Breast Implant Revision

Breast revision surgery is a procedure performed to correct or improve the results of a previous breast augmentation. This surgery may be necessary to address complications, such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant malposition, or asymmetry, or to achieve new aesthetic goals, such as changing the implants' size, type, or shape. Breast revision can also be performed to address natural changes in the body over time, like sagging or changes in breast tissue due to aging, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. The procedure can involve implant replacement, implant repositioning, or additional procedures like a breast lift to create the desired outcome.

Breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, involves removing one or both breast implants. Patients may choose removal because of implant-related complications, changes in personal preferences, or a desire to return to their natural breast volume.

Depending on the findings, surgery may also involve treatment of the surrounding scar capsule. Capsule removal is not necessary in every case.

Some patients choose implant removal alone, while others consider a breast lift or fat grafting to address changes in breast shape. Dr. Albright will evaluate your implants, breast tissue, and goals to discuss the most appropriate approach.

Common implant-related complications include capsular contracture, implant rupture or deflation, and changes in implant position that may cause discomfort or affect breast function.

Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue surrounding an implant tightens, potentially causing firmness, distortion, or pain. Saline implant rupture typically causes a noticeable decrease in breast size, while silicone implant rupture may occur without obvious symptoms.

New breast pain, swelling, firmness, or changes in shape should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Depending on the findings, Dr. Albright may recommend examination, imaging, monitoring, or revision surgery.

Not every implant-related concern requires immediate surgery, and treatment depends on the specific problem and your individual circumstances.

Waterfall Deformity is seen in the seated or standing position where the implant stays high up on the chest, and the breast tissue starts “sliding off the mound” as it is pulled downward by gravity.  This is also called the ‘snoopy deformity’, as the hanging breast tissue resembles snoopy’s face in profile.  Typically this involves an implant that is completely under the muscle, whereby the muscle has continued to support the implant high up on the chest while the native breast has begun to droop. It tends to occur in women who are prone to droopy breasts (multiple pregnancies with breastfeeding, and large native breasts).  Often, some form of breast lift surgery will be needed to fix this issue.

‍Implant Displacement can occur due to gravity pulling on the implant (all implants), or by active displacement due to muscle contraction (below muscle implants).  There are a variety of breast deformities that are due to implant displacement.  The stretch deformity is most characteristic of implants placed above the muscle or partially under the muscle, and have  inadequate soft tissue support.  With stretch deformity, the implant migrates downward and begins to stretch the skin of the lower pole of the breast, and the nipple may remain high. This is different than a Double Bubble deformity, where the implant has actually moved downward and below the native lower breast fold (IMF).   This creates a step-off from native breast tissue to a lowered bottom edge of the implant, and typically occurs with partial submuscular implants in which the muscle has forced the implant past this natural barrier.  Finally, another commonly encountered issue is implants that have moved toward the armpits.  Not only does this bother patients as their arms can bump into the displaced implant during exercise, but also the patient will develop a breast implant "gap" between the breast mounds.

‍Visible rippling or implant folds can be particularly distressing to patients and are typically a result of implant characteristics, implant pocket, and patient soft tissue coverage. Whether saline-filled or silicone breast implants, every implant currently in the US has rippling of the shell but they differ in how pronounced the rippling is.  The other critical factor is how well this inherent rippling is disguised or camouflaged by the patient’s own soft tissue (how thick is the skin, fat, breast and/or muscle). Thinner patients are at a higher risk for being able to see the ripples and feel the implant edges or folds. Fat transfer to the breast is one possible solution to correct (camouflage) implant rippling.

Breast implant revision can be more complex than initial breast augmentation because previous surgery may have changed the breast tissue, implant pocket, skin, and surrounding scar capsule.

Some revisions involve a straightforward implant exchange, while others require treatment of capsular contracture, correction of implant position, additional tissue support, or a breast lift. These factors can affect surgical planning, recovery, and potential risks.

Dr. Albright evaluates your previous surgery, implant history, anatomy, and goals to develop an individualized treatment plan. The complexity and risks depend on the specific correction being performed.

Insurance coverage for breast implant revision depends on your policy and the medical reason for surgery. Cosmetic revisions are generally not covered, while certain medically necessary procedures may qualify under specific plans.

Alamo Plastic Surgery does not submit insurance claims for cosmetic breast implant revision. Patients should contact their insurance provider directly to understand their benefits and coverage requirements.Implant manufacturers may offer limited warranties for qualifying complications, such as rupture. Coverage varies by manufacturer, implant model, and warranty terms, and may not include all surgical, anesthesia, or facility expenses.

Dr. Albright's team can help you review available implant warranty information and explain the estimated cost of your revision procedure.

Breast implant revision may cost more than initial augmentation because it can require additional surgical planning and more complex techniques.

Depending on the problem being corrected, revision surgery may involve removing or modifying scar tissue, reconstructing the implant pocket, replacing implants, adding internal support, or combining the procedure with a breast lift. These steps can increase operating time and associated expenses.

The total cost depends on the complexity of your surgical plan, anesthesia, facility fees, implants or other materials, and any additional procedures. Dr. Albright's team can provide an individualized estimate and explain available financing options.

After breast implant removal, your breasts may appear saggy or deflated, especially if your implants were large, you’ve had them for a long time, or your skin has stretched due to the implants. Factors such as skin elasticity, the size of the implants, and natural aging can all affect how your breasts look after implant removal. In some cases, the breasts may look smaller or have loose skin after the implants are removed. To address this, many patients choose to combine implant removal with a breast lift (mastopexy), which can tighten the breast tissue, remove excess skin, and elevate the breasts to a more youthful position. This combination procedure can help restore a more natural and firm breast shape after implants are removed. Your surgeon will assess your situation and recommend the best approach to achieve your desired results.

Breast shape can continue to change for several months after implant removal as swelling decreases and the surrounding tissues heal.

Many patients notice improvement during the first four to six weeks, but the breasts may continue to settle over three to six months or longer. The timeline depends on implant size, skin elasticity, the amount of natural breast tissue, previous surgeries, and whether a breast lift or other procedure was performed.

Dr. Albright will monitor your healing and explain when you can reasonably expect to assess your results.

For aesthetic concerns that are not urgent, surgeons often recommend waiting approximately 6 to 12 months after breast augmentation before considering revision. This allows swelling to decrease, implants to settle, and breast tissues to heal.

However, waiting may not be appropriate if you develop complications such as significant pain, suspected implant rupture, infection, or other concerning changes. These symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Dr. Albright will assess your symptoms, healing progress, and surgical history to determine whether revision is necessary and when it may be appropriate.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, but they do not automatically need to be replaced simply because they have reached 10 years. Some patients may have their implants for longer without requiring revision, while others may need additional surgery sooner because of an implant-related concern, changes in breast tissue or implant position, or a change in personal preferences.

The need for breast implant revision should be based on factors such as symptoms, implant condition, examination findings, appropriate imaging when indicated, changes in the breasts over time, and the patient’s goals rather than implant age alone.

Regular follow-up and appropriate implant monitoring can help identify changes that may require further evaluation.

Silicone implant rupture may not always cause noticeable symptoms, which is why imaging can play an important role in monitoring silicone breast implants.

The FDA currently recommends that patients with silicone gel-filled breast implants have their first ultrasound or MRI to screen for rupture approximately 5–6 years after implant placement and then every 2–3 years afterward. If symptoms develop or ultrasound findings are uncertain, MRI may be recommended.

These recommendations may change over time, and individual monitoring needs can vary. Dr. Albright can discuss appropriate follow-up based on your implant type, implant history, symptoms, and other individual factors.

Recovery after breast implant revision depends on the procedures performed. A straightforward implant exchange may involve a different recovery timeline than surgery requiring capsule treatment, implant pocket reconstruction, internal support, or a breast lift.

Swelling, bruising, soreness, and tightness are common during early recovery. Many patients can gradually resume light daily activities within one to two weeks, while strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and chest-focused workouts may require four to six weeks or longer.

More complex revisions may involve additional restrictions. Dr. Albright will provide personalized postoperative instructions and determine when you can safely return to work, exercise, and other activities.

Yes. Breast implant revision does not always require replacing an existing implant with a new one. Some patients choose to have their breast implants removed without replacement because of implant-related concerns, changes in personal preferences, or a desire to return to their natural breast volume.

How the breasts look after implant removal depends on factors such as implant size, how long the implants have been in place, the amount of natural breast tissue, skin elasticity, previous surgeries, and changes that have occurred over time.

For some patients, implant removal alone may be appropriate. Others may consider a breast lift, fat grafting, or another procedure to address breast shape or tissue changes after implant removal. The appropriate approach depends on the patient’s anatomy and goals.

You may want to schedule a consultation if you notice new breast firmness, discomfort, changes in breast shape or symmetry, implant movement, or signs of possible rupture or deflation. A consultation may also be appropriate if your implants feel comfortable but you are considering a change in size, shape, or implant removal.

Not every change requires revision surgery. Dr. Albright can evaluate your concerns, implant history, and breast anatomy to help determine whether monitoring, additional evaluation, or surgical treatment may be appropriate.