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Breast Revision

Sophisticated Revision for Lasting Comfort

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Achieving Ultimate Refinement

Breast Revision Surgery at Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery

Breast revision surgery is one of the most technically challenging plastic surgery procedures, requiring immense precision and expertise to work within existing scar tissue and complex anatomical changes. At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, breast revision is not just a correction; it’s a commitment to restoring confidence and addressing your evolving aesthetic needs. Dr. Sauerhammer and our dedicated Appleton and Green Bay teams understand the significance of revisiting your breast augmentation journey, ensuring comfort and support, and surpassing expectations throughout the process.

Whether you are seeking to correct asymmetry, address an implant rupture, or simply update an aesthetic result from a previous plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer offers impeccable, patient-centered care. She develops a personalized treatment plan aimed at overcoming past complications and achieving your ultimate, refined breast shape and size.

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Breast Revision Surgery at a Glance

  • Goal: To correct functional or aesthetic issues from prior breast surgery, including capsular contracture and asymmetry.
  • Techniques: Often combines implant removal, breast implant exchange, capsulectomy, or specialized fat grafting for soft tissue correction.
  • Candidates: Patients dissatisfied with a previous breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction result, or those experiencing complications.
  • Procedure: A tailored surgical procedure typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
  • Safety: Prioritizes the health of the surrounding breast tissue and minimizing the formation of new scar tissue.

The Revision Scope

What is Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast revision surgery is an umbrella term for secondary plastic surgery procedures performed on the breast to improve the result of previous surgery or address complications. It is a highly customized and delicate operation that requires the plastic surgeon to navigate existing anatomy and scar tissue. Dr. Sauerhammer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with nearly 15 years of experience, brings a unique perspective to breast revision. As a young mother and a member of the Northeast Wisconsin community, she guides patients toward results that leave them wondering, “Why did I wait so long for this transformation?”

Revision procedures often fall into these categories:

  • Implant Revision: Includes implant replacement, removal (explant), and treatment of capsular contracture or implant malposition.
  • Contour Correction: Addressing issues of uneven shape, distortion, or asymmetry following any type of breast surgery.
  • Scar Correction: Meticulous revision of prominent incision scars.

Understanding Revision Procedures

What is the Breast Revision Procedure Like?

The breast revision procedure is performed in our accredited surgery center under general anesthesia. The procedure is defined by the necessary correction:

Access

Dr. Sauerhammer typically utilizes the original incision site when possible to minimize new scarring.

Correction

This is the most variable step. It may involve total capsulectomy to remove problematic scar tissue, adjusting the implant pocket, using fat grafting for minor contour defects, or re-excising excess skin following a breast reduction or breast lift.

New Placement/Implant Exchange

If implants are replaced, the type, size, and position (subglandular or submuscular) are often adjusted based on the initial problem.

Closure

Incisions are closed with meticulous technique to achieve the best possible aesthetic outcome and minimize future scar tissue development.

Solutions for Asymmetry, Rippling, and Uneven Shape

What Conditions Does Breast Revision Surgery Address?

Breast revision surgery addresses a wide range of aesthetic and functional concerns stemming from prior breast surgery:

  • Capsular Contracture: Hardening of scar tissue around the implant, leading to distortion, pain, and an undesirable breast shape.
  • Implant Malposition: Implants that have shifted, creating bottoming out (falling too low) or high placement.
  • Asymmetry/Uneven Shape: Correcting significant differences in breast size or contour that resulted from the initial surgery.
  • Rippling: Visible wrinkling of the breast implant beneath the breast skin or soft tissue coverage.
  • Residual Deformities: Issues like dog ears or distorted breast crease lines following a breast reduction or breast lift.
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Restored Comfort and Confidence

What are the benefits of Breast Revision?

The benefits of breast revision are focused on delivering the aesthetic outcome and comfort that the initial breast surgery may have failed to provide.

  • Restore Fullness: Pregnancy and aging can lead to volume loss. Breast revision restores fullness, rejuvenating your appearance.
  • Enhance Symmetry: Correcting significant asymmetry ensures aesthetic balance and harmony.
  • Boost Confidence: Rediscover the ability to wear desired clothes, fill out a bra, and feel attractive in various outfits. Breast revision revitalizes your figure and self-image.
  • Promote Comfort: Find comfort after breast cancer removal or issues with implants, ensuring not only aesthetic satisfaction but also physical well-being.
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Choosing a Specialist for Complex Secondary Cases

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Sauerhammer offers patients nearly 15 years of experience and specialization in rejuvenating procedures for the body, breasts, and face. Her practice also includes transgender confirmation, reconstructive procedures, and non-invasive cosmetic treatment. She is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery.

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Stop “Just Living with It”

Is Breast Revision Right for You?

During your consultation, Dr. Sauerhammer takes the time to understand your unique goals, discuss concerns, and help you make informed decisions about breast revision. You may consider breast revision if:

  • You desire adjustments to your previous breast augmentation.
  • Changes in your breasts require restoration.
  • Confidence in clothing choices, swimsuits, or undergarments needs to be improved.
  • You seek improved symmetry.

For some patients, a breast lift may complement or replace breast revision, especially if significant sagging needs to be addressed. Dr. Sauerhammer tailors her recommendations to your individual needs and aspirations.

Dedicated Downtime

Breast Revision Recovery

Dr. Sauerhammer conducts breast revision surgery under general anesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. Gentle, precise techniques minimize trauma, and the application of long-acting local anesthetics enhances postoperative comfort.

The first three days post-surgery often require the most care, with many patients taking at least 1 to 2 weeks off work. Return to non-strenuous activities usually occurs within 2 weeks, gradually progressing to all activities after 4 to 6 weeks.

You can expect some swelling and tenderness, and we recommend wearing a supportive bra for the first week. Complete resolution of swelling may take up to six months, allowing implants to settle naturally. The result? A renewed, youthful change in your appearance that reflects your evolving aesthetic journey.

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Real Patient Reviews

Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is absolutely wonderful inside and outside of the OR! I would trust her with any procedure I needed for myself or my friends, or family.”

“Dr. Sauerhammer and her staff are wonderful! She did an amazing job on my breast reduction. Couldn’t be happier!”

–D.B., Appleton, WI, breast reduction patient.

“Dr. Tina Sauerhammer removed a very small area of skin cancer from the bridge of my nose. She did a fantastic job! It's now two weeks after the surgery, and there is no evidence to show the surgery was even performed. She and her staff are my heroes! I could not have asked for better professional care than the service provided by Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery. I would give it six stars if possible.”

–D.S., Appleton, WI, skin cancer patient.

“This dermatology clinic is the cleanest and professional clinic ever!!! Not to ever forget the reason I went there is because I followed Dr Colleen Van Egeren there, who is absolutely the best Dr. & and the most friendly ever!! Abby is phenomenal and takes right after Colleen!! Highly recommended!! Love ❤️ them so much, and the rest of the staff is awesome as well! Hi Colleen and Abby! We love ❤️ you!!”

–L.S., Appleton, WI, dermatology patient.

“I had a procedure 7 months ago, and I can't believe the results! Looks better than when I was younger. Great job, Dr. Saurhammer!”

–M.L., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

“I had such an amazing experience at Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. The office is extremely professional and very inviting. I had the pleasure of having Botox administered by Megan McCarthy, PA, and she is absolutely wonderful. I would highly recommend/encourage anyone who is considering having this procedure done to visit Megan McCarthy. I feel like I look 10 years younger today than I did 2 weeks ago before my visit, thanks to Megan!”

–L.M., Appleton, WI, Botox patient.

“Perfect in every aspect. I have been a patient of hers for 6 years. I first started when I had lost my non-cancerous breast due to staff infection. She has been an amazing Doctor from office to operations. She also does a great job with fillers and Botox. I love this lady.. Absolutely Great patient comfort & bedside manner. I would not recommend anyone else, esp for breast cancer reconstruction.”

–B.P., Appleton, WI, breast reconstruction and injectables patient.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is truly amazing. Not only is she extremely talented, but she is also kind, caring, and very down-to-earth. I am so pleased with the results of my surgery from Dr. Sauerhammer. After my first consult with her, I knew she was the surgeon that I wanted. She even went as far as driving home on a Sunday evening to see me when I was having an unusual pain. The quality of care you get from Dr. Sauerhammer is unmatched. I would recommend her 10/10, she is the best.”

–A.L., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

“Dr. Sauerhammer is an excellent surgeon! She is very intelligent, reassuring, gentle, and very personable. She does phenomenal work! I highly recommend her for any plastic surgery you need done.”

–K.N., Appleton, WI, plastic surgery patient.

Celebrating Success

Breast Revision Results

While visible improvements are immediate, the final breast shape will emerge gradually as swelling subsides. Final results are typically visible after three to six months. The longevity of the breast revision results depends on the issue corrected, but Dr. Sauerhammer's goal is to provide a stable, long-lasting solution that achieves your ultimate aesthetic goals.

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Are You Ready to Redefine Your Appearance?

Why Choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery for Breast Revision?

Breast revision surgery requires the experience of a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in complex secondary cases. Dr. Sauerhammer is meticulous in her approach, diagnosing the root cause of the previous complication before creating a comprehensive treatment plan. Our facility is accredited, and we prioritize patient safety and discreet, elevated care, ensuring you achieve the breast size and breast shape that you desired from your very first breast surgery. Dr. Sauerhammer dedicates herself to understanding your unique goals and delivering high-quality, transformative results every visit.

To explore how the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery can help you achieve your ideal image, call our office today and request a breast revision consultation in Appleton or Green Bay!

Breast Revision Frequently Asked Questions

Breast implant exchange specifically refers to replacing one implant with another. Breast revision surgery is the broader term, which includes exchange but also corrections like capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue), treating implant malposition, and adjusting soft-tissue coverage.

Yes, fat grafting is often used in breast revision surgery to camouflage implant edges, fill minor contour defects, or improve soft-tissue coverage over breast implants, especially when correcting rippling.

A capsulectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the capsule, which is the layer of scar tissue that naturally forms around a breast implant. It is a crucial step when treating capsular contracture or performing implant removal to ensure the health of the remaining breast tissue.

Dr. Sauerhammer aims to use and refine the existing incision site whenever possible to minimize new scarring. While scar tissue is inherent in any surgical procedure, careful planning and post-operative care are employed to make the breast revision scars as discreet as possible.

Providing Plastic Surgery and Dermatology Services to Patients In the Appleton and Green Bay Area

At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.

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