Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery
5410 North Scottsdale Road A-500
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Phone: (480) 423-1973
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 am–4:00 p.m.
Revision Breast Augmentation
Table of contents
Table of contents
Why Have Breast Augmentation Revision?Breast Revision vs AugmentationChoosing a Surgeon for Revision Breast AugmentationRecovery After Breast Augmentation RevisionFrequently Asked Questions
Generally considered one of the most complex aesthetic body procedures, revision breast augmentation surgery at Scottsdale Center for Plastic Surgery requires the technical expertise of skilled breast surgeons. Some patients will present a single problem, while others may have multiple issues. Our surgeons complete a detailed assessment of your past surgical history and conduct an exam to identify specific issues for each breast. After their analysis, they develop a surgical plan to create the best chance for maximum improvement with minimal risk of complications.
With breast surgery revision, options are frequently left open to allow for adjustment in the operating room. A surgeon performing any revision breast augmentation needs to have extensive experience, a wide range of techniques, and the ability to make decisions on the fly as problems are further defined during surgery. That’s why breast revision patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and throughout Arizona choose our practice for their procedures.
Why Have Breast Augmentation Revision?
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.
Breast Revision vs Initial Breast Augmentation
While both are cosmetic procedures to improve breast appearance, initial breast augmentation focuses on enhancing the size, shape, or symmetry of the breasts using implants. In contrast, breast revision surgery addresses concerns related to a prior augmentation. These concerns may include replacing implants, correcting complications (such as capsular contracture or implant rupture), or adjusting your initial results to meet updated aesthetic preferences.
Revision procedures are often more complex due to factors such as scar tissue, existing implants, or changes in breast tissue over time, requiring our plastic surgeons’ advanced surgical expertise to achieve the desired outcome.
| Procedure | Initial Breast Augmentation | Breast Revision |
|---|---|---|
| Objective | Enhance breast size, shape, and appearance | Address concerns from a previous breast surgery |
| Key Reasons | Increase breast size, address deflated breasts and/or improve breast symmetry | Address complications (implant rupture or capsular contracture). Update implant size, shape, or fill material |
| Surgical Expertise | Board-certified plastic surgeon | Board-certified plastic surgeon with breast revision expertise |
| Cost & Complexity | Typically less complex; costs less | May cost more due to increased complexity |
| Recovery Time | Shorter recovery (take off work for at least 3 to 5 days) | Longer recovery (take off work for 1 to 2 weeks) |
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.
Recovery After Breast Augmentation Revision
Recovery after breast revision surgery varies based on the complexity of the procedure and individual factors, but most patients can expect a steady progression through these key milestones:
Immediately after surgery:
- Rest and limit physical activity
- Expect mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort
- Take prescription or over-the-counter pain medication as directed
- You may have drains in place to prevent fluid buildup
1 to 2 weeks post-op:
- Drains are removed within the first week (for those who have them)
- Wear a support bra to provide support and minimize swelling
- Return to nonstrenuous work and light activities
3 to 4 weeks post-op:
- Swelling and bruising significantly resolve
- You may now raise your arms above your head
- You’re likely feeling “back to yourself”
4 to 6 weeks post-op:
- You can continue to gradually resume more activities and exercise
- Most residual swelling and bruising resolve
3 to 6 months post-op:
- Implants settle into their final position
- Scars begin to fade, and results become more apparent
1 year post-op:
- Healing is complete, and you can confidently show off your full results
- Scars continue to fade until they are barely perceptible
It’s crucial to follow your plastic surgeon’s postoperative instructions carefully to ensure optimal healing and results.
Treatment
Designed specifically for our surgical patients, our VIP Skincare Program offers exclusive promotions to enhance your recovery. Get special rates for our most sought-after aesthetic treatments, expertly curated to minimize swelling, accelerate healing, and mitigate scarring. Take your recovery to the next level. Schedule your surgery today to take advantage of the VIP Skincare Program.
Request My ConsultationFrequently 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, symmetry 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.
To learn more about breast augmentation revision, request a cosmetic consultation using our online form or call (480) 423-1973 for an appointment. Our facility is conveniently located for residents of Tempe, Paradise Valley and other areas of Greater Phoenix.
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