurs when the implant sizes look disproportionate. This may be due to an incorrect size implant, sagging on one side, or many other reasons. An in-depth evaluation would need to take place to determine what is causing the asymmetry, then a revision surgery can be planned to resolve the problem.

This is a problem that happens if one or both implants drop too low, a condition commonly known as "bottoming out." Sometimes this is caused by a positioning error during the original breast augmentation surgery. To modify this, tissue grafting may be needed, in addition to a surgically formed pocket to keep the new implant in place.

Sometimes a secondary breast surgery is as straightforward as getting a smaller or larger implant. While plastic surgeons do everything to help you visualize your results, sometimes you don't realize until after your surgery that your new breasts are too big or not big enough. A different implant size can be placed to reach the desired appearance.

Also known as scar tissue hardening, capsular contracture occurs when the delicate tissue that surrounds the saline or silicone implant becomes thick and hard. Although many implant surgeries do create some internal scar tissue, most women will never see or feel it. In some circumstances, the hardening tissue could interfere with implant placement, which can change the breast shape and implant functionality and deliver an undesirable outcome. In these cases, surgery is needed to remove the scar tissue.

This condition occurs when you see obvious rippling and wrinkles under the skin. This irregularity typically forms just along the edging of the implant. Rippling is generally found in patients who are underweight and choose saline implants. Many times, this issue can be fixed by simply switching to a silicone breast implant.

Even though this represents a small percentage of cases, breast implant rupture can occur. When a saline implant type ruptures, the implant will deflate almost immediately and be visible. However, if a silicone implant ruptures, it can only be seen with advanced imaging, like an MRI. Whether silicone or saline, when a rupture occurs, a replacement procedure will be required.

Symmastia is a condition that takes place when breast implants are inserted and placed too closely together. Most often, this is because the selected breast implant was the incorrect shape and width. A revision treatment will repair this problem by using an implant that fits your frame.

Following your procedure and a brief observation period, you can go home to begin your recovery. Recovery from a revision surgery varies, depending on what is involved in your surgery. You should slowly start to see your results when the bruising and swelling fades. Dr. Baughman or someone on his team will discuss what should be expected while you recover, plus recommendations to help you heal faster. You should schedule and attend follow-up visits so Dr. Baughman can monitor your recovery and results.

How much does breast revision surgery cost?
Your cost for breast revision surgery will vary based on the complexity of your procedure. In your consultation, Dr. Baughman will listen carefully to your needs and goals before completing a physical examination of your implants. After this, he will talk about your choices before creating your treatment plan. The total cost of revision surgery will be based on the complexity of the procedure, plus your new implants. It's better to concentrate on getting great results by finding a skilled plastic and reconstructive surgeon, like Dr. Baughman, instead of the cheapest surgeon. As a way to help make your surgery affordable, Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery accepts many different payments and we will give you information on low-interest financing.

What if Dr. Baughman wasn't my original surgeon?
Dr. Baughman can perform your revision surgery even if he was not the surgeon who did your original breast augmentation. Revision surgery is sometimes more difficult compared to augmentation surgery, especially if you want significant changes or have problems, which is why it is best to find a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, like Dr. Baughman, who has advanced training and experience in breast surgery. Dr. Baughman also encourages his patients to come back to Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery for revision surgery after their augmentation surgery if they notice an issue or would like new implants.

What about loose skin?
When you are getting your implants exchanged or removed, you may want to have excess skin removed as well. After hearing your goals and evaluating your current implants, Dr. Baughman can discuss adding a breast lift to remove sagging skin. If you lost a lot of weight, had a baby, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift can give you better results.

Will there be new scars?
When possible, Dr. Baughman will make incisions for revision surgery in the original augmentation incisions. If this isn't possible, he will place the revision incisions where they are least visible. Revision surgery may use a transaxillary incision (in the armpit), a periareolar incision (along the lower border of the areola), an inframammary incision (beneath the breast fold), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Dr. Baughman or a member of his team will explain scar care instructions so your incisions heal smoothly and blend with your skin.

Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants are long-lasting, they do require replacement eventually. Once you've had augmentation surgery, it's important to get your implants examined at least once a year so Dr. Baughman can help you determine if your implants need to be exchanged. With frequent advances in medical technology, you may prefer the new implant types and shapes to get a better outcome from breast revision surgery.

Revision surgery for breast implants is a specialized procedure tailored for your aesthetic goals by plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ethan Baughman. If you notice a visible problem with your breast implants or decide you want something different, we encourage you to get in touch with our office in Westlake Village, CA to make your appointment at Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery. There are so many factors to consider and Dr. Baughman will perform a full physical assessment, create your revision treatment plan, and discuss realistic outcome expectations.