Gangnam Breast Revision Surgery: Causes, Timing, Methods, and Costs

Gangnam Breast Revision Surgery: Causes, Timing, Methods, and Costs

Hello. I'm Dr. Kim Joo-won, the head director of Melon Plastic Surgery, your breast specialist.

Breast revision surgery is as common as the initial breast augmentation. The reasons for considering revision surgery vary widely.

The causes for revision surgery are incredibly diverse: dissatisfaction with the results of the first surgery, unexpected complications, surgery performed with implants no longer in use, keeping up with trends, or side effects affecting the shape and tissue of the breasts.

Most cases share the common experience of feeling stressed in daily life. The satisfaction felt from changes in clothing fit or confidence after the initial surgery diminishes, and if side effects are experienced, pain or altered sensation can cause discomfort in daily life.

The situation of having to consider revision surgery leads to psychological burden and stress for anyone.

‘When is the best time to get revision surgery?’‘Is the recovery process longer than the first surgery?’

Today, I'd like to discuss the causes of breast revision surgery, the appropriate timing for the procedure, and the surgical methods. If you're considering breast revision surgery, please read carefully.

Breast Revision Surgery | Reasons to Consider Revision Surgery

There are many reasons to consider breast revision surgery.

A common reason is capsular contracture. Capsular contracture is a phenomenon where the capsule surrounding the implant thickens excessively, and it is a typical complication of breast augmentation. When capsular contracture occurs, the breast becomes firm to the touch, and in severe cases, it can cause asymmetry in shape. If you experience these symptoms, it's best to consult the institution where you had the surgery immediately.

Foreign substances used in breast filler procedures or illegal surgeries are also causes for revision surgery. Fillers or foreign substances can migrate to other areas or become entangled with breast tissue, and in severe cases, revision surgery may become impossible, requiring extreme caution.

Dissatisfaction with the shape and size is also a frequent reason for deciding to undergo surgery again. Because shape and size are influenced by trends, some desire revision surgery for breasts that are currently fashionable. If the overall body conditions, such as skin properties or type, were not considered in the initial surgery, an artificial contour resembling a ‘rice bowl’ might appear, or the size might be excessively large for the body, leading to consideration of revision surgery.

Old implants or implants known to pose health concerns are also common reasons for deciding on revision surgery. While the reasons for considering revision surgery differ, the emotions felt by those considering it are the same in that they cause external dissatisfaction and internal conflict.

Since moments of dissatisfaction increase in what should be a happy day, and in some cases, psychological contraction can also be felt, I believe that if revision surgery is a concern for any reason, it's best to consult with an institution as soon as possible.

Breast Revision Surgery | Appropriate Timing and Surgical Methods for Revision Surgery

Many wonder when is the appropriate time for revision surgery and how it is performed. This time, we'll look into the timing and methods of revision surgery.

‘How long after the first surgery can I get revision surgery?’‘Is the surgical method for revision surgery the same as the first surgery?’

Unless it's an urgent case, it's generally appropriate to undergo revision surgery approximately 6 months after the initial surgery. This 6-month period is considered a time when the implant has settled, the operated breast has stabilized to some extent, and changes become minimal.

During this period, the shape, position, and size of the breast can be assessed. If there is dissatisfaction with the shape or cleavage, surgery can be performed by readjusting the space within the breast.

If breast correction is needed due to sagging, a lift procedure may be accompanied. If there are issues such as capsular contracture, fillers, or foreign substances, capsulectomy may be necessary. In the case of contracture, the abnormally thickened capsule needs to be removed. If fillers or foreign substances are entangled with breast tissue, dissection from the capsule and breast tissue must be performed.

If there is dissatisfaction with the size, the appropriate implant size for your body can be assessed, and surgery can proceed with implant replacement. In cases of implant rupture or old implants, if there are no unusual symptoms, surgery is performed by replacement.

While the causes and reasons for all revision surgeries differ, each individual's physical condition and history are also unique, so the procedure must be carried out considering each specific case.

Revision surgery means a second surgery, but it also includes third and fourth surgeries. Many decide due to dissatisfaction, but a significant number also suffer from surgical problems. As medical professionals, revision surgery is an area that requires more contemplation and continuous study.

Breast Revision Surgery | N-th Revision Surgery?

There are many questions about revision surgery, not only regarding the surgical process but also about pain and the number of surgeries.

In particular, pain is a point everyone asks about. People usually think that revision surgery pain will be greater than the first surgery, but this is not actually the case. Of course, there are individual differences, but it is more common for the pain to be less, and the recovery speed is also faster.

Revision surgery refers to a second surgery, but it is also a term used for all surgeries performed after the first one, including a third surgery (tertiary) or a fourth surgery (quaternary).

While achieving satisfactory results from the first surgery is ideal, realistically, various variables can lead to the decision for revision surgery.

Therefore, it is truly important to meet a medical professional with deep experience who pays close attention to you, have a thorough discussion, accurately understand your conditions, desired shape and size, implants, etc., and make the best choice for you.

Post-operative recovery management is also an indispensable process. It is advisable to choose an institution that meticulously monitors your progress, provides guidance at every stage, and cares for you after surgery just as they did before.

Breast Revision Surgery | Importance of Post-Surgical Care

Although I always emphasize and underline this point, ‘post-surgical recovery management’ is as crucial as the operation itself in breast augmentation.

In my case, I broadly divide the breast augmentation process into three parts. In the pre-surgical communication stage, we assess the possibilities with the patient. During the operation, we actually create those possibilities, and in the management phase, we stabilize and nurture those possibilities.

Therefore, when choosing a hospital, while the doctor and the overall feeling are important, the medical staff and the manager assigned to you are also crucial. This is because breast augmentation doesn't end with the surgery alone; a systematic and meticulous post-operative care environment is essential.

Melon Plastic Surgery is creating a comprehensive management environment where recovery can continue both at the institution and at home, through various recovery equipment such as the Melon Box containing self-care products, Capsulitis, and Healite. This is done to ensure both satisfaction with the results and peace of mind throughout the surgical journey.

We believe that this management process not only helps prevent complications but also forms the foundation for maintaining the beauty of the carefully created breasts for a long time.

Breast revision surgery is more than just a solution to correct and change the breasts from the first surgery; it's a process of regaining confidence and continuing daily life. Melon Plastic Surgery will listen to each individual's story and accompany them on their breast journey, so that the revision surgery received at Melon can be the last breast augmentation they need.

Thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to get breast revision surgery?

Generally, it is appropriate to undergo revision surgery approximately 6 months after the initial surgery. This period allows the implant to settle and the breast to stabilize, with minimal changes, enabling an accurate assessment of the breast's shape, position, and size.

What are the main reasons for considering breast revision surgery?

The main reasons for considering breast revision surgery include capsular contracture, complications from breast fillers or foreign substances, dissatisfaction with shape and size, and old or health-problematic implants. Revision surgery is decided upon due to dissatisfaction with the initial surgery's results or the occurrence of complications.

Is the pain from breast revision surgery worse than the first surgery?

No, typically, the pain from revision surgery is often less severe than the first surgery. While there are individual differences, it is common for the pain to be less, and the recovery speed is generally faster.

How is breast revision surgery performed?

The method of revision surgery varies depending on the cause. If there is dissatisfaction with the shape or cleavage, the space within the breast is adjusted. If sagging is present, a lift procedure may be accompanied. For issues like capsular contracture or foreign substances, capsulectomy is required. If there is dissatisfaction with size, implant replacement may be performed.

Why is post-operative care important after breast revision surgery?

Post-operative recovery care is as crucial as the surgery itself. It not only helps prevent complications but also forms the foundation for maintaining the beauty of the surgically created breasts for a long time. Systematic and meticulous care is essential.