Solutions for A Botched Boob Job
July 31, 2023
Written By Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS
Reclaiming Confidence: How to Address and Fix a Botched Boob Job
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. However, as with any surgery, there is a chance for complications or dissatisfaction with the results. In this article, we will discuss what a botched boob job is, the emotional and physical impacts, and how to find the right surgeon and treatment options for a successful revision breast augmentation.
Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Minnesota. With over 35-years of experience, Dr. Joe is well-known for his expertise in breast augmentation, breast lifts, and breast revision surgery, including the correction of botched boob jobs. With his compassionate approach and exceptional skills, Dr. Gryskiewicz has helped hundreds of patients achieve beautiful, natural-looking results with breast surgery.
What Is a Botched Boob Job?
A botched boob job refers to a breast augmentation that has resulted in unsatisfactory, unnatural, or problematic outcomes. It is crucial to recognize that not all complications or suboptimal results are the fault of the surgeon. However, proper research, consultations, and understanding of the procedure can help minimize the risk of a botched boob job.
Common Reasons for Botched Breast Augmentations
Botched breast augmentations can occur for various reasons. Among these we can mention:
- Inadequate research and consultations: Choosing a surgeon and procedure without adequate research and consultations can lead to suboptimal results. It is essential to select a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing breast augmentations and to discuss your goals and expectations during consultations.
- Implant complications: Implants may rupture, leak, or become displaced over time, leading to a need for revision surgery. In some cases, the body may form a hard scar tissue around the implant (capsular contracture) that can cause pain and distortion in the breast’s appearance.
- Poor surgical technique: A surgeon’s skill and technique can directly influence the outcome of a breast augmentation. Poor surgical technique can lead to issues such as uneven breast size, improper implant placement, or visible scarring.
Emotional and Physical Impact of a Botched Boob Job
A botched boob job can have both emotional and physical impact on a person. Physically, a botched breast augmentation can result in uneven breasts, implant rupture, excessive scarring, and in some cases, permanent damage to the breast tissue. These physical effects can cause discomfort, pain, and potentially require additional surgeries to correct the initial botched procedure.
Emotionally, a botched boob job can cause significant distress, depression, and anxiety. Many people seek breast augmentation to enhance their self-confidence and self-esteem, but when the result is unsatisfactory, the opposite can occur. The person may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their appearance and may become socially isolated. They may also experience feelings of regret, anger, and disappointment. Some people may become obsessed with perceived flaws in their appearance, leading to significant distress and impairments in daily functioning.
In some cases, a botched boob job can also affect intimate relationships. A person may feel self-conscious and avoid physical intimacy with their partner, leading to tension and strain in the relationship. It is crucial to seek professional help if you have undergone a botched boob job to address the emotional and physical impacts and work towards a resolution.
Finding a Qualified Revision Breast Augmentation Surgeon
When seeking a surgeon to perform a revision breast augmentation, it is crucial to find a qualified, experienced, and compassionate professional. Here are some tips for finding the right surgeon:
- Board certification: Ensure the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This certification ensures that the surgeon has met rigorous standards of training, experience, and skill in plastic surgery.
- Experience: Look for a surgeon with extensive experience in revision breast augmentation, as these procedures can be more complex than primary augmentations.
- Before and after photos: Review the surgeon’s before and after photos of revision breast augmentation cases to get an idea of their skill and aesthetic style.
- Personal referrals: Ask friends, family, or online communities for personal recommendations of surgeons who have successfully performed revision breast augmentations.
Consultation and Evaluation Process for Revision Surgery
Once you have selected a potential surgeon, the consultation and evaluation process for revision surgery will include:
Step 1: Discussing your concerns
During the initial consultation, it is important to discuss your concerns, expectations, and goals for revision surgery with your surgeon. This discussion will help your surgeon understand your reasons for seeking revision surgery and develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. You may also be asked to provide photos or examples of what you hope to achieve through revision surgery.
Step 2: Medical history and examination
To determine the best approach for your revision surgery, your surgeon will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will assess your overall health, any pre-existing medical conditions, and any medications or supplements you are taking. The physical exam will focus on the breast area and include an evaluation of the skin, breast tissue, check for breast lumps, and existing implants.
Step 3: Review of previous surgical records
Your surgeon may request records from your previous breast augmentation surgery to better understand the techniques and materials used. These records can provide valuable information about the size and type of implants used, their placement, and any complications or issues that arose during your initial surgery. This information can help your surgeon plan a more effective revision surgery.
Step 4: Imaging studies
Imaging studies, such as mammograms or ultrasounds, may be performed to assess your breast tissue and implant condition. These studies can help your surgeon determine the extent of revision needed and the best approach to achieving your desired results. Mammograms can also help detect any underlying breast issues, such as masses or calcifications that may require further evaluation before revision surgery.
The consultation and evaluation process for revision surgery is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of your individual needs and develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your concerns and goals. It is important to be open and honest with your surgeon throughout this process to ensure the best possible outcome.
Solutions for a Botched Boob Job
The specific approach to addressing and fixing a botched boob job will depend on the issues present and your desired outcome. Some common revision breast augmentation options include:
- Implant removal and replacement: If the implants are the primary issue (due to rupture, leakage, or displacement), they can be removed and replaced with new implants.
- Capsulectomy: For cases of capsular contracture, the surgeon may perform a capsulectomy, which involves removing the hardened scar tissue surrounding the implant and potentially replacing the implant.
- Implant repositioning: If the implants are uneven or poorly positioned, the surgeon can reposition them to improve symmetry and appearance.
- Fat grafting: In some cases, fat grafting can be used to improve the breast’s contour and shape.
- Breast lift: If sagging or drooping is present due to the implants’ weight, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be performed in conjunction with the revision surgery.
Preparing for Revision Breast Augmentation Surgery
Proper preparation for revision breast augmentation surgery includes:
- Following pre-operative instructions: Your surgeon will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions, such as stopping certain medications, avoiding smoking, and arranging for post-operative care and transportation.
- Managing expectations: Be realistic about the potential outcomes of revision surgery and understand that multiple procedures may be necessary to achieve the desired results.
- Emotional support: Seek emotional support from friends, family, or a mental health professional, as revision surgery can be an emotionally challenging experience.
Recovery and Post-Operative Care for Revision Surgery
Recovery from revision breast augmentation surgery may be similar to or slightly longer than the recovery from primary breast augmentation. Some factors to consider during recovery include:
- Pain management: Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage discomfort during the initial recovery period.
- Activity restrictions: You will be advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery, gradually resuming normal activities as directed by your surgeon.
- Post-operative care: Follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, including wound care, wearing a surgical bra or compression garment, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
Rebuilding Confidence After a Successful Revision Breast Augmentation
A successful revision breast augmentation can significantly improve your confidence and overall well-being. Some strategies for rebuilding confidence after surgery include:
- Embrace your new appearance
Take time to appreciate and become comfortable with your revised breast appearance. This may involve trying on new clothing styles, participating in activities you previously avoided, or simply admiring yourself in the mirror.
Sharing your experience with others, either in-person or through online communities, can help you process your emotions and connect with others who have faced similar challenges.
Engage in self-care activities, such as exercise, healthy eating, and stress management, to promote overall well-being and a positive self-image.
A botched boob job can be an emotionally and physically challenging experience, but with the right surgeon, treatment plan, and support, it is possible to address and fix the issues and reclaim your confidence. By understanding the causes of botched breast augmentations, finding a qualified revision breast augmentation surgeon, and following the appropriate steps for consultation, surgery, and recovery, you can achieve a positive outcome and feel great about your body once again.
FAQs about Solutions for a Botched Boob Job
Can you fix a botched boob job?
- Yes, a botched boob job can be fixed through breast revision surgery. The extent of the revision surgery required will depend on the nature and severity of the complications or problems caused by the initial surgery. This may include removing or replacing implants, correcting asymmetry, repairing damage to the breast tissue or skin, and addressing issues such as implant malposition. A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon can help determine the best course of action.
Can you fix uneven breast implants?
- Uneven breast implants can be corrected through breast revision surgery. The plastic surgeon will evaluate the cause of the asymmetry and develop a plan to address it. This may involve using different sized implants or adjusting their placement to achieve a more balanced and natural appearance. In some cases, additional procedures may be necessary to correct the underlying cause of the asymmetry.
What to do if you have a botched breast augmentation surgery?
- If you have experienced complications or unsatisfactory results from a breast augmentation surgery, the very first thing to do is to return to your surgeon. Tell him or her your concerns. See if anything can be done. If there is no progress on this front, it is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action. This may involve a breast revision surgery to correct issues such as implant malposition, asymmetry, or complications such as capsular contracture. Your surgeon may also recommend additional treatments such as fat grafting or skin tightening to optimize your results.
How painful is breast revision surgery?
- Breast revision surgery can cause some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. The level of pain will depend on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s pain threshold. Most patients are able to resume normal activities within a week or two after surgery, but it may take several weeks to fully recover.
Why are my breasts not even after breast augmentation?
- Uneven breasts after breast augmentation can be caused by a number of factors, including differences in breast tissue volume, asymmetrical chest wall shape, or implant malposition. It is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon who can evaluate your situation and determine the best course of action. This may involve a revision surgery to adjust the implant placement or size to achieve a more balanced and natural appearance.
Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Dr. Joe
Medical References about Solutions for a Botched Boob Job
