How Long Does It Typically Take to Recover from Breast Revision Surgery?

While the vast majority of breast augmentation surgeries are performed without complication and lead to results patients can enjoy for years to come, there are rare circumstances when implants may become compromised or damaged and need replacement or removal. In other cases, women may experience changes in their implant position or even a change in their personal preferences, leading to the desire to remove or replace their breast implants. In any of these situations, breast revision surgery may be an appropriate solution for restoring the more desirable appearance and/or comfort you deserve.

At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX, board-certified plastic surgeon Phillip Dauwe and our caring team understand the frustration and discouragement you may be feeling if you have developed complications with your original breast augmentation, and we also believe that every woman deserves to love her figure even if her personal preferences change over time. Here, we'll take a closer look at how breast revision surgery can be a life-changing procedure in more ways than one and answer common breast revision FAQs, including how long your breast revision recovery may take.

When is breast revision surgery needed?

Some of the most common reasons for breast implant revision surgery include:

• Ruptured implant
• Capsular contracture
• Bottoming out
• Breast implant leakage
• Breast implant displacement
• Surgical error
• Breast implant rippling
• Asymmetric breast implants
• Switch from saline to silicone implants (or vice-versa)
• Remove breast implants

Can breast revision use the same incision as breast augmentation surgery?

When possible, Dr. Dauwe attempts to minimize visible scarring with breast revision surgery by creating an incision within or near the original breast augmentation scar. In some cases, however, it may be necessary to make a new incision or additional incisions to address the patient's full set of concerns and achieve the most optimal outcome possible. For example, patients who are having their breast implants removed or replaced with smaller implants during a breast revision surgery may require a breast lift to reduce excess skin and restore a perkier breast appearance. This can often involve new incisions that were not used during the original breast augmentation surgery.

How long is recovery after breast revision surgery?

For most women, breast revision recovery is actually shorter and potentially more comfortable than the recovery period associated with their primary breast augmentation. On average, women typically consider themselves to be largely recovered about 2 – 3 weeks after breast revision surgery, though some minor swelling, bruising, and tenderness may persist for a few more weeks or even months. To boost your chances of the most comfortable, efficient, and successful breast revision surgery recovery possible, be sure to:

• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise
• Do not raise your arms above your head
• Wear supportive and/or compressive garments as directed
• Do not smoke
• Minimize sodium intake
• Stay hydrated
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet
• Take supplements and/or medications as prescribed and directed
• Get plenty of rest
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments

Because every woman's situation is unique, these breast revision aftercare guidelines can vary somewhat from patient to patient, making it critical to follow your specific set of recovery instructions closely.

Tailor your look to your liking with breast revision surgery in Dallas, TX

Whether you are unhappy with the outcome of your original breast augmentation or your preferences have changed over time, a breast revision surgery may be the answer for achieving or restoring the look you've wanted all along. Take charge of your aesthetics and happiness alike by calling Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery to schedule your private consultation for breast implant revision in Dallas, TX with caring, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe today.