Breast reconstruction is a complex process of surgically recreating one or both breasts. The need for breast reconstruction can stem from a variety of issues, including congenital abnormalities, cancer, or trauma to the chest. Unfortunately, even with excellent medical management, not all breast reconstruction procedures bring satisfying results. In some instances, the reconstructed breast may not be symmetrical with the healthy breast, or may simply look unnatural. However, there is hope for these patients at The Naderi Center. With our innovative revision breast reconstruction procedure, men and women have a chance to permanently improve the results from their initial procedure.
Expected Results With Revision Breast Reconstruction
- Improvement of breast asymmetry – When only one breast is reconstructed originally, it is not uncommon for asymmetry to occur, as the natural breast tissue may not match the shape or position of the newly reconstructed breast. Additionally, over time, the natural breast tissue may change, causing the breasts to become uneven.
- Improvement of unfavorable scarring – Scarring after a mastectomy and the initial breast reconstruction procedure are to be expected. In some cases, however, severe, unexpected scarring can occur, leaving the breast feeling hard and looking unattractive.
- Better aesthetic and natural appearance of breasts as well as a soft feel.
- Correction of breast implant complications such as displacement, capsular contracture, or rupture.
- Restored pride in your appearance.
| PROCEDURE SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| What is the pain level after the surgery? | Mild to moderate |
| Anesthesia type (if applicable) | General anesthesia |
| Duration of Surgery | 2-4 hours |
| Where will scaring for this procedure be? | Varied |
| Timeframe to begin showing final results | 2-3 weeks |
| When is the patient able to return to regular activities? | 1 week |
| When is the patient able to resume exercise? | 2-3weeks |
| Cost of surgeon’s fee | Insurance |
The Ideal Candidate for Revision Breast Reconstruction
A Good Candidate for Breast Reconstruction:
- Is dissatisfied with the results of her primary breast reconstruction
- Is in overall good health and does not have any medical conditions that will impair healing
- Is a non-smoker
- Holds a firm understanding of the surgical process and has reasonable expectations for their results
- Patients should be at least six months out from their initial breast reconstruction procedure before pursing revision surgery. This gives the breast adequate time to heal, the implants to settle into position, and all swelling to resolve.
Surgical Techniques for Revision Breast Reconstruction
The technique used for a revision breast reconstruction will vary, depending on the reasons for revision and the patient’s desired results. Sometimes revision breast reconstruction will be performed in stages, involving more than one operation to optimize healing and results. During the consultation, Dr. Anderson will determine the exact technique needed to improve the breast and provide the most natural looking results.
Learn about the GalaFLEX® Surgical Scaffold and whether it can improve your surgical results.
Cost of Revision Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction should be a covered service by most medical insurance policies. The Naderi Center does participate with medical insurance, however Dr. Erica Anderson is an out of network provider thus it is important to know whether you have out of network benefits prior to scheduling a consultation with our surgeon. Our team of caring patient coordinators will go over your benefits with you and make sure that you are prepared financially for costs of surgery and follow-up care. If you are unsure as to whether you have out of network benefits, our office can help you obtain the information that you need. Additionally, for patients that do not have out of network benefits but want to still use Dr. Anderson as their surgeon, we offer reasonable out of pocket surgical rates for breast reconstruction.
Breast reconstruction costs will usually include:
- Surgeons Fee
- Anesthesia Fee
- Hospital and Surgical Facility Fees
- Post-Surgery Garments
- Pre-Surgical Medical Clearance, Mammogram and Lab Tests
- Medication Costs
- Follow-Up Visits
Preparation for Revision Breast Reconstruction
At The Naderi Center we believe the success of your breast reconstruction can be improved with proper preparation. The Naderi Center’s Dr. Erica Anderson has years of experience helping women through the delicate and emotional process of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. We go above and beyond to make sure that our patients are medically, emotionally, and physically ready for surgery.
The Recovery Following a Revision Breast Reconstruction
Women can expect their revision breast reconstruction recovery to take from one to two weeks. Swelling and tenderness are common. While the technique is normally less painful than the original reconstruction, moderate discomfort is normal. Dr. Anderson will prescribe the needed medications for a smooth recovery period. Most women will feel well enough to return to work in seven to ten days, sometimes less.
As with the initial breast reconstruction procedure, there should be no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for four to six weeks. A surgical bra will need to be worn for several weeks following the procedure, ensuring the breasts heal quickly and as desired. It will take up to six months for the swelling to completely resolve and the breasts to heal accordingly. At this time, the full benefits of the breast reconstruction revision can be seen.
Risks, Safety and Complications after Revision Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction surgery does involve a variety of risks and potential complications. It is important to choose a board certified experienced breast reconstruction surgeon in order to minimize changes of things going wrong. Dr. Anderson has performed hundreds of satisfying breast reconstruction revision procedures, over the years. She has developed her own unique techniques for the procedure as well as guidelines to help minimize post-operative complications.
Possible Complications after a Breast Reconstruction can Include:
- Risks of general anesthesia
- Excessive bleeding
- Skin changes or discoloration
- Poor incision healing
- Fluid accumulation or what is known as a seroma
- Nerve damage or numbness on the skin
- Asymmetry
- Infection
- Implants carry mild risks for rupture, malposition, asymmetry, and capsular contracture
- Flap surgery can risk partial loss of sensation along both the donor and reconstruction areas
- Death of fatty tissue or fat necrosis
- Need for revision surgery
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Revision Breast Reconstruction with Dr. Erica Anderson
The Naderi Center’s Dr. Erica Anderson is highly experienced in breast reconstruction. Using the latest techniques for reshaping the breasts and reducing scar tissue, Dr. Anderson helps her patients to improve the size, shape, and symmetry of their chest.
During your consultation Dr. Anderson will perform a physical exam to evaluate the existing breast tissue. She will listen to your expectations for revision and review your desired results. After going over the available revision options, Dr. Anderson will show before and after photos of her recent breast reconstruction revision patients; this will help in a visualization of the potential results. Once the benefits and the limitations of surgery are explained, it will be determined if a breast reconstruction revision is the right path for you.
Depending on the patient’s unique situation, Dr. Anderson will create a one-of-a-kind surgical plan to achieve a proportionate, balanced chest, restoring confidence and self-esteem.
Schedule your Revision Breast Reconstruction Consultation
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your chest, place your trust in a respected plastic surgeon, experienced in revision breast reconstruction procedures. Dr. Anderson and her esteemed associates, Dr. Shervin Naderi and Dr. Jessica Kulak, bring decades of combined experience in aesthetic procedures. The Naderi Center is one of the top providers of plastic and reconstructive surgery on the east coast. Dr. Anderson’s breast reconstruction revision techniques can help women and men to achieve the natural-looking, contoured results they are searching for.
Call The Naderi Center’s Chevy Chase office at 301-222-2020 or the Reston, Virginia office at 703-481-0002 for more information on the breast reconstruction revision procedure. Consultations with Dr. Anderson can be billed through insurance if you have out of network benefits with your insurance provider. For those patients who are not in the Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia area, a virtual consultation with Dr. Anderson can be arranged.
Revision Breast Reconstruction Questions to ask
Patients need to wait at least six months after their initial breast reconstruction before the revision procedure is performed.
In many cases, health insurance will cover the costs of a revision breast reconstruction procedure. The Naderi Center’s experienced patient coordinators are available to assist with your insurance and to determine your coverage. We also offer a variety of payment options, should there be any out-of-pocket expenses.
If you live in the states of Virginia or Maryland, The Naderi Center for Plastic Surgery and Dermatology offers revision breast reconstruction among its services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.
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