Ready for a Change? Breast Implant Exchange

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What is a Breast Implant Exchange?

The technology used in modern silicone gel and saline breast implants have improved significantly in the last decade. Not only are they much safer, but they are also now considerably longer lasting. However, nothing in life lasts forever – and breast implants are no exception.

There can be many reasons that a woman decides it is time to “exchange” her implants – from wear-and-tear, to medical reasons, or even a change-of-mind about size or shape.

While breast implant exchange is a fairly common surgical procedure, removing and replacing breast implants is always more complex than the initial breast augmentation surgery. This is because the skin and tissue has already been stretched, and scar tissue may have developed.

So, if you decide that a breast implant exchange is right for you, choosing a surgeon who is highly experienced in breast implant revision surgery is essential to ensuring excellent results. Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast exchange surgery for hundreds of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area.

In this article, Dr. Ali explains the “ins-and-outs” of breast implant exchange surgery.

The “10 Year Myth” About Breast Implant Exchange

There’s a commonly held misconception that breast implants must be replacement every ten years. But breast implants do not automatically wear out at ten years. In fact, some women still have breast implants that they received back in the late 1960s or early 70s – and implant materials were much less durable back in those days.

And while breast implants – like any piece of medical equipment – do occasionally but rarely “wear out” or rupture, there are many other reasons for breast exchange revision surgery that have nothing to do with the condition of the implants themselves.

Aesthetic Reasons for Breast Implant Exchange

In the majority of breast implant exchange cases, women undergo the procedure due to a desire for an aesthetic change. And only a small number of patients develop a complication with their implants and/or the surrounding “capsule” that requires breast implant exchange surgery.

Some patients who received implants in their 20s, may no longer desire the same look in their 30s, 40s, or 50s. While natural looking breasts are much more in fashion now, in the past many twenty- and thirty-year-old women went for the “bigger is better” look. So, downsizing is a common reason for breast implant exchange.

For other women, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, weight gain or aging may have changed the shape or size of their body. And while the implant itself does not change size, the skin and soft tissue around it the implant can thin and sag over time – leading to a desire for smaller implants.

Conversely, a small number of women do end up wishing that had “gone bigger” and decide to upsize their breasts implant.

Medical Reasons for Breast Implant Exchange

Rupture: Though rare with modern breast implants, both silicone and saline implants can rupture and leak out. A rupture in saline implants rapidly deflates but is less obvious in a silicone implant. This is why it is very important to see your plastic surgeon annually to check the health of your breast implants.

Capsular contracture can also warrant a breast implant exchange. This occurs is when the capsule of protective tissue that naturally develops around the breast implant hardens. This can be painful, as well as affect the shape of the breast.

Implant malposition occurs when the implant moves out of its original position – usually because the skin and tissue of the breasts have weakened – or because a women got implants that were too big for their anatomy to support. However, it can also be the result of improperly positioned implants by and inexperienced surgeon.

In malposition, the implant can drop below the “crease” under the breast (inframammary fold), or drift towards the armpit.

Breast Implant Exchange Consultation

If you want to change the look of your implants, or it is medically necessary to exchange them, it is critical to schedule an in-person consultation with a highly skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast implant exchange.

Excess skin or insufficient skin, scar tissue, nipple repositioning, etc. are just some of the issues that may need to be addressed during breast exchange surgery. The extent of these concerns will depend upon how large the removed implants were, and what underlying medical issues may be found.

A specialized breast revision surgeon can address these issues – as well as perform a breast lift, and/or other reconstructive procedures to ensure a beautiful, natural look with no drooping or sagging skin or muscles.

Remember breast implant exchange is more complex than the initial breast augmentation surgery. So, choosing a surgeon who is highly experienced in breast implant revision surgery is critical to ensuring great results.

Top Breast Implant Exchange Surgeon | Birmingham, MI

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast implant exchange surgery for hundreds of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast exchange specialist Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Birmingham, MI Breast Implant Exchange Surgeon: 248-335-7200

 

The Challenges of Breast Revision Surgery

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Why Breast Revision Surgery is More Challenging– 

With anything in life, it is almost always safer, better and easier to “do it right” the first time – rather than have to fix it “after the fact”. And breast augmentation surgery is no exception to this rule.

A second surgery to revise, correct, or “fix” a problematic breast implant surgery is almost always more difficult and complex than the first breast augmentation surgery, for several reasons. To begin with, there is often the presence of scar tissue that needs to be removed. Further, the breast surgeon is now working with skin, tissue and muscle that has already been “stretched” previously by the first breast implant surgery.

Top Birmingham board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for hundreds of women across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more. Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his unparalleled skill, years of expertise, and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

There are many reasons a woman may desire – or need – breast revision surgery. And the underlying reason or cause of the revision will determine the level of difficulty of the secondary revision surgery. In other words, certain other types of breast revision surgeries are easier than others.

Breast Revision Surgery for Capsular Contracture

The formation of a “capsule” of scar tissue around any kind of implant in the body – from a knee replacement to an artificial hip to breast implants – is a normal part of the healing process. However, when “capsular contracture” occurs, the body has produced scar tissue around a breast implant plant in a way that can distort the shape of the breast, result in “hardness” and cause pain.

Breast revision surgery for capsular contracture involves dealing with the formation of scar tissue that is impacting the implants – making it more complicated than the original surgery as well as more challenging than a simple breast implant replacement or repositioning.

Breast revision surgery for early stage capsular contracture, however, is less complicated and has a higher success rate than surgery for advanced capsular contracture where there is thickened scar tissue. So, if you have breast implants, it is important to see a breast revision specialist like Dr. Ali at the first sign of hardening, pain or distortion in shape in area of the breast implants.

Breast Revision Surgery for Implant Repositioning

Sometimes an unskilled surgeon my position breast implants too high, too far apart, or asymmetrically. In other cases breast implants may have “shifted” due to surgeon error, improper technique or trauma to the breast. Repositioning implants that have shifted or were poorly positioned originally may or may not involve scar tissue. However, even among repositioning surgeries, some are easier than others.

For example, breast revision surgery to lower breast implants is easier than surgery to raise implants. Similarly, moving implants outwards (toward the sides) is actually an easier surgery than moving the implants inward toward the center of the body.

And remember, any time breast implants are moved during breast revision surgery, the plastic surgeon is now working with skin that has already been stretched and sutured over the implant – and must be pulled and sewn up a second time.

Breast Revision Surgery for Leaks, “Pops” & Size Changes

Newer generations of implants are very unlikely to “pop” or “leak” thanks to advancements in breast implant materials. But some women may need to have older breast implants removed due to a leak or deflation (popping). In these cases, a skilled plastic surgeon is required to reopen the breast and “match” the new breast with the previously implanted breast on the other side. In these cases, precision, skill and accuracy are needed to maintain symmetry of size and positioning.

In a rare number of cases, a woman may simply no longer wish to have the larger breasts that she desired when she was younger for strictly personal aesthetic reasons. At AMAE Dr. Ali has also performed breast revision surgery on women who find that they “went too big” when they were younger and feel that the breast implants are now in the way or a little too ostentatious. In these cases Dr. Ali must remove the implant and replace it with a smaller one – or in some cases remove the implants entirely and return the breast to a natural pre-implant appearance.

Breast Revision Surgery Considerations

The location of the original breast implant incision can also affect the ease or difficulty of breast revision surgery. In many cases a breast revision surgeon will try to use the original incision, so that the patients does not end up with two scars.  If the original surgeon used a peri-areolar incision (around the outer edge of the lower areola) the new surgeon can reopen the scar and have a 360-degree view of tissues inside the breast. This technique enables more precision in releasing any scar tissue and modifying the original pocket.

But, in some case breast revision surgery requires placing the implant in a different plane than the first surgery in order to achieve the best results. For example, the old implants may have been placed over the muscle – while new ones need to be placed under the muscle (or vice-versa). This may enable the surgeon to place the replacement implants in an area where there is less scar tissue and less tissue damage or stretching from the first surgery.

As you can see from these many considerations, breast implant revision surgery is not a standard or routine procedure. Everyone’s breast revision surgery is different and must be tailored on an  individual case by case basis to safely and effectively meet the patient’s goals and desires. For this reason, breast revision surgery should ONLY be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Birmingham, Mi’s Dr. Ali, who is highly-trained and experienced in all types of breast surgery techniques and procedures.

Dr. Ali will listen to each patient’s breast revision goals and desires and will develop a unique, customized surgical plan to specifically to address all of the issues and challenges of a second surgery.

Birmingham, MI Top Breast Revision Surgeon

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for hundreds of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise and exceptional results Dr. Ali is the surgeon to whom other surgeons refer their most difficult breast revision cases. If you are suffering from any breast implant problem, including implant rupture or leak, asymmetry, improper positioning, pain, hardness, scar tissue, capsular contracture, or the “wrong size” implants, Dr. Ali is here to help you.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Top Birmingham, MI Breast Revision Surgeon: 248-335-7200

Reasons for Considering Breast Revision Surgery

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Reasons for Considering Breast Revision Surgery

Less than two percent of patients who have had a breast enhancement experience post complications, but in the weeks or years that follow the surgery, a sudden problem can be frightening and incredibly disappointing.

A second breast revision surgery poses a greater degree of difficulty than the original breast enhancement procedure because the surgeon is making corrections that require expertise developed over years of practice before being able to produce consistent results.

Dr. Ali is the expert surgeon to whom other physicians refer their breast revision surgery patients because of his superior expertise, high level of care and remarkable results for even the most challenging of cases. Dr. Ali is highly qualified to explain the top reasons for breast revision surgery.

Breast Revision Surgery for Implant Position

If the breast implant placement on the patient’s chest wall is incorrect it may result in the implant being too low or too high, too far apart or too close in proximity.

Breast Revision Surgery for Capsular Contracture

While less common today, breast implants performed several decades ago into the late 60’s may develop hardening of the breast or capsular contracture, which is the formation of contracted scar tissue surrounding the breast implant.

Breast Revision Surgery for Saline Implant Leak

Compared to silicone implants, saline breast implants have a much higher failure rate due to the older wall or shell of the implant lacking support strength to prevent the saline or salt water filled implant from folding in on itself.

Breast Revision Surgery for Silicone Implant Rupture

Compared to older types of silicone breast implants, the modern generation of memory or gummy silicone implants rarely rupture, but if one does the silicon typically stays in the breast pocket where it was originally seated.  A leaking silicone implant is hard to detect until the patient has a mammogram or MRI breast evaluation but even then, it’s incredibly rare for liquid silicone gel to migrate outside of the breast pocket and into the armpit.

Breast Revision Surgery for Breast Implant Rippling

Regardless of the shape, texture or silicone versus saline, all breast implants have some degree of rippling depending on the materials implanted. From high to low risk, the type of materials to consider include: Round Textured Saline implants which have the greatest risk of rippling, Teardrop Textured Saline with slightly less risk, Smooth Saline implants, then Textured Silicone and finally, Smooth Silicone implants that have minimal risk of rippling.

Other Reasons for Breast Revision Surgery

While less common, there are several other reasons that a patient may consider breast revision surgery such as post-surgery infection, misplaced or misaligned nipples, flagrant breast tissue sagging after a breast lift or reduction, or even adjusting the size of implants because the patient feels they are too big or too small.

Top Breast Revision Surgeon – Troy, MI

Dr. Ali has the skill, expertise and experience to fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more. No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Troy, MI Breast Revision Surgery Consultation: 248-335-7200

 

How Often Do You Have to Replace Breast Implants?

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How Often Do You Have to Replace Breast Implants?

Many people mistakenly believe the myth that you must get breast implants replaced after ten years. This not true at all. If there are no problems with a woman’s breast implants – and she is still satisfied with their appearance – there is no need for revision surgery!

In fact, some women still have breast implants that they received back in the late 1960s or early 70s – and implant materials were much less durable back in those days.

Breast Implant Replacement and the 10 Year Myth

The myth about breast implant replacement every ten years actually comes from a misused statistic. Statistics have shown that ten years is the average number of years after primary breast augmentation surgery that women choose to have a revision.

This does not mean that implants automatically wear out at ten years. There are many reasons for breast replacement or revision surgery that have nothing to do with the implants themselves.

Remember, breast revision surgeries are performed for reasons other than replacing a damaged implant. The 10 year figure includes many woman who simply want a change in size or in position. It also includes women who have experienced capsular contracture or other complications – but whose implants themselves are still fine.

Factors Affecting Timing of Breast Implant Replacement

The age of your breast implants is only one factor affecting how long it lasts.

Older implants were not as sturdily constructed as today’s implants. Many of these did need to be replaced after 10 years. But today’s newer technology in breast implant materials and surgery techniques means that implants are now extremely durable.

Breast implants made of saline are less durable – and more likely to rupture than modern gel or “gummy bear” breast implants. So if you have silicone implants you can generally expect them to last longer than saline implants.

Physical stress or accidents can also affect the life expectancy of your breast implants. Competitive or very active athletes may be at higher a risk for breast implant damage, when falls or trauma puncture the breast. Similarly, unforeseen accidents such as a motorcycle crash or tumble down some stairs can also rupture a breast implant.

But, in a nutshell, if you are woman is happy with her breasts then she does not need to change her breast implants, unless she is having a complication.

Top West Bloomfield Breast Revision Surgeon

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for thousands of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Consultation with Top West Bloomfield Breast Revision Surgeon: 248-335-7200

Breast Revision Surgery to Remove Implants

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Breast Revision Surgery to Remove Implants – 

The vast majority of breast revision surgeries involve removing old implants and replacing them. But in a small number of cases, a woman may have reasons for wanting the breast implants removed without being replaced.

While it is possible to remove breast implants without replacing them during revision surgery, most doctors recommend breast implants be replaced rather than entirely removal. This is because breast implant removal surgery is actually more complicated than breast implant replacement surgery – in addition to creating a greater risk of both bleeding and infection.

Who Chooses Breast Implant Removal?

For a small number of women, breast implant removal may be the best option. Women suffering from Rheumatological conditions may find that the breast implants worsen their condition. Similarly, patients with an autoimmune diseases – such as arthritis, MS, and lupus – may develop a sensitivity to certain materials in breast implants, such as silicone.

Skin Concerns when Removing Breast Implants

I a woman chooses to remove her implants entirely during breast revision surgery, she may also have excess skin and/or the nipple may now be located in the wrong place. The extent of these concerns will depend upon how large the removed implants were.

A breast lift, and/or other reconstructive surgery can be performed by a specialized breast revision surgeon to ensure there is no drooping or sagging skin or muscles.

Removing breast implants is more complex than the initial breast augmentation surgery. So if you decide that removing breast implants is right for you, choosing a surgeon who is highly experienced in breast implant revision surgery is essential to ensuring great results.

Bloomfield Hills Area’s Top Breast Revision Surgeon

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for thousands of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Consultation with Top Bloomfield Hills Area Breast Revision Surgeon: 248-335-7200

Will Health Insurance Pay for My Breast Revision Surgery? (Part 1)

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Will Health Insurance Pay for My Breast Revision Surgery? (Part 1)

Whether a health insurance company will cover the cost of breast revision surgery is a complicated question. Every person’s insurance is different. And each patient’s reason for a breast revision can be different as well – and the original reason for getting breast implants matters to the health insurance companies.

In this article we’ll explain how insurance companies frequently look at breast revision surgery. However, if you are considering breast revision surgery you should contact your insurance company. Our caring staff will be happy to help you do this.

Breast Revision Surgery for Implants after Cancer

The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, protects woman who have undergone mastectomies. If a woman’s implants were put in after a mastectomy, and the doctor shows that removing the implants is now “medically necessary,” then the health insurance company must cover your breast implant revision surgery.

Breast Revision Surgery for Cosmetic Only Implants

If the original reason that a patient obtained breast augmentation of healthy breasts was purely cosmetic, then some health insurance companies will and some will not cover breast revision surgery.

Many insurance companies will cover breast implant removal or revision surgery if they consider the surgery to be “medically necessary,” but others will not.

Some insurance companies even expressly state in their policy that “complications from cosmetic surgery” are not included. Others may state this exclusion, but with some exceptions. For example if the breast implants under certain circumstances were consider “medically necessary” or “reconstructive” surgery.

What is “Medically Necessary” Breast Revision Surgery?

Different health insurance companies “define medically necessary” differently. The definition may also vary from state to state, as well.

It is important to recognize that just because your doctor thinks removing and/or replacing your breast implants is medically necessary, the health insurance policy may think otherwise. In some cases they may refuse to pay for breast revision if their policy’s definition of “medically necessary” differs from your doctor’s opinion.

Breast Revision Surgery Insurance Coverage

In some cases, more “generous” health insurance policies may consider the breast implant removal to be “medically necessary” if at least one of the following conditions is met:

  • Silicone gel implants that have ruptured
  • Baker III or Baker IV capsular contracture caused by saline or silicone implants
  • Necrosis (death of skin or tissue) due to the implant
  • Infection around the breast implant
  • A rare cancer called ALCL that can develop around breast implants

Click Here to Read Part 2: Proving Breast Revision Surgery is Medically Necessary

Troy, MI Area’s Top Breast Revision Surgeon

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for thousands of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Consultation with Top Troy, MI Area Breast Revision Surgeon: 248-335-7200

Will Health Insurance Pay for Breast Revision Surgery? (Part 2)

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Will Health Insurance Pay for My Breast Revision Surgery? (Part 2)

In part one of this article we discussed how some (not all) insurance companies may cover breast removal / revision surgery if the surgery meets their definition of “medically necessary.” In part two we discuss how a patient typically must “prove” medical necessity in order to obtain insurance coverage for breast revision surgery.

They type of medical evidence that the health insurance company will need to allow coverage based on medical necessity will depend upon the reason for seeking the breast implant removal and replacement.

Health Insurance Coverage for Breast Rupture Revision Surgery

If a woman’s saline or silicone breast implants are ruptured, the insurance company will need proof.

Generally MRIs are the best way to prove breast implant ruptures to the insurance company. However, the insurance company may also accept ultrasounds or mammograms. Remember, though, mammograms should be avoided whenever possible, as the pressure from them can also cause ruptures or leaks.

Health Insurance Coverage for Breast Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue tightens or hardens around breast implants, causing pain as well as a less natural appearance and feel. Capsular contracture can be mild and fell slightly uncomfortable – or be severe and cause debilitating pain.

Capsular contracture is rated on a scale of “Baker I” to “Baker IV.” While Baker I & Baker 2 are mild, Baker III or Baker IV causes breasts to be hard and/or painful.

Typically the insurance companies only consider Baker III and Baker IV level capsular contracture to be a medically necessary reason for breast implant removal or replacement.

Additionally, if a woman’s implants are causing extensive pain resulting from nerve damage and/or the weight of the breast implants, insurance companies will sometimes consider the breast revision surgery medically necessary.

What Breast Revision Surgery is NOT Considered “Medically Necessary”?

Sadly, many insurance companies do not consider autoimmune diseases or reactions to breast implants to be medically necessary. Similarly, physiological symptoms such as anxiety related to breast implants is generally not going to be considered a medically necessary reason for revision surgery.

And – just as with an original breast augmentation that is cosmetic in nature – insurance companies do not cover breast revision surgery for changing the size, shape or positioning of the breasts if the reasons are purely cosmetic.

How Do I Know if an Insurance Plan Covers Breast Revision?

To start understanding what revision surgery your health insurance covers, you can read through a copy of your actual insurance policy. Be careful not to rely on the short summary that is called a Summary of Benefits and Coverage. This will not be complete information.

Specific policy coverage regarding breast implants or breast revision will be in the “contract” that you signed when you signed up for health insurance coverage. Customers are entitled by law to receive a copy of their contract online or in the mail. So call the phone number on your insurance card and ask for a copy of your contract.

Remember, if your insurer does not cover the surgery you need, you can always consider switching to an insurer with better coverage during the next enrollment period. We also offer financing options for any procedures not covered by health insurance.

Troy Area’s Top Breast Revision Surgeon

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for thousands of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Consultation with Top Troy, MI Area Breast Revision Surgeon: 248-335-7200

Breast Revision Surgery to Change Implant Size

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Breast Revision Surgery to Change Implant Size–

The goal of skilled and experienced breast enhancement surgeon is to give women breasts that they want now, and that will also continue to be ideal for them over the course of their lifetime.

In our Detroit area medical office  we spend a great deal of time with every woman helping her choose the best size breast implant for her frame, her proportions and her lifestyle. Unfortunately, not all breast surgeons do this – and women may find that they are dissatisfied with the size or shape of their breast implants.

When this happens, breast revision surgery performed by a skilled, caring and experienced breast revision surgeon can correct the “wrong size” so that the patient is satisfied and comfortable with the size of their breast implants.

Breast Revision Surgery to Reduce Implant Size

While a full breast is attractive, for many women going any larger than a D or DD cup may make their breasts look out of proportion with their body. Additionally, implants that are too large can make a women so much broader in the chest that it can actually make a women look heavier, which is the opposite of what most women want.

Breast implants that are too large can also cause pain and misalignment in the neck and back, as well as significant stretching and sagging of the skin and soft tissues around the breasts.

Additionally, some women find that their oversized breasts cause too much negative attention and/or make it hard to find clothes that fit properly.  Breasts that are too large can also interfere with an active lifestyle (such as running). Finally, as some women mature into roles as mothers or professionals in their career they no longer desire the look of enormous breasts.

In most cases of breast revision surgery, a skilled surgeon is able to exchange too large breast implants for smaller implants. Keep in mind that during the initial breasts augmentation surgery, the skin was stretched and the breast pockets were created to conform to the large implants.  So breast revision surgery to “go smaller” may require additional procedures such as a breast lift, skin tightening, etc.

Breast Revision Surgery to Increase Implant Size

Some women may have been conservative about choosing their initial breast implant size out of concern about going too big – then find that they actually like being bigger and would like to go up in size.

Increasing breast size with a second breast revision surgery is possible in the hands of a skilled breast revision surgeon. The degree to which breast can be enlarged will depend upon the size and shape of the original implant “pocket”- as well as the amount of skin and degree of skin elasticity (“stretch”) that is available to cover a bigger implant.

Again, as with initial breast implant surgery, going bigger is only a good idea if the implant size will fit the woman’s proportions – and not cause pain or health problems down the road.  Making the breasts beautiful, natural-looking and healthy means selecting a size of implant that is not too large for the size and shape of the patient’s frame, natural breasts and the chest itself.

The goal of breast revision surgery is to adjust previous breast implant surgery to give women the breasts they want – that will look beautiful and fit their proportions and their lifestyle – without creating a problem later in life where the weight of the implants and the size of the chest are too much.

Detroit Area’s Top Breast Revision Surgeon

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for thousands of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Consultation with Detroit Area Breast Revision Surgeon: 248-335-7200

What to Expect During Breast Revision Surgery

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What to Expect During Breast Revision Surgery–

There are many reasons a woman may desire – or require – breast implant revision surgery. The underlying reason or cause of the revision will determine the exact revision procedure that her surgeon will use.

In this two part article we explain the general steps that are typically involved in breast revision surgery and recovery. However, the best way to understand exactly what breast revision surgery would be like in your situation is to schedule an appointment with an experienced and caring board certified breast revision specialist like Dr. Ali.

Breast Revision Surgery Anesthesia

Medications will be administered by an anesthesiologist for your rest and comfort during the breast revision surgery. These may include intravenous sedation (an anesthetic “drip” or injection) as well as general anesthesia.

In the majority of cases, general anesthetic is used to “knock out” the patient or “put them to sleep” – so they are not awake during the surgery.

Your breast surgeon will discuss your options and recommend the best choice for you during your breast revision consultation.

Breast Revision Surgery Incision

The type of incision used in breast implant revision surgery will also vary depending upon the type of procedures that need to be performed.

Whenever possible, most surgeons will try to use the same incisions used for the initial breast augmentation surgery – in order to avoid an additional second set of scarring.

However, using the same incision may not be possible in all cases. For example, if the patient previously had a transaxillary incision – and/or if a breast lift is now required – new incisions made need to be made.

Dr. Ali is a skilled, experienced and artistic surgeon who takes every step to minimize the size and visibility of any scars – while still achieving the best surgical results.

As with the initial breast implant surgery, incisions can include:

  • Inframammary incision made in the crease under the breast(s)
  • Peri-areolar incisions around the bottom of the areola
  • Vertical incision or Wise pattern incision for breast lifts

Stitches (sutures), skin adhesive, tape and/or clips will be used to close the incisions, depending on their size and location.

Breast Revision Surgery Process

The actual surgical technique(s) used during breast revision surgery depend upon why the surgery is being done. For example, simply replacing a ruptured implant is less complicated and may be a quick “in and out”. While breast revision surgery because of capsular contracture is more involved as it requires the removal of painful, thickened scar tissue around the implant.

Click Here for Part 2: What to Expect After Breast Revision Surgery

Detroit Area’s Top Breast Revision Surgeon

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for thousands of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Consultation with Detroit Area Breast Revision Surgeon: 248-335-7200

What to Expect After Breast Revision Surgery

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What to Expect After Breast Revision Surgery

There are many reasons a woman may desire – or require – breast implant revision surgery. The underlying reason or cause of the revision will determine the exact revision procedure that her surgeon will use, as well as what to expect during recovery

In this two part article we explain the general steps that are typically involved in breast revision surgery and recovery. However, the best way to understand exactly what breast revision surgery would be like in your situation is to schedule an appointment with an experienced and caring board certified breast revision specialist like Dr. Ali.

Recovery after Breast Implant Revision Surgery

The final results of breast implant revision surgery will be initially obscured by swelling. Get more information about breast implant revision results.

Following breast implant revision surgery, gauze dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. In many cases the patient will also be required to wear special compression garment or a support bra for a prescribed length of time.

Some patients will also require the insertion of a small, thin tube temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid after surgery.

Patients will be given specific instructions by their surgeon regarding caring for their surgical site(s) following surgery. Pain medications, as well as antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection, will also be prescribed.

Seeing Results after Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Because of the post-surgical swelling, it can take up to six weeks to see the results of breast revision surgery.  After six weeks the swelling should subside, at which time the breasts to feel softer and more natural and appear close to their final size.

Healing time is different for every person – and some revisions are more complicated or “invasive” than others. So it can sometimes take longer for the breasts to soften-up, and for normal sensation to return.

Scars will fade in much the same way they did after the initial breast implant surgery. This will depend upon each patient’s hereditary predisposition to scarring, as well as the location of the scars.

A caring and experienced breast revisions surgeon like Dr. Ali will discuss realistic expectations regarding recovery, healing and scarring in your unique situation.

Following your breast revision surgeon’s instructions is key to avoiding complications and the long term success of your surgery. Breast massage may be recommended in some cases to help prevent capsular contracture. In all cases, it is important that the implants and the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or motion during the recovery period.

Most patients are able to resume normal, non-strenuous activities of daily living within a week – and can typically return to work in two weeks or less. Your breast revision surgeon will let you know what is best for your unique situation.

Detroit Area’s Top Breast Revision Surgeon

Top plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has provided breast revision surgery for thousands of patients across Oakland County and the greater Detroit area, including: Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Troy, Southfield, and more.

Because of his expertise, high standard of care, and exceptional results in even the most difficult cases, he is the surgeon that other physicians refer their patients to for breast revision surgery. With his years of expertise, caring demeanor and modern techniques, Dr. Ali can fix almost any breast implant problem, including: implant rupture, asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant size change, and more.

No matter what problems or issues you are having with your breast implants, board certified breast revision surgeon Dr. Ali will listen to your concerns and help you find the solution.

Consultation with Detroit Area Breast Revision Surgeon: 248-335-7200