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Revision Breast Reconstruction
ON LONG ISLAND
Revision breast reconstruction surgery is unlike other plastic surgeries because the patient has already been through quite a lot. Mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation therapy, and the initial breast reconstruction can all take a physical and mental toll. Some of our patients are hesitant to pursue another surgical option or are worried that they can’t afford to.
At Harris Plastic Surgery, our medical and patient coordination teams work together to ensure there are no barriers to your revision breast reconstruction. If you’re considering options for revision breast reconstruction on Long Island, you know there are no small number of surgeons to choose from. What you need is an expert in revisions surgeons specifically; that’s where we stand out from the rest of the choices. Our office is ready to help you get the results you desire to feel more comfortable physically and content with your aesthetic outcomes while providing you with an excellent patient experience from start to finish.
Problems and Approaches to Breast Reconstruction Revision
Candidates for revision breast reconstruction on Long Island come to our office for several reasons. Some of the most common complaints we hear include:
Breast asymmetry:
Scar tissue can form differently in each breast, resulting in asymmetry. Infections and implant displacement can aggravate this even more.
Breast deformity:
Lumpectomies and radiation therapy can cause breast deformity through localized contour depressions (or “divots”) in the skin.
Implant hardness:
Scar tissue, or capsular contracture, can make implants feel hard when the scar compresses the implants, causing them to displace and tighten.
Implant ruptures:
Breast implants aren’t meant to last a lifetime, and there is the possibility that they could rupture or leak. An implant rupture can cause pain, swelling, and changes in the appearance and shape of the breast, or can be asymptomatic.
Nipple displacement:
Localized tissue deficiencies and scar tissue can cause the nipples to displace over time and need to be repositioned.
Chronic discomfort:
Many revision breast reconstruction patients are more concerned with the way they feel than the way they look. When implants are placed partially under the muscle, some patients complain of chronic tightness or the feeling of a vice. Prepectoral revision can relieve this discomfort!
Animation deformity:
With implant breast reconstruction under the muscle, there can be unsightly wrinkling in the upper and inner aspects of the breasts. This can be corrected by replacing the implants on top of the muscle – a prepectoral revision
It can take years for many of these issues to become evident after a breast reconstruction. Regardless of how long it’s been, there’s almost always a way to improve it. At Harris Plastic Surgery, we use a number of proven techniques to help our patients find comfort and satisfaction with their appearance.
Autologous Fat
Grafting
Autologous Fat Grafting
is a common procedure that uses a small liposuction cannula to remove fat from another part of the body, like the stomach or thighs, and transfer it into the breast to improve the shape and feel of the breasts, disguising the implant contours.
Prepectoral Revision Reconstruction
During a prepectoral reconstruction, a new space is created above the pectoralis muscle of the chest to place a breast implant. If you had a subpectoral implant the chest muscles are reattached to the chest wall using sutures. An acellular dermal matrix is sometimes used to provide additional support and reduce scarring.
Internal Implant Pocket Refinement
An internal implant pocket refinement is a surgical technique used to adjust the position of a breast implant to correct asymmetry or deformity. Implantable scaffolds made of dissolvable biologic material can be used to prevent recurrence.
Scar
Revision
Scars can lead to skin puckering and deformities that cause breast asymmetry and nipple displacement. In scar revision surgery, we surgically adjust the scar to release the tension it’s causing and help create a more uniform appearance.
Replacement of Ruptured Implants
In this surgical approach, we remove the ruptured breast implant and replace it with a new one in a single surgery.
Implant Conversion to Natural Tissue Reconstruction
Sometimes, a patient with a breast implant would like to have it removed and replaced by natural tissue transfer from another part of their body to create a new breast; giving a more natural appearance and eliminating the risk of future implant complications.
Funding Your Breast Reconstruction Revision Surgery
Many women avoid pursuing a revision breast reconstruction due to misperceptions of out-of-pocket costs. However, if your initial breast reconstruction was covered by your insurance, then revision breast reconstruction is usually covered as well. This is because of federal and state laws. The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 mandates insurance coverage for breast reconstruction and revision breast reconstruction surgery after lumpectomy, mastectomy, or prophylactic mastectomy due to increased cancer risk. Our office is very familiar with these laws and the insurance policies affected by them. We’re able to walk our patients through the steps to get the most from their insurance coverage for their revision breast reconstruction, reducing any out-of-pocket costs.Frequently Asked Questions About Revision Breast Reconstruction Surgery
Breast reconstruction revision is a follow-up procedure aimed at improving the aesthetic or functional outcomes of the initial breast reconstruction surgery. It may involve correcting asymmetry, adjusting implant position, addressing pain, or refining the shape and contour of the breast.
Some patients may require revision surgery for many different reasons, including dissatisfaction with the appearance of symmetry after the first reconstruction, complications like capsular contracture (scar tissue around the implant that can become hard and painful), implant rupture or displacement, asymmetry, or changes in the breast tissue over time.
The timing of revision surgery varies depending on the individual’s healing process and whether complications arise. Generally, it is recommended to wait at least 3 months to a year after the initial reconstruction to allow for complete healing and stabilization of the breast tissue and to get the best idea of the final results from that surgery.
As with any surgery, breast reconstruction revision carries risks, including infection, bleeding, scarring, changes in sensation, anesthesia complications, and the possibility of not achieving the desired outcome. It is important to discuss these risks with your surgeon prior to your surgery.
Preparation for revision surgery involves a thorough consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations, a review of your medical history, and possibly imaging tests. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding any medications you are taking or will need, smoking cessation, and other pre-surgery care.
Recovery from breast reconstruction revision surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Generally, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few weeks. Your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions, including any activity restrictions, pain management recommendations, and follow-up appointments.
If your initial breast reconstruction surgery was covered by insurance, most insurance plans cover medically necessary revisions as well. It is important to check with your insurance provider and discuss potential coverage with the insurance liaison at your surgeon’s office.
Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast reconstruction, specifically breast reconstruction revision procedures. Review their credentials, before-and-after photos of previous patients, and recommendations or testimonials from other patients.
The Best Choice for Revision Breast Reconstruction on Long Island
There are a lot of options for revision breast reconstruction on Long Island, but not many plastic surgeons take the full-service approach as we do. Our expert medical team works with you to understand your goals for surgery, recovery concerns, and medical history so we can guide you to the right treatment choices. While many doctors can provide breast reconstruction, we focus on total well-being. We don’t just want you to have a better aesthetic—we want to help improve your life.
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