What Does Breast Revision Surgery Involve?

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Dr. Eric Barker

July 16, 2021

Dr. Barker earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI. He then completed his combined training in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and John H. Stroger, Jr. (Cook County) Hospital in Chicago, IL. Dr. Barker was able to train under distinguished breast reconstructive surgeon Dr. Anuja Antony, and prestigious cosmetic surgeon Dr. John Q. Cook.

Breast augmentation has helped many women achieve proportional, fuller, and more youthful breasts. While surgeons will do everything in their ability to create safe and successful results, breast revision surgery may be required in the future. When this situation does occur, ensure you choose a plastic surgeon that will provide you with the most comprehensive care and surgical planning to ensure you have a positive experience and outcome. The good news is that experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Barker can remove and/or replace your implants during a breast augmentation revision and ensure you receive a beautiful look you can enjoy for years to come.

So, what goes into breast revision surgery? The answer depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Learn about our breast rejuvenation techniques by speaking with the specialists at Peak Plastic Surgery Center. Our Denver, CO, clinic can perform a breast assessment and discuss all your options for a revision procedure.

Why do I need breast revision?

Even though breast augmentation is one of the most performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S, results are not designed to last forever. That’s because it’s normal for your breast shape to change over time and due to factors like weight fluctuations, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Some women have medical complications from breast implants, while others simply change their minds and desire smaller or larger implants after surgery. Some reasons women consider breast revision include:

 

  • Asymmetry: As we mentioned, factors like weight fluctuations or childbirth can change the shape of your breasts. This may result in visible asymmetry. During breast revision surgery, Dr. Eric Barker can revise your previous augmentation to ensure an aesthetically pleasing result.

  • Capsular contracture: This medical condition causes scar tissue formation around the implants. Capsular contracture can make your breast tissue to become displaced, feel rigid or even cause pain. Breast augmentation revision surgery for capsular contracture includes removing the scar tissue/capsule while also replacing your previous implants to relieve your symptoms.

  • Ruptured implant: Age or physical trauma may lead to deflated or ruptured implants. Dr. Eric Barker can remove the affected implant, replace it, and ensure you have symmetry in your breasts again.

  • Cosmetic changes: Some women decide to have smaller or larger breast implants after years of enjoying great results. Breast revision surgery for this situation will adjust your look and make sure your breasts stay youthful-looking long-term.

How do I prepare for breast revision?

Breast revision is not one size fits all when it comes to our patients. Peak Plastic Surgery Center in Denver, CO will tailor your procedure to provide you with a customized plan according to your needs and goals. We will complete a comprehensive physical examination and full patient medical history to ensure you are taken care of in a complete holistic approach. Patients are encouraged to ask questions, so they understand all aspects of their breast revision. Dr. Eric Barker will spend as much time as needed to ensure you are comfortable with you decision to proceed with revision surgery.

While secondary surgery can sometimes be more challenging than your original breast augmentation, our team can review all the details during a breast assessment and let you know what to expect. This includes the surgery itself as well as the recovery process. Dr. Eric Barker is sure to use advanced surgical techniques and tools to make sure you are satisfied with your new outcome.

Discover your options for breast rejuvenation

If you’re unsatisfied with your breast augmentation or are seeking new cosmetic solutions for your breasts, set up a consultation with Dr. Eric Barker at Peak Plastic Surgery Center. Our staff is trained to correct issues like breast asymmetry, capsular contracture, ruptured implants, and more, even if you did not get your original surgery at our facility. Our staff understands that breast surgery is delicate and strives to create treatment plans that meet your needs and preferences. Learn more about breast revision by calling for an appointment in Denver, CO today.

A common question we receive at Peak Plastic Surgery is: Who is a candidate for a mini tummy tuck? This is a frequent inquiry because there is often confusion about the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

When we talk about a mini tummy tuck, it specifically addresses excess abdominal skin below the belly button. Essentially, the goal is to flatten the area below the belly button by removing any excess abdominal skin. This procedure often targets damaged skin below the belly button, which is commonly caused by stretch marks. In many cases, this damage results from pregnancy in women or significant weight gain in men.

When patients call our office and speak with my coordinator prior to their consultation, we ask a few key questions to determine their concerns. If excess abdominal skin is mentioned, we follow up by asking:

  • Where is the excess skin located?
  • Is it all over the abdomen or just in the lower part?

If a patient indicates the issue is primarily in the lower abdomen, especially following a C-section, they are often ideal candidates for a mini abdominoplasty. C-section scars frequently tether to the abdominal wall, creating contour irregularities or an “overflow” of skin above the scar.

A mini tummy tuck is effective in removing this lower abdominal skin, and it can be combined with laser liposuction (performed while awake in my clinic) to achieve a smooth, flat appearance. However, candidacy also depends on other factors, including:

  • Weight status: Are you at or near your goal weight?
  • Pregnancy history: Have you had a recent pregnancy?
  • Recovery timeline: Has enough time passed (typically 6–8 months) for your skin and subcutaneous tissues to heal and retract after pregnancy?

If you’re a mother, we need to evaluate where your muscles have settled after pregnancy. The abdominal muscles (rectus musculature) often separate in the middle (a condition called rectus diastasis), and while they may return to their normal position, they sometimes require surgical repair.

If muscle repair is necessary, the procedure will require general anesthesia. If not, the procedure can be done while you’re awake. All of these factors are assessed during your consultation to determine the most appropriate approach for your mini abdominoplasty.

For many of my patients, the decision comes down to whether the excess skin is located only below the belly button. If there’s no excess skin above the belly button, a mini tummy tuck may be the ideal solution. In cases where there are additional skin or muscle concerns, we might discuss options like adding laser liposuction or performing muscle repair.

For mothers specifically, we recommend waiting at least 6–8 months after giving birth to allow the skin to heal and the abdominal muscles to settle. This ensures we have a clear picture of your body’s post-pregnancy recovery before proceeding with surgery.

It’s also worth noting that a mini abdominoplasty does not preclude future procedures. For instance, patients may later opt for a full tummy tuck due to changes in weight, skin elasticity, or personal goals. While I prefer to achieve optimal results in one surgery whenever possible, patient goals and circumstances often evolve over time.

Ultimately, deciding on a mini tummy tuck depends on your individual goals and timeline. During your preoperative phone consultation with my coordinator, and later in your in-person consultation with me, we’ll discuss your concerns and expectations to determine the best surgical approach for you.

For those wondering if a mini tummy tuck is right for them: the ideal candidate is someone who is close to their goal weight and wants to address excess skin below the belly button. Whether it’s due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or other factors, this procedure can help patients achieve a flatter, more defined lower abdomen.

Even if you decide on a mini abdominoplasty now, you remain a candidate for a full tummy tuck in the future if needed. Our goal is to guide you through this process and ensure your surgical outcomes align with your long-term goals.

Learn more and schedule your consultation!