Restore comfort and symmetry with breast reconstruction revision in Nashville. You may need this procedure if you’ve experienced complications, changes in shape, or dissatisfaction after your initial reconstruction. Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy offers expert, personalized care to help you feel more like yourself again, safely and beautifully.
- What Are the Reasons to Consider Breast Reconstruction Revision?
- Breast Reconstruction Revision Before & After
- What Is the Recovery Process After Breast Reconstruction Revision?
- What Are the Types of Breast Reconstruction Revision?
- What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction Revision?
- What Happens During Breast Reconstruction Revision Surgery?
- Contact
Improve the Results of Prior Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction revision is a secondary surgery performed to improve the appearance, symmetry, or feel of previously reconstructed breasts or to correct complications like rupture, capsular contracture, or asymmetry. It may involve replacing or repositioning implants, fat grafting, adjusting scars, or using surgical mesh to enhance support. Dr. O’Shaughnessy uses advanced techniques to refine results while prioritizing your aesthetic goals. This procedure is highly personalized and tailored to your unique concerns and anatomy.
What Are the Reasons to Consider Breast Reconstruction Revision?
- Desire to improve breast shape, size, or symmetry
- Implant rupture, leakage, or deflation
- Capsular contracture causing firmness or distortion
- Discomfort or pain related to implants or scarring
- Shift in implant position or breast contour
- Noticeable asymmetry between breasts over time
- Changes in your body or skin after radiation or aging
- Visible rippling or irregularities in the reconstructed breast
- Preference for a different type of reconstruction (e.g., implant to autologous)
- Need to replace outdated or recalled implants
What Is the Recovery Process After Breast Reconstruction Revision?
After your breast reconstruction revision in Nashville, you can expect moderate swelling, bruising, and tightness around the breasts, which typically improve over the first few weeks. Most patients are able to return to non-strenuous activities within 1 to 2 weeks, but full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the extent of the revision. If implants or mesh were placed, or if a flap was reshaped, your downtime may be longer.
To support a smooth recovery, you’ll need to:
- Wear a supportive surgical bra as directed
- Limit lifting, reaching, and upper body movement
- Take prescribed medications to manage pain and swelling
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
- Monitor incision sites for signs of infection
- Avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for several weeks
- Sleep on your back to avoid pressure on healing tissues
- Follow scar care instructions to optimize healing
What Are the Types of Breast Reconstruction Revision?
Implant Reconstruction
Revision of implant-based breast reconstruction may involve replacing damaged, deflated, or outdated implants, repositioning them for better symmetry, or using surgical mesh to provide added support and improve contour. Dr. O’Shaughnessy may also perform fat grafting to soften the appearance or camouflage rippling. If capsular contracture is present, she can remove or modify the scar capsule to restore a more natural shape. The goal is to enhance aesthetics, improve comfort, and ensure the reconstruction better reflects your vision.
Flap Reconstruction
For patients with autologous (flap-based) reconstruction, revision surgery may address volume loss, contour irregularities, or asymmetry. Reconstruction techniques may include fat grafting, minor tissue reshaping, or scar revision. In some cases, adjustments to the donor site or the addition of an implant for better balance may be recommended. Dr. O’Shaughnessy takes a meticulous and artistic approach, working with your existing tissue to refine and personalize your results while minimizing further scarring or disruption.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Reconstruction Revision?
- Enhances the appearance, shape, and symmetry of your breasts
- Corrects complications such as implant rupture or capsular contracture
- Addresses changes from aging, weight fluctuation, or radiation
- Allows switching to a different reconstruction method if desired
- Offers an opportunity to update implants to newer, safer options
- Customizes results to match your evolving aesthetic goals
- Supports long-term satisfaction with your reconstruction
- Refines scarring and contour irregularities
What Happens During Breast Reconstruction Revision Surgery?
Your revision surgery is carefully planned based on your prior reconstruction. If you have implants, Dr. O’Shaughnessy may remove them and perform a total or partial capsulectomy, removing the surrounding scar capsule to treat capsular contracture. New implants may be placed into a revised pocket, which can be reinforced with an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to improve positioning. Fat grafting is often added to soften contours or restore lost volume.
If you’ve had a flap reconstruction, she may reshape the flap, revise scars, or adjust symmetry using liposuction and fat transfer. Dr. O’Shaughnessy performs most revision procedures under general anesthesia in her fully accredited on-site surgical suite. The procedure lasts between 1 and 4 hours, depending on its complexity. Her approach prioritizes both form and function.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. O’Shaughnessy
Dr. Kristina O’Shaughnessy is a board-certified plastic surgeon with 17+ years of experience in complex breast and body procedures, including reconstruction and revision surgery. Known for her empathetic approach and meticulous techniques, she provides personalized care from a woman’s perspective. If you’re considering breast reconstruction revision in Nashville, schedule a private consultation in Franklin, TN, to explore your options and feel confident in your next step.
