Breast Implant Revision in Lubbock, TX

Breast implant revision or removal is available for patients who have had a negative physical reaction to their implants or those who have decided they no longer want their implants and would like to return to their pre-surgery body shape. Through a simple medical procedure, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty of The Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute can easily remove old implants and if wanted, insert new implants to correct complications or problems. Breast implant revision can be used to exchange breast implants, allowing the patient to have the breasts they want without the complications. Many women choose to have their breast implants removed or replaced if the implants are causing discomfort, the shape of the implants has been altered over time, to upgrade to newer implant technology, or if the original implants have ruptured or deflated. Women considering breast implant removal or exchange should schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty at their convenient offices located in Lubbock and Midland.

There are various circumstances as to why a woman may decide to undergo breast revision surgery. The most common reasons are listed below.

If a saline implant ruptures, the implant device will deflate due to the leakage of saline. This will result in an obvious deflating of the breasts. Silicone implants will not deflate visibly, however a break in the shell may still occur. The only true way to detect a shell break is through an MRI, which is why routine check-ups are recommended throughout the years.

Breast rippling and/or wrinkling can occur along the side of the breast, or underneath it. This occurs within saline implants resulting in an unnatural appearance under the skin. This is most common in women who are extremely thin.

“Double bubble” is a rare complication with women who have breast implants. This occurs when the implant drops down behind the natural breast crease, or it has risen and now over-drapes (double folds) the breast. When this occurs, an unnatural indention will result in a “double” breast appearance. This is usually caused by improper breast placement from the original surgery, or severe capsular contracture, which shifts the implant from its position.

Some women may decide later in life they no longer wish to have breast implants in place. Breast implant removal is a procedure that removes the implants and tightens the skin around the breasts to create a natural look.

Some women will be unhappy with their breast size following breast augmentation surgery. They may desire a secondary surgery to replace the implant with one of a different size, texture or shape. Some women may want to go from saline to silicone, or vice versa to achieve the results they desire.

Scar tissue that has formed around the implant may create a capsular contracture. When this occurs, excessive tightening of the capsule will result in a hard feel of the breast. Sometimes, in order to correct this, a capsulectomy must occur. This is the removal of scar tissue from around the implant. In general, silicone implants have a higher incidence of capsular contracture (approximately 10-15% chances) than saline implants (5% chance).

This can occur post-surgery when an implant shifts or moves from its original location. This can also occur with aging, gravity, trauma to the chest area, or with excessive scarring.

Some women are not good candidates for breast augmentation surgery. Instead, they should first have a breast lift. Women who have sagging breasts and undergo breast augmentation surgery alone will not have strong results. The breast will continue to sag further due to the increase weight of the implant. 

Patients who wish to have their implants replaced will undergo a procedure where an exchange of one or both implants may occur. These revision surgeries are generally straightforward. If scar tissue does exist around the implant, an additional step will be taken to remove this. Some patients may require a breast lift during the revision surgery. In addition, a tissue matrix device known as a strattice may be used if added support is needed. The goal of the revision process is to resolve or overcome issues in a way that satisfies the patient’s aesthetic goals. 

Breast revision surgery is performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure in an accredited surgical facility. The ease of recovery will depend on exactly what was being done during the revision process. Most women are able to resume their normal work activities after a full week of rest. Exercise will be a gradual process. It may take up to a full year for the scars to begin to fade and for the newly revised breast or chest area to look and feel natural. 

The cost of breast revision surgery varies depending on the details of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty will carefully listen to your concerns and goals before performing a physical examination. Based on this, they will explain your options and create a personalized treatment plan. The total cost will depend on the complexity of the surgery and the type of implants you choose. It's important to focus on achieving the best results by selecting a highly experienced surgeon, like Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty, rather than simply choosing the least expensive option. To make the surgery more affordable, Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute offers various payment options and low-interest financing plans.

If you're removing implants or switching to a smaller size, you may have excess skin that needs to be addressed. After evaluating your current implants and listening to your goals, Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty will discuss whether a breast lift is necessary to remove any sagging skin. If you've lost a significant amount of weight, become pregnant, or breastfed after your initial breast augmentation, combining breast revision with a lift can improve your results and give you a more youthful, lifted appearance.

Whenever possible, Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty will make incisions in the same locations as your original augmentation scars. However, if this isn't possible, they will place the new incisions in the least visible areas. Depending on your situation, revision surgery may involve a transaxillary incision (in the armpit), periareolar incision (around the edge of the areola), inframammary incision (beneath the breast fold), or TUBA incision (through the belly button). Our team will provide detailed scar care instructions to help your incisions heal well and blend into your natural skin.

While implants can last a long time, they will eventually need to be replaced. After your breast augmentation, it's important to regularly check your implants to ensure they are still in good condition. With advances in implant technology, breast revision surgery may be an opportunity to choose from the latest implant shapes and types to achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Schmid or Dr. Mooty will work with you to determine the right time for a replacement and help you select the best options for your goals.