Breast Implant Revision | Breast Revision & Implant Replacement

Get the breast implants you want & deserve

If you have already had breast augmentation, and you need or desire changes to your breasts, we can help. Breast revision surgery is highly individualized, and we understand that no two patients have the exact same reasons for considering a revision.

Revisionary surgery can be simple or relatively extensive. Dr. Fouad Samaha has over 20 years of experience performing cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, and Boston female plastic surgeon Dr. Alannah Phelan also specializes in breast procedures like breast implant revision. They will listen carefully to your needs to help you get the breast shape that you desire!

If your implant goals have changed…

From time to time, patients change their preferences and decide to alter some aspect of their breast implants. Dr. Samaha or Dr. Phelan will be happy to discuss your options if you would like to consider breast augmentation revision for the following reasons:

  • Change in breast implant size
  • Switch implant type (saline to silicone)
  • Surgery to revise a scar
  • Need for a subsequent breast lift
  • Breast implant removal

If you need to correct problems with your current breast implants …

Although breast augmentation is and continues to be one of the most satisfying cosmetic surgeries, problems can arise that may prompt a revisionary surgery procedure or breast implant removal. Problems that have been documented include the following:

  • Capsular contracture
  • Rippling
  • Deflation
  • Displacement
  • Infection
  • Asymmetry
  • Breast or nipple droop
  • Symmastia

Breast Implant Replacement vs. Removal

Whether or not you desire to replace your implants is up to you. Most patients choose to have new implants placed, and on occasion may choose to have their original implants replaced following revision of the breast tissue. If you choose to have your implants removed permanently, you may need to consider an additional procedure to help you maintain a natural and aesthetically pleasing breast shape.

The team consisting of the exceptional Dr. Samaha, the gifted anesthesiologist, the kind nurses, and friendly administrative staff, have given me a second lease on life. I came to them with a need for plastic surgery (breast implant explantation) due to an underlying health concern. The competence, compassion, kindness, and utmost professionalism was beyond compare. I was so pleased by my results, and truly moved by their provision of care that I requested this link to write a review. I cannot recommend them more highly. This IS the place to be.

Actual Breast Implant Removal Patient

What to expect during breast revision surgery

Many of our surgical procedures are performed in our outpatient surgery suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (also known as Quad A), under the care of a board certified anesthesiologist.

During a breast revision, the patient will typically receive general anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. The surgeon will then make an incision, which can be in the same location as the original breast augmentation surgery or in a different location, depending on your specific needs. The incision may be made along the inframammary fold (underneath the breast), around the areola, or in the armpit.

Once the incision is made, the surgeon will first address the issue at hand, which can include correcting complications like capsular contracture, implant malposition, implant rupture, or a need for a different size or shape of the breasts. Your surgeon will then remove the existing implant(s) and replace them with new implants. Complimentary procedures, such as a breast lift or fat grafting may also be performed to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. The incisions are then closed using sutures, and the patient will be provided with post-operative instructions for recovery and follow-up care.

Frequently asked questions about the revision procedure

Will this correct capsular contracture?

Breast revision surgery with new implants can help correct capsular contracture, but it is not a guaranteed solution. Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms around a breast implant, causing it to become tight, firm, and possibly misshapen. During a revision surgery, your surgeon can remove the scar tissue and replace the old implant with a new one. This can alleviate the symptoms of capsular contracture and provide improved results. However, there is still a possibility of recurrence, as the exact causes of capsular contracture are not fully understood. The success of the revision surgery to correct capsular contracture depends on various factors, such as the severity of the contracture, the technique used, and the patient’s unique bodily anatomy. It is advisable to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific situation and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Will I need a breast lift as well?

It is possible, and quite common, to undergo a breast lift at the same time as a breast implant revision.  During a breast revision surgery, your plastic surgeon can address issues related to the breast implants, such as replacing or repositioning them, while simultaneously performing a breast lift to address breast ptosis (sagging). This combination procedure can help improve your breast shape and size, as well as the position of your breasts.

Will my breast skin be affected if I switch to a smaller implant size?

Switching to a smaller implant size during a breast revision surgery can potentially affect the appearance of the skin on and around the breasts. When you have larger implants and downsize to smaller ones, the excess skin that was previously stretched by the larger implants may not retract fully, resulting in some degree of loose or sagging skin.

Any resulting skin laxity will depend on several factors, such as the size difference between the old and new implants, the elasticity of your skin, as well as factors like weight loss or pregnancy that may have affected you skin’s quality.

In some cases, a breast lift may be recommended in combination with downsizing the implants to address the excess skin and achieve a more desirable breast shape and position.

Schedule your breast revision consultation with Dr. Samaha or Dr. Phelan today

Our Boston plastic surgeons consistently seek to mitigate the negative consequences of procedures like breast implant removal. If you’ve experienced implant deflation or a problem with your breast implants, contact Boston Plastic Surgery right away. Our entire team is here to help you throughout your entire breast journey!

References »

Navanjun S. Grewal, Jack Fisher, Why Do Patients Seek Revisionary Breast Surgery?, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 33, Issue 2, February 2013, Pages 237–244, https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X12472693

Forster NA, Künzi W, Giovanoli P. The reoperation cascade after breast augmentation with implants: what the patient needs to know. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 2013 Mar;66(3):313-22. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2012.09.033. 

Spear SL, Low M, Ducic I. Revision augmentation mastopexy: indications, operations, and outcomes. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2003 Dec;51(6):540-6. doi: 10.1097/01.sap.0000096450.04443.be.

Clough R, Darragh L, Maclennan L, O’Donoghue JM. Revision Surgery to Improve Cosmesis with Immediate Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction. JPRAS Open. 2021 May 21;29:106-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jpra.2021.04.006.

Denney BD, Cohn AB, Bosworth JW, Kumbla PA. Revision Breast Augmentation. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2021 May;35(2):98-109. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1727272.

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