How Long Do I Need To Wait For Breast Revision After Breast Augmentation?

When a woman undergoes a breast augmentation, she is not likely to be thinking about a second or subsequent procedure. However, the reality is that there are a number of reasons why a breast revision surgery may end up being needed. Regardless of the reason for considering a breast revision, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the caring team at VIP Plastic Surgery are committed to helping Las Vegas patients address their concerns, relieve their symptoms, and ultimately achieve their goals. If you think you may need – or want – a breast revision procedure, find out some of the basics about the surgery, including how long you’ll need to wait to pursue it after your initial augmentation. 

What is a breast revision?

Breast revision surgery most often refers to a procedure designed to replace damaged implants or revise the placement and/or position of an implant. The specific methods and techniques used by a surgeon during breast revision surgery will depend on the type and severity of a patient’s concerns. 

Who needs a breast revision? 

There are a variety of reasons why a woman may want or need to have breast revision surgery. In some cases, an implant may need to be replaced, as in the case of implant rupture. For other patients, undergoing a breast revision may be a personal decision if she is unhappy with the outcome of her original breast augmentation. Some of the most common complaints leading women to seek breast implant revision include:

• Unhappy with the size of original implants (wish they had gone bigger or smaller)
• Unhappy with the placement of original implants
• Implant rupture
• Capsular contracture
• Breast implant pain
• Change in personal preference 
• Changes in implant appearance after pregnancy or weight fluctuation 

If you think you may need a breast augmentation revision, or even breast implant removal, the first step is to be evaluated by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. The knowledgeable team at VIP Plastic Surgery is highly familiar with the conditions and symptoms that may mean a breast revision is appropriate, and Dr. Khorsandi will take ample time to discuss your concerns and determine if the procedure is right for you. Dr. Khorsandi also understands that in some cases, a woman may simply desire an implant revision or removal, rather than truly needing one. Whatever your reasons are for seeking a breast revision or implant removal, Dr. Khorsandi is committed to providing an unmatched level of care and consideration. 

When can I get a breast revision after breast augmentation? 

Breast implant complications, like capsular contracture or implant rupture can occur relatively soon after a breast augmentation, sometimes within a few months. In these cases, a breast revision may be performed earlier than usual, though it will be up to your surgeon to determine if, and when, the procedure can be safely performed. In cases where women are simply dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of their breast augmentation, it may be necessary to wait longer before undergoing a breast implant revision. 

Arguably the most common aesthetic complaint which leads to breast revision is patients wishing they had chosen a larger implant size to begin with. Once the swelling subsides and patients get used to their new breasts, which usually happens after a few months, many women desire a larger size. To avoid this scenario, Dr. Khorsandi thoroughly consults with patients on implant size preoperatively, using every available tool and technique to ensure that the “right” size is chosen the first time around. 

For patients who do end up less than satisfied with the size, position, shape, or another feature of their implants after surgery, it is generally recommended that they wait a minimum of six months before undergoing a breast augmentation revision. Not only does this allow the body a chance to heal from the original procedure, including letting swelling and other symptoms fully resolve, but it also gives patients an adequate amount of time to consider – and reconsider – a second surgery. 

What are the risks of a breast implant revision? 

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with breast revision. In addition to the risks associated with anesthesia and surgery in general, patients undergoing a breast revision are also more susceptible to psychological uncertainties stemming from the perception that their original surgery “failed.” Another possible complication of breast revision surgery is the surgeon’s inability to achieve the desired result due to scar tissue that is present from the original procedure. Taking all of these things into consideration, it is imperative that patients pursuing breast revision surgery have realistic expectations about their potential results.

Where do I start with a breast revision in Las Vegas?

Patients seeking breast implant revision surgery in Las Vegas, NV certainly have a number of options at their disposal. However, with the sensitive nature of the procedure, it is crucial that patients select a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to perform their breast revision. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, Chief Plastic Surgeon, at VIP Plastic Surgery, is exceptionally familiar with the complexities of breast revision surgery and takes great pride in helping his patients achieve their ideal outcomes time and time again. 

Call the convenient Las Vegas, NV office of VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today, and learn how a breast revision can help you feel better, look better, and finally live your life to the fullest!