Many women have asymmetric breasts that affect their confidence and ability to wear clothing well. Others are unhappy with the results of a previous breast surgery, or the results of their previous breast surgery have changed with time. At Eliopoulos Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, Dr. Eliopoulos is adept at surgical techniques to help women achieve better symmetry or revise their previous breast surgeries.
Please view Dr. Eliopoulos’ breast surgery before and after results. These are actual patients.
View Before & After GalleryWhile breast augmentation and breast reduction are probably the most well-known breast surgery procedures, breast asymmetry and breast revision are necessary in cases of mismatched or misshapen breasts. Aesthetic revisions are not medically necessary, but a patient may have a compelling cosmetic reason for the secondary Chelmsford breast surgery to be performed.
Breast revision also refers to surgical procedures to correct complications or changes in the breasts after breast augmentation with implants. While these secondary breast surgeries can be more complex and carry more risk, plastic surgeon Dr. Dina Eliopoulos specializes in breast revision and breast asymmetry procedures.
Breast implant revision refers to corrective surgeries that are performed for medically necessary reasons or aesthetic reasons. It is performed after the primary breast augmentation surgery. Sometimes it is performed a few weeks or months after the initial surgery, while other times it may be performed well after the first surgery.
Let's look at some of the reasons why a patient would consider a secondary breast surgery below.
Breast asymmetry is an extremely common condition where one of the breasts is a different size or shape than the other one. While the patient’s initial breast surgery may have achieved adequate symmetry, it is not uncommon for one’s breasts to change over time. This can happen for many reasons, including weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, or the natural aging process. Breast asymmetry can cause women to feel insecure about intimacy and reluctant to reveal breasts that look unbalanced or unconventional. But even in everyday situations, many women feel uncomfortable or self-conscious about the way their clothing fits when their breasts are different shapes or sizes.
The capsule is the “shell” that the body forms around an implant. This capsule is normally soft and supple. Capsular contracture refers to a condition in which the capsule becomes thickened and tight around a breast implant.
The scar tissue compresses the implant. This may make the implant feel more firm and may cause a change in the shape or position of the implant, creating breast asymmetry, or it may cause breast discomfort.
A revision breast augmentation surgery for these circumstances will involve the removal of the scar tissue, known as a capsulectomy, and the placement of new implants.
Breast implants are extremely durable, and patients do not have to alter their lifestyle activities to protect them. However, it is important to remember that implants are manmade devices and are not guaranteed to last forever. Over time, they can rupture due to natural wear and tear or possibly because of significant trauma. Patients with saline implant rupture will likely notice a loss of volume in the breast.
However, patients with silicone implants may not notice any immediate change in their breasts with an implant rupture, especially with newer-generation silicone implants that have high cohesivity. Rather, over time, they may notice a change in the shape, feel, or positioning of the silicone implant or signs of contracture of the capsule.
If the silicone rupture is suspected, an MRI may help to confirm this. If a patient experiences a rupture, it is important to notify a Chelmsford plastic surgeon as soon as possible. A revision breast augmentation surgery for these circumstances will involve the removal of the ruptured implant(s), possible capsule removal, and the placement of a new implant.
Sometimes, after undergoing breast augmentation, patients will notice that their breasts have changed over time, possibly due to a weight fluctuation, pregnancy, or natural aging of the breast over time.
In such cases, surgery may be an option to improve the shape or symmetry. This may involve exchanging or changing the size of the implants or performing a breast lift to improve the contour if the breast tissue is waterfalling over the implant, creating an unblended look, “snoopy dog” appearance, or “double bubble” appearance. A personal consultation is the best way to learn about these possible options.
Some people may wish to have their breast implants removed for personal reasons. Some may have developed an increase in breast size and no longer want the added volume from an implant. Some may have different aesthetic or personal goals and no longer wish to maintain an implant. A small subset of women may be concerned about breast implant illness.
In such cases, revision surgery will involve the removal of the implants through a small incision, commonly along the inframammary fold of the breast, with or without capsule removal, depending on the situation. Sometimes, an additional procedure, such as a breast lift, may be done at the same time to reshape the breast and address the loose excess skin that may remain after implant removal to improve the overall appearance of the breasts.
Dr. Dina Eliopoulos has over two decades of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for dedication, professionalism, and surgical excellence in breast and body surgery. The purpose of her consultation is not to “convince you” to undergo a procedure but to learn about your goals and educate you on your surgical options.
For more information about breast revision and breast asymmetry surgery, be sure to contact our Chelmsford cosmetic plastic surgery center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you make the best possible decision about your appearance and health.
Schedule a Consultation Today"Dr. Eliopoulos and her staff have done an extraordinary job in making me feel comfortable with the procedure as well as helping me with my self-confidence. I am so happy with the results—they look very natural and proportionate, and I feel like I was born with them! Choosing Dr. Eliopoulos was well worth the three-hour drive to Chelmsford, MA. A really nice experience from consultation to one-year post-op!"
Age: 25, Real Estate Agent, VT
See Dr. Eliopoulos' breast surgery before-and-after results. It is important to remember that every breast revision surgery is unique. Looking at before and after images can help you get an idea of what can be achieved with surgery and help guide the process with the doctor. These are actual patients.
View Before & After GalleryYes, one of the goals of breast revision surgery can be to improve or correct asymmetry between the breasts.
Implants are not lifetime devices. Many patients may need additional surgery at some point to replace or remove implants due to changes in personal preference or complications. Breast implants have a typical lifespan of 10-15 years if there are no complications.
Because the details of these procedures vary widely from one patient to the next, the total cost of surgery can vary. Prior to your consultation, you can speak with our surgical coordinator to gain some information about surgery and a possible cost estimate. At your consultation, Dr. Eliopoulos will learn about your goals and provide guidance on the best treatment options for you. At this point, we will be able to provide a more accurate cost breakdown of any procedures you are considering.
Most patients take about one week off from work following breast surgery, with a gradual return to more strenuous activities over the next several weeks. Dr. Eliopoulos will check your healing at post-operative visits and provide detailed aftercare instructions, including scar management techniques to lessen scar visibility once healing is complete. Patients tend to be very happy with their decision to have revision breast surgery, experiencing renewed comfort, confidence, and quality of life.
Dr. Eliopoulos typically recommends waiting at least six months to a year after the initial surgery to allow the tissues to heal fully and the implants to settle. She will make a personalized recommendation after examining your breasts and assessing your individual needs.
Breast revision surgery is very individualized and nuanced, as every patient’s situation is different. This surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Patients are typically excited with their revised breast shape, even in the early healing stages. Depending on the procedure, patients may require a surgical drain, which is usually removed at the one-week visit. Patients may be out of work for a few days up to a week. Dr. Eliopoulos will have her patients avoid exercising for up to a month. Throughout your recovery, our team will provide attentive aftercare support to ensure a beautiful result.
Plastic surgery isn’t just about people changing their look—it's about making you feel good about being you. Whether you need breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction or Botox, Dr. Dina Eliopoulos is here for you. For over 20 years, patients have sought out the care and results that Dr. Eliopoulos can create in her beautiful Chelmsford, Massachusetts office. The peace of mind that comes from a board-certified, residency- and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon is hard to parallel. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eliopoulos today to experience the difference for yourself.