Breast augmentation results can change over the years. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and it is possible for them to fail or rupture. Many women also want to change some aspect of their breast implants at some point, whether it be size, shape or style. Still other women experience a breast implant complication requiring correction.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Bogue provides breast implant revision to restore beautiful, pleasing results. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Bogue, please call (561) 886-1002.
What is Breast Implant Revision?
If you are having problems with your breast implants or simply want to change the size, shape or style of your breast implants, then you are a candidate for breast implant revision. Some of the most common reasons women pursue implant revision are the following:
- Desire for different sized implants
- Breast implant rupture or deflation
- Noticeable implant wrinkling
- Implants in the wrong position (malposition)
- Switching from saline to silicone
- Capsular contracture/hardening of scar tissue
- Implants meet over the sternum (symmastia)
- Breast sagging or breast drooping
- Desire to remove the breast implants altogether
Dr. Bogue can help you decide if revision is right for you.
"Dear Dr. Bogue, thank you for your wonderful treatment services! Your sincere concern for the patient was very evident throughout my visits. I am very impressed with the quality of care involved; the BEST."
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Who is an Ideal Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision procedures are suitable for the vast majority of patients who seek them. We believe that you deserve to feel good about your shape and appearance. If a previous breast surgery has not turned out the way you had imagined due to a complication or other factors, a revision may be ideal. As was necessary for your initial procedure, you must be in good health to safely undergo surgery. The doctor may order certain lab tests to confirm this. To ensure that you can recover optimally from your revision procedure, Dr. Bogue may advise you to refrain from certain habits, such as smoking, and certain medications, such as blood thinners. Your candidacy for breast implant revision is determined by several factors, all of which are discussed during your consultation in our comfortable office.
What is the Recovery and Aftercare for Breast Implant Revision?
In general, your recovery after breast implant revision is expected to be very similar to your previous experience after breast augmentation. You may take prescription pain medication for a few days and will need to rest more than normal. You cannot exercise, but you must walk short distances a few times a day to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. To prevent unnecessary disruption to your healing incisions, you need to refrain from extending your arms forward or overhead. Common post-surgical side effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort. With proper rest and care, these should resolve nicely over one to two weeks. You may return to work as soon as one week after surgery provided that your job is not physically demanding. Heavy lifting must be avoided for at least one month.
How Soon After My Procedure Will I See the Results?
You may notice the results of your breast revision surgery right away, depending on the changes that Dr. Bogue has made. If you exchange your existing implants with similarly sized implants, your immediate results may be more subtle. However, even the most minute adjustments to size and symmetry can make a dramatic difference in how you see yourself. We typically advise patients to hold off on evaluating their final outcome for at least a few weeks. At your post-op visit, the doctor will assess your results and discuss how your breast shape may change as swelling subsides.
Is Breast Implant Revision Painful?
The breast revision procedure is no more uncomfortable than your initial breast procedure. Surgery involves general anesthesia, which prevents pain signaling from the body to the brain. You will not feel anything during your procedure. When your anesthesia wears off, you can expect to feel sore and tender. You may feel pressure on your chest if you have exchanged one set of implants for another, especially if your new implants are larger. Your compression garment and prescription pain medication work together to make you much more comfortable during your first few days of recovery. Within about a week, tenderness and soreness should be improved enough to switch to over-the-counter pain relievers without a significant increase in discomfort.
Will the Results of My Breast Implant Revision Look Natural?
Dr. Bogue performs breast procedures with optimal outcomes in mind. He discusses his expectations during the consultation to make sure that you and he are on the same page. Generally, that involves restructuring in a way that brings breast size into ideal alignment with overall body shape.
How is Breast Implant Revision Surgery Performed?
Breast implant revision procedures are performed in an operating room by Dr. Bogue. Revisions range in complexity from a straightforward implant replacement to a complicated reconstruction of the implant space. Almost all breast implant revisions are outpatient procedures, so you will return home that day without an overnight stay. Breast implant revision is typically outpatient, so you will return home without an overnight stay. After surgery, you'll need to take time off from work, exercise and other activities while your body heals. The exact nature of the downtime depends on what is being corrected with your revision. A simple implant exchange requires less downtime than correcting a capsular contracture or implant rupture. Dr. Bogue will go through the specifics of your revision in detail prior to surgery so that you know what to expect.
Dr. Bogue and our staff will be here to support you throughout your recovery. Every post-operative visit you will see Dr. Bogue and spend as much time as you need to have your questions and concerns addressed.
Breast Implant Removal Before & After Photos:
Breast Implant Revision FAQs:
Are breast implants under warranty?
Yes, certain types are under warranty. The newer generation of breast implants made by Mentor, Allergan and Sientra all have warranties. The warranties usually cover ruptured implants and some of the warranties are for the life of the device. Some manufacturers even have a warranty against capsular contracture.
Do I need to have any imaging studies prior to surgery?
Imaging studies can help in determining whether an implant is ruptured. An MRI (non-contrast) is the best study to look at the integrity of the implant. However, imaging is not necessary in most cases.
What should I bring to my office visit?
The most important information you can bring are the previous operative reports from previous breast surgeries. These operative reports contain vital information regarding what has been done in the past, what implants are present and any unusual findings. At the very least, it is important to know your implant information.
Why Would Someone Need a Breast Implant Revision?
There are a variety of reasons why someone would need breast implant revision surgery. Some of the most common ones include:
- Implant rupture or leak.
- Rippling of the breast skin or implant.
- Unappealing cosmetic result.
- Capsular contracture.
- Improper implant position.
- Personal preference or lifestyle changes.
Is the Recovery From Breast Implant Revision the Same As Augmentation?
Recovery from breast implant revision may be similar to the initial procedure, or it could be shorter. It depends on the reason why revision surgery is being performed and whether the revision process was difficult. It will also depend on how quickly your body heals after surgery.
What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Implant Revision?
Similar to the original implant procedure, the risks associated with breast implant revision include:
- Bleeding.
- Scarring.
- Infection.
- Asymmetry.
- Undesired aesthetic effect.
All of the risks and benefits of breast implant revision surgery will be discussed during your consultation. Dr. Bogue will answer any questions you have to ensure you feel comfortable proceeding.
Will I Have Additional Scars?
Dr. Bogue always tries to use the original incision line to minimize additional scarring. However, he will discuss in consultation whether he will be able to do so or if he will need to create new incisions to complete the procedure.
How Long Will the Revision Implants Last?
The lifespan of revision breast implants is similar to your original implantation. On average, breast implants have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer. However, it is equally important to note that everyone is different, and their implants may have a longer life expectancy than another patient’s.
How Do I Choose a Surgeon for My Revision?
Choosing the right surgeon for breast implant revision starts with research. The surgeon you choose should be board-certified and have before and after photos of previous patients. They should also be happy to answer any questions you have and be willing to listen to your concerns about the revision process. Dr. Bogue always strives to make every patient feel heard and explain the proposed procedure in detail.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
To find out if you are a good candidate for breast implant revision at Dr. Bogue's Boca Raton plastic surgery practice, please call (561) 886-1002 to schedule a consultation. We serve people from across Florida, including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
