Breast Revision / Implant Removal
The development of breast implants has been enhancing the lives of millions of women since the early 1960s. Whether women choose breast implants for cosmetic or reconstructive means, the use of implants has allowed plastic surgeons to create beautiful breast shape and form. But like many other man-made devices, sooner or later breast implants may need to be replaced. Revisionary breast surgery takes a special and unique understanding. As a surgeon who has performed thousands of reconstructive breast procedures, Dr. Mancoll understands what it takes to revise a breast, whether itās needed as a result of surgery that has not given the patient the outcome she desired or because the breasts have otherwise changed in an unsatisfactory way over time.
Ideal Candidate
Women who request revision breast surgery pose a unique challenge to any plastic surgeon. The ideal candidate must be realistic about the look, size, and shape of the breasts she wants. Dr. Mancoll is happy to evaluate any woman who is unhappy with her present breasts after having had previous breast surgery or who is simply not happy with changes that have occurred over time.
Procedure
The surgical options to revise a breast vary tremendously. However, it all starts with Dr. Mancoll understanding the look and shape that his patients desire. Extensive consultation and time is necessary to determine what will be best for the patient both today and in the long term. Most surgical corrections of the breasts are done as an outpatient under general anesthesia in the operating suite in our office. Once the patient has recovered, she can go home the very same day.
Costs
There are several factors that determine the total cost of breast revision surgery, including:
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical fees
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
Unless the patient has had breast implants placed for breast cancer, most revision surgery is still considered cosmetic. Our surgical coordinator can discuss the costs with you after a comprehensive exam and once a surgical plan has been developed. For those patients who had breast implants placed for cosmetic reasons many years ago, it is possible that insurance may pay to have the failed device removed, but rarely will it pay for a new implant or another revisionary type of surgery beyond removing the old device.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with breast revision surgery, such as scars, infection, bleeding, asymmetries, postoperative discomfort, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patientās individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you donāt understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.
Recovery
Most patients will have an uncomplicated recovery. The use of surgical drains varies from case to case. Surgical compression garments are recommended for 4 to 6 weeks, and high-impact activity should be limited during that time. The patient can return to desk-type work within 5 to 7 days. Bruising and swelling, mild asymmetries, post-op pain, and discomfort are all normal.
Results
Patients can expect to see a significant improvement in the look, shape, feel, and symmetry of their breasts after breast revision surgery. Women often find that after breast revision surgery they have renewed self-confidence.
We welcome you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John S. Mancoll by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery atĀ (757) 305-9185 or filling out our online contact form.Ā Dr. Mancoll has been voted by his peers as one of Coastal Virginiaās Top Plastic Surgeons 3 years in a row. He is devoted to helping each individual patient achieve the best results possible.
