Breast Revision Surgery at a Glance
- Procedure: Outpatient under general anesthesia
- Length of Surgery: 1-3 hours
- Recovery: 1-2 weeks
- Final Results: 3 months to 1 year
- Cost: $9,000 to $12,000
Breast revision surgery is a procedure to replace or remove breast implants from a previous breast augmentation. Typically, breast implant revision is performed to exchange the implant material or size; improve physical changes that may have occurred from aging, hormones, or weight fluctuations; or correct implant-related concerns or irregularities. Breast implant revision can be a complex procedure that is extremely unique to each patient’s anatomy, tissues, and skin in order to achieve effective, natural-looking results.
Should I Get Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision may be recommended if an individual has had a previous breast augmentation and would like to exchange or remove their current breast implants. Individuals should be in good overall health without medical concerns that may interfere with recovery after surgery. Ideal breast implant revision candidates are typically seeking to:
- Change the size of their breast implants
- Switch to another type of implant material (silicone or saline)
- Correct the implant position or shape
- Replace leaking or ruptured implants
- Alleviate capsular contracture (abnormal hardening of scar tissue around the implant)
- Remove the implants without replacement
To properly diagnose all issues, Dr. Zemmel and his team will perform a physical exam and review all relevant medical records and breast history (including implant cards) for the individual. This helps to ensure appropriate candidacy and determine a comprehensive treatment plan to achieve the best results for each patient.
What Does Breast Revision Surgery Involve?
Breast implant revisions for both implant removal and implant exchange are usually performed as outpatient procedures under general anesthesia. Depending on the particulars of the treatment plan, breast revision surgery usually takes between one and three hours to complete. To begin, the existing breast implant can be removed or repositioned through the original incisions, unless additional incisions may be necessary. Dr. Zemmel works meticulously to minimize scarring through advanced surgical methods for the most discreet results possible.
Breast revision surgery can address a broad range of concerns, so the details of each procedure can vary greatly and will be discussed prior to the day of surgery. Since breast implant revision can be a highly customizable and complex procedure, individuals should only trust an expertly trained, skilled, and certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Zemmel, that understands the unique challenges of the procedure. Dr. Zemmel always performs his surgeries with the highest standards of patient care, in accredited facilities with board-certified anesthesiologists.
What Can I Expect in My Breast Revision Recovery?
It is normal to experience some degree of tenderness, bruising, and swelling at the treatment sites, which should gradually fade over time. Recovery is often comparable to the initial breast augmentation—sometimes quicker and with less pain—however, each individual heals at their own pace. The majority of patients are able to return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, but should avoid heavy lifting for several months following surgery to allow their body ample time to heal.
To promote a safe and effective recovery, it is essential to carefully follow all post-op instructions provided by Dr. Zemmel. Routine follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor the healing process, and Dr. Zemmel is available for any questions or concerns that may arise.
Schedule Your Breast Revision Consultation
To learn more about breast augmentation revision, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Zemmel, please contact us today. We welcome individuals from all areas and have patients throughout the United States and abroad.