Breast Re-Augmentation | Pittsburgh, PA
Secondary Breast Augmentation, or Breast Re-Augmentation, is a surgery that is performed to either replace or remove a patient’s current implants. The longer a woman has breast implants, the more likely she is to experience local complications which may be the result of any of the following issues:
- Capsular contraction
- Deflation
- Malposition
- Slow gel bleeds
- Drooping or breast ptosis
- Aging breast tissue, or atrophy
- Effects of weight fluctuations
Upon evaluation by a board-certified plastic surgeon, these concerns may be addressed and the treatment plan to resolve an implant issue may be replacement or removal. The evolution of implants over the last 10 years allows the patient to choose from a multitude of anatomical shapes should she replace them. If choosing to have them removed, the patient may experience some undesirable cosmetic changes to their natural breast.
How do I prepare for Breast Re-Augmentation?
In your initial consultation with Dr. Antimarino, make sure to discuss your expectations for the procedure. This is the time to discuss your concerns and your goals as he will design a surgical plan specifically for you.
You may want to come in with a list of questions that you want to be answered before the procedure. This will eliminate any confusion and will provide you with the most comfortable experience at Bellissimo Plastic Surgery & Medi Spa.
The use of Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other supplements that may increase bruising should be stopped two weeks prior to surgery.
It is beneficial for patients to bring information regarding their current implants with them to their consultation appointment.
Lastly, you will also want to read through our patient resources, such as our note of privacy policies and surgeon checklist, to better educate yourself about the entire surgical process.
Surgery
Re-augmentation is an outpatient procedure and is unique to each individual patient. It is performed to correct or improve a patient’s current augmentation, therefore, it is not as simple as replacing an older product with a newer version. The implant “pocket” may need to be reshaped or modified to create a new “pocket” to fit the updated implant. Dr. Antimarino has designed a technique that will downsize the pocket circumferentially and allow for more projection to the breast. This procedure is called the “Projection Pocket” and is used to increase projection and modify shape in the capsular tissue during a re-augmentation. The procedure generally lasts approximately 1 ½ -2 hours and done under general anesthesia in an accredited outpatient surgical facility.
After Surgery
The patient is discharged with a light dressing and a support bra. The bra is to be worn approximately 2 weeks. Patients may return to work in approximately 5-7 days and resume light exercise within 3 weeks (may vary depending on the job).
It is important to address any abnormal changes in your breast with your plastic surgeon and continue to monitor your breast implants for the rest of your life.
A consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino is an opportunity to ask questions and have a detailed discussion about Breast Re-Augmentation. Dr. Antimarino is available to see patients in Shadyside, Monroeville, and our Greensburg satellite location. Schedule your complimentary cosmetic consultation or a virtual consultation now.
