Once breast augmentation patients have gone through the surgical process and have their implants, most patients are extremely happy and content with their new body contours.
However, down the line, it’s not uncommon for some patients to decide to switch their implants out. Some want new implants because their current implants are uncomfortable. Others no longer desire the same shape or projection in their implants. Still others have medical problems, such as capsular contracture, which may necessitate a swap.
No matter your reason for undergoing breast implant revision, it’s common to have questions about the surgery and recovery process. To assist you, we’ve created a list of commonly asked breast implant revision before and after FAQs. As you approach your surgery, be sure to give these a once over, and they should help orient you beforehand.
FAQ: Breast Implant Revision Surgery
What is breast implant revision surgery?
Breast implant revision surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing your current breast implants and replacing them with new implants.
In some cases, patients may decide to have their current implants removed so that they can undergo a breast lift or even a breast reduction in some cases. Other patients may simply want to have their breast implants removed, and they don’t want any other procedures performed (not even new implants).
Who is a good candidate for breast implant revision?
As long as they are in good physical health, any patient who is not content with their current breast implants can undergo breast implant revision surgery. Most patients have some sort of medical issue — such as a rupture, leak, or capsular contracture — that they want to correct with revision surgery. Sometimes this is urgent, and other times, patients can get the surgery at their leisure.
Aesthetic reasons are also common for this procedure. Patients may decide a few years after undergoing their initial breast augmentation that they don’t like the size or shape of their implants and they want to switch them out. Similarly, sometimes, patients decide that they actually want to go bigger.
Will I have new scars after breast implant revision surgery?
You can see typical breast implant revision scars in before and after photos of breast implant revision surgery. Most of the time, your surgeon will be able to reuse your initial surgery scars. So, for example, if you initially had incisions made in your breast crease, your surgeon may be able to reuse those incisions so that you don’t have any new scars.
How much does breast implant revision cost?
Your breast implant revision cost will vary depending on what type of breast implants you decide to get (implant material, size, shape, etc.), how challenging your revision surgery is, and whether you undergo additional procedures (such as a breast lift) as well.
All surgeons will charge a different price for their care. Sometimes, primary surgery (original breast implant surgery) is more expensive, and other times, revision surgery is more expensive. If, for example, your breast tissue has a lot of scar tissue within it (or you have other complications with your current implants or the overlying breast tissue, etc.), the revision procedure may be more difficult and therefore more expensive.
Is breast revision recovery painful?
For most patients, breast revision recovery is not any more painful than initial breast augmentation surgery or even breast lift surgery. The new implants, unless a drastically different size or shape, will replace the old breast implants in the breast implant pocket.
And other than any new incisions (and the general trauma and inflammation that comes with surgery), you should feel okay. Some light soreness and mild discomfort are quite normal.
Prescription pain medications can be prescribed to improve your comfort during breast implant revision recovery. And we also recommend you get plenty of relaxation and rest. Take some time off work, and get help with chores, errands, and cooking for a few days to ease your comfort.
Where can I undergo breast implant revision near me?
Most plastic surgeons who perform breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast lift surgery also perform breast revision surgery. If you are interested in this plastic surgery, look up board-certified plastic surgeons who specifically perform the breast revision procedure in your geographic area. This can be done with a simple Google search to start with.
Be sure to book consultations with the candidates you want to consider as your chosen surgeon. It’s okay to schedule several consultations with two or three different surgeons. Bring questions with you, ask them about their experience, and always be sure that they are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you’ve undergone a previous breast surgery and are interested in switching out your current implants — whether for medical or cosmetic reasons — please contact us today to set up your breast implant removal and replacement appointment.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham performs this surgery alongside numerous other breast and body procedures at her New Jersey practice. Call today to request a consultation!