Revision Breast Surgery

Revision surgery after breast augmentation is more common than revision surgery for breast lift or reduction, although we do offer all these procedures. The primary reason for an increased number of corrective surgeries after breast augmentation is the implants. Breast implants are long lasting, but they don’t last forever. We tell our first-time breast augmentation patients to plan on a revision surgery or two when getting their implants initially.

When is breast revision needed? We tell our patients to come see us if they are unhappy with their breast appearance, if they are experiencing discomfort in their breasts,  or if their implants are over 10 years old. A board-certified plastic surgeon can provide a lot more information than an internet search and is invaluable for learning about options and solutions. Common reasons for considering breast revision surgery include:

• Size Change– Size changes are the top reason for breast implant exchange and revision surgery. As you age, your aesthetic desires may change. Many women find themselves wanting larger or smaller breast implants as the year go by. After breast reduction, a size change may be needed if your breasts continue to grow or if you realize that you should’ve gone smaller with your initial surgery.
• Capsular Contracture– Capsular contracture is a breast augmentation complication that occurs when the scar tissue surrounding the implant hardens and contracts, causing pain, discomfort, and breast shape changes. Revision surgery will remove the problematic tissue, replace the implant, and alleviate the symptoms of capsular contracture.
• Implant Positioning Problems– Inexperienced breast surgeons often struggle with implant positioning. The implants may be placed too high on the chest wall, too low, too close together, or unevenly. Revision surgery improves implant placement for a more natural, symmetrical breast appearance.
• Asymmetry– Some women choose breast augmentation or reduction to correct congenital asymmetry; others may develop asymmetry as a result of a previously performed surgery. Breast revision surgery addresses asymmetry, using tissue excision, implants, and other techniques to achieve breasts that are similar in size and appearance. Remember, perfectly symmetrical breasts don’t exist in nature or after breast surgery. The goal of breast surgery is similar breasts, not identical.
• Sagging– Breast implants don’t correct breast sagging. Many women receive breast augmentation to alleviate sagging breasts, and find themselves disappointed by their larger, sagging breasts. A revision procedure can lift sagging tissues and reform the breast shape.
• Post-Pregnancy or Weight Loss Breast Changes– Pregnancy causes significant breast changes for many women, prior breast surgery or not. Many women require a breast revision, lift, reduction, or augmentation after pregnancy to restore breast appearance. Breast surgery is almost always included in our mommy makeover procedures.
• Unsatisfactory Results from Prior Breast Surgery– The most important decision you’ll make in breast surgery is your choice of surgeon. Many of our breast revisions are performed to repair damage caused by an inexperienced surgeon without proper training in breast surgery.

If your prior breast surgery left you with unsatisfactory results, come see us for a do-over. Dr. Farber is a highly experienced breast revision surgeon and can skillfully address both simple and complex issues arising from previous surgeries.