Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed worldwide and at Edina Plastic Surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® annual procedural statistic report, over 304,000 breast augmentations were performed in the United States alone in 2023. While the results can be life-changing and confidence-boosting for thousands of women, some patients may eventually seek breast revision surgery for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s to correct complications, refine aesthetics, or update implants to newer options, Edina Plastic Surgery is here to help you achieve the look you desire and the breast enhancement that best suits your lifestyle.
“Breast revision surgery can be performed for medical or aesthetic purposes,” explains Dr. Christine Stewart, a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery. “When selecting a plastic surgeon to partner with for breast revision, it’s vital that you choose a provider who is experienced in the complexity of this procedure and how every detail can alter the breast tissue in significant ways,” she stresses.
“At Edina Plastic Surgery, we invest a significant amount of time during our consultations to fully assess and understand the issues that have arisen with a patient’s breast augmentation 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 any current issues,” shares Dr. Stewart. “A thorough physical examination is also conducted and leveraged with a patient’s aesthetic expectations to arrive at a realistic treatment plan. The goal of breast revision surgery address is to craft healthy, shapely breasts that mirror the patient’s aesthetic goals and to minimize the occurrence of any possible complications.”
If you are experiencing concerns with your breast implants, you may be a candidate for breast revision surgery at Edina Plastic Surgery. Here are six common reasons patients choose to undergo this procedure:
#1 – Capsular Contracture
“One of the most common reasons for breast revision surgery is capsular contracture, a condition that occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the implant tightens and hardens,” says Dr. Stewart. “This can lead to discomfort, distortion in breast shape, and even pain in severe cases. While the exact cause of capsular contracture is not always clear, factors such as history of clinical infection, history of post-operative bleeding, formation of bacterial biofilm or undetected ruptured implant may contribute to its development.”
Breast revision surgery can effectively address capsular contracture by removing the hardened capsule and replacing the implant if necessary. At Edina Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize the risk of recurrence and ensure a smooth, natural-looking outcome. However, it is important to note that once patients develop capsular contracture, they have a higher-than-normal reoccurrence rate, even with corrective revisional surgery.
#2 – Ruptured Breast Implant
“Breast implants are designed to be durable, but they are not indestructible,” says Dr. Stewart. “Over time, the most common way for an implant to rupture is that the material it is made of wears out. When a saline implant ruptures, the saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body, but the affected breast will deflate, leading to noticeable asymmetry. Silicone implant ruptures are less obvious, as the cohesive gel usually remains within the implant shell or surrounding capsule. There is usually no visible change with a ruptured cohesive silicone implant. This is often referred to as a “silent rupture.”
Patients concerned about the integrity of their breast implants or having symptoms related to them may 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.
If a rupture occurs, breast revision surgery is necessary to remove the compromised implant. If the implant is not removed, it can lead to capsular contracture, which can be a recurrent problem once present. Patients can decide to remove and replace the implant, or remove the implant and do a lift, or remove the implant and do nothing, or remove the implant and consider fat transfer, if that is an option for the patient. The team at Edina Plastic Surgery will guide you through this process, ensuring that your overall health is prioritized and that any approach taken aligns with your aesthetic goals.
#3 – Implant Migration or Malposition
“Over time, breast implants can shift from their original placement, leading to asymmetry or an unnatural appearance,” explains Dr. Stewart. “Implant migration can be caused by factors such as aging, weight fluctuations, gravity, or inadequate support from the surrounding tissue, implants placed that are too big for the patient’s anatomy. This may result in implants sitting too high, too low, too far apart, or too close together.”
- Bottoming Out – When an implant drops below the natural breast crease
- Symmastia – When implants merge towards the center of the chest
- Lateral Displacement – When an implant shifts too far to the side of the body
Correcting implant migration requires a skilled approach to reposition the implant and, in some cases, reinforce the implant pocket with internal sutures or additional support materials. At Edina Plastic Surgery, our surgeons have extensive experience in revision procedures and use the latest techniques to restore balance and enhance your natural proportions.
#4 – Implant Rippling
“Some patients may experience visible rippling or wrinkling of their breast implants, which is more common with saline implants or those placed above the muscle,” says Dr. Stewart. “Thin skin, lack of breast tissue, and certain implant styles can contribute to this issue, making the rippling more noticeable, especially in thinner women.”
Breast revision surgery can address rippling by replacing the existing implant with a more cohesive silicone gel option, repositioning the implant under the muscle, or using fat grafting to provide additional tissue coverage. Our plastic surgeons will work with you to determine the best approach for achieving a smooth, natural-looking breast contour.
#5 – Asymmetry
“While no two breasts are perfectly identical, significant asymmetry can become a concern for some patients, particularly if it was not present before breast augmentation,” explains Dr. Stewart. “Factors such as implant shifting, differences in healing, or changes in weight can contribute to uneven breasts. 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.”
Breast revision surgery can correct asymmetry by adjusting the implant size, shape, or position to create a more balanced appearance. In some cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be combined with revision surgery to achieve optimal symmetry and proportion.
#6 – Resizing of Breast Implants
“Over time, a patient’s personal preferences may change, and some women may desire a different implant size,” says Dr. Stewart. “Whether you wish to go larger for enhanced volume or smaller for a more natural look, breast revision surgery allows you to adjust your implant size and/or profile to better suit your lifestyle and current aesthetic goals.”
During your consultation at Edina Plastic Surgery, our surgeons will discuss your desired outcome and recommend implant options that align with your body frame, skin elasticity, and overall proportions. This ensures a beautiful and harmonious result that complements your natural figure.
Trust the Experts at Edina Plastic Surgery for Breast Revision Surgery
“Breast revision surgery requires a high level of expertise and precision to achieve natural-looking results, but it also requires compassion,” stresses Dr. Stewart. “It can be scary for a patient when something has gone wrong with a previous surgery, but know that you are not alone, and we are here to help! At Edina Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in breast procedures and are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. We’re also here to guide you through the entire journey and will be right by your side.”
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, call (952) 592-5871, text (952) 925-1765, or CLICK HERE to set up a complimentary consultation with Dr. Christine Stewart of another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery today!
