Breast Implant Revision in NYC
Breast implant revision surgery involves the replacement of old breast implants with new implants for either cosmetic or medical reasons. Some women may wish to exchange their current implants for a smaller or larger size, while others may require new implants due to an implant rupture or capsular contracture. If you are considering breast implant revision surgery, it is essential that you understand the procedure, recovery, and expected outcome.
Dr. Darrick Antell: The Premier Breast Surgeon in NYC
Dr. Darrick Antell is one of the most renowned board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Trained at Stanford and Cornell University, he is known for his exceptional surgical skills and use of advanced techniques. He is often a featured lecturer at national and international seminars, where he presents his advancements in the field to other plastic surgeons. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Antell has been named a “Top Plastic Surgeon” by Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine.
In addition, he has been recognized by Harper’s Bazaar as one of the best breast plastic surgeons in the country due to his status as a leader in the field of custom breast surgery. You can feel confident that by choosing Dr. Antell for your breast implant revision surgery, you will be in the hands of one of the most respected and acclaimed breast surgeons in the world.
Am I a candidate for breast implant revision surgery?
Breast implant revision in NYC is intended for patients who are unhappy with or concerned about the results of their original breast augmentation and wish to have their old implants replaced. The ideal candidate is a generally healthy woman who:
- Is unhappy with the size or shape of her current implants
- Is experiencing capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue surrounding
- the implant) or discomfort caused by the implant
- Has a ruptured or leaking implant
What can I expect during my consultation?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Antell will thoroughly evaluate your general health and medical history, as well as assess the current condition of your breasts. Your breasts will be examined and precisely measured in preparation for your surgery. If you desire to have your implants removed due to medical complications, it is important to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing with Dr. Antell. It is helpful to bring any information you have about your existing implants and your previous breast augmentation surgery to your appointment.
By having an open and honest conversation with Dr. Antell about your desired outcome, you’ll be able to work together to create the proper surgical plan. He can guide you through selecting the proper implant type, incision size, implant placement, and size based on your specific anatomy. In your discussion, Dr. Antell will go through the procedure, the risks, and the recovery in detail so that you can feel confident in being fully informed. Please be sure to tell Dr. Antell if you smoke or if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or drugs. Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Antell any questions about the surgery, recovery, and expected outcome.
How should I prepare for my breast implant replacement surgery?
Based on numerous factors, such as age and implant condition, Dr. Antell may send you for imaging, such as an ultrasound, mammogram, or MRI, prior to your procedure. Ahead of your surgery day, you will be given guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and specific medications. You may be given prescriptions that should be filled prior to your surgery. Depending on your history, you may be asked to provide pre-operative clearance from another doctor. As the procedure is performed under “twilight” sedation, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and ensure you have someone to assist you in your first few days of recovery.
Where will my breast implant revision surgery be performed?
Dr. Antell has privileges in numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer for the procedure to take place in his discreet, private operating room located just across the street from world-renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. His facility has a private back entrance to ensure total discretion and all members of his staff have been thoroughly trained to offer personalized care. The state-of-the-art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for your comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.
What are the risks of breast implant revision?
When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, breast implant revision surgery is typically a safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are always risks. The most common complication after replacing the breast implants is the occurrence of capsular contracture, a condition in which the capsule surrounding the implant restricts the implant, resulting in a misshapen appearance, hardening of the area, and pain.
Capsular contracture can be treated by removing the implant and scar tissue, and, if desired, placing new implants. Placing ADM (acellular dermal matrix) such as Strattice or Alloderm has had very promising results for resisting capsular contracture. This may also be combined with prescribing Accolate to significantly lower capsular contracture rates. Please click here to learn more about capsular contracture treatment.
Other complications include bleeding, infection, numbness, and implant rupture. Infection typically presents within a week after surgery and can usually be treated by antibiotics and, in some cases, removing the implant. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or from normal compression and movement of the breast causing friction with the manmade shell of the implant. If a saline implant ruptures, the salt water is harmlessly absorbed by the body, resulting in the breast appearing deflated. With both saline and silicone implant ruptures, a revision surgery is performed to replace the implant and remove any troublesome scar tissue. Dr. Antell will provide a thorough discussion of all risks during your initial consultation.
Capsular Contracture
How is breast implant revision surgery performed?
The chosen incision and placement of the new implant will be customized based on factors such as your individual anatomy and the condition of the existing implant. When possible, Dr. Antell may use the same incision site as used in your initial breast augmentation. This is more likely when the implants were placed with an inframammary fold or areolar incision but may not be possible with an armpit incision. If you experienced capsular contracture or had a silicone implant rupture, it is often necessary to remove the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant. After removing the existing implant and any scar tissue, Dr. Antell will then carefully place the new implant with a no touch technique.
Multiple layers of internal, dissolving sutures will typically be used to close the incisions. Dr. Antell may place a layer of gauze and a bandage over your new breasts to speed healing. The surgery usually takes between one and three hours to complete.
What will my recovery be like?
After undergoing the surgery, you will recover in Dr. Antell’s state-of-the-art recovery suite while being monitored by one of his nurses until you feel well enough to be discharged. A specialized, long lasting local anesthesia is used to dramatically decrease any discomfort. A breast revision is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as the procedure.
When performed with “twilight” sedation, you should be prepared to have an escort to bring you home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after the administration of anesthesia. Upon leaving the facility, you will be provided thorough discharge instructions that will guide you through the initial post-operative period. Throughout the entire recovery process, Dr. Antell and his staff will be available to answer any questions you may have.
After surgery, your breasts may be covered in a layer of gauze and a bandage. You may feel tired or sore following surgery, as your body is using its energy to heal; however, many patients are able to return to most daily activities within days of the procedure. While rarely necessary, medication prescribed by your surgeon can help to minimize any discomfort following the procedure if needed. It is best to refrain from vigorous exercise for around two weeks, but Dr. Antell will provide an individualized recovery plan based on the extent of your customized procedure.
It is important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully and refrain from activities that could put stress on your incisions. It is normal to experience some loss of feeling in the breast area and around the incisions. This numbness typically fades over time. It is common to have some fluid drainage from the incision site so Dr. Antell may temporarily place a small tube under the skin to prevent this fluid from collecting.
You will typically return to the office the day after your surgery so that Dr. Antell can monitor your healing process. External sutures, if used at all, are usually removed around 7-10 days following your procedure. Although much of the swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, it may take several months before the final results are visible. Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks before beginning to fade.
What can I expect in results?
Breast revision in NYC can help you achieve natural-looking, symmetrical breasts that more closely align with what you envision for your figure. It is important to remember that you must be patient with the recovery process, as it takes time for the implants to settle and for the final results to appear. If your new appearance brings you greater happiness and confidence or relieves medical problems, then your surgery was a success.
How do I get started?
Dr. Darrick E. Antell and his staff will be happy to provide a discreet and private consultation to evaluate your needs and discuss breast implant revision surgery. Please call the office at (212) 988-4040 to schedule your consultation.
