Restore Balance and Shape with Breast Revision
Breast revision and implant exchange surgery to improve size, shape, and symmetry. Correct complications and achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
Refine or Restore Your Results with Breast Revision
Breast revision surgery is designed to correct or improve the results of a previous breast augmentation, whether due to complications, changes in personal goals, or implant concerns.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tyler Frew provides personalized revision procedures to restore comfort, symmetry, and natural-looking results.
What is Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast augmentation and breast lifts are among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, often producing beautiful, natural-looking results. However, some patients may become dissatisfied with their outcomes over time or experience complications that require revision.
It’s important to note that breast revision surgery isn’t always the result of surgical error, some patients simply wish to change implant size, remove their implants, or address issues like asymmetry, rippling, or implant rupture.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Revision Surgery?
There are many reasons individuals receive breast revision procedures. If patients hope to change the shape of the implants or address problems from a prior aesthetic treatment, breast revision surgery can help them reach the aesthetic they want with several excellent benefits, including:
- Changes implant size
- Enhances breast volume and density
- Removes unwanted implants for a more natural appearance
- Removes damaged or ruined implants
- Adjusts the location of implants, if needed
- Addresses problems like breast asymmetry, rippling, and implant shifting
- Resolves problems from prior procedures
- Improves total breast aesthetic and feel
- Gets rid of scar tissue
- Reduces pain and discomfort
- Boosts confidence and self-image
With its ability to correct complications, refine results, or simply align with your evolving preferences, breast revision surgery offers both physical and emotional benefits.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Revision Surgery?
If you’re experiencing concerns with your breast implants, whether cosmetic or medical, a consultation with Dr. Frew can help determine if breast revision surgery is right for you. Common reasons include scar tissue, sagging, rippling, asymmetry, or a desire to change implant size or type.
At Balikian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Frew will assess your goals, evaluate your current implants, and create a personalized plan to help you achieve natural, balanced results.
Balanced, Beautiful Results
Why is Breast Revision Surgery Performed?
Breast revision surgery either removes an implant that is defective or not functioning or is simply no longer wanted. Breast revision surgery may also be performed to change implant size or go from silicone to saline (or vice versa).
There are a few other common conditions for which a revision procedure may be ideal.
Asymmetry
This condition occurs when the implant sizes look out of balance because of an incorrectly sized implant, sagging on one side, or a different condition that causes asymmetry.
An assessment and diagnosis would need to take place to determine the cause of the asymmetry, after which we can surgically correct the problem and insert a new set of breast implants to achieve a symmetrical appearance.
Bottoming Out
This is a condition that may happen if one or both breasts “bottom out” or drop too low. Sometimes this is a positioning and placement error from the original operation.
To modify this, Dr. Frew may consider a new placement method. For some patients, tissue grafting may be needed in addition to a surgically produced pocket to encircle the new implant. For most women, switching to a silicone breast implant can solve this problem.
Breast Size
There are times when breast revision surgery is as straightforward as receiving a smaller or larger sized breast implant. With the original surgery, you may have opted to go too big or too small, so we can place a new breast implant size to achieve the desired look.
Capsular Contraction
Capsular contracture, also known as scar tissue, occurs when the smooth tissue that surrounds an implant becomes thick and hard. While most augmentations do result in some internal scar tissue, most patients will never realize this.
In some situations, the scarring could interfere with the implant’s placement, which can change the implant’s function and result in an undesirable outcome. Scar tissue removal surgery to clear away scarring would be necessary to correct this condition.
Implant Rippling
Rippling occurs when there are visible wrinkles and ripples beneath the skin. This deformity typically forms near the edge of an implant.
Rippling generally occurs in patients who are very thin. Many times, this condition can be repaired by simply switching to a silicone implant.
Implant Rupture
While breast implant rupture happens rarely, it may occur. When a saline implant ruptures, the implant will deflate rather quickly. Because of this, a visible defect will develop.
Meanwhile, if a silicone implant ruptures, it can only be detected through an MRI.
Whether silicone or saline, if a rupture happens, a corrective treatment will be required.
Symmastia
Symmastia is a condition that most commonly happens when breast implants are inserted and placed too closely together. Most often, this occurs because the implant used was the wrong shape, size, or width.
A secondary procedure can correct this issue by selecting an implant that is acceptable to your frame and looks proportionate.
How Long is Recovery After Breast Revision Surgery?
Recovery from breast revision surgery varies depending on what your surgery involves. Any type of revision that requires reconstruction or grafting will require a longer recovery that could possibly take up to 6 – 8 weeks. You should slowly start to see results as the bruising and swelling fade.
Dr. Frew or a member of his team will discuss what you can expect while you recover as well as provide instructions to help you heal faster. You should schedule follow-up visits as directed so Dr. Frew can monitor your recovery and results.
Elite Surgical Skill in Breast & Body Aesthetics
Dr. Tyler Frew is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery of the breast and body.
He is known for delivering natural-looking results through advanced techniques in breast enhancement, tummy tuck, liposuction, and mommy makeover procedures.
Dr. Frew combines surgical expertise with compassionate, patient-focused care, helping each individual restore confidence and achieve their personal aesthetic goals.
Breast Revision Reviews
“I was very impressed with their integrity and quick response to my concerns.”
“My journey has been extremely pleasant from the beginning.”
“I had a nice relaxing experience, unlike most offices.”
Breast Revision FAQs
What is breast revision surgery?
Breast revision is a procedure to correct or improve the results of a previous breast augmentation, lift, or reconstruction.
How much does breast revision surgery cost?
The cost of breast revision surgery can vary depending on the complexity of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Frew will listen carefully to your concerns and goals before performing a physical examination of your current implants.
After this, he can discuss your options before developing your surgical plan. The total cost of your breast revision surgery will depend on the length and complexity of the procedure and what you choose for your new implants. It is best to focus on getting great results from an experienced surgeon like Dr. Frew instead of focusing on finding the cheapest surgeon.
To help make your surgery affordable Balikian Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods, and we can provide information about low-interest medical financing.
What if Dr. Frew wasn’t my original surgeon?
Dr. Frew can perform your revision surgery even if he wasn’t the surgeon who did your original surgery. Breast revision surgery can be more difficult than primary breast surgery if you want dramatic changes or have problems, which is why it’s important to choose a plastic surgeon like Dr. Frew, who has advanced training and experience in breast surgery.
What about loose skin?
If you are having your implants removed or are changing to significantly smaller implants, you may need to have excess skin removed during your surgery. After hearing your goals and evaluating your current implants, Dr. Frew can discuss adding a breast lift to remove skin that would sag if left as is.
If you lose a lot of weight, get pregnant, or breastfeed after augmentation surgery, a revision with a lift can also help you get better results.
Will there be new scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Frew will make incisions for revision surgery in the original incisions. However, if this is not possible, he will place the revision incisions where they are least visible.
Breast revision surgery typically uses a periareolar incision (along the lower border of the areola), an inframammary incision (beneath the fold of the breast), a vertical incision, or an “anchor” incision, which includes all incision types.
Dr. Frew or a member of his team will go over scar-care management to help your new incisions heal smoothly and blend into your skin.
Do I have to change my implants?
Although implants can last a long time, they will need to be replaced at some point. After augmentation surgery, it’s important to get your implants examined at least once a year so that Dr. Frew can help you determine when your implants should be replaced.
With frequent advances in medical technology, you may prefer new implant types or shapes to achieve the best outcome from breast revision surgery.
Why do women choose breast revision?
Reasons include implant complications (rupture, capsular contracture, malposition), size or shape dissatisfaction, aging changes, or cosmetic updates.
When should I consider breast revision surgery?
If you notice visible implant changes, discomfort, or if your aesthetic goals have shifted, it may be time to consult a surgeon.
How soon after my first breast surgery can I have a revision?
Typically surgeons recommend waiting at least 6–12 months to allow for full healing before revision.
What problems can breast revision correct?
Common issues include implant rupture, rippling, asymmetry, bottoming out, capsular contracture, double bubble, or changes in size preference.
Can I change the size of my implants during revision?
Yes, many patients take the opportunity to go larger, smaller, or switch to a different implant type or shape.
What is capsular contracture and how is it treated?
Capsular contracture is scar tissue tightening around the implant, causing firmness or pain. Treatment may involve capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue) with implant replacement.
Can breast revision improve sagging or asymmetry?
Yes, breast revision can be combined with a breast lift to address sagging, reshape the breast, and correct asymmetry.
Will insurance cover breast revision surgery?
Insurance usually does not cover cosmetic revisions, but may cover medically necessary revisions (such as rupture or reconstruction complications).
How do I know if I need breast revision or a breast lift instead?
Your surgeon will evaluate whether your concerns are implant-related (revision) or due to skin and tissue laxity (lift), or whether a combination is best.
Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Balikian Facial Plastic Surgery: Richard V. Balikian, MD, FACS
Tyler Frew, MD
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon