Revision Breast Surgery

Revision Breast
Surgery

PROCEDURE DETAILS

Revision procedures can mean anything from a small adjustment to a complete re-do so your initial assessment will be critical to deciding what’s best for you.

Your options really depend on what you have had done already and what you would like to change.

TECHNIQUES

Once you have been examined we can then talk through all of the options available to you and which one is likely to give the best results.

There are a whole variety of techniques depending on all of these issues and the scars you feel are acceptable to achieve this. Many revision procedures can be performed through the same scars, but it really depends on the problem.

RECOVERY AT A GLANCE

ONE WEEK
First check up on wound healing
TWO WEEKS
Initial swelling will now be reduced
TWO MONTHS
Follow Up Appointment 1
SIX MONTHS
Follow Up Appointment 2

People rarely need drains and usually feel up to going home the same day.

I sometimes use surgical drains in people who have had previous breast implants with capsules that have become very tight to help avoid any build up of fluid if the whole capsule needs to be removed. This is a relatively small proportion of people though. You can get in the shower to wash as soon as you like, but should avoid soaking your scars in water for prolonged periods during the first 2 weeks such as in deep baths or whilst swimming.

The duration of swelling depends a little on what you choose to have done. All scars improve considerably over the first 3 months, but will take a year to settle completely.

We will arrange a wound check one week after your procedure and follow up in the clinic after that at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.

Breast revision procedures can be anything from something very small to very challenging procedures, but done well can yield excellent results and very happy patients.

KEY FACTS

Type of anaesthetic
local anaesthetic with sedation or general anaesthetic
Duration of procedure
1-3 hours
Hospital stay
day case or overnight
Pain killers
paracetamol and ibuprofen

Dressings
skin glue +/- paper tape
Up and about
immediately
Bruising/swelling
1-3 weeks (depending on the procedure)
Back to work
1-2 weeks (depending on occupation)

Washing
shower and shallow baths immediately
Driving
5-7 days
Exercise
2-6 weeks (depending on the procedure)
Smoking
all patients are advised to stop smoking at least 2-3 weeks before surgery and continue this for at least 3-6 weeks afterwards (depending on the procedure)

Follow up appointments
1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months
Tips/advice
buy some dark coloured, elasticated sports bras without underwires to wear after your operation and provide some comfortable support