This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Breast revision surgery refers to a procedure performed after previous breast augmentation or another implant-based breast procedure. It may involve replacing an implant, adjusting its position, treating the surrounding capsule or reshaping the breast tissue.
The appropriate procedure depends on what has changed since the original surgery. Revision may be considered because of an implant complication, a change in the breast or a preference for a different implant size, type or position. There is no single standard procedure, and the surgical plan must account for existing implants, scar tissue, and previous incisions.
Changes involving breast implants do not always require further surgery. However, an assessment may be appropriate if you have developed symptoms, imaging has identified an implant concern, or your breasts have changed in a way you would like reviewed.
Reasons for considering breast revision may include:
Your surgeon will first determine whether the concern relates to the implant, the pocket that holds it, the surrounding capsule, the breast tissue or a combination of these factors. Existing incisions may be used where suitable, although additional scars can be required if more extensive access or breast reshaping is needed.
The procedure may include removing and replacing an implant, adjusting the implant pocket, releasing or removing capsule tissue, correcting implant position or combining revision with a breast lift. Often a new internal bra is performed to hold the new pocket in place. This may be with the use of sutures, mesh or a scaffold depending on the tissue quality and the size of the implant and pocket. Fat transfer may also be discussed where localised contour adjustment is appropriate. If you no longer want breast implants, implant removal can instead be planned as a separate treatment pathway.
Breast revision surgery may address a specific complication or alter an aspect of a previous procedure. What can reasonably be changed depends on the condition of the implants, the available breast tissue, skin quality, and the effects of earlier surgery.
Potential benefits may include:
Revision surgery may be considered if you have previously had breast implants and now have a confirmed complication, physical symptoms, a change in breast appearance or different preferences from those you had at the time of your original procedure. Suitability also depends on your health, surgical history, tissue quality and expectations.
You may be considered for breast revision surgery if you:
Breast revision surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia. The facility, expected operating time and possibility of an overnight stay will depend on the complexity of the revision, the condition of the capsule and whether additional breast reshaping is planned.
A breast revision consultation begins with understanding the original operation and what has changed since then. We will review your implant history, previous operation reports where available, current symptoms, breast shape, scar placement and any imaging that has already been performed.
Your surgeon will explain which structures appear to be contributing to the concern and what can realistically be addressed. This may include a discussion of implant exchange, pocket adjustment, capsule management, breast lift surgery, further investigations, recovery and the additional limitations that can accompany secondary surgery.
Revision surgery carries the general risks associated with breast surgery as well as risks related to operating through previously treated tissue. If new implants are inserted, implant-related complications can occur again despite careful surgical planning.
Potential risks and complications may include:
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. This is not a complete list; your surgeon will provide a full explanation relevant to you.
Preparation for revision surgery may require more investigation than a first breast procedure because your surgeon needs to understand the existing implants, capsule and previous surgical changes. Preparation may include:
Recovery after breast revision depends on the work performed during surgery. Implant exchange alone may involve a different recovery from extensive capsule removal, implant pocket reconstruction or a combined breast lift.
A support bra is generally used while swelling, pressure, bruising and discomfort are most noticeable. Drains may be required when more extensive capsule or implant pocket surgery has been performed.
Follow-up focuses on the incisions, any drains and the early position of the implants. Return to desk-based work will depend on the complexity of the revision and how comfortable you feel.
Pocket repairs and internal tissue adjustments continue to heal, so lifting, upper-body exercise and pressure on the breasts remain restricted. The implants may still appear high or uneven while swelling settles.
You may resume broader exercise and physical activity after clearance. Implant position, breast shape and residual swelling continue to change during this period.
The implants and surrounding tissues move towards their later position while the scars mature. The time needed to assess the outcome depends on the extent of revision and the effects of previous surgery.
The cost of breast revision surgery reflects the reason for revision and the work required. Implant exchange, capsule removal, pocket reconstruction and breast lifting involve different operating times, equipment and facility requirements. Once your surgeon has assessed the existing implants and prepared a proposed plan, you will receive an itemised quotation covering the relevant surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees.
Starting From
Indicative pricing only
Final exact cost will be confirmed after consultation.
Breast revision requires careful assessment of both the current concern and the changes created by previous surgery. At COSMEX, we plan the procedure only after reviewing the implants, surrounding tissues, existing scars, and realistic options for further treatment.
Dr Sepehr Lajevardi’s practice includes breast implant revision, explant surgery and other aesthetic breast procedures.
Planning considers implant condition and position alongside the capsule, implant pocket, breast tissue and skin.
Dr Lajevardi’s peer-reviewed work includes studies of breast implant assessment and infection-mitigation techniques.
Post-operative reviews are planned around the extent of surgery, with particular attention to wound healing, swelling, implant position and breast shape.
No. Breast revision can be performed by another appropriately qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon who has experience assessing previous implant surgery. Providing implant details, operation reports and earlier imaging can help the new surgeon understand what was originally performed.
Bring your implant card, original operation report, and details of any previous breast procedures, if available. Relevant imaging, pathology results and a clear history of symptoms or changes can also assist with assessment and planning.
Assessment may include a clinical examination followed by ultrasound, MRI or another form of imaging, depending on the implant and findings. The results help determine whether surgery is required and whether the implant, capsule or surrounding tissue needs treatment.
Revision can sometimes be limited to one breast when the concern is confined to that side. However, surgery on both breasts may be discussed if this is more likely to address implant age, position, size or symmetry.
Existing scars may be reused when their position provides suitable access to the implant and capsule. Additional or longer incisions may be required if the procedure includes extensive capsule treatment, pocket correction or a breast lift.
The implant pocket may be adjusted when an implant sits too high, too low, too far to the side or in another unsuitable position. The required repair depends on the condition of the capsule, surrounding tissue, and support available within the breast.
Yes. Capsule release or removal may treat an existing contracture, but it cannot eliminate the possibility of the condition developing again. Implant type, infection, bleeding, tissue response and other factors may influence the risk of recurrence.
Different implant sizes may be considered when a difference in breast volume contributes to asymmetry. Implant selection alone may not correct differences involving the ribs, skin, breast position or nipple level so additional tissue adjustment may be needed.
It can be. Recovery may be more involved when revision requires capsule removal, implant pocket reconstruction, scar-tissue dissection or a breast lift. Your expected recovery will reflect the procedures included, not just the fact that the implants are being replaced.
Yes. Replacement implants are not lifetime devices, and complications or further changes in the breasts can occur after revision surgery. Additional surgery may eventually be required because of implant condition, tissue changes or a later change in preference.
A medicare benefit may apply for breast revision if the procedure meets a specific Medicare Benefits Schedule item and its clinical criteria. If patients have cover for those item numbers in their private health insurance then the hospital fee may be covered by the health fund and they may be eligible for rebates on the surgical and anaesthetic costs. Eligibility must be confirmed individually, and additional surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital costs may remain.
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