Is It Time for Breast Implant Revision? What You Need to Know

Getting breast implants is a common option throughout the country. Every year, it’s among the top five plastic surgery procedures, offering women a chance to achieve the silhouette they have always wanted. As time passes, however, one of the worries women may have is how to prevent sagging and maintain the look they have achieved.

If you have gotten a breast augmentation procedure and have noticed changes in the way it looks or are now seeking a different silhouette, one of the options you have is to get a breast implant revision. Revision surgery allows you to address everything from asymmetry to breast tissue sagging, and it’s becoming a very popular procedure.

For those seeking a way to obtain natural-looking and proportionate breasts while also fixing any issues they may have with the original implant, a breast implant revision procedure could be the right choice. Learn more about these breast procedures.

What Is Breast Implant Revision?

A breast augmentation surgery revision is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure that helps to correct any prior problems you may have had with the initial augmentation procedure. Some breast revision surgeries take place to fix cosmetic issues, such as breast asymmetry, while others are medical necessities to fix problems like capsular contracture or breast implant rupture.

Another type of breast implant revision procedure is a lift. A breast lift revision allows you to improve breast shape to give you a more symmetrical look.

There are various types of breast implant revision procedures. Some involve the removal of old implants and any surrounding scar tissue you may have, while others focus on reshaping the breast. The incisions can vary, though it’s common to use the same ones from your original surgery.

Signs You May Need a Breast Implant Revision

There are a few signs that could warn you that it may be time to consider breast reconstruction. One of the most common is noticing sagging or changes in breast appearance. You may have noticed that the implant has shifted, which could put pressure on nerves or other structures and cause discomfort. The surgery can help reposition the implant on the chest wall.

You may also notice rippling. These can appear as visible creasing on the breast’s surface. Asymmetry is a concern, too, which can give you a lopsided look. If you can see the implant edges or anything else that gives your breasts an unnatural look, you may be a good candidate for this procedure.

In some instances, you may feel pain or pressure. The scar tissue around the implants can harden and tighten, distorting the breast. This is called capsular contracture. With a revision, you can get rid of the pain and remove the scarring, providing a more natural look.

Bottoming out is another concern. It occurs when the implant slips down on the chest wall, giving an exaggerated sagging appearance. In many cases, a breast lift can be enough to shift the implant to its original location.

Implant ruptures are a common reason to get a breast implant revision. Saline implants can deflate, and other types can lose their natural look. You may need to replace these or have them refilled.

Your own preferences may have changed. If you find yourself looking in the mirror and not liking your silhouette or how clothes sit, then implant surgery, whether to augment or decrease breast size, can help. You may even choose to try other types of implants to obtain the look you want.

Types of Breast Implant Revisions

Your provider will recommend the implant revision that best suits your goals. Some of the most common procedures involve size adjustments. A breast augmentation revision allows you to increase the size of the implants to give you the exact look you want.

If you think your implants are too large or you’re experiencing discomfort because of them, going down one implant size might be a better choice.

Some revisions involve a full implant removal. You then have the chance to choose another type, like silicone implants, or reposition a new implant. If the existing one has ruptured or leaked, then you’ll typically need a full replacement.

For women who experienced a capsular contracture, it will be necessary to remove the scar tissue as well as the original implant. You can then get a new implant, which may be positioned under the muscle to prevent additional scarring.

If you’d like to address sagging or symmetry problems, your plastic surgeon will likely recommend a breast implant revision surgery that includes a breast lift.

Breast Implant Revision Procedure Overview

The first step in getting an implant revision is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will assess your medical history, overall health, and your aesthetic goals to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. People who are generally healthy and have realistic expectations are the ideal candidates.

You’ll receive instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. This includes not eating for hours before the procedure and ensuring that you don’t take any blood thinners.

You’ll receive general anesthesia, and your surgeon will make the initial incisions at the same sites as those of your original procedure. They’ll remove or readjust the implants and, if you have capsular contracture, remove scarring.

Your surgeon will reshape the underlying tissues of the breast pocket so that the new or improved implant fits better. They may even add internal sutures for more support. Once the new or repaired implant is in place, the surgeon will close the incisions.

Once the procedure is over, you’ll be taken to a recovery room and monitored. After a couple of hours, you’ll likely be allowed to go home. You must follow all post-operative instructions to assist the healing process. Not doing so can cause complications and could even impact the overall look of the breasts.

You must rest for the first few days. You can experience swelling and mild discomfort, but your doctor will provide medications to assist you through this. After about a week, you’ll be able to return to mild activities, but avoid anything too strenuous for at least six weeks.

To help the healing process and prevent the implant from shifting, you’ll wear a surgical bra for a few weeks. You’ll also need to attend all follow-up sessions with your surgeon.

Cost of Breast Implant Revision

Typically, breast implant revisions will begin at around $6,000. Breast implant revision cost will depend on numerous factors, however, including the exact procedure you’ll receive. If you need to replace the implant, the type you get will also affect the price. Typically, a full replacement will be more expensive than repositioning the existing implant.

Other factors will be the amount of anesthesia you need, facility fees, and your surgeon’s fees. Very experienced and popular surgeons can charge more for their services.

Breast implant procedure costs will also be impacted by whether the procedure is for medical or cosmetic reasons. Cosmetic services tend to be more expensive and aren’t covered by most insurance plans. If you need the revision for medical reasons, however, you’ll likely be able to receive coverage from your insurer.

To afford your procedure, there are financing options and payment plans available. You can obtain a personal loan from a bank or lender, or choose medical credit cards. In-house clinic financing is also available.

Risks and Considerations

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks to consider. You will have to get general anesthesia, which can be stressful for some people and may not be an option if you’re allergic to the anesthetic. After surgery, there is also the risk of bleeding and developing infections. Additionally, you may develop new scars or experience implant ruptures.

The recovery process is not simple, either. You will need a few weeks to fully recover, which can mean not participating in certain activities and not lifting anything heavy (including toddlers). You’ll have to keep up with your medical appointments, too.

You must have realistic expectations regarding the results. Revisions provide an improvement but may not address all of your aesthetic goals.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

You must choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing breast implant revisions. Read reviews and ask for patient testimonials to get a better sense of what to expect.

During your consultation, ask as many questions as possible. Inquire about the types of techniques the surgeon can use to obtain the results you want, what the total costs will be, what implant options you have, and whether it’s possible to combine a breast lift with the revision.

Next Steps

If you are unhappy with the way your breast implants look, are worried about pain, or have changed your aesthetic goals, a revision can help. With a breast implant revision, which can be combined with a breast lift, you may be able to change your breast size or reposition sagging implants.

The costs of these procedures can vary, though you can expect to pay at least $6,000. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to make time to fully recover, which could keep you from working and taking care of other responsibilities.

The New Look New Life team of doctors is ready to assist you. We offer the assessments necessary to ensure you’re a good candidate for these procedures. Book a consultation to get started.