The goal of breast implant revision surgery is to replace old breast implants with new implants. Often the goal is also to change or improve the appearance of the breasts while updating the implant material, which could include:

• A concurrent breast lift or reduction;
• Reshaping the breast implant pocket to reposition the implant on the chest;
• Either increasing or decreasing the size, shape or style of the breast implant.

The desire to have breast implant revision surgery can be because of any of the following reasons:

• Desire to change the size of the breasts;
• Pain from capsular contracture;
• Concern about rupture or migration of implant;
• Change from saline to silicone or different style of implant.

Over time, breast implants can change shape or size, and the overlying breast tissue can also change, creating an appearance or feel to the breast that is less desirable than the original result. Also, many breast implants have a lifetime warranty on the actual implant device, but after ten years the costs associated with having surgery to replace the implants are no longer covered. Because of this, many women will elect to replace or update their breast implants at or around the 10-year time frame.

Breast implant revision surgery is not a standard or routine procedure and needs to be tailored specifically to the patient’s goals and desires. Therefore, this surgery should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is well-trained and experienced in all types of breast surgery and who will listen to the patient’s goals and desires and will develop a surgical plan specifically to address all of the issues at the time of surgery.

Breast implant revision surgery is intended for patients who have had a breast augmentation in the past and are now unhappy with their implants or concerned about the condition of their implants. This procedure can address those concerns by replacing the existing implants with new implants.

Who is a good candidate for breast implant revision surgery?

In general, you may be a good breast implant revision candidate if:

• You are unhappy with size, shape or appearance of your breast implants;
• You are concerned about the integrity or condition of your implants;
• You are physically healthy and at a stable weight;
• You have realistic expectations;
• You are a nonsmoker.

If you’re considering surgery, spend some time reviewing breast implant revision surgery photos and learning about what to expect during recovery. Preparation ahead of time helps patients have reasonable expectations and a smoother recovery.