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What Is Breast Revision Surgery?


Breast revision surgery, also known as breast augmentation revision, breast implant revision, or breast implant exchange, is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to remove breast implants and replace them. Breast augmentation revision is most commonly performed to address breast implant problems, but may also be performed to change breast size, shape, and/or position.1

Common Reasons For Breast Augmentation Revision


There are quite a few reasons why patients opt to undergo breast revision surgery, including breast implant complications, changes in physical appearance, and changes in personal aesthetic preferences.2

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is by far the most common long-term risk associated with breast implants.3 It is normal and expected for scar tissue to form a capsule around breast implants. However, in some cases, the scar capsule becomes too thick and too tight, compressing the breast implant. Capsular contracture happens with all breast implant types, and can cause changes to the appearance of breasts in addition to discomfort and pain. The only way to treat moderate to severe cases of capsular contracture is to perform a capsulectomy and remove and replace implants in breast revision surgery.

Symmastia

Symmastia is a rare breast implant complication in which the two implants essentially come together in the middle of the chest. This improper positioning can make the implants appear as a single breast with the sternal skin being lifted.

Double Bubble

A double bubble breast implant is a common complication in which the implant doesn't properly align with the lower breast tissue. This results in the appearance of a large bulge or bubble as well as a second inframammary fold.

Lateral Displacement

Another common breast implant complication is called lateral displacement. When this occurs, the breast implants settle too far apart from each other on the chest, creating an abnormally wide space between them, in particular when the patient is lying flat.

Bottoming Out

In certain patients, one or both of the breast implants will “bottom out,” which is a condition in which the implant sinks below the breast's natural crease. This causes the bottom half of the breast to look abnormally large when compared to the rest of the breast.

Rippling

Breast implant rippling is another common reason for patients to undergo breast revision surgery. This complication, which has several potential causes, results in visible folds in one or both of the implants, which resemble little ripples beneath the skin.

Improper Implant Position

Poor implant placement can result in the implants settling unevenly, asymmetry, and other cosmetic concerns that may require breast revision surgery to correct. During this procedure, the plastic surgeon may make changes to the breast implant pocket so that the implants are positioned differently on the chest.

Breast Implant Rupture and Deflation

Over time or as a result of trauma, saline implants and silicone implants may become susceptible to rupture and leakage. It is also possible for saline implants to deflate. Silicone gel implants may also be subject to silent rupture, which occurs with no symptoms.

Changes in Body Shape or Size

Factors like gaining weight, weight loss, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and age can affect the appearance of breast implants. In these cases, patients may choose a breast revision procedure, sometimes combined with a breast lift, for breasts that appear firmer, fuller, and more youthful.

Changes in Preference

Styles and personal preferences change. Some patients may wish to replace their breast implants with a different type of implant or update their implant size, shape, or projection. Dr. Esmailian offers a full range of breast implant options, including saline implants, silicone implants, and gummy bear implants, as well as a comprehensive selection of implant shapes and sizes.

Unsatisfactory Results from a Previous Surgery

When patients are dissatisfied with the results of a previous breast surgery, they may seek breast revision. This can occur after all types of surgery where breast implants are used, including a traditional breast augmentation procedure, breast lift with augmentation, and breast reconstruction after cancer.

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Who is a Candidate for Breast Revision Surgery?


Adults who would like to correct unsatisfactory results or complications from breast augmentation surgery could be good candidates for breast revision surgery in Orange County. Ideal candidates for the procedure should:

  • Be in generally good physical health
  • Be unhappy with the size, shape, symmetry, and/or overall appearance of your breast implants
  • Be experiencing complications with one or both breast implants
  • Not be currently pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Be a non-smoker
  • Have realistic expectations for the procedure
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Your Breast Augmentation Revision Consultation


If you're interested in breast revision surgery, the first step will be to have a personal consultation with Dr. Esmailian. During this meeting, he will ask you about any symptoms or complications you've experienced and why you're considering breast revision surgery. The doctor will then discuss your specific treatment options with you and answer any questions you have about the procedure. Based on your unique situation and aesthetic goals, Dr. Esmailian will work closely with you to create a treatment plan that's custom-tailored to your needs.

Once your plastic surgery procedure is scheduled, you will receive detailed pre-operative instructions. You will be instructed to stop smoking and refrain from alcohol consumption before your procedure. You may also be asked to stop taking certain prescription medications, vitamins, and supplements that could increase your risk of bleeding and bruising. Finally, you won't be able to drive yourself home after breast revision surgery, so you will need to make arrangements for transportation.

The Breast Augmentation Revision Procedure


One thing you will discuss with Dr. Esmailian before the procedure is the type of anesthesia you'll be administered. Before the surgery begins, your chosen anesthesia will be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Typically, for breast revision surgery, Dr. Esmailian will recommend using general anesthesia, which will render you temporarily unconscious during the procedure.

Your breast revision procedure will likely be performed on an outpatient basis. Once the anesthesia has taken effect on the day of the surgery, Dr. Esmailian will begin by making the initial incision. In many cases, he will be able to reuse the incisions made during the original breast augmentation surgery, which will prevent any new scarring. However, the doctor may need to make a larger incision depending on the specifics of your treatment. During your initial consultation, Dr. Esmailian will discuss your incision options with you.

After the initial incision, the specifics of your breast revision surgery will depend on your unique needs and treatment plan. Because every breast revision procedure is different, there are multiple ways in which Dr. Esmailian may approach your surgery. For this reason, the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours to complete. After a couple of hours of observation, you'll be able to return home, but you'll need someone else to drive you.

Recovery After Breast Augmentation Revision

After your breast revision surgery, Dr. Esmailian will give you detailed instructions for the recovery process. For instance, you may be required to wear a special support bra for several weeks, and you'll need to refrain from lifting your arms above your armpits to protect your sutures and healing tissues. For the first one to two weeks of recovery, you should rest frequently, periodically taking light walks around the house but refraining from more strenuous activities. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and soreness during this time.

Most patients can return to work after one to two weeks, but it's important to wait four to six weeks before partaking in strenuous physical activity.

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Before & After Breast Revision

Breast Augmentation Revision
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Contact Dr. Esmailian


To ensure a smooth procedure and optimal results from your breast revision surgery, choosing an experienced and trustworthy plastic surgeon is crucial. Dr. Farbod Esmailian is a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned in Orange County and beyond as an authority on breast procedures. Throughout his impressive career, he has performed numerous successful breast revisions and helped many patients achieve the perky, youthful, symmetrical breasts that they desired. To learn more about your breast implant revision options, schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Esmailian today.

FAQs About Breast Revision Surgery

Does everyone with breast implants need revision surgery?

How much does breast augmentation revision cost?

Can breast revision surgery correct capsular contracture?

Are there visible scars after breast revision surgery?

Will the implants be removed completely?

Should the original breast augmentation surgeon perform the breast revision?

Does everyone with breast implants need revision surgery?

Yes, just about everybody who has breast implants will need to have revision surgery at some time. The FDA cautions patients that “breast implants are not lifetime devices.” Even if a person does not experience breast implant complications or seek a different breast appearance, implants eventually need to be replaced at some point in your lifetime.

How much does breast augmentation revision cost?

Breast revision surgery in Orange County can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, including the specifics of the procedure, the anesthesia fee, post-surgery garments, and any needed tests or studies. During your consultation with Dr. Esmailian, he will be able to give you more precise information about the cost of your surgery.

Can breast revision surgery correct capsular contracture?

Yes, in many cases, breast revision surgery can correct capsular contracture.

Are there visible scars after breast revision surgery?

Dr. Esmailian always makes the incisions as small and inconspicuous as possible to minimize scarring, and in many cases, he can utilize the original incisions from the breast augmentation.

Will health insurance cover breast revision surgery?

Generally, breast revision surgery will only be covered by health insurance if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.

Will the implants be removed completely?

In many cases, the breast implants are removed completely and replaced with new customized implants during breast revision surgery.

Should the original breast augmentation surgeon perform the breast revision?

Ultimately, it's up to the individual patient, but if you're unsatisfied with the results of your breast augmentation, you may want to choose a new, more experienced plastic surgeon for the breast revision procedure.

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How long to wait to have sex after Breast Augmentation?

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Should I wear a surgical bra after Breast Augmentation?

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How long do I have to sleep on my back after Breast Augmentation?

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Signs of Capsular Contracture

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How do you massage breasts after Breast Augmentation?

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What would cause my breasts to shrink?

1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is breast implant revision surgery? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-implant-revision. Accessed February 27, 2024.
2 Seminars in Plastic Surgery. Revision Breast Augmentation. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8186996/#. Accessed February 27, 2024.
3 Headon H, Kasem A, Mokbel K. Capsular Contracture after Breast Augmentation: An Update for Clinical Practice. Arch Plast Surg. 2015 Sep;42(5):532-43. doi: 10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.532. Epub 2015 Sep 15. PMID: 26430623; PMCID: PMC4579163. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26430623/. Accessed February 27, 2024.
4 Susini P, Nisi G, Pierazzi DM, Giardino FR, Pozzi M, Grimaldi L, Cuomo R. Advances on Capsular Contracture-Prevention and Management Strategies: A Narrative Review of the Literature. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2023 Jun 9;11(6):e5034. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000005034. PMID: 37305202; PMCID: PMC10256414. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37305202/. Accessed February 27, 2024.
5 FDA. What to know about breast implants. Available: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-about-breast-implants. Accessed February 27, 2024.

Page updated: May 18, 2024

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