Are you seeking to enhance your confidence after a previous breast surgery? If so, breast revision surgery with Dr. Kelly R. Kunkel in Fort Worth, TX, offers the perfect solution.
A plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kunkel specializes in addressing complications, improving the appearance, or making changes to prior breast procedures.
It doesn’t matter if you want to correct implant issues, adjust size, or achieve a more balanced look. Dr. Kunkel will ensure optimal results that help you look and feel your best.
What is Breast Revision Surgery?
Dr. Kunkel sees women who have previously undergone surgery on their breasts and want to change their results. This may happen for any number of reasons. Here are a few of the more common ones:
- Breasts are larger or smaller than desired after breast augmentation or breast reduction.
- One or both breast implants may be out to the side or higher or lower than desired.
- The breast tissues have changed since the breast augmentation took place. Now, the tissues seem to hang off the ends of the implants.
- A breast implant has ruptured or become firm, and the woman wants to change her overall look.
- Scars from previous breast lifts or breast reductions are wide and very noticeable.
It is often possible for Dr. Kunkel to do surgery to revise the result from previous breast surgery. Sometimes, the procedure required may be relatively straightforward, and sometimes, it may be extensive and complex.
How Long Does Breast Revision Surgery Take?
Breast revision surgery can be complicated. Depending on what is involved, the surgery may take anywhere from one hour to 4 1/2 hours. When you visit Dr. Kunkel in his plastic surgery office near the Fort Worth Medical District, he will extensively review the issues with you and provide a more detailed timeline.
What Happens During Breast Revision Surgery?
The answer to this is different for each person. That's why a consultation with Dr. Kunkel in his Fort Worth office is so important. The following are some examples of steps Dr. Kunkel may take during the procedure:
- Replace breast implants
- Create a new pocket for the implants
- Utilize a soft tissue support matrix material, often called "an internal bra"
- Reposition the breast tissue (this would be either a breast lift or a breast reduction, depending on the issues involved)
What is Recovery Like After Breast Revision Surgery?
As with any surgical procedure, there will be some activity restrictions for some time after surgery. Typically, a woman will need to refrain from strenuous activities like biking, pickleball, and running for 4 to 6 weeks. A drain may be required for one or both breasts. If so, drains are usually in for one or two weeks.
Can Breast Revision Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
It's pretty common to combine breast revision surgery with other procedures. In cases like this, Dr. Kunkel often performs the procedure at a Fort Worth hospital. An overnight stay may be recommended if the procedure lasts over 4 or 5 hours.
Some types of procedures that may be combined with breast revision surgery include:
What is the Consultation With Dr. Kunkel Like?
When scheduling a visit with Dr. Kunkel, you will likely speak with Gena and Amy. Gena answers the telephone calls and provides a lot of information. She connects you with Amy (sometimes Kirsten), who provides you with more details.
During the actual visit to the office, Amy will go over a lot of information with you. Dr. Kunkel will spend a lot of time with you as well.
A visit with Dr. Kunkel means you actually visit with Dr. Kunkel for more than just a couple of minutes. You should expect to spend at least one, and possibly up to 2 hours in the office during your visit.
Photographs will be taken. Dr. Kunkel may have you stand in front of a full-length mirror during your visit. He wants to make sure that you and he are seeing and talking about the things that are most important to you. He will also give you his thoughts and recommendations.
From here, Amy will follow up with a cost quotation. Every person wants to know what things will cost, and that information is provided either during your visit or sometimes on the next business day.
Do I Have to Have My Breast Implants Replaced Every 10 Years?
Many women are told that they have to have their breast implants replaced every 10 years. However, some women have their implants for 20 years or more without developing any problems.
Dr. Kunkel sees women who have had their implants for a long time and aren't having any issues, but they want to know what their options are. In the following video, Dr. Kunkel talks about this and shows some photos of women who developed a leak in one of their implants.
How Soon After My Original Breast Surgery Can I Have Revision Surgery?
Breast revision surgery is usually recommended at least six months to one year after your initial surgery. This time frame allows the body to heal, swelling to subside, and the final results of the initial procedure to become visible.
If complications arise, such as implant malposition or capsular contracture, Dr. Kunkel may suggest a sooner revision. Each patient’s situation is unique. That’s why it's important to consult with him to determine the best timing based on your healing process and specific concerns.
What Is Capsular Contracture, and Can Breast Revision Surgery Fix It?
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms around a breast implant. This causes the tissue to harden and may distort the breast's shape. It can also lead to discomfort or pain.Â
Breast revision surgery can address capsular contracture by removing the hardened scar tissue and, in some cases, replacing the implant. Dr. Kunkel may also use specific techniques, such as changing the type or placement of the implant, to reduce the risk of capsular contracture recurring.
Is Breast Revision Surgery More Complex Than the Initial Breast Augmentation?
Yes, breast revision surgery is generally more complex than the initial breast augmentation.Â
Revision surgery involves addressing issues from the first procedure. This includes scar tissue, implant displacement, or capsular contracture. These issues can make the surgery more challenging.
Dr. Kunkel must consider existing scar tissue and any changes in breast tissue since the original surgery. Because of these factors, it is crucial to choose an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in breast revisions.
How Long Is the Recovery Process Compared to My Original Surgery?
The recovery process for breast revision surgery can vary based on the procedure’s complexity. In general, recovery may take a bit longer than the initial breast augmentation because of factors such as scar tissue removal or dealing with complications from the first surgery.Â
Most patients can resume light activities within one or two weeks. However, complete healing may take several months. To ensure optimal recovery, Dr. Kunkel will provide detailed post-operative instructions.
Schedule a Breast Revision Consultation
If you're considering breast revision surgery to enhance the results of a previous procedure, Dr. Kelly R. Kunkel, in Fort Worth, TX, is here to provide expert care. He will work with you to achieve the outcome you desire.
Contact Dr. Kunkel’s office today to explore your options. Call 817.335.5200 or request an appointment through our website.
