What Is Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast revision surgery refers to surgery performed after a previous breast augmentation, breast lift with implants, breast reconstruction, or other implant-based breast procedure.

The operation may be relatively straightforward, such as exchanging implants for a different size.

Other revisions can be considerably more complex and may require reconstruction of the implant pocket, correction of scar tissue, breast lifting, fat grafting, or treatment of stretched or damaged tissues.

Breast revision may address:

• Implant size
• Implant shape or profile
• Implant position
• Breast shape
• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture
• Breast asymmetry
• Skin and tissue changes
• Previous surgical scars
• Breast sagging
• Changes after pregnancy
• Changes after weight loss
• Patient preference

Revision surgery should address the cause of the problem rather than simply repeat the original operation.

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Why Do Patients Choose Breast Revision Surgery?

There are many reasons a patient may consider breast revision.

Some are related to complications.

Others are simply related to changes in anatomy or aesthetic preferences over time.

Common reasons include:

• Desire for larger implants
• Desire for smaller implants
• Desire for a different breast shape
• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture or deflation
• Implant malposition
• Breast asymmetry
• Bottoming out
• Lateral implant displacement
• Symmastia
• Double-bubble deformity
• Implant rippling
• Visible implant edges
• Animation deformity
• Breast sagging around an implant
• Changes after pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Changes after weight loss
• Desire to remove implants
• Concerns related to textured implants
• Previous surgical result that feels unnatural

The surgical plan depends entirely on what is causing the concern.

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Breast Implant Exchange

Changing Implant Size, Shape, or Profile

Some patients remain happy with having breast implants but want to change the implant itself.

Reasons may include:

• Wanting larger breasts
• Wanting smaller breasts
• Reducing excessive projection
• Increasing projection
• Changing implant width
• Changing implant profile
• Changing from saline to silicone
• Replacing an older implant
• Correcting an implant-related complication

Implant exchange is not always as simple as removing one implant and inserting another.

The existing implant pocket and breast tissues may need modification to accommodate the new implant appropriately.

The new implant should be selected according to the breast anatomy that exists now, not simply the anatomy that existed before the original augmentation.

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Downsizing Breast Implants

Smaller Implants May Require More Than an Implant Exchange

Patients sometimes decide that their implants feel too large, heavy, or disproportionate.

Downsizing can reduce breast volume, but a smaller implant may not adequately fill skin that has stretched around a larger implant.

Depending on the degree of tissue stretching, downsizing may require:

• Implant exchange
• Implant-pocket tightening
• Breast Lift
• Fat grafting
• A combination of techniques

The greater the difference between the old and new implant size, the more important it becomes to evaluate whether the breast skin and tissues also need to be reshaped.

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Increasing Breast Implant Size

Patients who want larger implants also require careful evaluation.

Simply increasing implant volume without considering breast width, skin elasticity, tissue thickness, and implant-pocket dimensions can contribute to:

• Excessive tissue stretching
• Implant visibility
• Rippling
• Bottoming out
• Lateral displacement
• Recurrent malposition

The implant should remain appropriately proportioned to the breast and chest.

Larger is only better when the tissues can appropriately support the additional volume.

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Capsular Contracture

When Scar Tissue Around the Implant Becomes Tight

Every breast implant naturally develops a layer of scar tissue around it called a capsule.

Most capsules remain soft and do not cause problems.

Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule becomes abnormally tight.

Patients may notice:

• Increasing breast firmness
• Breast distortion
• Change in implant position
• Pain or discomfort
• Progressive asymmetry

Treatment depends on the severity of the contracture and the condition of the implant and surrounding tissues.

Revision may include:

• Implant removal
• Implant replacement
• Capsulotomy
• Partial capsulectomy
• Total capsulectomy when appropriate
• Implant-pocket change
• Fat grafting
• Breast lift when needed

Not every capsular contracture requires exactly the same operation.

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What Is a Capsulotomy?

A capsulotomy releases or opens the scar capsule surrounding an implant.

It may be used in selected patients when tight scar tissue is contributing to implant distortion.

Capsulotomy differs from capsulectomy.

A capsulotomy releases the capsule.

A capsulectomy removes part or all of it.

The appropriate treatment depends on the individual breast.

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What Is a Capsulectomy?

A capsulectomy removes some or all of the capsule surrounding the breast implant.

Depending on the indication, surgery may involve:

• Partial capsulectomy
• Total capsulectomy
• Total intact capsulectomy in selected situations

Complete capsule removal is not automatically necessary for every breast revision.

The extent of capsule treatment should be determined according to the condition of the capsule, implant, breast tissue, and reason for surgery.

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Breast Implant Rupture

Both saline and silicone implants can rupture.

Saline Implant Rupture

When a saline implant ruptures, the implant typically deflates and the breast becomes noticeably smaller.

The saline is absorbed by the body.

Revision generally involves removal of the deflated implant and replacement if the patient wishes to maintain augmentation.

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Silicone Implant Rupture

Silicone implant rupture may be more difficult to recognize because the implant may not visibly deflate.

Some ruptures are discovered through imaging.

Treatment depends on:

• Implant condition
• Whether the silicone remains contained
• Condition of the capsule
• Breast tissue
• Patient preference regarding replacement

The ruptured implant is removed and accessible silicone material is carefully addressed.

The capsule is treated according to the operative findings.

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Implant Malposition

When the Implant Is No Longer in the Intended Position

An implant can shift from its ideal position over time.

Malposition can occur because of:

• Tissue stretching
• Implant size
• Implant-pocket dimensions
• Gravity
• Pregnancy
• Weight changes
• Previous surgical technique
• Scar tissue
• Trauma
• Recurrent tissue weakness

Implants may move:

• Too low
• Too far toward the side
• Too far toward the center
• Too high
• Into different positions on each side

Correcting malposition often requires more than simply replacing the implant.

The implant pocket itself may need to be reconstructed.

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Bottoming Out

When the Implant Sits Too Low

Bottoming out occurs when the implant descends below its intended position and the lower breast stretches.

Patients may notice:

• The nipple appears unusually high on the breast
• Excessive fullness below the nipple
• The breast fold has moved downward
• The implant feels too low
• The breasts appear elongated

Treatment may involve:

• Reconstructing the inframammary fold
• Tightening the implant pocket
• Changing implant size
• Changing implant position
• Breast lift
• Internal support when appropriate

The surgical plan depends on both the implant and the quality of the surrounding tissues.

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Lateral Implant Displacement

When the Implants Move Toward the Sides of the Chest

Some implants move excessively toward the outer chest, particularly when lying down.

Patients may notice:

• Excessive space between the breasts
• Implants moving toward the armpits
• Reduced cleavage
• Breast asymmetry

Revision may involve tightening the lateral implant pocket and repositioning the implant more centrally.

Implant dimensions may also need to be changed when the existing implant does not appropriately fit the breast.

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Symmastia

When the Implants Move Too Close Together

Symmastia occurs when the normal separation between the breasts is reduced because one or both implant pockets extend too far toward the center of the chest.

Patients may notice:

• Loss of the natural cleavage separation
• Implants appearing connected across the breastbone
• Excessive medial implant position

Correction can be challenging because the tissue over the sternum must be re-established and the implant pocket reconstructed.

Treatment may include:

• Medial pocket repair
• Implant repositioning
• Implant downsizing
• Internal support when appropriate

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Double-Bubble Deformity

A double bubble occurs when the natural breast fold and implant create two visible contours along the lower breast.

This may occur when:

• The original breast fold remains visible
• The implant sits below the natural breast tissue
• A constricted lower breast was not fully corrected
• The implant position and breast anatomy do not align

Correction depends on the underlying cause.

Possible treatments include:

• Implant-pocket revision
• Adjustment of the breast fold
• Breast tissue reshaping
• Fat grafting
• Breast lift
• Implant exchange

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Breast Implant Rippling

Implant rippling occurs when folds or irregularities of the implant become visible or palpable through the breast tissues.

Rippling is more likely when:

• Breast tissue is thin
• Implant coverage is limited
• The implant is positioned above the muscle
• Certain implant characteristics are present
• Significant weight loss has occurred

Treatment may involve:

• Implant exchange
• Changing implant position
• Fat grafting
• Changing implant dimensions
• Improving soft-tissue coverage

The best treatment depends on why the implant is visible.

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Breast Implant Visibility and Palpability

In some patients, the edges or contours of the breast implant become visible or easy to feel.

This may develop because of:

• Thin breast tissue
• Tissue stretching
• Weight loss
• Implant size
• Implant position
• Rippling
• Previous surgery

Revision may involve Fat Transfer to the Breast, implant exchange, pocket modification, or a change in implant position.

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Animation Deformity

Breast Movement with Chest-Muscle Contraction

When a breast implant is placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle, contraction of the chest muscle can move or distort the breast.

This is known as animation deformity.

Some degree of implant movement can occur with submuscular implants, but it may become bothersome in selected patients.

Revision options depend on:

• Implant position
• Tissue thickness
• Degree of animation
• Lifestyle
• Breast anatomy

Selected patients may benefit from changing the implant plane.

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High-Riding Breast Implants

An implant may remain or become positioned too high on the chest.

Possible causes include:

• Tight implant pocket
• Capsular contracture
• Implant dimensions
• Breast-fold position
• Previous surgical technique

Revision may require modification of the lower implant pocket, treatment of the capsule, implant exchange, or a combination of procedures.

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Breast Asymmetry After Augmentation

Perfect breast symmetry does not exist, even before surgery.

However, noticeable asymmetry after breast augmentation may result from:

• Different implant positions
• Different implant-pocket dimensions
• Capsular contracture
• Natural breast asymmetry
• Nipple-position differences
• Chest-wall asymmetry
• Different breast folds
• Unequal tissue stretching

Correction requires identifying which component is actually creating the difference.

Possible treatments include:

• Implant exchange
• Pocket modification
• Capsular surgery
• Breast lift
• Fat grafting
• Different implant dimensions on each side

The goal is improved balance—not perfectly identical breasts.

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Breast Sagging Around an Implant

When the Breast Changes but the Implant Does Not

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, and aging can cause the natural breast tissue to descend while the implant remains relatively stable.

This can create a breast that appears:

• Droopy
• Deflated
• Elongated
• Disconnected from the implant
• Fuller above but empty below
• Asymmetric

A Breast Lift may be combined with implant revision to reposition the natural breast tissue around the implant.

In some patients, the implant should also be exchanged, repositioned, or downsized.

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Waterfall Deformity

A waterfall deformity occurs when the natural breast tissue descends over a relatively fixed implant.

Patients may notice:

• Breast tissue hanging below the implant
• A high implant with a low natural breast
• An unusual double contour
• Nipple descent while the implant remains higher

Treatment may involve:

• Breast lift
• Implant repositioning
• Implant exchange
• Pocket adjustment
• A combination of procedures

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Breast Revision with Breast Lift

Revision surgery frequently needs to address both the implant and the breast envelope.

A Breast Lift may be appropriate when there is:

• Loose breast skin
• Nipple descent
• Breast sagging
• Tissue stretching
• Waterfall deformity
• Implant downsizing
• Significant changes after pregnancy
• Weight-loss changes

The implant and lift must be planned together so that implant volume, breast tissue, nipple position, and skin tension remain balanced.

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Breast Revision with Fat Transfer

Improving Soft-Tissue Coverage and Breast Contour

Fat Transfer to the Breast can be useful during selected breast revision procedures.

Fat may be used to improve:

• Implant edge visibility
• Rippling
• Cleavage transition
• Upper-pole contour
• Breast asymmetry
• Localized contour irregularities
• Thin breast tissues

Fat grafting does not replace the need to correct an abnormal implant pocket or significant malposition.

It is best used as a complementary technique when additional soft-tissue coverage or contour refinement is needed.

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Breast Revision After Pregnancy

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly alter a previously augmented breast.

Changes may include:

• Breast enlargement
• Volume loss
• Loose skin
• Nipple descent
• Breast asymmetry
• Changes in implant position

Some patients need only a breast lift.

Others benefit from implant exchange, pocket revision, or a combination of procedures.

The appropriate revision should be planned after breast volume has stabilized.

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Breast Revision After Weight Loss

Weight loss can reduce the amount of tissue covering the implant and alter the surrounding skin envelope.

Patients may develop:

• Implant visibility
• Rippling
• Breast deflation
• Sagging
• Changes in implant position
• Reduced upper-pole coverage

Revision may involve:

• Breast lift
• Implant exchange
• Fat grafting
• Pocket revision
• Implant removal

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Textured Breast Implants

Some patients with textured breast implants seek consultation because of concerns about breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL.

BIA-ALCL is a rare lymphoma involving the tissue or fluid surrounding a breast implant and has occurred more frequently in association with textured implant surfaces.

Having a textured implant does not mean that a patient has BIA-ALCL.

Patients with no symptoms should discuss their implant history, individual risk factors, and options before deciding whether surgery is appropriate.

Symptoms such as:

• Persistent breast swelling
• A new fluid collection
• Breast enlargement
• A breast or capsular mass
• New asymmetry
• Persistent pain

should be evaluated before routine revision surgery.

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BIA-ALCL and Breast Revision Surgery

BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer.

It is a lymphoma involving the immune system that most commonly develops in the fluid or scar capsule surrounding textured implants.

When BIA-ALCL is suspected, diagnostic evaluation should occur before cosmetic revision surgery, because the diagnosis changes the appropriate surgical treatment.

A routine implant exchange should not be substituted for appropriate evaluation of a new unexplained fluid collection, breast mass, or significant delayed breast swelling.

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Do Textured Breast Implants Have to Be Removed?

Not automatically.

Patients who have textured implants but no symptoms should discuss:

• Implant type
• Implant history
• Personal concerns
• Potential risks of surgery
• Potential benefits of implant exchange or removal

Routine removal is not automatically required simply because an implant has a textured surface.

The decision should be individualized.

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Breast Revision vs. Breast Implant Removal

Breast revision and Breast Implant Removal overlap, but the goals are different.

Breast Revision

Usually means the patient wants to maintain implant-based breast augmentation while correcting a problem or changing the result.

Breast Implant Removal

Primarily means the patient wants the implants removed, with or without capsulectomy, breast lift, or fat grafting.

Some patients begin a revision consultation expecting implant replacement and ultimately decide they prefer explant surgery.

Others initially consider removal but decide they still want breast augmentation.

The surgical plan should reflect the patient's current goals.

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Previous Breast Surgery Matters

Revision breast surgery can be more complex because previous surgery may have altered:

• Breast tissue
• Skin
• Implant pocket
• Breast fold
• Blood supply
• Capsule
• Pectoralis muscle
• Scar tissue

Patients should provide as much information as possible regarding previous surgeries, including:

• Implant type
• Implant size
• Implant surface
• Implant position
• Operative reports when available
• Previous complications
• Previous breast lift
• Previous capsulectomy
• Previous implant exchanges

This information can be extremely helpful when planning revision surgery.

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Your Breast Revision Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Baotram Tran will evaluate:

• Current breast implants
• Implant size and profile
• Implant surface
• Implant age
• Implant position
• Breast tissue thickness
• Breast shape
• Skin elasticity
• Nipple position
• Breast asymmetry
• Breast-fold position
• Implant-pocket dimensions
• Capsular contracture
• Implant malposition
• Rippling
• Animation
• Previous scars
• Previous breast lift
• Previous capsulectomy
• Available breast imaging
• Pregnancy and weight changes
• Your current aesthetic goals

Your surgical plan may involve:

• Implant exchange
• Implant downsizing
• Implant upsizing
• Pocket revision
• Capsulotomy
• Capsulectomy when appropriate
• Correction of implant malposition
• Breast Lift
• Fat Transfer to the Breast
• Breast Implant Removal
• Or a combination of procedures

The first step in revision surgery is determining why the current result is unsatisfactory.

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The Breast Revision Procedure

Breast revision is generally performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia.

Whenever possible, an existing breast incision may be reused.

The specific operation varies significantly depending on the problem being treated.

Surgery may include:

• Removal of the existing implant
• Placement of a new implant
• Modification of the scar capsule
• Reconstruction of the implant pocket
• Repositioning of the breast fold
• Correction of implant malposition
• Tightening of stretched tissues
• Breast lifting
• Fat grafting
• Removal of an implant without replacement

Attention is given to:

• Implant position
• Breast shape
• Implant symmetry
• Nipple position
• Breast-fold position
• Soft-tissue coverage
• Scar placement
• Long-term tissue support

Revision surgery is tailored to the problem rather than performed as one standardized operation.

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Will I Need Drains?

Drains are not automatically required after every breast revision.

Their use depends on:

• Extent of capsular surgery
• Implant-pocket reconstruction
• Degree of tissue dissection
• Breast lift
• Fluid space
• Individual surgical plan

If drains are used, they are removed according to drainage output and healing.

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Breast Revision Before & After Photos

Before-and-after photographs are particularly important when considering revision surgery because the starting problems can be very different.

When reviewing results, consider patients with concerns similar to yours, such as:

• Capsular contracture
• Implant malposition
• Bottoming out
• Breast asymmetry
• Implant downsizing
• Breast lift after augmentation
• Implant exchange

View Breast Revision Before & After Photos

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Recovery After Breast Revision Surgery

Recovery depends heavily on the complexity of the revision.

A straightforward implant exchange may have a different recovery from capsulectomy, pocket reconstruction, breast lift, or complex malposition correction.

The First Few Days

Patients may experience:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Breast tightness
• Soreness
• Temporary changes in breast sensation

Light walking is encouraged.

A supportive postoperative bra may be recommended.

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One to Two Weeks

Many patients gradually return to routine non-strenuous activities.

The breasts may initially appear:

• High
• Firm
• Uneven
• Swollen

These early changes do not represent the final result.

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Four to Six Weeks

Activity is gradually increased according to healing.

Patients undergoing pocket reconstruction or more extensive revision may have additional restrictions to protect the repair while tissues heal.

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Several Months

The breasts continue to soften and settle.

Implant position becomes increasingly stable and scars continue to mature.

Revision results should be judged after the breast tissues have had adequate time to heal and settle.

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How Long Do Breast Revision Results Last?

Breast revision can create long-lasting improvement, but breast implants and breast tissues continue to change over time.

Future changes may result from:

• Aging
• Gravity
• Pregnancy
• Weight fluctuations
• Skin stretching
• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture
• Implant malposition
• Patient preference

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and future surgery may eventually be necessary.

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Investment

Breast revision varies substantially in complexity.

Procedure	Estimated Investment
Simple Breast Implant Exchange	Starting at $8,500
Implant Exchange + Capsular Surgery	Starting at $10,500
Implant Malposition Correction	Starting at $11,500
Implant Exchange + Breast Lift	Starting at $15,500
Revision with Fat Grafting	Custom Quote
Complex Secondary Breast Revision	Custom Quote

The final cost depends on implant choice, surgical complexity, capsulectomy, pocket reconstruction, breast lift, fat grafting, anesthesia, and facility requirements.

A personalized surgical plan and detailed fee quote will be provided following your consultation.

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Breast Revision Myths and Misconceptions

Myth: Breast Revision Is Just Replacing the Implants

No.

Many revision problems involve the implant pocket, capsule, breast skin, breast tissue, or breast fold.

Simply replacing the implant may not correct the underlying issue.

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Myth: A Larger Implant Can Fix Every Breast Shape Problem

No.

Increasing implant volume cannot reliably correct breast sagging, implant malposition, stretched tissues, or abnormal breast folds.

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Myth: Capsular Contracture Always Requires Total Capsulectomy

No.

Treatment depends on the severity of the contracture, condition of the capsule, implant, anatomy, and surgical plan.

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Myth: Every Revision Needs the Capsule Removed

No.

A normal capsule does not automatically require removal.

Capsule treatment should be based on the indication.

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Myth: Bottoming Out Can Be Fixed by Simply Putting in a New Implant

No.

The implant pocket and breast fold usually need to be addressed when an implant has descended too low.

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Myth: A Smaller Implant Automatically Fixes Stretched Breasts

No.

Downsizing may leave excess skin and a stretched pocket.

A breast lift or pocket reconstruction may also be necessary.

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Myth: Different Implant Sizes Can Fix Every Asymmetry

No.

Asymmetry may arise from breast tissue, chest wall anatomy, nipple position, implant pocket, or breast fold.

Implant size is only one part of correction.

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Myth: Textured Implants Must Always Be Removed

No.

Textured implant history warrants an informed discussion, but asymptomatic patients do not automatically require implant removal.

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Myth: Breast Revision Can Make the Breasts Perfectly Symmetrical

No.

Revision can improve meaningful differences, but natural breast and chest-wall asymmetry remain.

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Myth: Breast Implants Last Forever After Revision

No.

Replacement implants are still medical devices and are not considered lifetime devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Revision Surgery

What Is Breast Revision Surgery?

Breast revision is surgery performed after previous breast augmentation or implant surgery to correct a complication, improve breast shape, change implant size, or modify a previous result.

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When Should Breast Implants Be Revised?

Revision may be considered for:

• Implant rupture
• Capsular contracture
• Implant malposition
• Bottoming out
• Significant asymmetry
• Implant rippling
• Breast sagging
• Implant-size change
• Patient preference

There is no automatic replacement date if implants are otherwise functioning well.

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Do Breast Implants Have to Be Replaced Every 10 Years?

No.

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but there is no rule requiring automatic replacement at 10 years.

Revision is generally performed when there is an implant-related problem or when the patient wants a change.

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Can I Change My Implant Size?

Yes.

Implants can be exchanged for larger or smaller devices.

Additional breast or pocket surgery may be necessary depending on how much the size changes.

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Can I Switch from Saline to Silicone?

Yes.

Patients commonly change implant type during revision surgery when appropriate.

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Can I Switch from Silicone to Saline?

Yes.

The implant choice depends on your anatomy, preferences, and surgical goals.

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Can You Fix Capsular Contracture?

Yes.

Treatment may involve implant exchange, capsulotomy, partial or total capsulectomy, pocket modification, or a combination of techniques.

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Can You Fix Bottoming Out?

Yes.

Correction generally requires reconstruction of the lower implant pocket or breast fold rather than implant exchange alone.

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Can You Fix Implants That Are Too Far Apart?

Often.

When excessive lateral pocket expansion contributes to the problem, the pocket can be modified to reposition the implants more centrally.

Natural chest anatomy still influences the achievable cleavage.

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Can You Correct Symmastia?

Yes, in selected patients.

Symmastia correction may require reconstruction of the medial implant pocket and possible implant downsizing or additional support.

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Can You Correct a Double Bubble?

Often.

Treatment depends on whether the deformity results from breast-fold anatomy, implant position, breast constriction, or breast-tissue descent.

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Can You Fix Rippling?

Treatment may include implant exchange, implant-position change, fat grafting, or improved soft-tissue coverage depending on the cause.

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Can Fat Grafting Help with Breast Revision?

Yes.

Fat Transfer to the Breast may improve implant visibility, rippling, contour irregularities, thin tissue coverage, or asymmetry.

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Can Breast Revision Include a Lift?

Yes.

A Breast Lift is often combined with revision when the natural breast has sagged or when implants are downsized.

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Can I Have My Implants Removed Instead?

Yes.

Patients who no longer want implants can consider Breast Implant Removal, with or without breast lift or fat grafting.

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Should Textured Implants Be Removed?

Not automatically.

Patients with textured implants but no symptoms should discuss their implant history and individual concerns.

Persistent swelling, a new fluid collection, mass, or unexplained breast changes should be evaluated before routine revision.

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What Are the Symptoms of BIA-ALCL?

Symptoms can include persistent swelling, fluid around the implant, breast enlargement, pain, a breast or capsular mass, or new asymmetry.

These symptoms do not automatically mean BIA-ALCL, but they require appropriate evaluation.

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How Long Is Recovery After Breast Revision?

Recovery varies substantially.

A simple implant exchange may have a shorter recovery than pocket reconstruction, capsulectomy, breast lift, or complex revision.

Many patients return to non-strenuous daily activities within approximately one to two weeks, while tissue healing continues longer.

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Can Revision Surgery Be More Difficult Than My First Breast Augmentation?

Yes.

Previous surgery can create scar tissue and alter implant pockets, breast folds, tissues, and anatomy.

Some revision operations are considerably more complex than primary breast augmentation.

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Will I Need Drains?

Not necessarily.

Drain use depends on the extent of capsulectomy, pocket reconstruction, breast lifting, and other surgical factors.

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What Are the Risks of Breast Revision Surgery?

Potential risks include:

• Bleeding
• Hematoma
• Infection
• Seroma
• Delayed wound healing
• Skin loss
• Fat necrosis
• Unfavorable scarring
• Changes in breast or nipple sensation
• Breast asymmetry
• Implant malposition
• Recurrent malposition
• Capsular contracture
• Recurrent capsular contracture
• Implant rupture
• Implant visibility or rippling
• Breast sagging
• Persistent pain
• Unsatisfactory breast shape
• Need for implant removal or replacement
• Need for additional revision surgery
• Anesthesia-related complications
• Blood clots and cardiopulmonary complications

Breast implants also carry longer-term implant-specific considerations, including BIA-ALCL and other rare capsule-associated malignancies.

Individual risks, benefits, alternatives, and procedure-specific considerations will be discussed during consultation and informed consent.

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Why Choose Dr. Baotram Tran?

Breast Revision Requires Identifying the Problem Before Correcting It

Revision surgery is often more complex than primary breast augmentation because the anatomy has already been altered.

Scar tissue, implant pockets, breast folds, stretched skin, breast tissue, previous incisions, and prior surgical decisions all influence the available options.

As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Baotram Tran approaches breast revision with attention to:

• Detailed evaluation of the previous augmentation
• Implant size, shape, and position
• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture
• Implant malposition
• Bottoming out
• Lateral displacement
• Symmastia
• Double-bubble deformity
• Implant rippling and visibility
• Breast-fold anatomy
• Breast asymmetry
• Breast sagging around an implant
• Implant-pocket reconstruction
• Capsular surgery when appropriate
• Breast lift when necessary
• Fat grafting when beneficial
• Textured implant concerns
• Implant removal when the patient no longer wants implants
• Recognition of when downsizing or changing implant dimensions would improve long-term tissue support

Revision surgery should not begin by asking which implant to use.

It should begin by identifying what is creating the current problem and designing the operation around that diagnosis.

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Schedule Your Consultation

If you are unhappy with the appearance, position, feel, or size of your breast implants—or if you have developed capsular contracture, implant rupture, malposition, asymmetry, rippling, or breast sagging—breast revision surgery may provide an opportunity to improve the result.

During your consultation, Dr. Baotram Tran will evaluate your implants, breast tissue, capsule, implant pockets, nipple position, breast folds, scars, asymmetry, available imaging, previous surgical history, and current aesthetic goals.

Your individualized surgical plan may include:

• Breast Implant Exchange
• Breast Implant Downsizing
• Breast Implant Upsizing
• Capsulotomy
• Capsulectomy When Appropriate
• Implant-Pocket Reconstruction
• Bottoming-Out Correction
• Lateral Implant Displacement Correction
• Symmastia Correction
• Double-Bubble Correction
• Breast Lift
• Fat Transfer to the Breast
• Breast Implant Removal
• Or a combination of procedures

The goal is not simply to perform another breast augmentation. It is to understand what needs to be corrected and create a breast that is better balanced, appropriately supported, and more consistent with your current goals.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Baotram Tran in Aventura to discuss your breast revision options.