Many surgeons consider a revision to be extremely complex, and patients understandably seek a skilled, qualified surgeon to help achieve their goals the second time around.
Discerning patients in the Long Beach area choose Dr. Josh Waltzman for that very reason; as a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, Dr. Waltzman is uniquely qualified to perform this intricate and complicated treatment process.
With Dr. Waltzman, patients can rest assured that their surgery will be performed with artistry and care. He understands that it’s not just a chance to repair a troubling issue—it’s a chance to attain the results you’ve always deserved.
More importantly, repeating a major procedure can be trying; we understand that our patients need support and guidance through their journey. It’s why our practice makes a point of creating a personalized breast revision experience for each patient.
Why Would Someone Want a Breast Revision?
Motivations for undergoing your procedure range from the cosmetic to the medical. A breast revision can revise any kind of breast surgery such as the breast lift, reduction, and augmentation. There are a number of breast deformities that can compel a patient to pursue a second cosmetic treatment:
The implants migrate down the breast and end up sitting unnaturally low on the chest.
An uncomfortable complication created when a layer of scar tissue forms around the implant and squeezes it.
The breasts migrate below the breast fold, creating the illusion of double breast folds.
Sometimes, the edges of the implant can ripple, causing the implant’s edges to be visible under the skin.
Breasts migrate into the middle of the chest, making them look too close together
If there wasn’t enough lift from an initial breast lift, a second lift can be provided
There are also cosmetic reasons: some who had breast augmentation 10-15 years ago decide to update their look. Others want to change the size of their implants and go bigger or smaller. As patients age, sagging may alter their augmentation results. Or maybe, patients simply want to update their implants for new technology that results in less rippling or looks more natural.
Dr. Waltzman knows that one of the common reasons why patients eventually seek a second procedure is a miscommunication with a previous surgeon. It is possible that there can be a disconnect between the surgeon and the patients’ aesthetic goals, lifestyle, and anatomy. As a result, patients don’t develop realistic expectations for what breast surgery can do.
With Dr. Waltzman, patients can rest assured that they’ll be part of a dialogue throughout their experience. Because they’re active participants in their treatment plan, patients can gain a better understanding of what a breast revision can do and what results they can expect.
Visit Dr. Waltzman for Impeccable Results
Breast revision is complex in a number of ways; breast tissue that’s been previously operated on is typically thinner and somewhat scarred. And if the patient has a complication such as capsular contracture, the surgeon will need to remove the capsule carefully without injuring the rest of the breast tissue.
Dr. Waltzman is uniquely qualified to perform revision procedures; before opening his practice in Long Beach, he was specialty-trained through an Aesthetic Surgery fellowship at the renowned Cleveland Clinic.
For every patient, Dr. Waltzman creates a meticulous surgery plan that will help avoid future complications, ensure that the results look natural, and create long-lasting outcomes.
He’ll also tailor each breast revision towards the patient’s unique characteristics and goals. By personalizing the procedure, Dr. Waltzman can help patients feel heard, respected, and more importantly, help them achieve the results they deserve.
Breast Revision – How It’s Planned
Since your consultation will set the tone for the rest of your journey, you’ll get to work with Dr. Waltzman himself during your session—not a patient coordinator.
During your consultation, Dr. Waltzman will perform a thorough exam to get a sense of what issues you want fixed with a breast revision. He’ll also perform an examination to check the status of your breasts and the quality of your tissues. If you’re exchanging your implants, Dr. Waltzman will go over the different types of implants and what he recommends for your particular procedure.
You should also take the consultation as an opportunity to ask about any questions or concerns you may have. You’ll have his complete attention during the entire stress-free consultation. And because Dr. Waltzman truly values educating his patients, he’ll also thoroughly explain every single one of your options. Your consultation will take as long you need it to, and sometimes patients will return for additional consultations to discuss their planned surgery.
The Day of Your Procedure
During your appointment, Dr. Waltzman can either exchange the implants, remove the implants (along with the capsule all at once), or remove the implants and add a breast lift. The length and protocol for your procedure will depend on what type of breast revision you’re receiving. Your procedure will be performed using general anesthesia in a local Long Beach hospital or surgery center where Dr. Waltzman has hospital privileges.
Since revision surgery is customized for each patient, there are no typical incisions. Dr. Waltzman will create an incision in the breast, usually over prior scars in order to minimize new scarring on the breast. However, sometimes new incisions are necessary. If he’s exchanging the implant, Dr. Waltzman will sometimes suture the old pocket closed and create a new one, being careful to choose a location that’s strong enough to support the implants. If the patient needs a lift instead, he’ll remove excess tissue and reshape the breasts before closing the incisions. After the surgery, you’ll typically be able to go home on the same day.
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to book a procedure with Dr. Waltzman? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your new aesthetic journey today!
Schedule a Consultation
Ready to book a procedure with Dr. Waltzman? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your new aesthetic journey today!
Your Recovery from Your Breast Revision in Long Beach
Dr. Waltzman will supply each patient with post-op recovery instructions. In general, patients tend to recover after 1-2 weeks, but certain factors like the patient’s work and how quickly their body heals will make this shorter or longer.
Dr. Waltzman recommends that patients refrain from exercise for the first month of the recovery. Dr. Waltzman will provide more information about the recovery period during your consultation.
There’s so much more to learn about breast revision. If you’d like to know more, contact The Waltzman Institute Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics at (562) 448-6100 to schedule a consultation in Long Beach.
Breast Revision FAQs
Breast implant revision in Long Beach, CA, is surgery to address any complications or desired changes to breast augmentation via implants. For some, choosing breast revision surgery comes from a desire to get smaller or larger implants, or to treat rare complications with the initial procedure, such as capsular contracture.
If you find yourself dissatisfied with the current state of your breast implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Waltzman to discuss your concerns and the options available to help improve your appearance and confidence.
A frequent reason patients choose to undergo breast implant revision is to solve capsular contracture – the hardening of the internal tissue surrounding the breast implant. During breast implant revision, Dr. Waltzman may remove this scar tissue to help prevent future occurrences. Sometimes he will also recommend using a type of mesh called an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to further counteract the possibility of future capsular contracture.
If you’re not experiencing any issues with your current implants, the choice to keep them or get new ones depends on you and your reasons for undergoing breast implant revision. Dr. Waltzman will offer you his expert advice regarding this choice.
The choice to remove breast implants is up to you. For some patients, removing overly large implants is the motivating reason for breast revision surgery. In such cases, patients often choose a breast lift or breast augmentation via fat transfer to restore a pleasing aesthetic to their breasts.
Yes, Dr. Waltzman can improve asymmetry between breasts during breast revision surgery. However, the process can be more complicated than the initial treatment.
Many breast revision surgery patients choose either to lift their breasts higher on their chests with a breast lift or desire to improve the contours of their breasts and body with liposuction or body contouring. Both these treatments strongly complement breast revision.