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Cosmetic Surgery

Breast Implant Revision: What It Is, Why You Might Need It, and What to Expect

1 day ago
Breast Implant Revision

If you’ve had breast augmentation in the past and are unhappy with the results, or if you have concerns about the condition of your implants, you’re not alone. Specifically, breast implant revision is one of the most commonly requested secondary procedures in cosmetic surgery, and the reasons patients seek it are wide-ranging and completely understandable.

Importantly, having implants doesn’t mean committing to them forever. In fact, many women find that their needs, their body, or their aesthetic preferences change over time. That’s exactly where breast implant revision surgery comes in. It offers a way to correct, improve, or update the results of a previous procedure.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before considering revision surgery. Specifically, we’ll walk through the most common reasons patients seek revision, what the procedure involves, who performs it at Eden Clinic, and what recovery looks like from start to finish.

What Is Breast Implant Revision Surgery?

Essentially, breast implant revision is a surgical procedure that modifies, replaces, or removes existing breast implants. Unlike a first-time breast augmentation, revision surgery addresses specific concerns with a previous procedure, whether those concerns are cosmetic, functional, or both.

Importantly, revision surgery is not a straightforward repeat of the original procedure. In fact, it typically requires a higher level of surgical skill and experience, because the surgeon must work within the changes the original procedure and healing process have already created. As a result, choosing a surgeon with significant revision experience is essential.

At Eden Clinic, breast implant revision is performed by Dr Leonard Tachmes, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in both primary and revision breast surgery. Consequently, patients can approach the procedure with confidence that their specific concerns will be assessed and addressed individually.

Why Do Women Seek Breast Implant Revision?

In general, patients pursue revision surgery for one or more of the following reasons. Understanding these helps clarify whether revision is the right path for your specific situation.

Capsular Contracture

Specifically, capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant begins to harden and tighten. As a result, the breast can feel firm, look distorted, and in some cases cause discomfort. It’s one of the most common reasons women seek revision surgery, and it requires removing or releasing the hardened capsule along with replacing the implant.

Implant Malposition

Over time, implants can shift from their original position. Consequently, one or both breasts may appear asymmetrical, too high, too low, or too far apart. Implant malposition is a correctable concern, and revision surgery repositions the implants and, where necessary, adjusts the pocket to hold them securely in place.

Implant Rupture or Leakage

Implants don’t last forever. In fact, most manufacturers recommend considering replacement at or around the ten-year mark. Specifically, silicone implant rupture can be difficult to detect without imaging, as the silicone may remain contained within the capsule. Saline implant rupture, on the other hand, causes immediate deflation. In either case, replacement is strongly recommended.

Rippling or Visible Implant Edges

In some patients, particularly those with limited natural tissue coverage, the edges of the implant can become visible or palpable beneath the skin. This is known as rippling, and it’s more common with saline implants or implants placed above the muscle. Revision surgery can address this by changing the implant type, size, or placement position.

Dissatisfaction With Size or Shape

Furthermore, many patients simply find that their needs or preferences have changed since their original surgery. Some want larger or smaller implants. Others feel their shape no longer suits their body following weight changes, pregnancy, or aging. In all of these cases, revision surgery offers the opportunity to update the result to better match current goals.

Implant Exchange After Many Years

Even without a specific complication, many women choose to replace their implants after a decade or more as a matter of maintenance. At that point, newer implant technologies, materials, and techniques can often deliver a significantly improved outcome compared to what was available at the time of the original surgery.

Recovery Planning

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?

In general, breast implant revision suits women who have had a previous breast augmentation and are experiencing one or more of the concerns listed above. Most candidates are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about what revision can achieve.

Specifically, you may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have implants that have ruptured, leaked, or significantly changed in appearance
  • Experience firmness, pain, or distortion caused by capsular contracture
  • Notice that one or both implants have shifted from their original position
  • Feel that your implant size or shape no longer suits your body or preferences
  • Have visible rippling or implant edges beneath the skin
  • Want to remove your implants entirely without replacement
  • Are in good general health with no conditions that could significantly affect healing
  • Are a non-smoker, or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery

Importantly, revision surgery is more complex than primary augmentation. As a result, a thorough consultation with an experienced revision surgeon is essential before any decisions are made. At Eden Clinic, your consultation with Dr Tachmes provides a detailed assessment of your specific situation and an honest recommendation on the best approach.

What Does Breast Implant Revision Surgery Involve?

Before the procedure, Dr Tachmes will review your surgical history, assess the current state of your implants and surrounding tissue, and discuss your goals in detail. At that point, he will outline the specific approach most appropriate for your situation.

Specifically, the procedure takes place under general anesthesia and typically lasts between one and three hours, depending on the complexity of the revision. In many cases, existing incisions are used to minimise additional scarring.

The surgery may involve removing and replacing the implants, releasing or removing the existing capsule, repositioning the implant pocket, changing the plane of implant placement, or removing the implants altogether. In some cases, a breast lift is also performed at the same time to address changes in skin laxity. Your surgical plan is always tailored specifically to your anatomy and goals.

Breast Implant Revision Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery after breast implant revision is generally similar to a primary augmentation, though it can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. Generally speaking, here’s what most patients experience:

Timeframe

What’s Happening

Days 1-3

Swelling, bruising, and tightness in the chest area. A surgical bra is worn to support healing. Rest is essential. Most patients manage discomfort well with prescribed medication.

Days 4-7

Swelling begins to ease. Most patients feel comfortable moving around the home. Light desk-based activity is possible for many patients by the end of the first week.

Weeks 2-4

Bruising fades considerably. Most patients return to work. The surgical bra continues to be worn. Initial results begin to take shape as swelling resolves.

Weeks 4-6

Light exercise can gradually resume with surgeon approval. Implants begin to settle into their final position.

Months 2-6

Final results are visible as all swelling resolves and implants settle fully. Scars continue to fade and soften.

 

In most cases, patients take one to two weeks off work. However, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks. As always, Dr Tachmes and the Eden Clinic team will provide specific aftercare guidance tailored to your procedure.

Can Breast Implant Revision Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes, and it’s very commonly done. Revision surgery pairs well with a range of complementary procedures for patients seeking more comprehensive results.

For example, popular combinations include:

  • A breast lift, where skin laxity has developed following the original augmentation, weight changes, or pregnancy
  • Liposuction for patients also looking to address body contouring concerns at the same time
  • Tummy tuck surgery for post-pregnancy patients addressing both abdominal and breast changes together
  • Facial fat transfer using fat harvested during liposuction to restore facial volume at the same session
  • Facelift surgery for patients pursuing broader rejuvenation alongside their breast revision

Importantly, combining procedures means a single recovery period rather than multiple. Consequently, many patients find this approach both more convenient and more cost-effective overall. Dr Tachmes will advise on what combinations are appropriate based on your health, goals, and surgical plan.

Why Choose Eden Clinic for Breast Implant Revision?

Specifically, breast implant revision is a procedure where surgical experience makes an enormous difference to the outcome. At Eden Clinic, Dr Leonard Tachmes approaches every revision case individually, assessing the unique changes the original procedure has created and developing a surgical plan specifically designed to address them.

Furthermore, Dr Tachmes prioritises natural, proportionate results over dramatic change. The goal is always a breast appearance that feels right for your body and your life now, not simply a repeat of what was done before.

At Eden Clinic, we offer free virtual consultations so you can discuss your concerns openly without any pressure or commitment. Book your free consultation here.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Procedure

How do I know if my implants need replacing?

Specifically, the most common signs include changes in shape or feel, visible rippling, asymmetry, firmness or discomfort caused by capsular contracture, or confirmed rupture on imaging. Furthermore, implants that are ten or more years old warrant a check-up even without symptoms. A consultation with Dr Tachmes will include a thorough assessment and honest guidance on whether replacement is recommended.

Yes, absolutely. In fact, changing implant size is one of the most common goals in revision surgery. Whether you want to go larger, smaller, or simply update the profile or shape, revision provides the opportunity to make those changes. Your surgeon will advise on what sizes and types suit your current anatomy and tissue coverage.

Yes. Implant removal without replacement, sometimes called explantation, is a straightforward option for patients who no longer want implants. In some cases, a breast lift is recommended at the same time to address any skin laxity that develops after removal. Dr Tachmes will discuss what to expect from the appearance of your breasts after explantation during your consultation.

In most cases, no. Specifically, surgeons typically use the existing incisions from the original procedure wherever possible to avoid creating additional scars. As a result, visible scarring after revision is generally no greater than after the original surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions: Costs and Next Steps

How much does breast implant revision cost at Eden Clinic?

Pricing for breast implant revision at Eden Clinic varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the specific concerns being addressed, and whether additional procedures are combined. As a result, a personalised quote is provided during your free consultation with Dr Tachmes. All pricing is clear and all-inclusive with no hidden costs.

Generally speaking, most patients take one to two weeks off work and feel close to normal within a month. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for six weeks. Your specific recovery timeline will depend on the nature and complexity of your revision procedure.

Simply book a free virtual consultation. You can book online at edenclinic.com or call us at +1 (305) 707-6307. There’s no commitment required, and all consultations are handled with complete discretion.

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