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Breast
Implant
Revision
Breast Implant Revision
Although the goal of every breast augmentation is to help you look your best, sometimes the results may not quite be what you hoped for. In other cases, you may simply change your mind about the size or type of implant you have. Whether you want a size adjustment to increase or decrease your current implants, would like to change from saline to silicone implants (or vice versa) or have concerns about a shift in implant placement, breast implant revision surgery can help to fix your breast implants.
Dr. James Koehler, Dr. Vincent Gardner, and the highly skilled team at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery can help. Our board-certified cosmetic surgeons have more than 40 years of combined experience in breast enhancement procedures. With high standards for individual patient care and satisfaction, we have helped thousands of women throughout the Mobile-Pensacola area achieve amazing results while maintaining a natural-looking appearance.
Are You a Candidate?
Women who are unhappy with their current breast implants can make good candidates for breast implant revision. Some signs that a revision might be necessary include a noticeable change in breast texture, a visible deflation of one or both breast implants or just the desire to choose implants that are larger, smaller or a different shape. It’s also important to be in good overall physical and mental health, and to have realistic expectations about your results.
In some cases, breast implant revision may be performed as part of a mommy makeover for women who want to update their look after pregnancy and nursing, after weight loss or in combination with other breast enhancement procedures. During your consultation, we will go over all your options to help ensure that you’re a good candidate for implant revision before proceeding with surgery.
Before and After Photos
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These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
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These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Reasons for Breast Implant Revision
Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States, and both silicone and saline implants have undergone rigorous testing by the FDA to ensure their total safety for patients. However, the combination of popularity and safety of breast implants doesn’t necessarily guarantee perfect results every time.
There are a number of reasons women may consider breast implant revision:
- Asymmetrical Breast Revision: Every woman has some degree of natural asymmetry to her breasts, and if this is not accounted for properly during an initial breast augmentation by using implants of slightly different sizes, then even more marked asymmetry may be apparent following surgery. Breast implants may also seem asymmetrically placed after augmentation, if one breast rides too high, too low or off to one side. With breast implant revision surgery, we can restore a balanced, beautiful look to your appearance.
- Capsular Contracture Revision: Scar tissue growth is a normal part of the body’s natural healing process. The body recognizes outside objects as a potential threat, and builds scar tissue around that object—in this case, a breast implant—to isolate it from the rest of the body. While the presence of scar tissue is expected around implants, some women may experience excessive scar tissue growth that can feel firm to the touch or even painful. Capsular contracture revision removes this scar tissue capsule to restore a soft, natural look and feel to your breasts again.
- Implant Removal (Explantation): Some women choose to have their implants completely removed. However, since the implants will stretch out the natural breast tissue and skin while in place, it may be necessary to reshape the breast during implant removal with a breast lift so your results will be as close to your pre-surgery figure after explantation as possible. Breast implant explantation is similar to the approach that our surgeons would take during a standard breast reduction.
- Implant Replacement: The failure rate of breast implants is quite low, but can still occur. If you notice a rupture in your saline implants or suspect a leak in your silicone implants, our surgeons can replace the faulty implants with new ones during breast revision surgery.
- Size Adjustments: A change in size is the most common reason women consider breast implant revision surgery, whether that means wanting a more dramatic look or implants that are more subtle. We can help you choose the right size so you’re happier with your results the second time around.
- Synmastia/Symmastia: Sometimes called a “uniboob” or “bread loaf deformity,” synmastia (also spelled as symmastia) occurs when the breast implants are no longer separated properly and join together in the chest midline. This most often happens due to an overaggressive surgical approach in an initial breast augmentation that caused the surgical pockets to meet in the middle of the breast instead of remaining separate. Breast implant revision rebuilds the internal pockets to fully separate the breasts again.
Even if your specific concern isn’t listed above, the truth is that simply feeling unhappy with the results of a previous breast augmentation is reason enough to consider breast implant revision.
Your Consultation
The first step in any breast revision procedure is scheduling a consultation at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, concerns and what you hope to achieve through surgery, as well as ask any questions you may have. Your surgeon will also review your medical history, including the details of your previous breast augmentation, and perform a physical evaluation.
We will also walk you through your breast revision options, including various surgical techniques, incision placement and implant size, shape and type. During this time, you might also discuss the possibility of adding additional procedures like a breast lift to your breast implant revision. If breast ptosis, or sagging, is a concern for you, including a breast lift with your revision procedure can be a suitable option.
Together with your surgeon, you can create a customized revision plan that can achieve the results you were hoping for.
We are excited to offer Pro-Nox pain relief that can be added to any of the in-office procedures we perform. Pro-Nox is an inhaled analgesic that gives our patients 100% control through self-administration. Get short-term pain, anxiety, and stress relief without having to “go under.”
Dr. Koehler
Educated at the University of Alabama and in practice for over 20 years, Dr. Koehler is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who is devoted to providing exceptional results.
Dr. Gardner
A triple-board-certified surgeon specializing in both cosmetic and venous procedures, Dr. Gardner brings a depth of expertise, compassion, and innovation to our practice.
How a Breast Implant Revision Is Performed
The unique approach that Dr. Koehler or Dr. Gardner will take during your revision surgery will depend on the specific concerns that need to be addressed. This procedure is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia and typically takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity.
In many cases, your surgeon can use your existing incision sites to minimize additional scarring. Through these incisions, he can carefully access the breast pocket, remove the current implant and assess the condition of the surrounding tissue. If the implant pocket has shifted, become too large or too small or developed hardened scar tissue (as with capsular contracture), he may remove the capsule or tighten the breast pocket before placing the new implants.
If you are replacing your implants, your surgeon will then insert the new ones using the technique that was discussed with you during your consultation. In some cases, a breast lift may be performed at the same time to reposition and reshape the breast tissue.
Once all revisions are complete, your surgeon will suture the incisions, apply bandages and will fit you with a supportive surgical bra. You will be monitored while the anesthesia wears off and then cleared to return home with a caregiver.
Risks and Complications
The risks associated with breast implant revision are similar to the risks that can occur in a standard breast augmentation, and include bleeding or infection. The most common risk of revision surgery is the development or recurrence of capsular contracture. We will go over all the risks and benefits with you before your procedure so you’re fully informed about what to expect.
Recovery after Breast Implant Revision
Recovery after breast implant revision surgery is often easier and shorter than that of your initial breast augmentation, although everyone’s experience will vary. Expect to experience some swelling, bruising, tenderness and tightness for the first few days. These symptoms are usually easily managed with pain medication and should significantly improve within the first week.
Most women are able to return to work in 1 week after breast revision surgery. However, you will need to refrain from any strenuous physical activities for 4 to 6 weeks, or until you are cleared to resume your normal exercise routine. Swelling should continue to improve during this time, gradually revealing your results.
Your New Look
Although you should see a noticeable difference in your figure almost immediately after surgery, it’s normal for swelling and slight asymmetry to mask your final results at first. As your body begins to heal and the swelling gradually subsides, your breasts will settle into a more natural position and shape.
Most patients begin to see their results beginning to take shape within 4 to 6 weeks, once the majority of swelling has resolved. However, final results can take 3 to 6 months to fully develop.
It’s also important to keep in mind that breast implant revision is a highly individualized procedure, and while the goal is improvement, not perfection, most patients are very pleased with the enhanced comfort, shape and symmetry they achieve. We will work closely with you throughout your recovery to ensure you’re healing well and are satisfied with your outcome.
Breast Revision FAQs
How much does breast implant revision cost in Alabama?
The cost of breast implant revision surgery in Alabama and elsewhere can greatly vary, depending on the specific details and complexity of your procedure. For this reason, our team will be able to provide you with a more accurate revision surgery cost estimate after your consultation. Please also ask us about available financing options to help make your procedure as affordable and stress-free as possible.
Does insurance cover breast implant revision?
Most health insurance companies view any type of breast enhancement as purely cosmetic, and won’t cover the costs associated with the primary surgery or any necessary revisions. However, you should always check with your insurance provider just to make sure. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about cosmetic surgery pricing and help you fully understand the costs associated with your revision surgery.
How soon can I get a breast implant revision?
We typically recommend waiting at least 6 months after your initial breast augmentation to get revision surgery. This not only gives your body enough time to heal but also gives your final results enough time to fully develop, ensuring you do want to move forward with a revision procedure. However, if you are experiencing severe pain, signs of infection, bleeding or other serious symptoms following your initial breast augmentation, contact your surgeon immediately.
How painful is breast revision surgery?
For most patients, breast revision surgery is less painful than their initial breast augmentation, since the body has already adapted to implants. You can still expect some swelling, bruising, tenderness and mild to moderate discomfort, although these symptoms usually greatly improve after the first few days.
Will my old implants be reused?
The question of reusing vs. replacing implants during revision surgery is one that varies depending on a number of considerations, including your reasons for pursuing revision surgery in the first place. For example, women who are interested in breast implant revision due to capsular contracture will likely see better results and a decreased chance of recurrence if they opt for new implants.
Should I remove my implants completely?
This is a personal choice that only you can make. Many women choose to replace implants should the need arise, while others decide to return to their pre-augmentation figure. We are happy to discuss all the options with you so you can make the decision that’s right for you.
Should I visit my original breast implant surgeon for my revision surgery?
Breast augmentation and breast implant revision, while related, can require very different skill sets. Our doctors encourage patients to seek the counsel of their original surgeon. However, not every surgeon performing augmentation procedures will have the necessary knowledge base and understanding of the unique considerations that have to be accounted for in revision surgery. For the best breast implant revision results, be sure to schedule your surgery with a cosmetic surgeon who is well-versed in all types of implant revision.
How will my breasts look after revision surgery?
The common saying in cosmetic surgery is to expect improvement rather than perfection, and this is especially true for revision surgery. While the goal is always to help you feel and look your best, factors such as existing scar tissue, your natural anatomy and your personal goals for surgery all play a role in your final results. Please feel free to visit our photo gallery to see images of women who have undergone implant revision for some examples of real patient results to get a better idea of what may be possible for you.
Written By: Dr. James Koehler
A board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Fairhope, AL, Dr. James Koehler earned his MD from the University of Alabama and completed several post-doctoral residencies, internships and fellowships. He returned to Alabama to be closer to family and serve patients in the local community with a full range of cosmetic surgery procedures for the face, breast and body.
More about Dr. James Koehler | Last Reviewed: October 14th, 2025
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