In general, breast augmentation patients may be satisfied with their results for many years, even decades. However, over time, personal aesthetic interests or other concerns may lead one to replace or remove her existing breast implants. To achieve those goals, breast implant revision surgery—sometimes referred to as revision breast augmentation, explantation, or implant exchange—can modify the size of breast implants, change the implant material, adjust the implant position, remove the implants altogether, or resolve rare medical issues that may have occurred from the implant.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Amie Miller, MD, performs breast implant revision by prioritizing safety and utilizing advanced surgical techniques customized to the unique treatment goals of the patient. During a consultation, Dr. Miller will discuss your breast implant concerns and goals to develop a personalized treatment plan for the best possible outcome.
Breast Implant Revision at a Glance
- Potential Benefits: Renew the size, shape, position, or implant material of a previous augmentation; resolve implant-related complications, such as breast tissue hardening (capsular contracture)
- Candidates: No existing medical conditions that would inhibit recovery; realistic expectations of the outcome; interested in altering existing breast implants for aesthetic or health reasons
- Procedure: Approximately 1-3 hours; outpatient procedure under general anesthesia
- Recovery: Typically, patients can return to non-strenuous work and activities within 1-2 weeks
- Surgeon: Average cost in Sacramento, CA is estimated at $8,160; however, the final price at our practice is variable among patients depending on each individual, customized treatment plan1
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Is Breast Revision Surgery Right for Me?
For individuals who have had a previous breast augmentation, there may be several reasons for breast revision surgery to be considered. Some of the most common examples include:
- Switch current breast implants for newer models and/or a different size or shape
- Change the implant material (silicone or saline)
- Correct breast implant malposition
- Replace leaking, ruptured, or rippling implants
- Address capsular contracture (abnormal hardening of tissue surrounding the implant) or another implant-related complication
- Remove the implants and return to the original breast size
As with all plastic surgery procedures, it is important to have realistic expectations of what the breast implant revision surgery will entail. Dr. Miller takes time with each patient to thoroughly explain the details of surgery and ensure all questions can be addressed ahead of the procedure so that patients can make the most informed decision for their unique goals.
What Does the Breast Implant Revision Procedure Involve?
For both implant exchange and removal procedures, breast implant revision is typically performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. As a revisional procedure, the surgical techniques utilized are highly customizable based on the underlying conditions of the breasts and the needs of each patient. Generally, breast implant revision can be expected to last one to three hours, depending on aesthetic goals, complexities of the procedure, surgical approach, and any additional combined surgeries in the treatment plan—for example, a breast lift to address sagging breast skin. Dr. Miller makes every effort to minimize scarring by using the same incisions from the previous surgery, when possible.
What Is the Breast Revision Recovery Process Like?
Breast implant revision patients often report recovery to be easier than the initial breast augmentation, depending on the extent of the procedure. It is normal to experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the sites of the incisions; however, many patients are able to return to non-strenuous work and light activity within one to two weeks after surgery. Dr. Miller and the team at Foothills Plastic Surgery provide thorough instructions to help prepare patients before and after surgery with guidelines to achieve an efficient healing process with optimal results.
How Much Does Breast Implant Revision Surgery Cost?
The actual cost of breast implant revision surgery in Sacramento can vary greatly for each patient as the price estimate for this procedure is significantly dependent on the reason for revision. There are several factors that contribute to the pricing, such as replacement implants (if exchanging), fees for anesthesia, imaging, bloodwork and tests, the use of the surgical facility, overall complexity of the procedure, the surgical techniques utilized, additional procedures that may be chosen to complement the revision, and other components. If the revision is performed due to an implant-related complication, such as a rupture, deflation, or leak, the device manufacturer may provide warranty coverage for the breast implant revision procedure.
After the initial consultation, our team will review the customized estimate and discuss any questions you may have, including financing options. Our practice works with reputable third-party healthcare financing companies that offer affordable loans and flexible payment plans to eligible applicants so they may pay for their treatment over time.
If you would like additional information on breast implant revision or other breast surgery options, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, please contact us today.