Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery
5410 North Scottsdale Road A-500
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Phone: (480) 423-1973
Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Revision Breast Augmentation
Generally considered one of the most complex aesthetic body procedures, revision breast surgery requires a large range of techniques to correct patient issues. Some patients will present a single problem, while others may have multiple issues. A detailed assessment regarding past surgical history and a comprehensive examination must be conducted to see what specific problems exist for each breast. After an analysis is completed, a surgical plan is put together to create the best chance for maximum improvement with minimal risk of complications.
With revision surgery, options are frequently left open to allow for adjustment in the operating room. A surgeon taking on any revision breast augmentation needs to have a lot of experience, wide range of techniques and the ability to make decisions on the fly as problems are further defined during surgery.
Some examples of problems requiring correction include: capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening), implant malposition (implant shifting out of place), visible rippling or wrinkling due to thin tissues, stretch deformities, recurrent drooping and unnatural appearing implants due to poor selection by the previous surgeon. This list is not comprehensive and many of these problems occur in combination.
Solutions to these issues can include options such as:
- Capsulectomies (implant capsule removal)
- Implant exchange
- Implant removal
- Pocket adjustments
- Exchange from over to under the muscles
- Placement of reinforcement materials like Galaform and Strattice
- Breast lift (skin tightening surgery)
- Fat grafting
We encourage you to read our Post-Op FAQ for general information about recovery.
Choosing a Surgeon for Revision Breast Surgery
Patients have two excellent options for revision surgery: Dr. Cohen and Dr. Sigalove. With an extraordinary level of experience, both surgeons have written book chapters and journal articles on this topic. As leading breast revision experts, they frequently lecture around the world.
Breast revision surgery represents the pinnacle of challenging breast cases. Our surgeons truly enjoy the satisfaction of taking on and correcting some of the most difficult cases. Each revision surgery becomes progressively more challenging as new scar tissue and other physical changes occur. That is one reason it is so important to visit a true expert in this area if breast implant problems occur. The sooner the problems are properly accessed and corrected, the better the chance for long-lasting success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is breast revision surgery more painful than the initial surgery?
Experiences after breast revision surgery depend on the extent of correction involved and individual patient factors. In some cases, it’s more complicated and painful than the primary procedure, and in others (often with elective implant exchange), it is simple with minimal discomfort.
How long do I have to wait to have a revision done?
In most cases, our surgeons recommend patients are healed and swelling fades before having revision surgery. Sometimes swelling develops more in one breast than the other and eventually balances out over time. If you want to change your implants, you should wait about 6 to 12 months to ensure you don’t change your mind. If you are having a complication, our surgeons may recommend surgery earlier.
How common is breast augmentation revision?
Most patients are happy with their breast augmentation results for many years. As specialists in revision surgery, Dr. Cohen and Dr. Sigalove often receive referrals from other surgeons, so they frequently perform these procedures.
How do I know if I need a revision?
If you are fully healed and unhappy with your breast size or shape, you likely need a revision. If you have a complication or are unsure, schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
How many times can I get breast augmentation surgery?
Minimizing the number of revision procedures you have is important because they become more complex each time due to problems like internal and external scarring and thinning skin.
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