A breast revision in Portland procedure involves removing or replacing your original implants to address a complication or to change the size and appearance of your chest.
What is breast implant removal or replacement?
Dr. Lewis can either completely remove your implants (explantation,) or he can replace implants that have ruptured or are no longer a suitable size for your aesthetic tastes. If pursuing explantation, Dr. Lewis often performs a fat transfer or breast lift procedure at the same time to ensure that your chest appears balanced, symmetrical, and natural-looking. During the implant removal process, the doctor will choose the best technique for your unique situation, selecting from a capsulectomy, total capsulectomy, partial capsulectomy, or en bloc capsulectomy.
When to consider a breast implant revision
Bottoming Out
Bottoming out is characterized by the implants dropping in the chest, causing low breasts and high nipples.
Resize + Reshape
Many patients undergo a breast revision simply because they want to replace their original implants with smaller or larger ones.
Rupture
When implants leak or rupture, they have to be removed and replaced.
Capsular contracture
This condition develops when the scar tissue around the implant becomes abnormally hard, tight and thick causing distortion of the breast shape and sometimes even pain.
Rippling
This complication occurs when ripples from the breast implant are visible on the surface of the skin.
The benefits of a breast revision
Resolve complications
Achieve your ideal breast size and shape
Sculpt a chest that’s aligned with your lifestyle and identity
Common concern: Should you replace your breast implants?
Typically, breast implants last 10 to 20 years without complications. Depending on when you had your initial breast augmentation, you may need one or two follow-up surgeries in your lifetime to change your appearance or address a complication, such as capsular contracture or a rupture. Dr. Lewis can help you determine if you need a breast implant removal in Portland or exchange during your initial consultation at his Portland office.
Tuberous Breasts
One of the most common causes of asymmetry is a tuberous breast. This condition is characterized by a large gap between the breasts, a constricted breast base, and an enlarged, herniated “bulging” areola. Tuberous breasts are very often asymmetrical, with one side noticeably larger than the other.
If you suffer from this condition, Dr. Lewis can perform a Portland tuberous breast correction procedure. The surgery will involve releasing the constricted breast tissue, correction of the bulging nipple/areola, and placement of an implant.
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is a breast augmentation complication that can be serious. It develops when the scar tissue within the implant pocket (the capsule) tightens around the implant, causing pain and distortion.
Your capsular contracture treatment in Portland options:
Capsulectomy. This technique will be performed if your implant is leaking or shows evidence of trauma. Dr. Lewis will make a small incision along the breast crease or near the areola. Through that opening, he will remove the problematic scar tissue and replace your implant.
Open capsulotomy. An open capsulotomy is ideal for women whose implants are placed above the muscle and show no signs of a rupture or leakage. To perform this procedure, Dr. Lewis will make a small incision under the breast or near the areola. He will then open the capsule, allowing it to expand into a comfortable pocket for the implant.
The day of your surgery
Upon arriving at our Portland office the day of your surgery, Dr. Lewis will greet you and review the details of your procedure. He will then mark your breasts to guide him through the operation and general anesthesia will be administered by an anesthesiologist to ensure your comfort and safety.
In general, these procedures take approximately one to two hours to complete, depending on the complexity. Once your surgery is done, Dr. Lewis will close the incisions and wrap your chest in dressings to maintain its new shape and minimize your discomfort.
Schedule an appointment today >>
A breast revision or breast implant removal in Portland with Dr. Lewis can address a host of complications and sculpt a brand new look. Contact our Portland office today to schedule an appointment and begin planning for your transformation.
A Portland Plastic Surgeon
407 NW 17TH AVE, STE 2Portland, OR 97209
Matthew Lewis,MD
Discover your true beauty. At the office of Dr. Matthew Lewis, we take everything into consideration, including your comfort, discretion, and of course your outcome. Please call us to schedule an appointment.