What is Breast Revision?
Women may seek breast revision surgery for a number of reasons, either for primary or secondary surgery. Primary breast revision surgery is performed to correct congenital abnormalities such as breast asymmetry, tuberous breast deformity, enlarged areolas, or inverted nipples. Secondary breast surgery (corrective breast surgery) may be performed to fix a complication or revise a previous breast operation such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift.
Our plastic surgeons understand that every case is different and strive to give each patient a unique, one-of-a-kind experience. We have extensive experience with this procedure, have board-certified anesthesiologists on staff, and perform surgeries in our fully accredited facility. To learn more about breast revision surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, request a consultation online or call us at (616) 464-4420.
Meet Your Doctors
Request a Consultation View Before & After Photos
Primary Breast Revision Procedures
There are various procedures to help correct breast abnormalities. Our surgeons are committed to helping you achieve beautiful breasts. Below are detailed breast abnormalities and various ways our Grand Rapids breast surgery specialists can help.
Breast Asymmetry and Tuberous Breast Deformity
Many women are affected by inherent irregularities in their breasts, areolas or nipples. A woman’s breasts are never exactly alike, yet sometimes asymmetry can be noticeable enough to affect her appearance and self-esteem. Tuberous breasts are caused by an abnormality in breast development, where breast growth is constricted by tight skin at its base. Instead of developing into a round, soft breast, the breast has a narrow, tube-like shape. A woman may be affected on one or both sides, but there is often noticeable asymmetry between the two breasts. Depending on a woman’s anatomy and the cause of asymmetry, breast size and shape can be corrected with combinations of breast reductions, breast augmentations or breast lifts. Different procedures may be performed on each breast in order to achieve symmetry. More severe tuberous deformities may require 2 operations or staged procedures for the best results.
Inverted Nipples
Nipple inversion affects a small percentage of women and may affect one or both breasts. Nipple inversion can sometimes interfere with breastfeeding and may affect a woman’s self-esteem and body image. This condition is graded by severity and can range from “shy” nipples to persistently retracted nipples, which can cause chaffing and even infections from difficulty with hygiene. Most nipple inversion is congenital, but it can also occur after breastfeeding or when scar tissue accumulates in the milk ducts. Surgical correction of nipple inversion by a plastic surgeon can be done as a quick outpatient procedure under local anesthesia with essentially zero down time and long-lasting results.
Enlarged Areolas
Everyone has his or her own opinion as to the perfect areolar size and a sense for what looks best. Common complaints involve areolas that are too large, look puffy, or have an irregular shape. The size and shape of the areola can be surgically corrected with a minor outpatient procedure. Areolar reduction is routinely done as part of a breast reduction or breast lift, but may be done as a procedure all by itself.
Secondary Breast Revision
In some cases, a woman may not be happy with her original surgical outcome from a previous procedure and may choose a secondary correction or revision. In regard to breast implants, this may be for a different breast implant size, either larger or smaller. Other women may wish to trade saline implants for newer generation silicone implants. Revision surgery may be required in the event a woman develops capsular contracture after breast augmentation. This complication occurs when scar tissue that forms around an implant becomes thick and tight, creating a hard and sometimes painful breast that feels and looks unnatural. A small percentage of women may develop rupture of saline or silicone implants. When this happens, revision surgery is required to remove and/or replace the ruptured implant. Other reasons for secondary breast revision surgery may be to correct uneven size, shape or drooping after a previous breast surgery, or to correct unfavorable scars. Choosing a qualified breast surgeon in Grand Rapids, MI will help ensure that you will enjoy your breasts for years to come.