Breast revision surgery is a type of surgery that is becoming more popular every year and is one of the most frequently performed surgeries for women.
Background
There are several different kinds of breast revision surgeries. They are: breast asymmetry, beast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, and gynecomastia.
Breast revision surgery fees, depending on what kind of revisions are necessary, often begin around $3,000 and can go as high as $5,500.
Often, this type of surgery is performed to correct breast surgery that did not go well, if there was a cosmetic concern or if there was a health risk such as cancer or respiratory concerns. In addition, this procedure is also performed to remove or replace breast implants, so that a problem can be corrected.
According the online site Plasticsurgery.com, other breast issues require breast revision. They are: “nipple sensitivity or loss in sensitivity, rippling, rupture, or even symptoms of immune system disorders.”
This category of breast surgery often takes one to three hours. Side effects that can occur following this type of surgery are exhaustion, soreness, stiffness and maybe infection.
Recovery for breast revision is often healthy and speedy but it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions after the surgery. Scars may remain pink for several weeks and the patient’s breasts may feel hard but will become softer, several weeks later.
Risks
It is also important to remember that as with any surgery, there are risks. With this type of breast surgery, there is a possibility of hematoma, (a localized collection of blood, usually clotted in a tissue or organ), nipple sensitivity, rupture and symptoms of immune system disorders.
Should your surgery be one of having new implants, it will be important to have regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure that your new implants are not causing any health risks.
To lessen the chance of requiring breast revision surgery, here are some tips:
- Weigh all the risk factors before you plan your reconstructive breast surgery.
- Pick a physician who is certified in this specialty. Seek one who has experience and qualifications for this surgery.
- Find out how many times the surgeon has successfully performed this surgery and if possible, talk with some patients or view before and after photos.
- Ask if the doctor has ever had to do a revision surgery on a former breast augmentation. If he replies yes, find out why it had to be done and what were the results.
- Make sure the physician understands the size and shape that you want. He needs to know exactly what you want and the difference between brand products and related costs.
- Understand that what you want and what may result from the surgery may not meet your expectations. So, keep your expectations moderate.
- After your surgery is finished, give yourself ample time to recover and heal. Follow your doctor’s instructions to the letter. This will help your body to heal and possibly avoid scar tissue.
- As with any surgery, be sure to understand everything about the procedure before signing any consent form, because it is important to know what the risks are for any given surgery.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
