Strattice™ Tissue Matrix for Breast Implant Replacement & Revisions
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic enhancement procedures for women to achieve more natural looking breast. However, some women are not satisfied with the appearance of their breasts after augmentation, or they experience problems and would like the implant replaced and the augmentation redone. For those women who have had their breast implants for a significant number of years, the breast implants, like many other implantable medical devices, may require some revisionary and/or replacement procedure.
The common reasons for breast implant replacement and augmentation revision surgeries are:
- Replacement of implants due to failure
- Replacement of old implants and changing the type of breast implant (silicone versus saline)
- Bottoming out or implant drooping lower than desired (lengthening nipple-to-fold distance due to skin stretching)
- Fold malposition (implant migration)
- Synmastia (initial implant was not positioned correctly)
- Correction of capsular contracture (see explanation below)
- Changing of breast implant size
- Improving the natural appearance of breasts
Dr. Paul Vitenas has performed hundreds of breast implant replacement and revision surgeries. Depending upon the patient’s individual problem and breast implant replacement needs, Dr. Vitenas will determine the best course of action to achieve a successful replacement and improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the breasts.
Strattice™ Tissue Matrix is used in many of Dr. Vitenas’ breast revision surgeries. Strattice™ is a type of a cellular dermal product and a sterile reconstructive tissue matrix that supports tissue regeneration. Strattice™ is recommended for use in soft-tissue repair, including tissue expander/implant breast reconstruction. Strattice™ is manufactured by LifeCell and is FDA approved.
Strattice™ is often referred to as an “internal bra” as the tissue matrix supports and holds the implant in the desired location and helps Dr. Vitenas control the pocket size for the implant. Strattice™ also prevents pectoral muscle retraction and skin thinning. Strattice™ comes in different sizes, and Dr. Vitenas will select the size based upon what breast revision is needed.
Capsular Contracture
In many cases Dr. Vitenas performs breast implant revisions due to capsular contracture. Dr. Vitenas explains that capsular contracture is a problem for many women who have had breast augmentation. This is due to the fact that once the breast implant is placed in the breast, the body naturally creates a “capsule” or builds scar tissue around the implant.
Almost every woman with breast implants has scar tissue surrounding the implants, which is not visible to the women. Sometimes the capsule of scar tissue around the implant begins to shrink and the pocket holding the implant may become too small causing the implant to feel uncomfortable or, in some cases, to break. Women report that their breasts feel too tight, and they are uncomfortable or in pain. Capsular contracture can occur with saline or silicone breast implants.
Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
During your consultation with Dr. Paul Vitenas, he will exam you for signs of rupture to ensure your breast implants are still intact. Dependent upon if you have silicone or saline implants, Dr. Vitenas will determine the precise surgical procedure to remove the implants to minimize risks associated with the implant removal. Also, scar removal and a breast lift many be needed.
Your breast implant revision options are determined primarily by the problems you experience with your implants and your desire to correct the size, shape, or positioning of those you received during your initial breast augmentation.
If new implants are being implanted at the time of surgery, Dr. Vitenas will have you try on various sizes of implants with a bra. The sizers are disposable implants that Dr. Vitenas has in his office so that patients can get the most accurate size and natural looking implant for patients. Dr. Vitenas has over 100 FDA breast implant sizers available and a variety of bras for his breast augmentation patients try. This enables Dr. Vitenas to obtain and size your implant to the proper proportions for your body type; i.e. shoulder, breast, waist and hip ratios. Women can see a true picture of how they will look.
Dr. Vitenas will discuss reasonable and expected outcomes and explain the details of the procedure, including the technique, recovery and risks. The surgery is performed at the Day Surgery Center, an outpatient facility at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital in Houston, TX. The surgery takes about one hour to complete and is performed with general anesthesia. Dr. Vitenas uses a board certified anesthesiologist for patients’ safety.
What can I expect after my breast replacement (implant)?
Dr. Paul Vitenas advises that recovery after breast replacement procedure is much like the recovery associated with a breast augmentation procedure. Generally it takes a few days for implants placed subglandularly and for those placed submuscularly.
During the first few days after surgery, patients may feel tired or sore. Medication can help control any discomfort that patients experience. However, Dr. Vitenas’ patients typically take pain medication for only one day and then use over-the-counter acetaminophen pain relief, such as Tylenol®, as needed. Bruising and swelling rarely occur. Dr. Vitenas patients typically return to work three days after their breast augmentation procedures.
Dr. Vitenas advises his patients that their breasts may remain sensitive to stimulation for several weeks. Patients should also avoid strenuous activities for about four to six weeks.
Dr. Paul Vitenas will provide you with specific after care instructions and directions. Follow up appointments are scheduled two days after your operation. Dr. Vitenas’ nurses and staff are available to take your calls regarding any concerns and questions you may have.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
The Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery Center is located in Medical Plaza 1 on the Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital campus in Houston, TX. Year after year our continuing dedication to excellence in surgical results and hospitality has made us a market leader in cosmetic plastic surgery as we proudly serve the greater Houston community.
If you are considering breast enhancement procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Vitenas to learn about his natural looking breast enhancement procedure. Call, (281) 407-7428 or use the Contact Us form.