What Is Breast Implant Revision Surgery?
Breast implant revision surgery refers to any procedure performed to correct, replace, or remove existing breast implants. Some patients seek revision because of a medical complication, while others simply want to update the size, shape, or position of implants placed years earlier. Dr. Eugene Kim, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, has extensive experience helping patients — including those who had their original surgery elsewhere — achieve a refined, comfortable, and natural-looking result.
Common Reasons Patients Seek Revision Surgery
Capsular Contracture
Firm, tight, or distorted scar tissue around the implant is one of the most frequent reasons for revision. Treatment typically involves capsulectomy with implant replacement. Learn more on our dedicated capsular contracture page.
Implant Rupture or Deflation
Saline implants that rupture will visibly deflate, while silicone implant rupture may be “silent” and require MRI or ultrasound to confirm. Ruptured implants generally need to be replaced.
Size or Style Changes
It’s common for patients’ preferences to evolve over time. Some want to size up or down, switch from saline to silicone (or to a modern implant like Motiva), or adjust the profile for a different look.
Implant Malposition
Implants can shift over time, resulting in bottoming out (the implant dropping too low), symmastia (implants meeting in the middle of the chest), or lateral displacement (implants shifting toward the underarm). Revision surgery can reposition the implant and reinforce the pocket.
Rippling or Visible Implant Edges
Thin tissue coverage can allow implant rippling to become visible or palpable, particularly along the sides or cleavage. Revision options may include changing implant type, adding fat grafting, or adjusting the implant plane.
Bottoming Out and Loss of Support
Over time, or after pregnancy and weight changes, the tissue supporting the implant can stretch, causing the implant to sit lower than the natural breast fold. This is often corrected with internal support techniques or a combined breast lift.
Aging, Pregnancy, or Weight Changes
Life changes can affect how augmented breasts look and feel over time. Many patients choose revision, sometimes paired with a breast lift, to restore a more youthful contour.
What to Expect During a Revision Consultation
Because every revision case is different, Dr. Kim begins with a detailed evaluation of your current implants (including type, age, and placement when known), an assessment of your tissue quality, and a conversation about what isn’t working with your current results. Imaging may be recommended to evaluate implant integrity. From there, Dr. Kim develops a customized surgical plan, which may involve capsulectomy, implant replacement, pocket revision, internal support techniques, or a combined breast lift.
The Revision Procedure
Revision surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, often using the existing incision scars whenever possible to avoid additional scarring. Depending on the complexity of your case, the procedure may take longer than a primary augmentation, particularly when significant capsule work or internal support is required.
Recovery After Revision Surgery
Recovery generally follows a similar arc to primary breast augmentation, though the timeline can vary depending on the extent of correction needed. Visit our breast augmentation recovery guide for a general week-by-week overview, and Dr. Kim will provide guidance specific to your revision procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need breast revision surgery?
Signs that revision may be worth exploring include firmness or distortion (possible capsular contracture), visible rippling, implants that have shifted position, asymmetry that has developed over time, or simply wanting a different size or style than your current implants.
Can I switch implant brands or types during revision?
Yes. Many revision patients choose to switch to a different implant, such as Motiva, at the time of surgery, particularly when addressing complications like capsular contracture or rippling.
Will revision surgery leave more scarring?
Dr. Kim uses existing incision scars whenever possible during revision surgery to minimize additional scarring. Whether this is possible depends on your original incision location and the specifics of your case.
Is breast revision surgery more complex than a first augmentation?
It can be, depending on the reason for revision. Cases involving significant capsule removal, malposition correction, or internal support techniques generally require more advanced surgical planning, which is why choosing an experienced, double board-certified plastic surgeon is especially important for revision cases.