What is Breast Revision?

Breast implant revision can be performed to address concerns that arise after a primary breast augmentation procedure. The procedure can help women to attain the outcome they originally sought. During surgery, the implants can be exchanged for smaller or larger ones, additional support in the chest can be created using a mesh, or the capsule can be revised to address complications such as capsular contracture. Fat transfer may also be utilized to support natural-looking breast contours.

During a breast revision, the implants can be exchanged for a different size, shape, or material, or the surgery can address complications such as capsular contracture, rippling, rupture, or malposition.

How to Know When to Revise or Replace Your Breast Implants

Implants at Risk of Rupturing or age of Breast Implants

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and over the years, you may find that replacement or revision becomes the best choice for your health, comfort, and confidence. While there is no set expiration date,  and the common “10-year rule” is more of a guideline than a hard limit, factors such as implant rupture, leakage, capsular contracture, visible sagging, or a change in your aesthetic goals can make a replacement or exchange necessary sooner.

Some patients keep their original implants for well over a decade, while others seek breast revision surgery within just a few years. The likelihood of requiring a breast implant exchange typically increases after the first decade, as both natural aging and changes in breast tissue can affect the appearance and feel of the implants.

Capsular Contraction

If you're experiencing issues like hardening, discomfort, or changes in breast shape, a breast revision may be the right solution. One common concern is capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant, making the breast feel firm or look distorted.

Other reasons for revision may include:

  • Implant rupture or leakage
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Shifting or “bottoming out” of implants
  • Visible rippling or unnatural contours

Treatment can involve removing scar tissue, replacing the implants, or choosing a different implant type. Our goal is to restore a soft, natural look and feel while relieving discomfort.

Implant Malposition

This occurs when implants shift from their intended position over time, which can result in:

  • Bottoming out (implants sit too low)
  • Lateral displacement (implants migrate toward the armpits)
  • Symmastia (implants move too close together across the chest midline)

Malposition can develop due to natural tissue changes, improper implant pocket support, or post-surgical healing issues.

Desire for Size Change or Aesthetic Update

A patient’s goals or lifestyle can change, leading to the desire for:

  • Larger or smaller implants
  • Different implant profile or projection
  • Enhanced shape or cleavage

This is one of the top non-complication reasons for revision, often occurring years after the original procedure as tastes, body proportions, or personal confidence evolve.

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What Can I Expect From the Procedure?

Your personalized treatment plan begins with a private consultation with Dr. Parakh, who will listen carefully to your concerns, perform a physical evaluation, and review your medical history. 

During surgery, the doctor will strive to reuse previous incisions whenever possible so as to avoid creating new scarring. The old devices are removed or exchanged as needed. The surrounding tissues may be expanded, or the capsule may be adjusted to better house the implants. For those dealing with more serious complications, such as BII (Breast Implant Illness) or BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), a capsulectomy may be required to remove both the implants and their pockets.

What Will Recovery Entail?

New Jersey breast revision clients, are all monitored in the recovery suite to ensure they are not experiencing any anesthesia complications. A friend, family member, or another responsible adult can then drive you home and assist with basic chores for the first 24-48 hours. Dr. Parakh will make sure you go home with a detailed aftercare plan as well as prescriptions for pain management and antibiotics.

Mild soreness, swelling, and bruising may occur after surgery, but ice packs can be used in short intervals to help alleviate discomfort. Small drains may be placed to help escort excess blood and fluids out of the body. These are typically removed within a few days.

Patients are encouraged to take gentle walks right away after surgery, as this can help enhance circulation, prevent clotting, and boost the patient’s overall mood. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for 2-3 weeks, however.

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Determining Your Candidacy for Breast Revision

Our breast revision in New Jersey is ideal for those patients who are unhappy with any aspect of their breast augmentation results or who are dealing with troublesome complications, such as implant malposition, rupture, capsular contracture, or BII (Breast Implant Illness). Suitable candidates are:

  • Physically and mentally healthy
  • Free from any uncontrolled medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder or hypertension
  • Realistic in their expectations for their results

Why Choose Dr. Parakh?

Dr. Parakh, MD, FACS, has dedicated her career to delivering personalized, elegant outcomes for the face, breasts, and body. Her carefully honed artistry, skill, and precision ensure a final result that enhances natural beauty while minimizing aesthetic concerns. Born and raised in India, Dr. Parakh was inspired by her physician parents, who instilled in her a passion for service in the challenging but rewarding field of medicine.

After graduating from one of the top five medical schools in India, Dr. Parakh completed a demanding training program in General Surgery at the New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital. She then discovered a passion for cosmetic surgery and was accepted to an elite Plastic Surgery training program at Cornell and Columbia Universities at New York Presbyterian Hospital. She also underwent additional training at the prestigious Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Lenox Hill Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Hospital for Special Surgery.

Dr. Parakh is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), ensuring she has undergone rigorous training and exhaustive written and oral examinations to become proficient in every aesthetic procedure. She is a Verified Doctor and Top Doctor on RealSelf, and was named a Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctors®: 1st Edition and Castle Connolly Top Doctors for the New York Metro Area during the years 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Breast RevisionFAQs

What are the risks of breast revision?

How is breast revision different from other breast procedures?

How do I know if I need breast revision surgery?

Can I switch from saline to silicone implants during revision?

Can I downsize or remove my implants during revision?

Will I need a breast lift with my revision?

Are breast revision results permanent?

Is recovery from revision surgery different than the first time?

What are the risks of breast revision?

Possible risks of breast revision surgery include swelling, bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, scarring, seroma, changes in skin sensation, asymmetry, and others. Dr. Parakh will discuss both the risks and benefits of the procedure in greater depth during your confidential consultation.

How is breast revision different from other breast procedures?

Breast revision surgery is often more complex and intricate to perform, since it deals with scar tissue and changes in the breast skin and implant capsule. For this reason, it is important to choose a trusted, experienced provider, such as Dr. Parakh, who is board-certified and who has undergone extensive training with written and oral examinations that ensure the highest standards of safety are being met.

How do I know if I need breast revision surgery?

You may be a candidate if you're unhappy with the appearance of your implants, have discomfort, visible rippling, or complications such as implant malposition or hardening.

Can I switch from saline to silicone implants during revision?

Yes, many patients take the opportunity to switch implant types, sizes, or profiles during revision surgery to better meet their current aesthetic goals.

Can I downsize or remove my implants during revision?

Absolutely. Many patients opt to reduce implant size or remove them entirely. A breast lift or fat transfer may also be performed to improve contour after implant removal.

Will I need a breast lift with my revision?

Possibly. If there is sagging or stretched skin from prior implants, a lift may be recommended to restore a youthful, elevated breast shape.

Are breast revision results permanent?

Results are long-lasting, but like any cosmetic procedure, natural aging, weight changes, and lifestyle factors can affect longevity. Choosing the right implants and technique improves stability.

Is recovery from revision surgery different than the first time?

Recovery can vary depending on the complexity of the revision, but many patients find it similar or slightly longer due to scar tissue and additional procedures like a lift.

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