Breast implant revision surgery takes one to three hours, depending on its complexity, the surgeon’s technique, and whether a complementary procedure (like breast lift or fat transfer) is performed in the same operation.
Each revision procedure has a customized surgical plan, designed to address the patient's needs and goals. During a consultation with your surgeon, you'll discuss whether you want them to address specific concerns or simply change your implant size. You’ll then be able to choose from a variety of different sizes, shapes, materials, and brands. Learn more about choosing your new implants.
This outpatient procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia (meaning you’ll be completely asleep), but it can be done under local anesthesia with IV sedation.
Here’s what will happen once the anesthesia takes effect.
- Your surgeon will make an incision, most likely in the same location as in your original procedure.
- If you’re changing your breast size, implant placement, or implant type, your surgeon will irrigate and then manipulate the space inside the breast tissue to better accommodate the new implant. Placing a bigger implant may require enlarging the implant pocket.
- To correct malposition or a double bubble deformity, they may need to use an acellular dermal matrix (also called a surgical mesh or an “internal bra”) such as AlloDerm or Strattice, to add support within the breast pocket.
- If you have capsular contracture, your doctor will release or remove the tightened capsule in a procedure known as a capsulectomy before inserting a new implant. Capsules are also routinely removed when a silicone implant leaks or ruptures, or a patient has a confirmed case of BIA-ALCL.
- Those with symmastia (a condition that causes the breast implant pockets to merge together in the center of the chest) will likely need to have scar tissue in the midline removed first. Then, the singular capsular pocket—which commonly develops from too much dissection along the midline of the chest—will need to be repaired to create two distinct pockets, situated further apart on the chest. From there, the implants will be repositioned (or replaced for smaller options), and permanent internal sutures and/or mesh will be used to help hold the implants in the correct position.
- Some women, especially those who are removing or downsizing their implants, have a breast lift as part of their revision surgery, which usually requires new incisions. Depending on the amount of lift that’s needed, the incision can range from part of the way around the areola to the entire way around it, with a vertical incision extending down to the crease of the breast (the inframammary fold). If you need a significant amount of sagging skin removed, there may also be a horizontal incision along the breast crease.
- If your breast implant revision procedure involves fat grafting—to add volume or hide implant edges, rippling, or tissue defects—your doctor will liposuction excess fat from other body areas, process the fat to purify it, and re-inject it into the breasts using a cannula. Fat can be used alongside breast implants or in place of them.
When you wake up, a bandage will cover your incisions, and you’ll be wearing a compression bra.
You'll go home that same day, once the anesthesia has worn off. Have someone you trust with you, to make sure you get home safely.
