What to Expect with Breast Revision Surgery

Breast revision surgery is performed for many different reasons and is, therefore, a highly individualized procedure. Those who consider it may suffer from a complication from their first breast augmentation, or weight fluctuation or pregnancy may have had a negative impact on the shape of their breasts. They might also desire to have a new shape or size of the implants, or they may want the implants removed altogether. Regardless of the reason for considering this procedure, here are a few general things you can expect.

Scars and Incisions

In almost all cases of breast revision, the same incisions from your first surgery will be used for the second. Additional incisions will be needed if you add a breast lift to the procedure. Your surgeon will need the details of your first procedure to create the best surgical plan for your revision.

Limitations and Risks

Major risks with breast revision surgery are rare. The surgery is performed successfully on thousands of women each year who are satisfied with their results. Risks do increase for women who smoke, have certain medical conditions, or do not follow pre- and post-operative instructions. Although rare, some of the potential complications include accumulation of blood beneath the skin, reactions to anesthesia, infections, bleeding, poor healing, changes in sensation, and scarring.

Surgical Options

There are many ways to go about breast revision surgery, and most of them are dependent on your particular circumstances and desires for the procedure. The most common reasons for breast revision surgery include:

  • Wanting to change implant size or shape

  • Needing to correct a complication, such as capsular contracture, implant rippling, implant malposition, and double bubble

  • Wanting to remove the Implants altogether

  • Needing a breast lift with new implants

For adjustments in implant size, the surgeon will adjust the “pocket” of scar tissue that was created with the initial breast surgery to accommodate the new implant. This scar tissue is also manipulated to correct capsular contracture, implant malposition, and sometimes to correct implant rippling. If the breasts have developed sagging or in cases of implant removal without replacement, your surgeon may recommend a breast lift. A breast lift will require additional incisions usually around the areola, vertically from the bottom of the areola to the breast crease, and an incision following the breast crease.

Recovery and Results

Recovery for breast revision surgery will be similar to the primary breast augmentation. Most patients plan to take two weeks off from work. The initial swelling will last for several days, but some degree of swelling may be present for weeks or even months. As with primary breast augmentation, your breasts may initially appear too high on the chest, but they will settle into their intended position in the weeks following surgery. Any discomfort can be managed with pain medication. The length of discomfort is dependent on several factors including how extensive your procedure was, and on your body’s unique ability to heal. Recovery time may be longer if you have a breast lift in conjunction with a revision. If you are simply having your implants removed, recovery will likely be short with minimal discomfort.

Most patients who thoroughly discuss their expectations, goals for surgery, and health history with their surgeon are satisfied with their results. If you plan to lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant in the future, be sure to discuss this with your surgeon as both choices will definitely impact your final results.

To schedule your consultation for breast revision surgery with Dr. Jabor or Dr. Reynolds, please call our Westside office at (915) 543-5600 or our Eastside office at (915) 855-7800. For your convenience, we also have an online contact form that you can fill out at any time.


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