Love Your Look Again

At Southern Surgical Arts in St. Petersburg, breast revision is approached with the same precision and care as a first-time procedure, whether you're addressing a complication or simply ready for a change. Our board-certified surgeons take the time to understand exactly what you need before building your plan. If you're considering a revision, schedule a consultation with our St. Petersburg team today.

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What Is Breast Revision?

Breast revision is a surgical procedure that removes and/or replaces breast implants following an earlier augmentation. It's commonly pursued to address complications like implant rupture or capsular contracture, to accommodate changes in the body over time, or simply because a patient wants to change the size or type of their implants.

Benefits of Breast Revision

  • Addresses implant-related complications like rupture or capsular contracture
  • Restores a firmer, more natural look and feel
  • Allows you to change implant size or type
  • Corrects changes in shape caused by aging, weight fluctuation, or pregnancy
  • Can boost self-esteem with results that better match your goals
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Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Revision?

Good candidates for breast revision are in good overall health, non-smokers, and have already undergone a prior breast augmentation. This procedure isn't intended for patients receiving breast implants for the first time. A consultation is the best way to evaluate your current implants and determine the right approach.

Why Choose Southern Surgical Arts for Breast Revision?

Our surgeons approach every breast revision as a highly customized procedure, since the right technique depends entirely on what's causing the issue or what change you're hoping to make. We take the time to evaluate your current implants and goals thoroughly before recommending a path forward.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, your surgeon will review your full medical and surgical history, including any medications you take, to understand what led you to consider a revision. Once that information is gathered and your candidacy is confirmed, your surgeon will build a breast revision plan created specifically for you.

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How Much Does Breast Revision Cost?

Breast revision typically starts at $8,000, though total cost varies depending on the complexity of your treatment plan. Simple implant removal and replacement costs less than more involved revisions requiring scar tissue removal, pocket repair, or an accompanying breast lift. Your surgeon will provide a fully personalized quote at your consultation, along with financing options.

What to Expect During Your Breast Revision Procedure

Incision

Your surgeon typically uses the same incision from your original augmentation to help minimize additional scarring.

Implant Removal and Replacement

Old implants are removed, and new implants are placed, usually into the same pocket created during your initial augmentation.

Closing and Monitoring

Incisions are closed once your desired results are achieved, and our team monitors your vital signs and comfort before you head into recovery.

Breast Revision Recovery

Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions closely is essential for proper healing. You'll be given a compression garment or surgical bra to help manage swelling and reduce the risk of blood clots, and you'll need to avoid showering for the first two to four days, along with baths, spas, and jacuzzis for a period afterward.

Recovery time varies depending on which procedures were performed, and combining a revision with a breast lift typically extends your timeline. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine afterward supports your long-term results, though future pregnancy or significant weight changes can still affect your outcome.

Breast Revision Results

Most patients see a firmer, more natural-looking result once swelling resolves, with final results becoming clear over the following weeks. Outcomes are designed to be long-lasting, though changes in weight, hormones, or future pregnancy can still affect your results over time.

Reasons for Breast Revision

Implant Replacement

Implants don't last forever and typically need replacement after about 10 years. Some patients choose not to replace them at all, while others pursue a revision to redefine their shape.

Implant Rupture

A ruptured implant can cause pain or changes in breast shape, though it can also go unnoticed if the surrounding tissue, known as a capsule, traps the implant's contents. If you suspect a rupture, it's worth consulting your surgeon.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms a tight seal around the implant, which can make the breast feel stiff or appear deformed.

Changes in the Body Over Time

Aging, pregnancy, and weight fluctuation can all affect skin elasticity and breast shape, sometimes prompting patients to pursue a revision years after their original augmentation.

Changing Breast Size

Some patients simply decide, years later, that they'd like a different implant type, size, or improved symmetry.

Related Procedures

  • Breast Augmentation: For patients considering implants for the first time.
  • Breast Lift: Frequently combined with a revision to address sagging alongside implant changes.
  • Breast Reduction: An option for patients considering a smaller breast size without implants.
  • Mommy Makeover: Combines breast procedures with body contouring for comprehensive post-pregnancy changes.
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Breast Revision FAQs

Is breast revision more complicated than the original augmentation?

Breast revision can be more involved than a first-time augmentation, especially when scar tissue, capsular contracture, or implant malposition need to be addressed. Your surgeon will walk you through exactly what your specific revision involves during your consultation.

Will insurance cover breast revision?

Insurance sometimes covers breast revision when it's addressing a documented medical complication, such as implant rupture, though revisions done purely for aesthetic reasons are typically not covered. Your surgeon can help you understand what may apply to your situation.

Is breast revision painful?

Most patients experience manageable discomfort rather than significant pain, and it's typically controlled with prescribed medication during the first several days of recovery.

Will I have more scarring after a revision?

Since your surgeon often reuses your original incision, additional scarring is usually minimal. Any new scarring will depend on the specific technique needed for your revision.

How soon after my original augmentation can I get a revision?

There's no fixed waiting period, though your surgeon will want your tissue to be fully healed from your original surgery before performing a revision. This is something your consultation will help determine based on your individual healing.

What happens to my old implants?

Removed implants are disposed of according to standard medical protocols, though you're welcome to ask your surgical team about the process if you're curious.

What are the risks of breast revision?

As with any surgical procedure, breast revision carries some risk of infection, bleeding, scarring, or asymmetry. These risks are minimized when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon.

Ready to Love Your Results Again?

Southern Surgical Arts is ready to help you feel confident in results that truly fit you. Schedule your St. Petersburg breast revision consultation today and let our team build a plan around your goals.

References

  1. Tasoulisa, M. K., Iqbalb, F. M., Cawthorn, S., MacNeill, F., & Vidyad, R. (2017). Subcutaneous implant breast reconstruction: Time to reconsider? European Journal of Surgical Oncology, 43(9), 1636-1646. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejso.2017.04.008

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.

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