Breast Implant Revision
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa
Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure performed to address concerns related to previous breast augmentation surgeries. If you are living with breast augmentation results that do not feel and look natural, or your breasts feel overly hard and uncomfortable, revision augmentation may be the solution.
Our surgeons see patients seeking to improve the results of surgery performed elsewhere. We perform breast implant revision surgery at our Marin County practice typically to correct complications such as capsular contracture, which might cause implants to shift, harden, or change shape. Not only does this procedure help address complications, but it offers solutions for patients who would simply like to improve the appearance and comfort of their breast.. Our experienced plastic surgeons, Dr. Poulos and Dr. Hvistendahl, offer decades of combined experience and the latest breast implants and revision techniques to ensure beautiful results for our patients..
Patients throughout the area know and trust Plastic Surgery Specialists for breast implant revision surgery. Our team’s reputation as a center of excellence draws women from throughout Marin county and beyond.. We invite you to contact our office or call us at 415-925-2880 to schedule a virtual or in-person consultation.
Contents
About Breast Implant Revision
Implant revision involves removing and replacing breast implants to improve the appearance of the breasts, correct complications, or achieve desired results that were not obtained with the initial breast augmentation. Initial surgery with implants does not always yield the desired result.. Problems such as capsular contracture, implant malposition, or asymmetries may cause the breasts to look uneven or sit overly high on the chest and look unnatural.. Approximately 10.6% of women who have breast implants experience uncomfortable capsular contracture, (1) in which scar tissue hardens around their implants in the months or years after their original breast augmentation. In most cases, these problems can be corrected with replacement implant surgery. Two kinds of surgery are common:
- Capsulectomy surgery is to remove the scar tissue that may have formed around an implant.
- Capsulorrhaphy surgery is correcting the placement of stitches inside the implant pocket to change the breast shape.
Implant exchange may or may not be required. Some patients are interested in upgrading because of improvements in implants. The latest generation of silicone implants known as gummy bear implants, look and feel very natural.
Aside from capsular contracture, other common complications include rippling (when an implant’s edge causes a visible ripple in the skin), and malposition (when the implants are too high, low, wide, or close due to a problem with the implant pocket). The risk of complications increases as the implant and the body ages. Patients visit our officeready to fix or improve the problem over time that occurs with their breast implants. Our specialists have over 75 years of combined experience with a wide range of complications and use only the safest techniques during revision surgery.
Combining Procedures
Breast implant revision is a highly individualized procedure custom-designed to suit patient needs. If enough time has passed and pregnancy, weight gain or loss, aging, or other issues have caused your breasts to sag, (2) our specialists may recommend a breast lift in addition to an implant..
Benefits of Implant Revision
A breast implant revision will enhance your natural contour. Whether you need to change an older implant due to complications or would like improved implants for a more natural look, implant revision can help make you look and feel better.. Increasing or decreasing their breast size can be another reason for revision surgery.. The benefits of a breast implant revision include:
- Improved Aesthetic Results
- Corrected Complications
- Customized Approach
- Improved Breast Symmetry
- Restored Implant Functionality
- Long-Lasting Results
Candidates
Candidates for breast implant revision need to inform the surgeon about the breast implant type and the date of the previous surgery. Like other surgical patients, they should be prepared to share their overall medical history to ensure they are healthy enough for breast revision surgery. If you are a candidate for breast implant revision, you need to have a healthy body mass index (BMI) and be prepared to discuss your expectations for the procedure with our team. You should be a non-smoker, or be willing to quit both before and after your procedure to optimize your recovery and results.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation, we will perform a physical examination and discuss the results you want to achieve with your new implants. We will also ask you about your medical history and any changes to your health since you received your first implants. Please come prepared to discuss your allergies, past surgeries, pre-existing conditions, and expectations. If you would like more than one procedure, we will discuss this with you as well.
Preparation
Before your breast implant revision procedure, you will need to discontinue blood thinners and stop smoking, if applicable. We will discuss your medication and lifestyle during your consultation and support you in making changes. On the day of your procedure, wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Wear a shirt that buttons in the front so you can easily remove it later. You will need to arrange for a reliable adult to drive you home after the procedure.
Breast Implant Revision Procedure
During a breast augmentation revision in our Marin County surgery center, we use either local or general anesthesia depending on the nature of your treatment plan. Likewise, the time surgery takes depends on the procedure. If a breast lift is included, the revision may take 3 to 4 hours. If implants are merely being changed or removed, it should take considerably less time. If you already have an implant that has shifted over time, we may use internal sutures. The variables in this procedure make it impossible to pre-determine the incisions needed to correct the problem until you consult our surgeons. For surgeries addressing capsular contracture, it may be possible to work in the area of the original incision scar. More complicated revision cases may require incisions around the areola or vertically from under the areola and following the breast curve.
Recovery & Results
The minimal recovery time makes this surgery one of the most popular cosmetic procedures world-wide.. After one week of recovery you can return to most of your normal activities and enjoy your beautiful new contour. We ask that you avoid lifting more than ten pounds for at least four weeks. This is to ensure the sutures are not strained and the muscles and tendons around the area can properly repair. Your breasts will look and feel like they did when you had your first implants. You can enjoy your new, natural look and will love how your clothes fit.
Corresponding Procedures
Breast Lift
If you are experiencing sagging breasts or excess skin from aging, a breast lift can restore their appearance. Sagging breasts is a common issue due to gravity and changes to the skin’s quality as you age. During a breast lift, your surgeon will make a small incision to remove excess skin and lift the breast.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
Sometimes a breast implant revision surgery will include an additional fat transfer to help patients meet their body goals. During a fat transfer breast augmentation, your surgeon will extract fat from your body and use it to accentuate your breasts. A fat transfer can be performed for other areas of the body, but if your breasts are your main focus, we can use this procedure for a natural boost. For a complete overview of body contouring treatments, see the body contouring index. To learn more about the treatments we offer, see the blog.
Cost of Breast Implant Revision in Marin County
The cost of your procedure will depend on the details of your individualized treatment plan. Because these procedures are highly customizable, the cost varies widely from person to person. Factors to consider include whether you need new implants or whether other surgical techniques are involved. Our team will outline a detailed plan and quote for you during your consultation, and we offer financing to help fit this procedure into your budget. At our Greenbrae location we will work with you to make your treatment as accessible as possible. Contact our office or call us at 415-925-2880 to schedule a consultation and receive an all-inclusive quote.
FAQ
Does capsular contracture require revision surgery?
Capsular contracture can often be effectively addressed through surgical interventions, ranging from minimally invasive approaches to more involved procedures such as capsulotomy or capsulectomy.
What causes breast implant rippling?
Breast implant rippling can be caused by several factors, including the type of implant used, the amount of breast tissue present, and the placement of the implants. Thinner breast tissue and breast implants with less gel fill can contribute to an increased risk of rippling. A breast implant revision surgery can resolve these issues.
What are my options for breast revision surgery?
You can either remove or replace your implants during revision surgery. Removing them generally involves using surgical techniques such as lifting to reshape the breast tissue and ensure a good cosmetic result. If you would like to replace your implants, as many of our patients do, your surgery and recovery will be similar to your initial breast augmentation procedure.
What kind of implants can I get if I undergo breast implant revision?
We offer a range of the most popular options. Many patients who got saline breast implants in years past now frequently elect to trade them in for silicone implants, which have a very natural look and feel. We can recommend a style that fulfills all your cosmetic goals.
References
- Headon H, Kasem A, Mokbel K. Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation: An Update for Clinical Practice. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2015;42(5):532. doi:https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.532
- Denney BD, Cohn AB, Bosworth JW, Kumbla PA. Revision Breast Augmentation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2021;35(02):098-109. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727272
- Frisell A, Lagergren J, Halle M, de Boniface J. Risk factors for implant failure following revision surgery in breast cancer patients with a previous immediate implant-based breast reconstruction. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. 2020;184(3):977-984. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10549-020-05911-z
