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Breast Revision Surgery
in Coral Gables, FL

Daniel Careaga, MD
Karl William Schwarz, MD
Rafael Ramos, MD

Schedule a Consultation

Breast Revision Surgery

Breast augmentation has consistently ranked at the top of the list of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for nearly two decades. While many women are satisfied with their results, some eventually decide to remove or exchange their implants. This is where breast revision surgery comes in. Whether due to changes in your body, implant complications, or simply evolving personal preferences, breast revision at Careaga Plastic Surgery can help restore your comfort and confidence in your appearance.

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What Is Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast revision is a procedure designed to correct issues or concerns that arise after a previous breast augmentation. Also referred to as breast augmentation revision, explant, or implant exchange surgery, it involves removing the current breast implants and either replacing them with new ones or opting to go without implants altogether.

Breast augmentation revision may be needed to address cosmetic changes caused by pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging, or to resolve issues such as implant rupture, shifting, or hardening from capsular contracture. The goal of revision surgery is to improve your comfort and bring aesthetic balance to your breasts.

Reasons to Undergo Breast Revision Surgery

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is a condition that occurs when scar tissue tightens around your breast implant, causing pain, a distortion of the breast shape, and a feeling of hardness. It is one of the most frequent complications after breast augmentation; however, sometimes it is unnoticeable and doesn’t require treatment. When your capsular contracture becomes moderate or severe, causing the symptoms mentioned above, breast revision surgery is the only effective treatment.

Woman with small breasts

Breast Implant Malposition

Implant displacement or breast implant malposition can occur if your implants are placed incorrectly or shift after surgery. Lateral displacement occurs when your implants move to the outside of your chest, while symmastia causes the implants to merge toward the center, resulting in a “uniboob.” Implants may also rest too high or drop too low, referred to as “bottoming out.” Breast augmentation revision corrects these positioning issues to restore your natural contours.

Woman with small breasts

Aesthetic Changes

Even if you’ve undergone breast augmentation, your breasts will change over time. Life events, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and the natural aging process, can impact the appearance of your breasts. Revision surgery can help rejuvenate your breasts and ensure that how they look and feel align with your current body shape and personal goals.

Woman with small breasts

Breast Implant Failure

Although both saline and silicone implants are designed to be durable, lasting up to 15 years or more, they aren’t indestructible. They can occasionally leak or rupture, requiring removal and replacement. A saline implant leak becomes obvious quickly, resulting in a visibly deflated breast. Silicone implant ruptures are typically more subtle, with the gel remaining confined inside the tissue capsule. This is known as a “silent rupture” and requires MRI or ultrasound imaging to confirm. In either case, revision surgery is necessary.

Woman with small breasts

Lifestyle Changes

Over time, your aesthetic tastes and priorities evolve. Some women who once loved their implants may now prefer a smaller size, a different style, or no implants at all. Breast revision offers you flexibility, allowing you to adjust or reverse your previous augmentation.

Woman with small breasts
Woman wearing an olive green bikini top

Am I a Candidate for Breast Revision Surgery?

Ideal candidates for breast revision surgery are in good overall health, do not smoke, and want to improve the appearance and comfort of their current breast implants. The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for breast implant revision is to schedule a consultation at Careaga Plastic Surgery. One of our expert breast surgeons will examine you, listen to your concerns, and determine if breast revision is right for you.

Why Should I Choose Careaga Plastic Surgery for My Breast Implant Revision?

Choosing where to have your breast implant revision surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. Careaga Plastic Surgery in Coral Gables offers expert care in complex breast implant revision procedures. Our board-certified plastic surgeons understand that every revision case is unique, and we take the time to carefully assess your concerns, listen to your goals, and design a personalized surgical plan tailored to your needs.

From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, the compassionate staff at Careaga Plastic Surgery is dedicated to providing a seamless and supportive experience. Whether you’re replacing your breast implants or removing them entirely, we focus on delivering natural-looking results that restore your confidence and help you feel truly comfortable in your body again.

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How Is a Breast Revision Performed?

Breast revision surgery is an outpatient procedure typically performed using general anesthesia. The surgery begins with incisions, ideally using the same incision placement as your original procedure to minimize additional scarring. Your surgeon will then remove your existing implants.

Depending on your needs, the next steps of the procedure may include:

  • Replacing old implants with new ones
  • Removing hardened or constricting scar tissue due to capsular contracture
  • Reconfiguring or repairing the breast pocket to correct implant malposition
  • Removing implants completely and reshaping and elevating your natural breasts with a breast lift
  • Enhancing your natural breast shape with fat transfer

Once the necessary revisions are complete, the incisions are closed, and sterile dressings are applied.

What Can I Expect During My Breast Revision Recovery?

Recovery from breast augmentation revision is similar to recovery after your initial breast augmentation. However, the specifics of your recovery may vary according to the exact type of revisions made. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions tailored to your specific procedure.

In general, you can expect your recovery to last four to six weeks. You will experience mild bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the first several days after your breast revision; however, this is manageable with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. You will also need to wear a surgical bra to help minimize swelling and support your healing breasts. You’ll need to rest initially, but will likely be able to return to non-strenuous work after one to two weeks.

By weeks three or four, you can resume light exercise, avoiding any movements that engage your chest muscles. Strenuous activities and exercise must be avoided for up to six weeks, or when your surgeon clears you.

What Can I Expect From My Breast Revision Results?

After your breast revision surgery, you’ll notice improvements right away, though swelling will temporarily conceal your final results. If you choose to replace your implants, the timeline for when your revision results will be visible is similar to your first breast augmentation. If you choose to remove the implants or undergo a breast lift, your final results are generally visible in three to six months, once all of the swelling has resolved.

Your newly revised breasts should look and feel natural and balanced, leaving you with gorgeous results that will last for years to come.

Breast Revision FAQs

  • The total cost of your breast revision depends on several factors, including the complexity of your surgery, surgeon’s fees, facility and anesthesia costs, and whether you choose to combine additional cosmetic procedures. During your consultation, a personalized treatment plan will be created, and you’ll receive a detailed cost estimate.

  • Yes, breast revision can be paired with a breast lift, liposuction, or part of a full-body transformation like a Mommy Makeover. When you come in for your consultation, you can talk with your surgeon about combining other aesthetic procedures with your breast revision for comprehensive results.

  • Yes. You have the option to keep the same size and type of implant as before, switch to a larger or smaller implant, or select a different shape (round vs. anatomical) to better match your current aesthetic.

  • No, we never reuse implants in breast revision surgery. Even if your implant appears to be fine, replacing it with a sterile new one helps reduce the risk of complications, such as infection or capsular contracture.

  • You should wait at least six months to a year after your initial augmentation before undergoing breast revision. This allows time for your breast augmentation to fully heal and ensures any concerns you have aren’t temporary results of swelling or the process of implant settling.

Explore Your Breast Revision Options near Miami

If you’re looking to make a change to your breast implants, whether for comfort or to better align with your lifestyle, it’s time to schedule a consultation with the expert breast revision surgeons at Careaga Plastic Surgery. To learn more and make an appointment, call today at (305) 960-7511 or complete the online contact form.