Breast implant revision surgery can address a variety of concerns for people who've had prior breast augmentation surgery, to improve the feel and appearance of the breasts. While some women just want to change their implant size or trade up to newer implant technology, others seek revision surgery to correct issues resulting from a previous surgery, such as:
Many women choose to replace old saline implants with newer silicone gel implants (which look and feel more natural) or swap textured implants for smooth ones, to reduce their risk of ALCL. Others remove implants without replacing them, either opting to go natural (with or without a breast lift) or get a subtle size boost from fat grafting.
In any case, breast implant revision procedures are quite common. One study estimates revision rates following primary augmentation to be as high as 36%.
Good candidates for breast implant revision surgery are healthy nonsmokers at a stable weight who want to improve the size, shape, look, and feel of their breasts or correct a complication.Â
Pros
Cons
Your breast implant revision cost will depend on the experience level of your surgeon, their practice location, the type of new implants you choose, and the details of your treatment plan, including what kind of anesthesia you have.
Insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures like these, even when they’re performed to fix a complication like capsular contracture.
All FDA-approved implant brands offer warranties that cover a portion of the cost of surgery to resolve a serious problem caused by the implant, like a rupture. Coverage varies, but even if your case qualifies, the warranty will only cover the cost of the implant itself—not the surgeon’s fee and other expenses.
Most surgeons offer payment plans and accept third-party financing options, such as CareCredit.
See our complete guide to breast implant revision surgery costs
The breast implant revision photos in our gallery have been shared by the surgeon who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
There’s a common misconception that implant replacement needs to be done every 10 to 15 years. While breast implants aren’t made to last a lifetime, they don’t have a standard expiration date.Â
“If you have no problems with your implants, then nothing needs to be done with them,” explains Dr. Frank Lista, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Mississauga, Ontario. However, it’s important to monitor the integrity of your implants on a regular basis.Â
Women with saline-filled implants can check their status simply by looking in the mirror. Leakage is obvious, since a ruptured implant results in deflation. Leaked saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body, but most women choose to have a deflated saline implant replaced.
The current FDA recommendation for silicone implants is to have an ultrasound or MRI five to six years after the initial placement and every two to three years after that, to ensure that there hasn't been a silent rupture.Â
If you don't experience a complication and you're happy with how they look, you probably don't need to worry about replacing your implants.
RealSelf Tip: Considering having your implants removed but not replaced? See our complete guide to breast implant removal.
Expect to wait at least a few months after your primary breast augmentation before you can have revision surgery.Â
"You should wait at least four to six months before considering a revision, as it usually takes this long for your breasts to settle. However, if your recovery rate is slow, then you should wait a little longer," says Toronto, Ontario plastic surgeon Dr. Jerome Edelstein.
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.Â
Here’s what will happen once the anesthesia takes effect.
When you wake up, a bandage will cover your incisions, and you’ll be wearing a compression bra.Â
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.
You'll be given anesthesia during the surgery itself, so you won’t be able to feel anything.Â
More good news: “Revisionary breast surgery is generally associated with very minimal recovery time and discomfort, compared to first-time breast augmentation,” says Dr. Tom Pousti, a plastic surgeon in La Mesa, California. “This is because the submuscular pocket [into which the implant is placed] has already been stretched.”
Most women need two or three days of downtime after a revision, but the full recovery period can vary, depending on the complexity of your surgery and how much the tissue was disturbed.Â
Follow all the instructions given to you by your surgeon, including keeping your incisions clean, wearing a compression garment to help reduce swelling, and taking pain medication as needed to keep you comfortable.
You can expect to feel sore and tired for up to 72 hours after surgery. You’ll also have swelling and bruising that can last for several weeks.
Most patients return to work a few days after surgery, but avoid too much physical activity during the first two weeks. Refrain from raising your arms above your head or lifting anything over 10 pounds.Â
Light activities, like walking, can encourage blood flow and decrease swelling.
You’ll see your initial results within three months, once the majority of the swelling has gone down, and your final results in about a year, once all swelling has subsided.Â
It takes at least three months for your new breasts to “drop and fluff,” which means that your natural breast tissue has stretched to accommodate the implant and the muscles have relaxed.
Scars will fade throughout the first year after surgery. Silicone scar therapy can help minimize the appearance of scarring.
Related: What Should You Do If You Don't See the Results You Wanted?
When it’s performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, breast implant revision surgery has a very high success rate. However, as with any surgical procedure, it’s not completely risk-free.Â
Potential side effects include infection, bleeding, hematoma, scarring, capsular contracture, implant rupture, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and unsatisfactory results that may require yet another revision surgery.
Learn more in our complete breast implant safety guide.
Updated August 29, 2023