Revision Surgery
Did you undergo a breast reconstruction as part of your breast cancer treatment? If you’ve started experiencing complications or you’re unhappy with the results of that procedure, then you may be a candidate for breast revision surgery at Tampa General Hospital. TGH has been ranked as the No. 1 hospital in Tampa Bay according to U.S. News & World Report and has earned the “high performing” designation for Cancer Care 2022-23.
What Conditions Does Revision Surgery Treat?
Also referred to as corrective surgery, revision surgery is used to modify or reverse a procedure that was previously performed. Revision surgery can be used to treat a wide range of conditions affecting various areas of the body. With regard to breast cancer treatment specifically, revision surgery may be used to modify or reverse a breast reconstruction. For instance, breast revision surgery could be necessary if:
- The patient begins experiencing breast pain.
- The patient’s breasts become increasingly tight or firm.
- The breast skin doesn’t heal as it should due to inadequate blood flow (necrosis).
- A breast implant shifts, ruptures or becomes infected.
- The resulting scar tissue tightens around the breast implants (capsular contracture).
- The muscle and skin between the breasts detach, causing the implants to come together in the middle of the chest (symmastia).
In some cases, patients will opt to undergo breast revision surgery for cosmetic reasons—for example, if they’ve developed noticeable scars or they’re unhappy with the size, shape, position or feel of their breasts.
What Happens During Revision Surgery?
The revision surgery process will vary from one patient to another depending on various factors, including the type of procedure originally performed, the type of revisions being made and the patient’s overall condition and treatment goals. For example, if a patient is experiencing capsular contracture following a breast reconstruction, a surgeon might remove the breast implant and the surrounding scar tissue, then replace the implant with tissue taken from another area of the patient’s body. Or, if a patient has one remaining natural breast that’s changed in size or shape due to weight gain or the aging process, then a surgeon may perform a breast lift or reduction to restore symmetry.
What Should You Expect With Revision Surgery?
The revision surgery process can vary greatly from one patient to another. If a physician determines that you’re a candidate for breast revision surgery, they’ll provide you with detailed information about what to expect before, during and after the procedure. As with any type of surgical procedure, revision surgery presents certain risks, such as infection, scarring and issues with anesthesia.
How Effective Is Revision Surgery?
The effectiveness of revision surgery also varies from one patient to another. That said, breast revision surgery is often highly effective, and many patients report feeling satisfied with their results, happier and more confident following this procedure.
Skillful Breast Revision Surgery Experts in Tampa Bay
If you’re interested in undergoing breast revision surgery, you can confidently entrust your care to the team of professionals at Tampa General Hospital. Our Breast Cancer Center is one of the highest volume programs in Florida for treating breast cancer patients who require a hospital stay, and our board-certified surgeons regularly perform revision surgery for patients in this community.
Contact Tampa General Hospital at (813) 844-4554 to schedule a consultation with one of our breast revision surgeons. Once we’ve learned about your condition and treatment goals, our world-class multidisciplinary team will develop a customized care plan and take steps to help you achieve your desired results.