What to Know About Reconstructive Surgery Revisions

In the United States alone, more than 1.5 million reconstructive surgeries are performed each year. But before having a reconstructive procedure, it’s important to know that it can be a process and sometimes require multiple revisions to achieve your desired results.

Our reconstructive surgery experts, James Mayo, MD, and Lindsey Duncan, PA-C, are here to share the information anyone considering reconstructive surgery needs to know about surgical revisions.

What Is Reconstructive Revisional Surgery?

Reconstructive surgery can allow patients to feel more like their best selves, and procedures can be performed anywhere on the body. Many people seek breast reconstructive surgery following treatment for breast cancer or skin cancer, though there are other medical and aesthetic purposes as well.

But something people may not realize is that many times, reconstructive surgery isn’t a one-time procedure. “Often, most patients’ specific plans for reconstruction may require multiple surgeries to completely reconstruct in form, function and aesthetics,” explains Dr. Mayo. “Sometimes, we stage surgeries, meaning we know there will be another surgery with a specific plan in mind, but often revision surgeries are up to the patient's personal preference.”

Lindsey adds, “Revisional surgery is performed to improve imperfections that may be noted once you’ve healed from your initial [reconstructive] surgery.”

Candidates for Revisional Reconstructive Surgery

If you’re considering revisional surgery, Dr. Mayo explains that the first step is following up with your surgeon two to three months after your initial reconstructive surgery to begin discussing your goals. Your surgeon will put together a personalized treatment plan to address each goal, which may include booking a revision surgery or giving your body more time to heal post-surgery.

The waiting period for revision surgery is important to ensure your body has time to heal before going through another procedure. “Oftentimes, imperfections that may be seen directly after surgery will improve or resolve on their own as your body heals,” shares Lindsey.

At AdventHealth, our highly skilled reconstructive surgeons specialize in breast reconstruction after cancer treatment and reconstruction after Mohs surgery for skin cancer.

Revisional Surgery Risks

Like with any surgery, the most common associated risks are bleeding and infection. Your surgeon will inform you of any potential risks and realistic expectations specific to your procedure.

Additionally, there is always the risk that surgery does not meet your expectations. “Any time one thing is ‘fixed’ or ‘tweaked,’ there can be an impact elsewhere, so it’s not uncommon to fix an issue and have a negative effect elsewhere,” explains Dr. Mayo. “Our goal is to cover all of these aspects together along the way.”

Recovering From Revisional Surgery

In general, revision procedures are one to two hours long and are typically same-day surgeries, meaning you can spend your recovery period in the comfort of your home. The recovery process varies for each person, depending on their pain threshold and where the surgery was performed. “Recovery for most revisions is typically four to six weeks, and can include limitations on lifting, pulling, pushing and range of motion, depending on the location of the surgical site,” Lindsey explains.

You’ll follow up with your surgical care team during this time to make sure you’re healing well and that your desired outcomes are met.

We’ll Help You Look and Feel Your Best

We understand that reconstructive surgery and surgical revisions are about much more than appearances. Our skilled surgical experts will help you reclaim your body, so you can feel comfortable and confident. Learn more about our reconstructive surgery program.