What is breast reconstruction revision?
åSometimes, complications arise after breast reconstruction surgery that follows treatment for cancer — or the results of the surgery aren’t what you hoped for. For example, if you had implant-based reconstruction, an infection can necessitate removal of implants, or your implants can shift. If you had autologous flap reconstruction, you might not be pleased with your breast shape or symmetry.
Corrective surgery can happen soon after your reconstruction surgery, or much later. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues or aren’t happy with the look of your breasts after reconstruction surgery, the team at Rush can perform corrective procedures that will help you return to looking and feeling your best:
- A lump or area of excessive firmness
- Breast asymmetry
- Breast pain or discomfort
- Changes in breast size, shape or position
- Feeling of chest tightness
- Shift in the position of the implant, or an implant that was never positioned correctly
How breast reconstruction revision works
Your surgeon will talk to you about your situation and customize a treatment plan. Depending on the issues you’re having, your surgeon might recommend replacing your implants, or reshaping the breast by harvesting fat from another part of your body via liposuction and injecting it into the breast. A breast lift, or a breast augmentation or breast reduction to adjust breast size could also be part of your plan. Whatever the approach, your surgeon’s goal will be to create breasts that look and feel natural and symmetrical.
How long does it take to recover from breast reconstruction revision?
Your recovery time will depend on the procedure(s) you have — and as with every surgery, recovery is highly individual. During your consultation, your doctor will talk with you about what to expect.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Reconstruction Revision
A. You have a number of options, including replacing your older implants with new, state-of-the-art implants or removing the implants and having a reconstruction that uses a tissue flap from your own body (this is known as autologous reconstruction). Your surgeon will talk with you about which approach would work best for your goals.
A. If your surgeon recommends another tissue-based reconstructive procedure, this time you may need to use a different donor site, such as your buttocks.
A. Nipple and areola reconstruction are options starting three to four months after your initial surgery. Your surgeon might use the surrounding skin or a skin graft from elsewhere on your body to form a new nipple; after the site has healed completely, you might choose to get a medical tattoo (also called micropigmentation) to add color that creates a new areola.