Women undergo breast augmentation to enhance their breast shape, size, and overall appearance. While many patients with breast implants are extremely satisfied with their results and experience no problems, some women require corrective surgery to address specific concerns.
Breast implant revision surgery is often sought by women who have experienced physical changes, complications, or dissatisfaction with the results of their original breast augmentation. Issues like implant rupture, capsular contracture, and evolving personal preferences may cause you to want to switch implant types, remove them entirely, or correct previous surgical outcomes. Regardless of your reason, breast implant revision offers the opportunity to address your concerns and restore your confidence.
Model
Procedures:
Revision Breast Implant Surgery (Implant replacement, capsule repair, capsulotomy), Breast Lift
Breast Implants Before: Silicone. under muscle
Right Side: 339cc, full profile
Left Side: 339 cc, full profile
Breast Implants After: Silicone. under muscle
Right Side: 450 cc, full profile
Left Side:450 cc, full profile
Age: 47
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 135 pounds
Children: 2
Dr. Patronella performed an implant exchange to give this patient the increase in volume and natural-looking appearance she desired.
Our gallery of before and after breast implant revision photos features real women, just like you.
Patients choose Dr. Patronella for his proven expertise in breast implant revision surgery. Beyond achieving gorgeous natural-looking results, patients consistently express gratitude for the warmth, attentiveness, and support they receive from Dr. Patronella and his team throughout every stage of their breast revision experience.
The cost of breast implant revision in Houston can vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure, including whether one or both breasts need revision, if replacement implants are inserted, and if you choose to combine your breast implant revision with other aesthetic procedures. Other costs may include anesthesia and post-operative supplies (like compression garments or surgical bras). To make your breast implant revision surgery a reality, Dr. Patronella offers financing options, allowing you to pay over time in affordable monthly installments.
Dr. Christopher K. Patronella is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, widely respected for his expertise in complex breast revision surgery. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Patronella has developed a reputation for his aesthetic surgery techniques and his commitment to his patients’ safety and satisfaction. Known for taking on challenging breast implant revision cases, Dr. Patronella uses advanced surgical methods to correct implant malposition, asymmetry, and tissue damage from prior breast procedures. If you’re looking for compassionate care, customized treatments, and proven results, Dr. Patronella and his team are the ideal choice.
If you’re considering breast implant revision in Houston, the first step is to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher K. Patronella. He will listen to your concerns, review your medical history, and perform an examination to assess what level of breast revision you require.
To determine if you’re a good candidate for breast implant revision and explore your options for the procedure, contact us today at (713) 575-1996 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Patronella.
Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure designed to correct or improve the results of a previous breast augmentation. It may involve removing old breast implants, placing new ones, adjusting the implant pockets, removing or releasing constricting scar tissue, or reshaping your breasts after implant removal. In many cases, revision surgery is more complex than the original augmentation because it must account for changes in the tissue, stretched skin due to loss of elasticity, or scar formation. Techniques such as breast pocket reconstruction or the use of an “internal bra” may be utilized to provide better implant support. The ultimate goal of breast implant revision is to achieve a balanced, natural look that reflects your current aesthetic desires and physical needs.
After implant placement, a capsule of scar tissue forms around the implant. Occasionally, this scar tissue will tighten, causing the implant to shift and become constricted within the breast pocket. This squeezing often leads to physical pain and an unnatural breast appearance.
The implant and the surrounding scar tissue must be removed, and the capsule repaired, before Dr. Patronella can perform a breast implant replacement. This procedure is called a capsulectomy, and several techniques can be used, depending on your needs.
Learn more about breast revision for capsular contracture.
Bottoming out is a form of breast implant displacement where the implant falls below the inframammary crease. This condition may occur when a heavy implant is surrounded by weak or thin breast tissue.
During this procedure, the implant is repositioned, and the breast fold is tightened. This can eliminate the appearance of a “double bubble” below the breast.
Some asymmetry is common after breast augmentation, as nearly all natural breasts have some degree of asymmetry to begin with. Fortunately for most patients, this asymmetry is usually not noticeable to the naked eye. However, some women develop more apparent differences between the size and placement of each breast after augmentation.
Breast revision for asymmetry involves repositioning the implant and tightening the surrounding tissues to achieve a more symmetrical appearance. Occasionally, an implant will need to be exchanged for one of a different size to facilitate this.
Implant malposition occurs when one or both breast implants shift from their intended position. Common types of malposition include implants that sit too far apart on the chest (lateral displacement) or too close together (symmastia, also known as “uniboob”). Each type of displacement can cause visual imbalance and physical discomfort, often making bras or clothing fit poorly.
Correcting implant malposition through revision surgery typically involves reshaping or reinforcing the implant pocket to securely hold the implant in its ideal location.
Aesthetic preferences often change over time, and you may decide that you want to alter the size or profile of your implants to achieve a different look. Breast implant revision allows you to exchange your current implants for alternate sizes, shapes, materials, or textures.
The old implant will be removed, the breast pocket will be expanded or tightened as needed, and the new implant will be added. You may also opt to remove your implants entirely and combine your revision with a breast lift for a more youthful appearance.
Breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime. They typically last between 10 and 20 years, so breast implant revision is often performed to replace implants that are over 10 years old. As implants age, they may weaken, rupture, shift, or lead to complications like capsular contracture.
Even without obvious issues, you may choose to update your breast implants for peace of mind or a more modern look and feel. Breast implant revision surgery offers the opportunity to restore breast shape, improve comfort, and ensure long-term results.
You may be a good candidate for breast implant revision if you are in good overall health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of your procedure. Ideal candidates for breast implant revision include patients who experience one or more of the following after their initial breast augmentation:
During your consultation, Dr. Patronella will examine your breasts to determine whether or not you are a candidate for breast revision and discuss your options.
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When you come in for your consultation with Dr. Patronella, he’ll review your medical history, previous surgeries, and any concerns you may have regarding your current implants. A physical exam will help determine the condition of your implants and surrounding tissues. Imaging such as MRI may be recommended, especially for silicone implants, to detect any leaks or ruptures. Dr. Patronella will then offer surgical options, including whether implant replacement, repositioning, or additional support will be required. Your consultation is also the time to discuss costs, financing, and what you need to know about the surgery and recovery processes.
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Preparation for breast implant revision involves both physical and logistical planning. Dr. Patronella will provide pre-operative instructions, which may include lab tests, medication adjustments, and guidance on whether to temporarily discontinue certain supplements or blood thinners to minimize complications during surgery. You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery and help you during your first 24 hours of recovery. You’ll also need to avoid smoking and maintain a healthy lifestyle to support healing. Preparing your home with essentials, such as loose, comfortable clothing and pillows to prop you up to help minimize swelling, can also make your recovery smoother.
Breast implant revision is typically performed using general anesthesia and usually takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity. Dr. Patronella often uses the original breast augmentation incision site to minimize additional scarring.
During the procedure, the existing implants are removed, and any scar tissue or capsules are addressed. If the implant pocket is too large, it may be tightened with sutures, or Dr. Patronella may incorporate an “internal bra” made of an absorbable material to help improve the position of the implants and reinforce soft tissues. New implants are then placed, if desired, and your breasts are reshaped for improved symmetry and contour. If necessary, a breast lift may be performed at the same time to address sagging. Once the corrections are complete, Dr. Patronella closes the incisions, and the area is dressed with a compression garment or surgical bra to reduce swelling.
Recovery after breast implant revision is typically easier than the initial augmentation, though it still requires care and rest. Swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are common in the first few days but can be easily managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications. Wearing your compression garment as instructed is essential to help your breasts heal in the correct position and to minimize swelling.
Stitches are typically removed in approximately a week, and bruising and swelling will continue to dissipate as you heal. You can likely return to work and light activities within one week, while strenuous exercise and activities should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. It’s important to avoid sleeping on your stomach and to protect your chest from trauma during the healing period.
Final results from your breast implant revision take several months to fully develop, as the tissues settle and swelling subsides. However, many patients notice a significant improvement in appearance within the first couple of weeks. Your final results will take approximately 3–6 months to develop, as swelling subsides and your breasts settle into their new shape.
After your breast implant revision surgery, you can expect improved breast shape and symmetry, along with relief from any previous discomfort. Results are designed to be long-lasting, especially when high-quality implants and proper support techniques are used. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help keep your results looking beautiful, longer.
If you are unhappy with the results of a previous breast augmentation, are experiencing discomfort, or simply want to change the way your breasts look, breast implant revision may be the solution you’re seeking. To learn more about breast implant revision, schedule a consultation with renowned plastic surgeon Christopher Patronella today by calling (713) 575-1996.
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least one year after your initial breast augmentation before considering revision surgery. This allows time for your implants to settle and for swelling to subside, so Dr. Patronella can properly evaluate the final result and make informed decisions about any corrections.
Yes, many women use breast implant revision surgery as an opportunity to change the type of implants they have. Dr. Patronella will help you decide which type of implant best fits your goals and anatomy.
Yes, you can have your breast implants removed without replacing them. This is called breast implant removal surgery.
While breast revision can improve the shape of the breasts, it cannot address significant breast sagging (breast ptosis). Patients concerned about drooping breasts can combine their revision with a breast lift to achieve more perky, youthful breasts.
Dr. Patronella frequently performs breast revision in combination with other breast surgery procedures as well as body contouring procedures, including the following:
By Dr. Chris Patronella I would like to talk to you today about the different implant types. It can be very confusing to manage the vast array of implants that we have available for breast augmentation. It can be a saline implant or a silicone implant. There are various profiles to consider, everything from […]
Learn MoreBy Dr. Chris Patronella In many circumstances, I will see a patient in a consultation who has sagging breasts and thinks she needs breast implants to restore fullness to the upper portion of the breasts, when, in fact, I will recommend no implant because I think I can restore a nice breast shape without it. […]
Learn MoreBy Dr. Chris Patronella
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12727 Kimberley Lane, Suite 300
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