All Procedures
Revision Breast Surgery
Useful information for patients on Revision Breast Surgery - further surgery after your original breast surgery.
What Is Revision Breast Surgery?
Revision breast surgery, refers to further surgery performed after a previous breast procedure. Most commonly, it relates to secondary or revision breast implant surgery but can be revisions of breast lifts (mastopexy), breast reductions, or breast reconstructions as well.
Revision surgery is expected at some point after breast implant surgery, as implants are not lifetime devices. Revision breast surgery is a broad term and covers a lot of breast surgery procedures.
Being treated by a qualified professional means they have the necessary knowledge and experience to minimize risks and achieve an effective outcome. However, even the best and most experienced specialists can still encounter setbacks and complications.
Who Is It For?
Revision surgery may be suitable for patients who:
- Have concerns following previous breast surgery
- Experience changes in breast shape, size, or comfort
- Have implant-related complications
- Have undergone natural breast changes over time
Why Might Revision Surgery Be Needed?
Common reasons include:
- Healing or infection issues
- Shape or symmetry concerns
- Scarring problems
- Implant movement or hardening
- Implant rupture or discomfort
- Rare implant-associated conditions (BIA-ALCL, BIA-SCC)
- Breast implant illness symptoms
Natural changes due to:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Menopause
- Weight gain or loss
- Ageing
Some follow-up procedures after reconstruction or complex breast surgery are considered planned second stages, rather than true revisions.
What Does Revision Surgery Involve?
Revision surgery can range from:
- Minor scar or shape adjustments
- Implant removal or replacement
- Full reshaping or resizing of the breasts
Your surgeon will tailor the procedure to your anatomy and goals.
Preparation
Preparation will depend on the type of procedure. Minor corrections may only require local anesthesia and little preparation, while more extensive procedures may require general anesthesia and the same preparations as the original surgery.
Your plastic surgeon will explain how to prepare for your procedure.
Useful Information
Ensure you consider all aspects of a procedure. You can speak to your surgeon about these areas of the surgery in more detail during a consultation.
Length
How Long Is the Procedure?
Around 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on the planned procedure.
Anesthesia
Do I Need Anesthesia?
General or local anaesthesia depending on the procedure planned.
Inpatient/Outpatient
Is The Procedure Inpatient or Outpatient?
Usually day surgery unless combined with other procedures that require an overnight stay.
Additional Information
Possible side effects may include:
- Swelling and bruising
- Temporary tenderness
- Temporary changes in sensation
Possible risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid build-up (seroma)
- Wound healing issues
- Blood clots
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Asymmetry
- Sagging tissue recurrence
- Tissue loss, including nipple or areola
- Poor scarring
If implants are used:
- Capsular contracture
- Implant malposition
- Implant rupture
- Rare implant-associated cancers
- Breast implant illness symptoms
Recovery depends on the complexity of the procedure. Swelling and tenderness may last 2-6 weeks. Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks and resume exercise after 6-8 weeks.
While it may take only a few days in some cases, more complex surgeries can require weeks. It is essential to discuss any questions with your plastic surgeon to receive proper guidance throughout the recovery period.
Results are long-lasting but influenced by weight changes, hormonal factors, and natural breast ageing. Implants typically last 10-15 years and may require future surgery.
Please note that individual results vary from patient to patient due to factors such as age, skin quality, body type, and overall health. To understand what results you can expect, consult with your qualified plastic surgeon.