In Mullica Hill, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Bidic and board-certified surgeon Dr. Vinay Gundlapalli perform breast augmentation revision and implant exchange to help New Jersey women get the fuller, more beautiful breasts they want. Women who have had breast augmentation by other surgeons come to us for corrective surgery when their results don't turn out the way they envisioned. In addition, our surgeons perform elective implant exchange for women who want to make a change.
If think you might benefit from revision breast surgery, our surgeons have the experience and proven track record that can help you attain the look you want. To get started, request your consultation online or call (856) 362-8898 to schedule your appointment.
Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery
As experienced breast enhancement surgeons, Dr. Bidic and Dr. Gundlapalli have years of experience helping women attain the breast size and shape that fits with their bodies and aesthetic goals. Women from throughout South Jersey visit us for breast augmentation revision surgery. Our surgeons are experienced in correcting complications from past surgery and perform elective breast implant exchange for women who simply want a change.
Is a Breast Augmentation Revision Safe?
All surgical procedures carry risks and the possibility of complications. In general, breast augmentation revision has a low rate of serious complications. In fact, it may be a way to avoid complications if there is a problem with the initial breast augmentation results.
You can reduce the risk of serious complications by being careful about who you choose to perform the revision. Our plastic surgeons are experienced, trained, well-qualified plastic surgeons. They have been performing breast surgery for many years. We encourage you to review their patient reviews and their before-and-after galleries on this website.
Changing Breast Implants
There are many reasons women choose to have their breast implants exchanged:
- Wanting larger or smaller breasts
- Changing implant fill material (saline, silicone, gummy bear)
- Adding or reducing fullness in the upper breast
- Enhancing cleavage
If you simply feel your initial breast augmentation results no longer suit you, our plastic surgeons can help you attain the look you envision for yourself with elective implant exchange.
Correcting Breast Implant Complications
The most compelling and urgent reason to have revision surgery is to correct a complication, especially if you are feeling physically uncomfortable or self-conscious about the way one or both of your breasts look. These procedures are often highly complicated and require a plastic surgeon who is trained and experienced in correcting many different concerns.
Our surgeons often draw on the skills they use performing reconstructive breast procedures when performing breast augmentation revision. A revision surgery can address a variety of complications:
- Implant rupture, leak, or deflation, which is obvious with saline implants but may require an MRI to be detected with older silicone implants.
- Capsular contracture, in which the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant becomes firm and inelastic, making the breast feel tight or painful, and look distorted. This complication can occur months or years after surgery.
- Implant malposition, which develops when an implant drops too low, rises too high, or when both implants sit too close together or too far to the side.
- Asymmetry, resulting in significantly different sized breasts.
How Soon After a Breast Implant Procedure Can You Get Breast Augmentation Revision?
We sometimes have patients of other surgeons come to us who are concerned about the breast augmentation results they received. It can be really discouraging to go through the procedure only to have lingering concerns even after the recovery phase. Having said that, it’s important to wait for swelling and settling to resolve. Initially, after breast augmentation, your breasts will be swollen, the implants will appear to sit high on your chest, and you may have noticeable asymmetry. All of these issues are normal and it’s essential to allow enough time to see if they resolve.
If you are still concerned about your results 6 months after your breast augmentation, we encourage you to contact our plastic surgeons. At this point, your results will be close to finalized, so any problems you notice may need to be addressed. We’ll also let you know whether you should wait longer to consider revision, because some issues take a full year to settle.
How to Prepare for a Breast Augmentation Revision
Preparation for revision is a lot like how you prepared for the initial augmentation:
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and your goals
- Schedule the surgical appointment
- Complete all required appointments before surgery, such as imaging, lab tests, health screens, blood work, etc.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you after surgery
- Arrange for at least 1-2 weeks off from work
- Arrange for taking it easy around the house, whether that includes getting help with childcare, family obligations, appointments, etc.
- Get plenty of rest, exercise, healthy food, and hydration in the weeks beforehand
- Follow instructions for when to stop eating and drinking before surgery
- Quit smoking a couple weeks before, and be ready to continue not smoking for at least a couple weeks following
- Prepare frozen meals or items that are easy to grab and eat without a lot of preparation
- Fill prescriptions
We’ll provide you with more detailed instructions as your appointment nears.
Your Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Our plastic surgeons typically perform revision breast surgery as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia. The specifics of the surgery vary greatly with your reasons for having it. If possible, the surgeon will place the incisions in the same location as your original procedure. If your surgery will include a breast lift to reshape your breasts or if you need nipple correction, you may need more extensive incisions.
After making the incisions, the surgeon will remove the implants and then make the necessary corrections, which may include one or more of the following:
- Removing scar tissue
- Changing implant placement
- Revising or repairing the pocket
- Inserting material to support the implant
The ultimate goal is to achieve a beautiful, natural breast shape and balance between the breasts.
Patient Testimonial
Dr. Bidic did an AMAZING job. This was my first surgery and he made me feel extremely comfortable. I felt like he really listened to all of my thoughts and concerns. He explained the procedure thouroughly and answered any questions that I had. If you want a surgeon who does amazing work and truly cares about your needs, I would definitely recommend Dr. Bidic and his team!
How Long Will the Breast Augmentation Revision Procedure Last?
The procedure itself could take anywhere from 1-4 hours to complete. These procedures tend to vary, which is the reason for the wide range. Procedures with more steps involved will take longer. When you meet with Dr. Bidic or Dr. Gundlapalli in a consultation, the surgeon will describe the estimated procedure time based on what is being performed in your breast revision.
Breast Augmentation Revision Recovery and Aftercare
You will need to take 1-2 weeks off from work, and 4-6 weeks off from strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. The exact timelines vary because a revision may involve a straightforward implant exchange, or it could be more complex if it involves the removal of scar tissue from capsular contracture or the correction of another type of complication.
We will provide detailed instructions related to:
- Bandages
- Drains
- Showering
- Wearing a compression garment
- Physical activity
- Follow-up appointments
You may feel soreness, tightness, and discomfort in the first few days following surgery. Our surgeons may have prescribed you pain medication to alleviate discomfort. Take as directed. Some people need only an over-the-counter pain reliever.
How Long Will My Breast Augmentation Revision Results Last?
Breast revision results are long-lasting. Breast implants will not last forever. Wear and tear over the years may lead to rippling, leaking, or other issues that would require their removal and replacement. Oftentimes, this need for replacement doesn’t occur for decades, but every case is different. Your skin will become saggy with age, with or without breast implants, but you may find your breasts continue to look perky despite aging, because of the fullness provided by the breast implants.
The Cost of Revision Surgery
The cost of breast augmentation revision in South Jersey varies considerably with the complexity of the procedure. You will be provided with an estimate at your consultation, taking into account your unique needs and aesthetic goals.
When considering breast revision surgery, it's especially important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon due to the complexity of the procedure. Our surgeons are specifically trained and experienced in revision breast procedures.
What to Expect After Surgery
The length of your recovery after breast augmentation revision will depend on the reason for your surgery. In most cases, patients will be able to go home the same day. If you have a simple implant exchange, recovery will likely be quicker than for your original procedure. If you are having corrective surgery, it may take longer for you to recover than the first time around.
Will the Results of My Breast Reconstruction Look Natural?
The goal of breast cancer treatment is to eliminate cancerous cells from your body, which may involve removing part or nearly all of your natural breast tissue. In that initial stage of care, the focus is your health and longevity, not your appearance. When we plan your breast reconstruction, the goal is to help you reclaim full confidence in your appearance. The results are more for you than for anyone else, and Dr. Bidic and Dr. Gundlapalli will spend a great deal of time listening to and talking with you about your options.
Our doctors specialize in breast reconstruction and have considerable training and experience that they bring to every case. When you consult with them about your reconstruction process, you can expect to engage in meaningful conversation about your desired outcome and the options that will be best suited to your preferences and goals. During your course of treatment, your doctor can discuss their expectations regarding your final cosmetic outcome, including how long it may take for your breasts to soften and settle into the most natural appearance.
How to Prepare for a Breast Reconstruction Procedure?
There are several steps that you can take before your breast reconstruction that will help you recover well and enjoy the best possible cosmetic outcome. You'll begin preparing for your procedure weeks or months beforehand. A general guideline includes:
- Engage in a healthy exercise routine. This isn't for weight loss but for good cardiovascular health. Engaging in light strength training a few days a week and walking several days a week is a great way to prepare your body for surgical recovery.
- Avoid smoking and nicotine. Beginning six weeks before surgery, it is imperative to avoid these substances. Doing so restores your body's optimal healing capabilities in time for surgery. It also reduces surgical and post-operative risks such as poor wound healing.
- Consider your medications and supplements. Certain substances, including vitamin E and aspirin, thin the blood. Beginning three weeks before surgery, it's important to avoid all substances that do this. Your doctor may also advise you to begin taking a multivitamin with iron.
- Plan for your recovery period. In addition to taking time off work, it's beneficial to also arrange to have someone take care of the house, the kids, the pets, and any work projects that cannot be tied up ahead of time. Also, prepare a comfortable, quiet space in your home where you can rest for much of the day without feeling isolated. Finally, recovery prep may involve making meals that can be heated easily or arranging a meal-train sign-up for friends and family to provide meals.
Will I Require Drains for My Breast Reconstruction Procedure?
It's very important that fluid does not accumulate around the surgical site after mastectomy or breast reconstruction. Historically, these more complex plastic surgery procedures have required drains. The fluid may be measured at least once a day to ensure that drainage is decreasing as expected. Trust that, if you do need drains, your doctor will be motivated to remove them as soon as it is safe to do so. Also, if it is expected that you'll need drains, you will be fully informed well ahead of time regarding what to expect, how to care for them, and when to contact the office.
How Soon After a Breast Reconstruction Can I Shower?
If your breast reconstruction requires a short hospital stay, your nurse may help you shower before you are discharged. They can ensure that your incisions are well-protected and also help you see how you need to handle drains and bulbs if necessary. If your reconstruction involves an implant or a tissue expander sponge bath or bird bath may be recommended until the drains are removed. If tissue based reconstruction is performed, it's possible to shower 24 to 48 hours after the breast reconstruction procedure, and, after that, you can shower once every day if you would like. Your aftercare instructions only have restrictions around submerging the surgical area.