Revision Breast Surgery

• What Is Breast Implant Revision?
• Reasons for Breast Implant Revision
• Breast Implant Revision Candidates
• Breast Implant Revision Process
• Breast Implant Revision Cost
• Breast Implant Revision Recovery
• Breast Implant Revision Results
• Breast Implant Revision Risks

What Is Breast Implant Revision?

Breast implant revision is a broad term covering any surgery performed to modify or address concerns with a previous breast augmentation. If you wish to address any of the following concerns, or other issues you may be having with a previous breast surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to further discuss your options with one of our plastic surgeons.

What Are Common Reasons for Breast Implant Revision?

Patients seek breast implant revision for two broad reasons: something has changed with the implant itself, or something has changed about what they want from their implants. Below are the most common concerns we see at The Ottawa Clinic.

Implant Exchange

After breast augmentation, sometimes years after the initial procedure, many women decide to alter the size, shape, or type of their implants. We can increase or decrease implant size, or choose a differently shaped implant, to help you achieve your desired results. Patients may also wish to upgrade from saline implants to silicone implants, or vice-versa.

The desire to change size is one of the most common reasons for implant exchange, whether that means a more voluminous appearance or a subtler look, particularly for patients whose bodies have changed since their original surgery. Implant exchange also allows for changes in shape, giving patients with specific aesthetic preferences, or irregularities that developed over time, a more personalized and flattering contour.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms around the breast implant, sometimes making it feel hard to the touch. It can deform the shape of the breast, cause asymmetry, and in more severe cases, lead to pain and a feeling of tightness in the chest. It may affect one or both breasts, and its development can be influenced by factors like implant type, surgical technique, and individual patient factors.

To address capsular contracture, we often recommend a capsulectomy, a procedure in which the surgeon removes the scar tissue that has formed around the implant. This alleviates discomfort, restores a more natural texture to the breast, and corrects any deformity in shape. In some cases, the implant also needs to be replaced or removed, if it’s damaged or no longer suitable for your needs.

Recognizing the symptoms of capsular contracture and seeking prompt attention matters, since if left untreated, severe contracture can lead to persistent discomfort and dissatisfaction with your results. It’s also one of the medical reasons patients choose to have their implants removed altogether, though it isn’t the only one.

Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal, also called breast implant explantation, is a surgical procedure that removes previously placed implants. Patients choose to remove their implants for a number of reasons, from medical concerns to changes in aesthetic preference, to natural changes in the body over time.

Some women experience implant-related complications, such as capsular contracture, leaks, or ruptures that require medical attention. Infections and allergic reactions to implant materials, while rare, may also lead to a decision to remove implants, as can persistent pain or discomfort in the implant area.

Beyond medical concerns, personal preferences can change over time. Some women wish to return to a more natural appearance or are no longer satisfied with the size or shape of their implants. Significant weight gain or loss, as well as the natural loss of skin elasticity that comes with aging, can also change how implants look and feel, prompting some patients to consider removal.

Because breast implants stretch the skin, removal can result in some skin laxity. A breast lift may be recommended in conjunction with implant removal to improve the shape and position of the breasts and restore a more toned appearance, though this isn’t always necessary. Following removal, most patients can expect more natural-looking breasts and a softer silhouette.

Breast Implant Deflation

Although rare, breast implant deflation can occur several years after breast augmentation, particularly with saline-filled implants. A damaged or punctured implant shell, whether from trauma, a manufacturing defect, or natural wear over time, can cause saline fluid to leak out and the implant to deflate. The risk of deflation increases with the age of the implant, especially once it’s more than a decade old, which is why we recommend regular follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon to catch any problems early.

Replacing a deflated implant is a standard procedure to restore breast fullness and shape. It involves removing the deflated implant and replacing it with a new one, saline or silicone, depending on your preference and your surgeon’s recommendation.

Breast implant manufacturers often provide a warranty covering deflation or rupture for up to 10 years, or sometimes longer. During your consultation, we’ll help you determine what your warranty covers. It’s important to bring any documentation from your original augmentation so we can assess your coverage and get a complete picture of your surgical history. If your warranty covers replacement, we’ll guide you through the steps to claim it with the manufacturer. If it has expired or doesn’t cover the full cost, we’ll discuss your options to ensure a successful outcome.

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?

Good candidates for breast implant revision are women who previously underwent breast augmentation and are now experiencing a complication with their implants, such as capsular contracture or deflation, or who are simply no longer satisfied with the results of their original surgery. You should be in good general health, a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery, and have realistic expectations about what revision surgery can achieve.

Because revision surgery is often more complex than a first-time augmentation, given the existing scar tissue and altered anatomy involved, your surgeon will need a complete history of your original procedure, including implant type, size, and any complications you’ve experienced, to determine the best approach for your case.

How Does the Breast Implant Revision Process Work?

The breast implant revision process begins with an initial consultation, during which your plastic surgeon will assess your needs and expectations before proposing a surgical plan tailored to your case. In many cases, our surgeons are able to use the same incision locations from your original surgery, which helps minimize additional scarring.

The procedure itself is performed in a sterile, comfortable environment, with a dedicated medical team looking after your well-being throughout. Depending on the complexity of your case, whether it involves an implant exchange, a capsulectomy, implant removal, or a combination of procedures, the length of surgery will vary. Most patients are able to have their procedure performed on an outpatient basis and return home the same day.

Our combination of surgical expertise and modern techniques and technology allows for a precise, safe procedure and a smoother recovery. After your surgery, we continue to provide meticulous follow-up care to monitor your healing and answer any questions you may have.

How Much Does Breast Implant Revision Cost?

The cost of breast implant revision varies widely from patient to patient, since it depends on the specific procedures involved, whether that’s implant exchange, capsulectomy, implant removal, or a combination, as well as whether a breast lift is performed at the same time. Because every case is different, we can only provide an accurate cost estimate after your consultation, when your surgeon has a clear picture of what your revision will involve.

What Can I Expect During Breast Implant Revision Recovery?

The recovery period following breast implant revision depends on the extent of the work needed to meet your goals. At The Ottawa Clinic, our dedicated team provides meticulous follow-up care starting with your very first consultation, when all aspects of recovery are discussed in detail. Since we’re often able to use your previous incisions, additional scarring is generally minimized.

Most revision procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the same day, reducing the inconvenience of a longer hospital stay and allowing you to recover in a comfortable environment. Your surgeon will establish a tailored follow-up program that includes pain management, guidance on physical activity, and regular follow-up visits.

The specifics of your recovery will depend on the extent of your surgery and how your body responds to healing. We’ll give you personalized instructions on caring for your incisions, managing symptoms, and gradually resuming your daily activities, all of which contribute to a smoother recovery and a better outcome. Some patients feel ready to return to work within just a few days, while others prefer to take more time. Either way, we recommend avoiding strenuous activity, whether that’s sports, heavy lifting, or other major physical demands on the breasts, for five to six weeks after surgery, to allow your implants to properly stabilize.

How Will My Results Look After Breast Implant Revision?

Your results after breast implant revision will depend on the procedure or combination of procedures you had performed. Patients who choose implant exchange typically see the updated size, shape, or implant type they were hoping for, often with a more natural or proportional look than their original augmentation. Patients who have a capsulectomy usually notice a softer, more natural texture and improved symmetry. Patients who choose implant removal can expect more natural-looking breasts and a softer silhouette, sometimes combined with a breast lift to address any skin laxity.

As with any breast surgery, it takes time for swelling to resolve and for your results to fully settle, often several weeks to a few months. Your surgeon will discuss what you can realistically expect based on your anatomy, your original surgery, and the specific revision procedure you undergo.

What Are the Risks of Breast Implant Revision?

As with any surgical procedure, breast implant revision carries some risk. These can include infection, bleeding, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, unfavorable scarring, and the possibility of needing further surgery in the future. Because revision surgery involves tissue that has already been operated on, it can be more technically complex than a first-time augmentation, which your surgeon will take into account when planning your procedure. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through the risks specific to your case so you can make a fully informed decision.

Learn More About Breast Implant Revision

Every revision case is different, and the best way to know what’s right for you is a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Contact The Ottawa Clinic today to get started.