Breast Revision

Our Personalized Approach to Breast Revision

Breast revision can be performed for medical or cosmetic purposes. The key to success is choosing an experienced provider who understands the complexity of this procedure and how every detail can alter the breast tissue in significant ways. To ensure the best results, our surgeons will take the time to understand the issues that have arisen by gathering as much information as possible about the previous surgery, including when it was performed, the placement of the implant, the size of the implant, the material used, and any significant events that may have led up to current problems. We will also conduct a physical examination and carefully review your concerns and expectations to arrive at a realistic treatment plan. The goal of this highly personalized process is to craft healthy, shapely breasts and minimize the occurrence of complications such as capsular contracture or implant rippling. 

Reasons for Considering Breast Revision

Breast revision surgery is often performed to change the size, shape or appearance of existing breast implants. This could be to improve the look of the breasts or correct problems such as implant migration, rippling or scarring. A common problem is extreme lateral movement of the implant, which can be present right after surgery or develop over time. Other women may simply want to swap out their implants for new ones to change the size or material. However, breast revision can also address issues caused by trauma, infection or pregnancy that lead to less-than-ideal results. If patients want their implants taken out, they might opt for breast implant removal surgery instead.

While most women experience no problems following their breast augmentation, revision may be recommended if you experience any of the following:

• Capsular contracture: During the natural healing process, a capsule of scar tissue forms within the breast pocket. Occasionally, this scar tissue can become unusually hard or dense and tighten around the implant, causing pain and discomfort. It can also impact your final results. Revision surgery can remove the scar capsule to relieve unwanted symptoms and improve the appearance of the breasts. However, once patients develop capsular contracture, they have a higher-than-normal reoccurrence rate, even with corrective revisional surgery.
• Ruptured implants: While breast implants are durable and long-lasting, sometimes they may rupture due to leaks, tears or trauma. Revision surgery can remove or replace the affected implant to maintain the integrity of your results.
• Implant migration: Occasionally, breast implants can become displaced and migrate from their original location. This can lead to concerns such as bottoming out (dropping below the natural breast crease), symmastia (merging toward the center of the chest), or lateral displacement (shifting too far to the sides). Revision surgery addresses these concerns to restore a natural appearance.
• Implant rippling: Incorrectly sized or placed implants can become visible through the surface of the skin. This is known as rippling and can typically be avoided by choosing an experienced surgeon who recommends the right implant for your body. Otherwise, revision surgery can reduce visible implant folds or ripples.
• Asymmetry: It takes time for the body to adjust to new implants. Initially, they may sit higher on the chest or appear asymmetrical but should even out as the body heals. If not, revision surgery can correct these concerns for more balanced results.
• Resizing: Some patients might decide they want larger or smaller breasts after their augmentation mammoplasty. Revision surgery can accomplish this, but must be performed by a skilled surgeon to avoid issues such as loose skin or sagging. Implant resizing may be performed in conjunction with a breast lift for best results.

Whether you’re unhappy with the outcome of a previous surgery or you’ve experienced complications that have impacted the appearance of your implants, our team can evaluate your concerns and help you achieve the beautiful, shapely breasts you’ve always wanted.

Deciding if Breast Revision is Right for You

Even if your initial surgery went smoothly, a number of factors could cause your results to deviate from your expectations. These factors might be linked to the procedure itself, the breast implants, or changes that occur over time. Revision surgery may be necessary or recommended by your doctor if you experience certain complications, but it can also be performed to help you achieve a good cosmetic outcome. Patients considering breast revision should be healthy, have reasonable goals, and able to follow their surgeon’s recovery advice to avoid future problems. Those who are concerned about the integrity of their breast implants or having symptoms related to them may also want to undergo an MRI or ultrasound to check for leaks, tears or ruptures. Patients with silicone implants should undergo regular screening as recommended by the FDA, while those with saline implants do not need to take this step. During your consultation, our team can assess your needs and help determine if this procedure is right for you.

The Breast Revision Procedure

Breast revision is a complex surgery. In most cases, the presence of scar tissue, anatomical changes and skin laxity make revisions more challenging than the original augmentation. Previous technical errors can also increase the level of difficulty. To ensure a successful procedure, every patient at Edina Plastic Surgery will first meet with their surgeon during an initial consultation. This allows us to thoroughly evaluate your concerns and gather more information about your original breast augmentation. Once a surgical plan has been developed and agreed upon, we will move forward with the treatment process. 

Breast revision is performed at our fully accredited, state-of-the-art surgery center under general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes one to four hours to complete, but this can vary depending on your individual needs and goals. Your surgery may involve swapping out your implants for new ones, releasing scar tissue and restructuring the breast pocket. It can also include a breast lift to maintain a natural, youthful appearance. Afterward, you’ll be brought to our recovery room to wait for the effects of anesthesia to wear off. Breast revision is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to return home shortly after surgery.

Recovery & Results

It’s normal to experience some pain, soreness and swelling after a breast revision, but the recovery process is often shorter than the initial augmentation. However, revisions are specialized procedures and may require techniques not typically part of the original surgery, such as the use of drains, massage, prolonged breast fold support and oral medications. These may be necessary to reduce undesired scar formations.

Most patients can expect three to five days of downtime. The recovery process may last longer if your surgical plan includes a breast lift, liposuction or other cosmetic procedure. Your final results will develop within the next six months as swelling decreases and the new implants ‘settle’ into place. Incision lines will begin to fade during this time as well, but you can take steps to further minimize the appearance of scarring, such as massaging the area and practicing good skin care.

Revision surgery can effectively address problems that have occurred with a previous augmentation mammoplasty and improve the look and feel of your breasts. Our surgeons take great care to ensure natural, healthy results, so you can feel confident that your new implants will help you reach your aesthetic goals.

Request a Consultation Today

Edina Plastic Surgery is one of the Twin Cities’ premier surgical facilities. Our physicians are board-certified with decades of experience in breast augmentation, bringing a level of skill, knowledge and precision to each procedure you won’t find elsewhere. Because of this, we are frequently asked to correct problems that have occurred with previous breast surgeries. If you’re ready to learn more about breast revision, give us a call at 612-688-3177 to get started. We proudly serve patients in Edina and the Twin Cities metro area, including Minneapolis, Saint Paul and Minnetonka.