At our practice in Richmond, breast implant revision surgery is a common procedure for women who want to either remove their breast implants or want to change them. Dr. Darrin Hubert is a Richmond breast specialist, with over a decade of experience helping patients look and feel their best.
Our Richmond breast implant revision patients find that the surgery greatly benefits their lives, by either providing more self-confidence or helping with medical conditions. Your surgery will be performed by Dr. Hubert in our surgery center. Below, we’ve included information about breast implant revision surgery. If you have questions, please contact us today.
Breast implant revision can correct problems resulting from breast augmentation surgery. The effects of breast augmentation surgery are not always entirely satisfactory. After the procedure, patients may be experiencing cosmetic or medical issues, or they may simply be unhappy with the way their results turned out. Revision breast augmentation can make the changes needed to give RVA patients the results they were originally hoping for.
This corrective procedure can also address medical issues like capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar-tissue capsule around the breast implant is too thick and begins to contract around the implant, causing stiffness, pain, and aesthetic problems.
The procedure is also performed when patients would like a change in the look or feel of their results. The breasts may be smaller than they were expecting, or they may be too large or feel too heavy or firm. Sometimes when implants are placed under the muscle (the pectoralis major), they can move when the muscle contracts, which may be unsightly or even occasionally uncomfortable.
As one of the top breast clinics in Richmond, we’ve seen many different candidates for this surgery. If you meet some of the following criteria, you may be a good candidate:
Most patients are in good overall health and don’t smoke
Patients should have realistic expectations of what the surgery can do
Patients are not happy with their current breast implants
Candidates want to have the implants removed for either medical or aesthetic reasons
Some candidates desire a different type or size of implant
We’ve heard a lot of different reasons to get this surgery. It might include one of the following advantages:
Some patients want to restore their natural breasts
Patients can get a different type of breast implant
Update the size of the implant you previously used
The first step to getting breast implant revision surgery in Richmond is to schedule a consultation. During your appointment, we’ll be able to educate you on the benefits and decide if you’re a good candidate for surgery. This will also give you an opportunity to get to know Dr. Hubert and ask questions.
If you’re happy with Dr. Hubert’s recommendations, surgery will be booked and we’ll prepare you for the next steps. Dr. Hubert will likely have questions pertaining to your health, habits, and past surgeries. These questions are created to help ensure we can provide the best possible care for you.
The type of Implant can be changed from saline to silicone breast implants or vice versa. Additionally, size changes can be achieved when desired. This requires the removal of the current implants and replacement with new implants. The position of the implants can also be changed, from under the muscle to on top of the muscle, or vice versa.
Implants can also be removed and replaced when the outer silicone rubber shell of the implant ruptures. When a saline implant ruptures, it is usually very obvious. Your body absorbs the saline solution (water) and one side ends up flat, compared to the other. With a silicone implant, however, it can sometimes be very difficult to determine if it has ruptured. Imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, may be useful to help determine if a silicone implant has ruptured. In general, we usually want to remove and replace a ruptured implant in a timely fashion. While it is not an emergency, the pocket of tissue around the implant might start to shrink back down, and prompt correction of the situation might help achieve a better long-term result.
Implants can also be removed and replaced when the outer silicone rubber shell of the implant ruptures. When a saline implant ruptures, it is usually very obvious. Your body absorbs the saline solution (water) and one side ends up flat, compared to the other. With a silicone implant, however, it can sometimes be very difficult to determine if it has ruptured. Imaging, such as MRI or ultrasound, may be useful to help determine if a silicone implant has ruptured. In general, we usually want to remove and replace a ruptured implant in a timely fashion. While it is not an emergency, the pocket of tissue around the implant might start to shrink back down, and prompt correction of the situation might help achieve a better long-term result.
Before your breast implant revision surgery, a consultation must take place. During this, Dr. Hubert will assess your previous implants and ask you about your specific breast augmentation issues and goals. He will then discuss the techniques to be used in your revision procedure. You should refrain from smoking during the weeks leading up to and following the surgery.
This is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, incisions are created. These are typically the same incisions used for your primary breast enlargement. The required techniques are then implemented. These may include removal or repositioning of the breast implant, removal or alteration of the scar-tissue capsule around the implant, and removal of any leaked silicone gel material. Sometimes biologic graft material is used to reinforce the alterations to the scar-tissue capsule. This can help to correct some severe problems and give a long-lasting, durable result. If this type of material is necessary, Dr. Hubert will discuss it in detail during the planning phase of your surgery.
Finally, when the corrective techniques have been performed, the incisions are closed with the help of dissolvable sutures that you will probably never even see. A soft surgical bra is placed, and you wear this day and night for approximately two weeks.
It is common to experience swelling and bruising after the surgery. Ice packs may be helpful for the swelling for the first couple of days. You will be wearing a supportive surgical bra for approximately the first two weeks, day and night. The bra may be taken off to take a shower, which can typically start on the day after surgery. You will need to take the prescribed medications and antibiotics as directed.
Proper care must be taken to protect the incisions and to keep them safe. Refrain from physical activities that could have a direct impact on your chest (including sports and strenuous exercise), and avoid lifting heavy objects.
Although most sutures used will dissolve on their own, any permanent stitches or surgical drains will be removed during your follow-up visit. At this time, Dr. Hubert will check to ensure that recovery is going as expected.
Complete recovery takes around three weeks. After this, physical activity may be resumed gradually. Final results may be observed once all bruising and swelling have resolved.
The cost of a Richmond breast implant revision surgery will depend on the exact techniques being performed to resolve the issues. The type of replaced implants and the amount of time required to perform the procedure also play a role in determining the final price. Dr. Hubert will meet with you in his office to discuss all costs, financing options, and recommendations.
Patients all around Virginia trust skilled plastic surgeon Dr. Hubert with their breast surgeries. Schedule your consultation for a breast implant revision surgery in Richmond with Dr. Darrin Hubert. Contact us today to get started.
View before-and-after pictures of real patients of Darrin Hubert, MD, FACS
Your Breast Implant Revision Questions Answered
When Is Breast Implant Revision Surgery Needed?
Breast revision is required in a number of situations. It can correct cosmetic issues like incorrect position of the implants, asymmetry, or rippling in the breast skin.
What are other breast surgeries that Dr. Darrin Hubert offers?
Below, we’ve included a list of other breast surgeries that Dr. Hubert performs:
& testimonials
Dr. Hubert is an amazing doctor! Good listener and helps you understand options and helps you pick the right procedures for your personal goals. I highly recommend him to others!
Out of town
Dr. Darrin M. Hubert extends a warm welcome to patients from other cities, states, and countries. We understand that finding your perfect match in a surgeon may require you to travel far away from your home and we are thrilled to help you plan your exciting journey to beauty and confidence.