– Over 300 Reviews
Breast Implant Revision Results
Actual Patient. Individual results may vary from patient to patient.
Actual Patient. Individual results may vary from patient to patient.
Miami Breast Implant Revision (Breast Implant Exchange) With Dr. Nathan
Every year, millions of women have breast augmentation procedures (aka augmentation mammoplasty and breast implant surgery), which is why augmentation mammoplasty continues to be one of the top plastic surgery procedures. Although complications following this procedure are rare, if a patient does experience a complication (e.g., a rupture), she needs to have breast implant revision surgery (aka breast explant surgery and a secondary augmentation mammoplasty) as soon as possible.
Reasons a Woman May Have Breast Implant Revision Surgery in Miami
Whether a patient is experiencing a complication or just wants to exchange or remove her implants (aka enhancement devices), Dr. Nirmal Nathan can give her the results she desires with revision surgery.
A patient may choose to have a revision because she is unhappy with her results or to:
- Increase or decrease the size of her implants.
- Replace her current enhancement devices with a newer model.
- Change the shape, type of filling or texture of her enhancement devices.
- Increase or decrease the projection of her breasts.
- Have an additional enhancement procedure (e.g., a breast lift [aka a mastopexy]).
- Remove her enhancement devices without replacing them for medical reasons (e.g., capsular contracture).
In addition, since the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends that patients exchange their breast implants every 10 to 15 years, a woman may have a secondary augmentation mammoplasty to accomplish this.
Complications that could require a revision:
- Displacement of the enhancement device.
- A poorly placed device.
- Capsular contracture.
- Unnatural-looking results.
- Wrinkling or rippling of the enhancement device.
- Poor scarring.
- Asymmetrical (i.e., uneven) looking breasts.
- A saline enhancement device is too full or it has ruptured.
- A change in the appearance of the inframammary crease (e.g., it’s asymmetrical or malpositioned).
- The shell of a silicone enhancement device is compromised.
- The devices are too close to one another, or they are directly next to one another and meeting at the midline of the chest.
Potential Complications That a Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty in Miami Can Address
Uneven Results
The results of an augmentation mammoplasty may be uneven because the surgeon:
- Didn’t consider the differences in the size of the patient’s natural breasts before her surgery.
- Chose a poor placement location. For example, a woman who doesn’t have a great deal of breast tissue should have her implants placed beneath the pectoral muscle. If a surgeon places the enhancement devices above the muscle, they may be visible or palpable.
- Didn’t fill a saline enhancement device correctly.
Dr. Nirmal Nathan is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Miami. He can address these issues during a secondary augmentation mammoplasty.
How a Surgeon Addresses Asymmetrical Results
To account for the natural variations in a patient’s breasts, the plastic surgeon may use implants of a different size or projection. A surgeon can also use autologous fat transfer to improve symmetry.
If the patient’s nipple-areolar complexes are uneven, the surgeon may recommend a smaller-sized enhancement device. A conservative-sized device helps camouflage the asymmetrical aspects of the nipple-areolar complexes.
A Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty With a Mastopexy in Miami
Patients with uneven nipple-areolar complexes and women who have one breast that hangs lower than the other may benefit from having a mastopexy and secondary augmentation mammoplasty. Dr. Nathan can perform these procedures during the same surgical session.
Capsular Contracture
This inflammatory response can affect one or both breasts. Capsular contracture is a complication that arises when the body has an exaggerated response to the enhancement devices a surgeon places during an augmentation mammoplasty. This response causes a capsule of fibrous tissue to form around the enhancement device, which results in discomfort and an excessively firm, misshapen breast.
Addressing Capsular Contracture
Surgeons address capsular contracture with a capsulectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon carefully removes excess fibrous tissue, freeing the device and relieving discomfort.
Displacement of an Enhancement Device
Although displacement is rare, it can happen. The type of displacement a patient is experiencing determines the steps Dr. Nathan takes during surgery.
A Rotated Teardrop-Shaped Implant
If a teardrop-shaped device rotates, the patient’s breast appears uneven.
Fold Malposition
This complication occurs due to a breakdown of the boundaries surrounding the device or due to a loss of elasticity, which makes it difficult for the tissue and skin to support the enhancement device. Complications resulting from these issues include bottoming out, the devices being too far apart or merging into a single form. Women with extra-large breasts are at a higher risk of experiencing bottoming out.
Addressing Implant Displacement During a Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty in Miami
If an enhancement device shifts, Dr. Nathan may be able to adjust the capsule of fibrous tissue that surrounds it, use a special material to help the device remain in the correct position or use permanent stitches to secure the capsule so the device cannot move around as much.
Another option may be exchanging the implants for a set that has a different projection, firmness or size. This changes the way the enhancement device sits in the chest.
A Rupture
A rupture can occur following an accident or because the outer shell of the device is breaking down.
Addressing a Rupture
Dr. Nathan addresses a rupture by exchanging the patient’s current enhancement device with a new one. If the patient has been considering updating her devices, this is a good time for her to make that change.
To Permanently Remove or Exchange Their Devices
A patient may choose to have a revision to exchange her devices.
A patient may decide to have a revision so she can:
- Have a newer model.
- Change the size of her devices.
- Choose a device that consists of a different material.
- Change to a different shape.
- Modify the distance her devices project from her chest.
Some patients decide to permanently remove their enhancement devices. They may make this decision for medical reasons or because larger breasts no longer fit their lifestyle. For example, a woman who undergoes augmentation mammoplasty in her 30s may decide to remove her enhancement devices permanently once she is in her 60s.
A Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty Procedure To Exchange or Remove Implants
The surgery to exchange or remove enhancement devices is similar to the initial augmentation mammoplasty procedure. To attain the best results possible, patients must choose an experienced, board-certified Miami plastic surgeon like Dr. Nirmal Nathan to perform their revision.
Dr. Nathan May Create an Incision in the Inframammary Crease
During breast implant revision surgery in Miami, Dr. Nathan may create an incision in the inframammary crease. Through this incision, he may remove the enhancement devices but leave the capsules intact or remove the enhancement devices and capsules at the same time as a single unit.
Dr. Nirmal Nathan Also Uses the Periareolar Incision
If a patient has small silicone or saline-filled implants, he may be able to use the periareolar incision. Dr. Nathan creates the periareolar incision around the border of the nipple-areolar complex. Dr. Nathan can remove a small silicone enhancement device through this incision. If a patient has saline implants, he uses a syringe to remove the saline before removing its shell.
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
This condition is rare, but it can cause inflammation, pain, firmness and a lump consisting of lymphatic fluid. To address this issue, surgeons remove the problematic scar tissue with an en-bloc capsulectomy.
Pain and Discomfort
Patients with implants experiencing discomfort or pain should make an appointment at The Nathan Clinic in Miami. Dr. Nirmal Nathan can determine what is causing the discomfort and pain. After an evaluation, he may be able to address the issue causing these symptoms with a Miami breast implant revision surgery.
Miami Consultation for a Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty
During an initial consultation with Dr. Nirmal Nathan at his clinic in Miami, he needs to know what the patient wants to accomplish.
For safety’s sake, patients must provide Dr. Nathan with a detailed medical history. This history must include previous surgeries, mammogram results, treatments and allergies. In addition, he needs to know if the patient regularly takes medications, herbal supplements or vitamins.
Questions Dr. Nathan may ask:
- When did you start experiencing this problem?
- How long have you wanted to have your implants removed/exchanged?
- Are your implants silicone or saline?
- When did you have your enhancement devices placed?
- What brand of implant do you have?
- Do your implants have a warranty? (If so, you may want to bring it with you.)
Typically, an informed patient feels more comfortable about their upcoming procedure. As such, Dr. Nathan encourages his patients to ask questions.
Examination, Measurements and Photos
Dr. Nathan will examine the patient’s breasts. He may take several measurements and photographs. Dr. Nathan uses these photos as he creates the patient’s personalized plan for breast implant revision surgery. These images are part of the patient’s medical file. Therefore, they are confidential.
Surgical Options
Patients can expect to learn about their surgical options. Dr. Nathan recommends the procedure that he believes will provide the patient with optimal results.
If the patient decides to move forward, Dr. Nathan discusses how she can prepare for surgery, which type of anesthesia he intends to use and what she can expect during recovery.
Where Does Dr. Nathan Perform Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty?
Dr. Nirmal Nathan is serious about ensuring his patients’ safety. Therefore, he performs his operations at one of the nearby accredited hospitals or surgery centers where he has privileges.
Preparing for Miami Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Patients may need to have medical tests or receive a surgical release from their general practitioner before surgery.
Patients must have their surgical release and these tests completed at least a week before surgery. This gives Dr. Nirmal Nathan the time necessary to review the release and the patient’s test results. For safety’s sake, patients who don’t receive their surgical clearance and complete their testing in time for this review will need to reschedule their surgery.
Medications
For at least 10 days before surgery, patients must refrain from taking aspirin. Patients taking prescription antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications must speak with their physician about decreasing their dose during this time frame as well.
During the seven days leading up to surgery, patients must discontinue taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients who need to take pain medication during this time frame can use acetaminophen.
Vitamins and Herbal Supplements
For 10 days before surgery, patients should stop using herbal supplements (e.g., Ginkgo Biloba) and certain vitamins (e.g., vitamin E).
Discontinue Using Products That Contain Nicotine
Patients must refrain from using products that contain nicotine for at least four weeks before and four weeks after surgery. Continuing to use these products can negatively affect the body’s ability to heal because nicotine causes the blood vessels to narrow. Slow healing increases the risk of developing an infection, which is why following this recommendation is vital.
Find a Driver
Patients receive general anesthesia or twilight sedation, which means they are unable to drive themselves home after surgery. As such, patients must arrive at the surgery center or hospital with a driver. If a patient doesn’t bring a driver on the day of surgery, she’ll need to reschedule.
Find a Caregiver
For several days after surgery, patients will need assistance with most tasks (e.g., taking out the garbage and cooking). Dr. Nathan recommends that his patients ask someone they trust to remain with them for a few days after surgery.
Prepare Snacks and Meals in Advance
Choose healthy snacks that can remain in the refrigerator for several days (e.g., baby carrots, broccoli and cauliflower).
Creating healthy meals a few days before surgery makes recovery much easier. Choose meals that can be frozen.
The Day of Surgery: What Patients Can Expect
Patients should wear comfortable, loose clothing. They must wear a button-up top. This eliminates the need for the patient to reach above her head after surgery. Valuable items should be left at home (e.g., jewelry).
Patients need to bring their photo ID, health insurance card and a form of payment.
Dr. Nathan asks his patients to arrive approximately 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time. Patients arriving without a driver will need to reschedule their secondary augmentation mammoplasty procedure.
Once the patient is checked in, a team member escorts her to the pre-op area.
Pre-Op
While in pre-op, a nurse takes the patient’s vitals and prepares the patient to receive anesthesia. Dr. Nathan visits patients while they are in pre-op. He may make several markings in the surgical area. These markings serve as a guide during surgery. Patients should feel free to ask any last-minute questions they have.
Breast Implant Revision Surgery in Miami: A General Overview
The specific steps Dr. Nathan uses during a secondary augmentation mammoplasty depend on the issue he is addressing. Therefore, the steps below provide a general overview of what patients can expect during their procedure.
The Surgical Suite
Once the patient is ready for her procedure, a medical professional transports her to the surgical suite.
Anesthesia
Dr. Nathan takes his patients’ safety seriously. For this reason, he makes sure that each of his patients receives their twilight sedation or general anesthesia from a board-certified anesthesiologist. These medications are essential because they ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout her procedure.
Once the patient is asleep, her surgery begins.
Creating the Incisions: Inframammary or Periareolar
The location of the incisions depends on the specific issue Dr. Nathan is addressing (e.g., capsular contracture surgery), as well as the size and type of implant the patient has.
Drainage Tube Placement
Some patients receive drainage tubes. These tubes help reduce inflammation by providing a place for excess fluid to exit the body. Most patients only have these tubes in for about a week. Dr. Nathan removes them at his office in Miami.
Closing the Incisions
Once Dr. Nathan is happy with the results, he closes the incisions. The patient may receive internal and external sutures. The internal sutures are permanent. Unless the external sutures are dissolvable, Dr. Nathan removes them at his state-of-the-art office in Miami about a week after surgery.
Dressings and the Compression Garment
Dr. Nathan carefully wraps gauze around the patient’s chest area. He also applies a compression garment around the chest. This garment provides support for the breasts and helps reduce inflammation. Patients need to wear this garment continuously, only removing it to shower.
The Recovery Area
Nurses monitor the patient while she is in recovery. Once she awakens and Dr. Nathan is happy with her progress, he releases the patient to her driver.
Before heading home, patients receive detailed instructions about caring for their incisions, restrictions and when to return to the Miami office for their follow-up visit. Dr. Nathan also advises his patients on which sleeping positions won’t disturb their incisions or compromise their results.
Recovering After Breast Implant Revision Surgery in Miami
The recovery period following a secondary augmentation mammoplasty is very similar to that of the first procedure, with the initial recovery period lasting about two weeks. However, since patients are older when they have a secondary augmentation mammoplasty, they should expect the healing process to take a bit longer.
Furthermore, recovery time depends on what type of surgery a patient has. For example, a patient who has capsular contracture surgery will have a longer recovery than someone who chooses to have an implant exchange procedure. In addition, patients who have several procedures during their surgical session should expect their recovery time to be longer.
Patients typically experience bruising, inflammation, soreness and a feeling of tightness in their chest. To reduce discomfort, Dr. Nathan may order prescription pain medication.
Patients Cannot Drive While Taking Prescription Pain Medication
For safety’s sake, patients who take prescription pain medication after their surgery must refrain from driving until they no longer need it: Most patients only need prescription pain medication for about a week after surgery.
Recovery Tips
Patients can use the information below to ensure their recovery is as uneventful as possible and their results are optimal.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water regularly helps flush out excess fluid, which reduces inflammation in the surgical areas. During this time, patients must refrain from drinking alcohol, and they need to limit their caffeine intake.
Rest
Patients tend to have a smoother recovery when they relax and get plenty of sleep. Ultimately, these patients also enjoy a better outcome.
Take Short Walks
Dr. Nathan usually advises his patients to walk around as they recover. Following this recommendation is vital because it improves circulation, which helps prevent blood clot formation.
Follow Dr. Nathan’s Advice About Scar Treatment
At some point during recovery, Dr. Nathan may recommend silicone gel to help minimize the visibility of surgical scars. Regularly applying this gel can help scars fade and flatten out faster.
Other Enhancements Dr. Nathan Can Perform During a Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty in Miami
After removing the devices, Dr. Nathan can place new devices, perform a mastopexy, use autologous fat to slightly increase the size of the breasts, reduce their size or leave them as they are.
Risks and Potential Side Effects Following a Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty in Miami
Since Dr. Nirmal Nathan is an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, complications are rare. However, patients must always consider the risks associated with surgical procedures.
Potential complications include:
- Infection.
- Hematoma.
- Seroma.
- Slow healing.
- Capsular contracture.
- Excess bleeding.
- A negative reaction to the anesthesia.
- Unsatisfactory results.
How Much Does It Cost To Have Breast Implant Revision Surgery in Miami?
Since this is a highly personalized procedure, the only way that Dr. Nirmal Nathan can determine how much a patient’s procedure costs is with an initial consultation.
Will Insurance Cover a Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty?
If this surgery is deemed medically necessary, health insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. Patients should discuss this with Dr. Nathan during their initial consultation.
The Manufacturer Warranty May Cover Part of a Secondary Augmentation Mammoplasty
Some implants have a manufacturer warranty. So, if the circumstances are appropriate, the warranty should cover a portion of the procedure.
If you are considering breast implant revision surgery, choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is crucial. If you are in the Miami area, Dr. Nirmal Nathan can help you attain the results you desire. His caring demeanor, exceptional skill and artistic vision make him a top plastic surgeon in Miami. To schedule your consultation, contact The Nathan Clinic at 305-530-8880 today. The clinic’s address is 4770 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 830 in Miami.
Related Procedures