The Best Plastic Surgeon for Breast Revision Surgeries in Tulsa
Breast Revision Surgery
The Spa at Kreitzberg Plastic Surgery
Breast Revision Surgery Procedure
Undergoing breast augmentation surgery with implants could transform your figure. However, these implants require removal or replacement every 10 to 15 years for several reasons, both cosmetic and medical. Dr. Kreitzberg offers breast revision surgery in Tulsa for patients who are ready to replace their old implants and restore the enhanced appearance of their chest.
In addition to improving your appearance, implant revision surgery could relieve adverse symptoms associated with augmentation, such as hardened scar tissue (capsular contracture). Reach out to Kreitzberg Plastic Surgery to learn more about this type of breast surgery.
Why You May Need Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Implants are man-made devices, and like any medical device, they can break down over time. Breast revision surgery may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including:
1. Implant Replacement
Breast implants typically last 10 to 15 years before they may need to be replaced. Whether due to wear and tear, a rupture, or your changing aesthetic goals, breast revision surgery offers a solution for those looking to replace older implants with newer, more advanced options.
2. Complications from Existing Implants
- Capsular Contracture: Over time, scar tissue (capsule) can form around the implants, causing the tissue to harden. This condition, called capsular contracture, can result in discomfort, pain, and an unnatural appearance of the breasts. Breast revision surgery removes this hardened tissue and can help restore the natural feel of the breasts.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Implants can occasionally rupture or leak. When this happens, breast revision surgery removes the damaged implants and replaces them with new ones to prevent further complications.
3. Cosmetic Concerns
- Changes in Size, Shape, or Projection: As your body changes over time, you may wish to adjust the size or shape of your implants. Breast revision surgery can change the size, shape, or projection of your implants to better match your desired look.
- Sagging, Stretching, or Skin Rippling: Some women experience skin rippling or sagging after implants have settled. Some may feel the implants fall to the sides when laying down or over settle too low. Revision surgery can correct these issues, offering a firmer, fuller, smoother appearance.
4. Switching Implant Types
If you initially chose saline implants and later decide to switch to silicone implants (or vice versa), Dr. Kreitzberg can perform a breast revision procedure to make that change. Whether you’re seeking a different feel, look, or type of material, breast revision surgery offers the flexibility to meet your needs.
How Does the Breast Revision Procedure Work?
Breast revision surgery is similar to the initial breast augmentation but requires special attention to addressing any complications or changes from previous surgeries. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
- Consultation: During your consultation, Dr. Kreitzberg will discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals. He will also review your current implants and any concerns you’re experiencing.
- Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, ensuring you’re asleep and comfortable throughout the surgery.
- Incision Placement: Dr. Kreitzberg typically makes incisions through the previous surgical scars or along the bottom of the breast to minimize scarring. This also ensures a quicker and smoother revision process.
- Implant Removal and Replacement: After carefully removing your old implants, Dr. Kreitzberg will inspect the area for any complications, such as capsular contracture. If necessary, he will remove any hardened scar tissue, clean the area, and then insert new implants in your desired size, shape, and material.
- Closing Incisions: After positioning the new implants, the incisions are closed with sutures. A compression bra will be placed to reduce swelling and support the healing process.
Recovery After Breast Revision Surgery
Recovery from breast revision surgery is relatively similar to that of the initial breast augmentation, but your body may need some time to adjust to the changes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Immediate Aftercare: You will wear a compression bra for several weeks to minimize swelling and support the breasts during healing.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after breast revision surgery. These effects typically subside within a couple weeks, although some mild swelling may persist for longer.
- Discomfort and Pain: You may experience some soreness and discomfort for the first few days. Dr. Kreitzberg will prescribe pain medication to help manage any pain, which typically subsides after a few days. Over-the-counter medications may be used after that.
- Activity Restrictions: During the first 2-4 weeks of recovery, you should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and excessive physical exertion. After 4-6 weeks, you can typically resume regular physical activity depending on the type of revision.
- Scarring: Any new incisions will result in scarring, but Dr. Kreitzberg takes great care to place incisions discreetly. Over time, these scars will fade, becoming less noticeable.
Most patients return to work and light activities within 1-2 weeks, with a full recovery in about 6 weeks. Dr. Kreitzberg will guide you through your recovery process, ensuring you are comfortable and informed every step of the way.
The Internal Bra: Mesh for Soft Tissue Support in Breast Revision Surgery
In some cases, Mesh, such as Galaflex P4HB, can be used during breast revision surgery to provide enhanced soft tissue support and improve the overall aesthetic results. This advanced material is a resorbable mesh that is specifically designed to support breast tissue, providing additional stability and structure, especially in cases where tissue has weakened or stretched over time.
Galaflex Mesh is made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB), a biodegradable material that is safe for use in the body. The mesh is often utilized in breast revision surgeries to address concerns such as tissue sagging, thinning, or loss of elasticity, which can sometimes occur after multiple breast surgeries or as a result of aging.
Benefits of the Internal Bra in Breast Revision
- Increased Support for Soft Tissues: The mesh acts as a scaffold to support the breast tissue and implants, helping to prevent sagging or shifting of the implants over time. This additional support can improve the overall shape and positioning of the breasts.
- Improved Contour and Projection: For patients who have experienced significant tissue loss or stretching, the internal bra Mesh can provide a more youthful, rounded appearance by offering extra support to the breast tissue.
- Reduced Risk of Implant Shifting: In breast revision surgery, implants can shift or move out of position over time. Using a resorbable Mesh can help stabilize the tissue around the implants, minimizing the risk of displacement or rippling, particularly in patients with thin or weak breast tissue.
- Natural Healing Process: The P4HB material is biodegradable, meaning it will naturally dissolve over time. This allows for long-term tissue support while encouraging natural tissue regeneration as the body heals.
- Minimized Scarring: The mesh is thin and flexible, which means it can be integrated smoothly into the breast tissue without creating additional scarring or discomfort. This ensures a smoother recovery process and more aesthetically pleasing results.
How Internal Bra Mesh is Used in Breast Revision Surgery
During your breast revision surgery, Dr. Kreitzberg may recommend Internal Bra Mesh if your breast tissue requires additional support. The mesh is placed beneath the breast tissue or around the implant to help reinforce the tissue structure. It works in conjunction with the breast implant to improve shape and prevent complications like sagging or shifting.
The recovery process with P4HB Galaflex Mesh is similar to that of a standard breast revision procedure, with the added benefit of enhanced tissue support. While the mesh dissolves gradually, the tissue around it will continue to heal naturally, allowing your breasts to maintain their improved shape and position.
When is an Internal Bra Mesh Recommended?
Mesh is particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:
- Patients with weak or stretched breast tissue who require additional support to maintain implant placement and shape.
- Women who have undergone multiple breast surgeries, as their tissue may be less resilient and require extra reinforcement.
Patients experiencing implant shifting, rippling, or sagging who need a solution to improve long-term breast support and aesthetic results.
