Detailed Procedure Information

Breast revision surgery is a specialized procedure designed to address concerns arising after initial breast implant surgery. Often called implant replacement or a “boob job revision,” this operation can involve removing, repositioning, or replacing breast implants to enhance breast shape and correct complications.

Purpose of Breast Revision Surgery

Even with successful primary augmentation, changes over time may necessitate revision for optimal results. Reasons for pursuing revision surgery include:

• Deflation of saline implants or shell leaks in silicone implants detected by imaging.
• Desire to change implant size—either increasing or decreasing volume.
• Implant removal due to personal preference.
• Capsular contracture, a condition where scar tissue tightens around the implant.
• Implant displacement resulting in asymmetry or unnatural breast contours.
• Changes in breast appearance caused by weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Dissatisfaction with the original surgical outcome due to implant placement or aesthetic issues.

Benefits of Revision Surgery

• Restores youthful breast form and contour.
• Allows for adjustment in breast size.
• Enhances breast symmetry and appearance.
• Addresses complications such as leakage or capsular hardening.
• Supports improved self-confidence and body image.

Preoperative Considerations

Prior to scheduling revision surgery, consider the following recommendations:

• Maintain good general health and communicate your full surgical history with your plastic surgeon.
• Provide details from your original breast augmentation surgery, including implant type, size, and placement.
• Acknowledge that aging, gravity, and implant weight may continue to influence breast shape over time.
• Your surgeon may suggest combining revision with a breast lift if implant exchange alone won’t achieve your desired outcome.
• Recovery usually lasts from one to two weeks, depending on the procedure extent.
• Discuss risks such as Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BI-ALCL) openly with your doctor.

Selecting a Surgeon

Choosing a Qualified Surgeon

Finding a trusted and experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon is key to a successful breast revision. Important criteria include:

• Board certification and proper training in cosmetic breast procedures.
• Significant experience performing breast revision surgeries.
• Positive patient outcomes as evidenced by before-and-after photo galleries.
• Good communication and rapport to ensure your comfort and confidence.
• Membership in recognized professional societies such as The Aesthetic Society.

Utilizing surgeon directories or patient resources can assist you in locating qualified providers near you.

What to Expect During a Consultation

A comprehensive evaluation precedes any surgical plan. Your surgeon will:

• Discuss your aesthetic objectives and evaluate if breast revision is appropriate.
• Perform a physical breast exam and take detailed measurements and photographs.
• Review your current implant type, breast tissue quality, skin condition, and nipple position.
• Obtain a thorough medical history, including previous surgeries, current medications, allergies, family history, and lifestyle factors such as smoking.
• Discuss potential surgical approaches and any adjunct procedures (e.g., breast lift).

Essential Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

Prepare open dialogue by asking:

• Am I a suitable candidate for breast revision surgery?
• Are my expectations realistic?
• Should a breast lift be combined with revision?
• Which types and sizes of implants do you recommend?
• Where will implants be positioned relative to muscle?
• What is the potential need for future surgeries?
• What are the anticipated risks and complications?
• What anesthesia options are used?
• How will my scars appear and where will incisions be made?
• What recovery timeframe and activity restrictions can I expect?
• Can I view before and after images from prior patients?
• What is the estimated cost and financing availability?

Post Consultation

Following your evaluation, your surgeon will outline a personalized treatment plan, discuss surgical methods, outcomes, risks, healing, and financial commitment. If uncertain, seek second opinions or further information via surgeon Q&A resources.

Preparing for your Procedure

Preoperative Preparation

Preparation improves safety and outcomes of breast revision surgery. Your surgeon will provide individualized instructions and may advise you to:

• Quit smoking well in advance to support healing.
• Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain supplements that increase bleeding risk.
• Maintain adequate hydration before and after surgery.
• Limit alcohol intake to recommended minimal levels.
• Arrange your home for recovery to avoid strain — stock nutrient-rich foods, hydration, and keep essentials within easy reach.
• Ensure a reliable support system is available, particularly if you have young children or limited mobility during healing.

Preoperative Screening

If you are over 40 or have risk factors, your surgeon may recommend mammograms before surgery and a follow-up exam a few months later to monitor breast health.

Day of Surgery

Expect the following on your surgery day:

• Surgery performed at an accredited hospital, ambulatory center, or specialized surgical suite.
• Procedures generally last two to three hours or longer if combined with other treatments.
• General anesthesia is commonly used; some cases may involve intravenous sedation or local anesthesia.
• Vital signs are continuously monitored to ensure safety during the procedure.
• Surgeons may adjust techniques intraoperatively to optimize results.
• Postoperative dressings include bandages, a surgical bra, and sometimes drainage tubes.
• You and your caregiver will receive instructions on drain management if applicable.
• Patients typically return home after brief monitoring unless additional postoperative care is planned.

Aftercare & Recovery

Recovery Timeline

Most patients recover from breast revision surgery within one to two weeks. If implants are removed without replacement, recovery tends to be shorter. Your surgeon will advise when to safely resume everyday activities and work.

Postoperative Care

Following surgery, your surgeon will provide detailed instructions which may include:

• Care and management of drains, if inserted.
• Recognizing normal postoperative symptoms and identifying signs of complications.

Recovery experiences vary, but typical expectations include:

After Implant Replacement

• Bandages and a compression garment or surgical bra will support healing.
• Most patients experience pain and tightness, particularly in the first 48 hours, treatable with prescribed medications.
• Swelling, redness, itchiness, and sensitivity are common and generally resolve within weeks to months.
• Arm movement may be limited temporarily.
• Patients should rest with upper body elevated to minimize swelling.
• Walking periodically helps reduce risks of blood clots.
• Avoid heavy lifting, bending, and strenuous activities during early recovery.
• Showering is usually permitted within one week based on surgeon guidance.
• Sutures might be removed about one week post-op, or may dissolve on their own.
• Returning to work typically occurs within 7–10 days, depending on job demands.
• Sexual activity should be postponed at least two weeks and resumed gently thereafter.
• Sensation changes around incisions are common early and tend to improve.

After Implant Removal

• Recovery is often quicker and less painful compared to implant replacement.
• Avoid vigorous physical activities for at least two weeks.
• If combined with a breast lift, recovery will extend accordingly.

Following your surgeon’s postoperative advice diligently is crucial to enhance healing and reduce complications.

Results

Longevity of Outcomes

Breast revision surgery results are long-lasting if you avoid significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy. Nonetheless, breast implants do not last indefinitely, and gravity and aging continue to alter breast appearance over time. Implant weight can affect how breasts look as years progress.

Your surgeon will discuss the expected durability of your new implant type and guide you on routine monitoring and replacement intervals.

Viewing before-and-after galleries may help set realistic expectations for your individualized results.

Considerations Following Surgery

Adherence to scheduled follow-ups ensures implant integrity and timely management of any concerns. You may opt for further revision or complementary procedures like a breast lift for enhanced rejuvenation years later.

Incisions and Scars

Types of Incisions Used

Revisions usually utilize the same incision sites as your initial breast augmentation to minimize new scarring. If a breast lift is performed concurrently, additional incisions will correspond to the lift technique employed.

Scar Visibility and Healing

Although incision lines are permanent, their appearance typically fades and improves substantially over time. Surgeons employ meticulous technique to minimize scarring by strategic incision placement and gentle tissue handling.

Optimal scar healing depends on surgical technique, postoperative care including infection control, nutrition, smoking cessation, hydration, and individual healing tendencies.

Safety Considerations

Risks and Potential Complications

Serious complications associated with breast revision are uncommon but it is essential to discuss them with your surgeon, including:

• Adverse anesthesia reactions.
• Hematoma or seroma formation requiring intervention.
• Infection or excessive bleeding.
• Changes in breast or nipple sensation.
• Visible scars and delayed wound healing.
• Allergic reactions or damage to surrounding tissues.
• Suboptimal aesthetic outcomes necessitating additional procedures.

Specific implant-related risks include:

• Capsular contracture development.
• Implant rupture or leakage.
• Interference with mammography interpretation.

Implants require eventual replacement; ongoing exams by your board-certified surgeon are advised for early detection of problems.

Following your surgeon’s pre- and postoperative instructions carefully substantially reduces risks and supports a smooth recovery.

Associated Costs

Factors Influencing Cost

Costs for breast revision surgery vary considerably based on factors such as geographic location, surgeon expertise, type and complexity of procedure, and implant choice.

Less complex surgeries, including simple implant removal, generally incur lower fees, while comprehensive revisions incorporating full capsulectomy, implant exchange, and breast lift are more costly.

Discuss anticipated expenses and payment options with your surgeon during your consultation.

Breast Implant Cost Variations

Implant prices vary by type, from most affordable to premium options:

• Standard saline-filled implants.
• Silicone gel-filled implants.
• Structured saline implants.
• Cohesive (“gummy bear” or form-stable) silicone gel implants.

Insurance and Financing

Breast revision procedures are elective and generally are not covered by health insurance plans. Many surgeons offer financing plans to assist patients in managing the cost of surgery.

Choosing By Quality, Not Price

Your priority should be selecting a highly qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon with the training and experience to deliver safe, satisfying results rather than focusing solely on lower costs.

Members of The Aesthetic Society meet rigorous standards for education, ethics, and patient care, ensuring you receive care that exceeds expectations.