Revision Breast Reconstruction: Overview
Patients commonly seek out Northwest Breast Reconstruction’s surgeons for “second opinions” and discussion of revision surgery including Revision Breast Reconstruction for procedures performed by other providers.
Before
After
Revision breast reconstruction in a patient with prior right and left implant-based reconstruction and right sided radiation. Procedures included Stage I right implant removal, tissue expander placement, and pedicled latissimus muscle/skin flap, Stage II right implant exchange for permanent implant and left implant up-sizing, and Stage III re-tattooing of nipple/areola complex.
Candidates For Revision Breast Reconstruction
Revision surgery can be required for different reasons. These can include
- Poor aesthetic outcome from the original reconstruction
- Radiation-associated changes to a prior reconstruction
- Progressive changes in the reconstructed breast over time
- Breast implant “animation deformity”
- Recurrent cancer
- Weight gain or loss, with resultant asymmetry
- Patient dis-satisfaction for any reason
The Revision Breast Reconstruction Procedure
The approach to revision surgery is tailored to the individual patient and their needs & concerns. Our surgeons have extensive experience in all aspects of revision breast reconstruction, including breast implant exchange, switch of implant location (sub-pectoral to pre-pectoral conversion), conversion of implant-based to tissue-based reconstruction, fat grafting for contour irregularities, and others.
Before
After
Patient who had a Revision of previously radiated implant based left breast reconstruction. Procedures included Stage I left implant removal and DIEP flap, Stage II left breast fat grafting and right breast lift, and Stage III nipple creation with subsequent areola tattoo.
