Seeking Advice: Breast Reconstruction Revision What Would You Recommend?

Question

After multiple breast reconstruction surgeries, I’m unhappy with the current shape and asymmetry shown in my photo. If this were your reconstruction, what revision approach would you recommend to improve symmetry, contour, and overall appearance? What questions should I be asking a reconstructive surgeon during my consultation?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sweetness096,

breast revision surgery is the most difficult plastic surgery procedure performed. Botched breast surgery alters normal tissue planes and laxity, the ability of breasts to heal properly, and leaves scar tissue that dramatically affects the level of difficulty of the corrective surgery.
Many patients come in to correct poor outcomes from their initial surgeries. The most common problems are due to implant malposition, bottoming out of the implant, poor scarring, and incorrect implant size.
While the type of revision required will depend on the result of the previous surgery and the desired result of the patient, some revisions involve extensive pocket repair that may or may not need specialized external bras.
If you are considering breast surgery revision, you should speak with a board certified plastic surgeon and have yourself properly assessed. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations. Also, you have to make sure that your surgeon understands your breast augmentation goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. I think that before answering your questions, a much more in depth conversation needs to take place to understand the details of your case. Was this truly a breast reconstruction case meaning it was done to reconstruct a breast after a mastectomy for breast cancer? Or was it more of a "complicated cosmetic" breast procedure? That is an important distinction to make. In addition, a detailed understanding of the procedures you have had and what exactly was done during those procedures is going to help your surgeon understand how and what lead to the current appearance and how best to approach the repair. These types of cases are often quite complicated and there is no easy solution. You will most likely require implant removal and replacement, possible capsulectomy or capsule repair or reshaping, repair of the breast fold, possible internal support with synthetic or biologic mesh, and possible reshaping of the skin and gland in front of the implant. It would be best to have an in person consultation with a local plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has experience with complicated revision cases like this. Hope this helps!

Seeking Advice: Breast Reconstruction Revision What Would You Recommend?

Answers (2)

More Breast Reconstruction Revision Questions

Deformed after fat transfer - What options do I have to fix this that will not trigger an infection? (Photo)

10 years out from reconstruction - sick of the armpit flab! Is it possible to remove the fat from this area?

Left breast larger three years post op - is symmetry still possible in revision? (Photos)

Nipples too high two years post reduction - what options do I have to fix this? (Photo)

Revision breast lift + asymmetry/nipple correction + implants?

Asymmetric Hypertrophy Breast Reconstruction - what size and profile should I consider? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS