Quick Facts
- Potential Candidates: Ideal candidates should be healthy, non-smoking patients who have previously undergone breast augmentation and are seeking to correct implant-related concerns or dissatisfaction with their results.
- Recovery Process: Recovery can vary by procedure complexity, but most patients experience a few days of downtime, return to light activities within a week, and see continued improvement as swelling resolves over several months.
- Surgeon’s Expertise: Dr. Herte is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for her practical, solution-focused approach, combining advanced techniques, aesthetic expertise, and personalized care to deliver safe, natural-looking results.
- Cost: Procedure costs can differ based on the complexity of the surgery and associated factors, with personalized pricing and financing options available.
What Is Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast implant revision is a surgery to address problems from a previous breast augmentation, such as implant rupture, rippling, capsular contracture, asymmetry, or otherwise unsatisfactory results. Some patients may choose to undergo breast implant removal without replacement, while others may want to exchange their implants for a new type or size.
Secondary procedures like breast implant revision can be more complex, due to the additional factor of scar tissue from the original augmentation. This is why it is important to seek a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced with performing breast revision. At the Herte Center for Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Mary Herte works with patients to help them improve their breast appearance, whether they received breast implants recently or several years ago.
What Problems Can Breast Revision Address?
Breast revision surgery can address a variety of issues related to previous breast augmentation or reconstruction procedures. Common problems include:
- Dissatisfaction with breast size or shape
- Implant malposition or displacement
- Complications such as capsular contracture, which occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and causes firmness or discomfort
Additionally, this procedure can correct asymmetry, replace old or ruptured implants, and address cosmetic concerns including wrinkling or rippling of the implant surface. Breast revision aims to restore aesthetics and comfort, often improving both the physical appearance and emotional satisfaction of the patient.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Revision Surgery?
Ideal candidates for breast implant revision surgery are those who have undergone breast augmentation in the past and are either unhappy with their results or concerned about the state of their implants. Patients should be in generally good health, be non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can help them achieve.
The best way to determine whether breast implant revision surgery is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Herte. She emphasizes the importance of a thorough, educational initial appointment, noting, “Our consultation for breast revision involves a mirror and examination that identifies the issues contributing to the patient’s concerns. I am very clear about the problems that can be addressed and explain, in simple terms, what can be done to help correct them. I also discuss limitations, such as chest wall asymmetry, unusual breast shapes, and the effects of gravity. Often, I will sketch the surgical plan to ensure the procedure and expectations are fully understood.”
What Does Breast Revision Surgery Involve?
Breast implant revision is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. Since the details of the procedure can greatly vary based on the reason for your revision, Dr. Herte will tailor your surgical plan according to your needs. She typically places the incisions in the same locations as your initial breast augmentation, such as in the crease underneath the breast, around the areola, and/or if a breast lift is involved, vertically below the areola.
If replacing your breast implants, she will carefully remove the older implants along with any hardened scar tissue (capsular contracture) that has developed around them. The new saline or silicone implants are then inserted into the same pocket, and the surrounding tissue is reshaped to ensure the most aesthetic outcome. Depending on your needs and goals, Dr. Herte may also adjust the position or size of the areola. She will then complete your breast revision by closing the incisions and placing surgical bandages. The entire breast revision procedure takes about two to three hours.
How Long Is The Recovery From Breast Revision Surgery?
The specifics of what you can expect after breast implant revision surgery will depend upon the complexity of your procedure. Most patients need about three days of downtime after their implant revision. Some degree of bruising, swelling, and discomfort is to be expected, and this should significantly fade over the first few weeks.
If you have a desk-based job, you may feel comfortable enough to return within the first week. Many patients say their recovery from breast revision is easier than after breast augmentation. As swelling continues to subside over the next two to three months, you should gradually see your final results.
How Soon After Breast Augmentation Can I Get a Revision?
Dr. Herte generally recommends waiting at least six months to one year after breast augmentation before considering a revision surgery. She explains the necessity of allowing the body adequate time to heal, saying, “Incisions, scars, and the pocket around the implant take time to heal and mature to the point where re-operation does not trigger poor healing.”
During this time, swelling typically decreases and the tissues around the implants adjust, which is important for assessing the true outcome of the initial surgery. If there are complications or dissatisfaction with the results, discussing concerns with Dr. Herte early on is important, but patience is essential to ensure that any revisions are truly necessary and can be effectively planned.
What Will My Breast Revision Scars Look Like?
Scar location and quality following surgery can vary widely. According to Dr. Herte, “Scar location and quality after revision surgery is highly variable based on the concern being addressed, initial location, and the quality of existing scars. If droopiness of the breast has developed after the original augmentation, then additional scars will be needed to tighten the skin. If the implant has bottomed out and has fallen below the natural inframammary fold, not only will the pocket need to be adjusted to lift the implant, but the nipple-to-fold distance may also need to be reduced to normalize the nipple position on the mound. This may result in skin removal along the entire length of the fold, adding an additional or longer scar.”
She adds that in some situations, scar changes may be more limited, sharing, “In some cases, the only change in scars is a slight lengthening of the inframammary scar to allow better access to the scar capsule for pocket modification. However, if extensive interior work needs to be done on the capsule, an incision may be added along the inframammary fold for better access even if a scar already exists in the areola.”
Over time, these scars should fade to thin, less noticeable lines, although factors such as skin type, the extent of the revision, and personal healing characteristics can affect scar visibility. Following post-operative care instructions carefully, including proper wound care, can help optimize the healing process and reduce the appearance of scars.
How Much Does Breast Revision Surgery Cost?
Since the details of breast implant revision will greatly differ from patient to patient, there is no fixed cost for the procedure. On average, the cost of breast revision surgery starts at $3,500 for the surgeon’s fee. If the implants are being replaced, a lift is involved, or a total capsulectomy is advised, this comes with additional costs. Other factors that can influence your cost include the type of implants you choose, expertise of your plastic surgeon, and associated fees like anesthesia and surgical facility costs.
To help you understand what to expect from your breast revision procedure, our team will provide you with a personalized cost quote. If you would like to break your total amount into smaller, monthly payments, we accept financing through third-party lenders like CareCredit® and ALPHAEON® CREDIT.
Why Choose Dr. Herte for Breast Implant Revision
Patients seeking breast revision surgery should consider Dr. Herte for her exceptional expertise and commitment to patient satisfaction. She emphasizes that she takes a very practical and solution-based approach to revision surgery. Board-certified and highly experienced in cosmetic surgery, Dr. Herte combines advanced surgical techniques with a heightened aesthetic sense to address complications from previous surgeries and help patients achieve their desired outcomes. She has a strong history of helping women feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin with a variety of breast surgeries. Her approach prioritizes safety, natural-looking results, and minimal scarring. At our state-of-the-art facility, patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique needs and goals. Dr. Herte’s dedication to patient comfort and her compassionate style ensure that patients feel supported throughout their entire breast revision journey.
For more information about breast implant revision, please contact our office to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Herte.