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Female Plastic Surgeon

Breast Surgery Revision

Breast surgery revision involves modifying or addressing the outcomes of previous breast surgeries. The procedure addresses aesthetic concerns, manages complications, or adjusts breast size, shape, or position to align with the patient’s preferences or needs.

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Reasons for surgery
Our Philosophy
Surgical Process
Methods and Options
Aftercare and Recovery
Risks

Why You may Consider this Surgery

lift-the-breast-img - Breast asymmetry correction icon 1 Lift the Breast
Improved-physical-comfort-img - Breast surgery revision icon 1 Reduce Physical Discomfort
reshape-breasts-img - Breast reduction page icon Address Breast Shape
add-volume-img Reduce Volume

Reasons for Having Breast Surgery Revision

The decision to pursue breast surgery revision may be motivated by dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcomes of a previous procedure or complications such as asymmetry, capsular contracture, implant rippling, or scarring. Patients may also seek revision due to changes in their breasts over time caused by ageing, weight fluctuations, or personal preferences.

Understanding the reasons for seeking revision surgery is integral to the process, as it allows Dr Nguyen to provide informed options tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.

Dr Anh Nguyen’s Philosophy on Breast Surgery Revision

Dr Anh Nguyen’s philosophy on breast surgery revision prioritises personalised and compassionate care. She understands that revision surgery can be a significant decision, often accompanied by feelings of disappointment or distress from past experiences. Dr Nguyen’s approach focuses on trust in surgical outcomes through open communication, professional integrity, and a commitment to addressing individual concerns.

During consultations, Dr Nguyen conducts thorough assessments to understand the context of the previous surgery and the patient’s expectations for revision. Her goal is to create a collaborative and supportive relationship while tailoring the surgical plan to the patient’s unique anatomy and specific surgical goals.

The Surgical Process

Breast surgery revision begins with a detailed consultation to review the outcomes of previous surgeries and understand the changes being considered. Dr Anh Nguyen performs a comprehensive assessment to develop a tailored surgical plan addressing both technical and aesthetic aspects.

The procedure is conducted under general anaesthesia, with incisions and techniques customised to address the specific concerns and goals discussed during consultations.

Options for Breast Surgery Revision

Implants-img - Breast implant replacement icon 1

Revision Surgery of Breast Augmentation

Addresses concerns such as implant size, position, rippling, or complications like capsular contracture.

Breast-Lift-Revision-img

Breast Lift Revision

Aims to modify breast shape or position, particularly if initial results have changed over time due to ageing or weight fluctuations.

Breast-Reduction-Revision-img

Breast Reduction Revision

Further adjusts breast size or shape, corrects asymmetry, or addresses scarring from a previous reduction procedure.

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Breast Implant Removal Revision

Focuses on adjusting breast tissue or addressing cosmetic concerns following implant removal, with options such as fat transfer for adding breast volume.

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Tuberous Breast Correction Revision

Provides additional adjustments in breast shape or symmetry after a previous correction procedure, tailored to the patient’s anatomy.

Breast-Asymmetry-Correction-Revision-img

Breast Asymmetry Correction Revision

Involves a detailed assessment and surgical approach to address asymmetry that persists after a previous procedure, focusing on achieving balance and proportion.

Aftercare and Recovery

After breast surgery revision, patients are provided with detailed post-operative instructions, including guidance on managing discomfort, incision care, and activity restrictions to minimise risks. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and address any concerns that may arise.

Dr Anh Nguyen and her team remain available to support patients throughout the recovery process, ensuring they feel informed and cared for during this critical phase.

Risks Associated with the Procedure

As with any surgery, breast surgery revision carries potential risks, including:

  • Reactions to anaesthesia
  • Changes in breast or nipple sensation
  • Infection at incision sites
  • Visible scarring
  • Asymmetry in breast size or shape
  • Bleeding (haematoma)
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Potential need for further revision surgery

Dr Anh Nguyen adheres to strict safety protocols to minimise these risks. All potential complications are discussed thoroughly during consultations to ensure patients have a clear understanding of the procedure and its associated risks before making an informed decision.

Breast Surgery Revision FAQs

What is breast surgery revision?

Breast surgery revision is a follow-up operation to change or correct the result of an earlier breast procedure. That earlier surgery might have been a breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, implant removal, or a correction of asymmetry or tuberous breasts. Some revisions deal with a complication. Others address changes that happen gradually as breasts age, weight shifts or life moves on. Every revision is planned around what was done before.

What problems can breast revision surgery address?

Common reasons for revision include capsular contracture, implants that have moved out of position, visible rippling, a size that no longer suits you, and asymmetry that remains after surgery. After a lift or reduction, people may seek revision for returning droop, an uneven shape or scars they are unhappy with. Some patients have more than one concern at once. The first step is working out what is causing each issue, because that shapes the plan.

Is revision surgery more complex than the first operation?

Often, yes. Previous surgery leaves scar tissue, can thin the breast tissue and may change the blood supply, so a revision usually needs more planning than a first procedure. The surgeon may need to work within an existing implant pocket, remove scar capsule, or take extra care around the blood supply to the nipple. Occasionally a revision is done in two stages to let the tissues recover. Operating time and recovery can be longer.

Can I have revision if my original surgery was done by another surgeon or overseas?

Yes, revision can be considered even if another surgeon performed your original operation, including interstate or overseas. If your surgery was recent, it is usually worth speaking with your original surgeon first. Bring whatever records you have, such as operation reports, implant details and dates. For implant surgery done in Australia, the Australian Breast Device Registry may hold your device details. Overseas records are often harder to obtain, which can make planning more involved.

What is implant malposition, and can it be corrected?

Implant malposition is when an implant has shifted away from where it was meant to sit. Some implants drop too low, which is sometimes called bottoming out. Others drift out towards the armpit, or in towards the centre until the breasts look joined (symmastia). To fix this, the surgeon may tighten or reshape the pocket with internal stitches (capsulorrhaphy), or make a new pocket in another tissue layer. Sometimes the implant is swapped as well. What suits you depends on why the implant moved in the first place.

Can visible rippling be improved with revision surgery?

Rippling can often be improved, although it cannot always be removed completely. It is most noticeable when there is little natural tissue covering the implant. Options may include moving the implant under the muscle, using fat transfer to thicken the tissue over it, or changing to a different implant or size. More than one approach may be combined. Mild rippling that you can feel but not see does not always need surgery.

Can capsular contracture be corrected, and can it come back?

Capsular contracture can be treated surgically, but it can return. It happens when the scar tissue around an implant tightens, making the breast firm, misshapen or painful. Revision usually involves removing some or all of the capsule and replacing the implant, sometimes in a new pocket. These steps aim to lower the chance of it coming back, but there is no guaranteed way to prevent it. Your individual risk is discussed at consultation.

Can a breast reduction or breast lift be revised?

Yes, a previous breast reduction or breast lift can be revised, but it needs careful planning. Breasts keep changing with age, weight and pregnancy, so droop or size can return. The main concern in a repeat operation is the blood supply to the nipple, which was altered during the first surgery. Knowing which technique was used helps a great deal, so your original operation report is valuable. Revision is usually considered once the breasts have fully settled.

Can scars from previous breast surgery be improved?

Scars can often be improved, but they cannot be erased. Surgical scars take around 12 to 18 months to mature, and many look noticeably better by then than they did in the early months. For this reason, scar revision is usually considered only after the scar has settled. Options may include cutting out a wide or raised scar and closing it again, or non-surgical scar treatments. Your skin type and healing history affect what is realistic.

Is breast revision surgery covered by Medicare?

Medicare only helps with the cost of breast revision in some situations. The Medicare Benefits Schedule has items for taking out and replacing implants after medical complications, such as a rupture or a capsular contracture that is causing symptoms. Each item has strict conditions, and many cases do not meet them. Surgery done only to change breast size is not covered. Eligibility depends on your own history, so it is worth checking with Medicare and your private health fund before surgery.

Do I need a referral for breast revision surgery?

Yes, you need a referral from your GP or another medical specialist before your first appointment with Dr Anh Nguyen, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Rivervale, Perth. A referral is also needed for any Medicare claim. Where revision is performed for cosmetic reasons, there is a cooling-off period of at least seven days after you give consent. At your consultation, Dr Anh reviews your previous surgery, what has changed, and what you would like to address.

Could I need further surgery after a revision?

Yes, further surgery is sometimes needed after a revision, as with any breast operation. Revision carries the usual surgical risks, and some problems, such as capsular contracture, implant movement or asymmetry, can recur. Tissue that has already been operated on may heal less predictably. A clear plan, realistic expectations and careful aftercare all help, but no surgeon can guarantee a result. These risks are discussed in detail before you decide to go ahead.

The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. All surgical procedures carry risks, and revision surgery can carry additional risks compared with a first operation. Results vary between individuals. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Medicare and private health insurance eligibility is assessed individually and cannot be confirmed before a consultation. A referral from your GP or another medical specialist is required. Dr Anh Nguyen, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, MED0001193810.

MED0001193810

Dr Anh Nguyen

MBBS (HONS) PGRADDIPSURGANAT FRACS (PLAST)

Dr. Anh Nguyen is a member of several esteemed professional organisations, underscoring her commitment to the highest standards of surgical and patient care. Some of her affiliations and recognitions include:

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Dr Anh Nguyen, Perth Female Plastic Surgeon 5

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Ready to take the next step or have questions? Reach out to our friendly team. We’re here to guide you on your aesthetic journey.

(08) 9322 2659

map-d-img 88 Belmont Ave, Rivervale, WA, 6103

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