Breast implant revision: what it is, recovery, results & photos 2025

Breast implant revision surgery helps thousands of women each year achieve the look and comfort they desire, whether they're experiencing complications or simply ready for an update. From fixing problems like capsular contracture to switching implant types, this specialized procedure offers solutions for a range of concerns that can develop months or years after your previous breast augmentation.

If you're considering breast implant revision surgery, you likely have questions regarding your options. This guide covers everything from common reasons for revision to recovery expectations, helping you make an informed decision.

What is breast implant revision?

A breast implant revision is a procedure where a plastic surgeon either adjusts or switches out breast implants that were previously placed. During breast revision surgery, your plastic surgeon may remove old implants, place new ones, adjust their position, or address complications that have developed since your initial procedure. The surgery can range from a straightforward implant exchange to more complex reconstructive work.

The reasons for seeking revision vary widely. Some patients want to change their implant size or type, while others need to address medical issues like capsular contracture or implant rupture. Whatever the motivation, revision surgery aims to improve the appearance and comfort of your breast implants.

Breast implant revision stats and trends

Approximately 20% of women who get breast augmentation surgery require revision surgery within the first 10 years. Given that the average lifespan of breast implants is between 10 and 20 years, it’s reasonable to assume that you’ll undergo revision surgery at some point if you have implants. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast implant removals increased by 9% from 2022 to 2023, which may be due to patients changing the size of their implants to better fit their frame or lifestyle. 

According to the FDA, approximately 37% of women switch to a larger-size implant. 

Common reasons for breast implant revision

Women choose breast implant revision surgery for various reasons, ranging from cosmetic preferences to medical necessities. 

Here are the most common situations that lead patients to seek revision surgery:

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the natural scar tissue surrounding the implant becomes unusually hard and tight. This condition can cause your breasts to feel firm, look distorted, or become painful. The tissue can squeeze your implant, changing its shape and position. 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some degree of capsular contracture will affect about one in six women who get implants. 

Your surgeon can remove this hardened tissue during revision surgery and may recommend techniques like using new implants or changing their placement to reduce the risk of recurrence. Many patients experience significant relief and improved appearance after having this condition corrected.

Implant rupture or deflation

Implant ruptures affect saline and silicone implants differently. When saline implants rupture, the sterile saltwater solution leaks quickly, causing obvious deflation. Your body safely absorbs the saline, but the change in appearance of the ruptured implant is immediate and noticeable.

Silicone implant ruptures are harder to detect because the gel often stays within the capsule (scar tissue) around the implant. This "silent rupture" might only be discovered during a routine MRI or ultrasound. Either type requires revision surgery to remove the damaged implant and replace it if desired.

Implant malposition

Sometimes breast implants shift out of their intended position, creating asymmetry or an unnatural appearance. This can happen right after surgery or develop over time due to factors like gravity, pregnancy, or weight changes. Common types of malposition include bottoming out (implants sitting too low), lateral displacement (implants moving toward the armpit), or symmastia (implants moving too close together).

Revision surgery can create new tissue pockets or use internal sutures to secure implants in better positions. Your surgeon might also recommend different implant sizes or shapes to achieve better symmetry and natural-looking results.

Desire to change implant size or type

Many women choose revision surgery simply because they want to change their breast appearance. You might want to replace breast implants with larger ones to increase your breast size or change to smaller ones for a more subtle look. A revision may also include switching from saline to silicone gel implants (or vice versa) based on feel, appearance, or peace of mind.

The surgery allows you to update your implants with new ones to better match your current lifestyle and aesthetic goals. Your surgeon can help you try different sizes to visualize your new results before surgery.

Rippling

Implant rippling shows up as visible waves or wrinkles under your skin, especially along the sides or bottom of your breasts. This happens more often with saline implants and in women with thin breast tissue. It's also more common when implants are placed above the chest muscle.

Revision surgery can address rippling by changing the type of breast implant, adjusting placement, or adding tissue support. Moving implants beneath the chest muscle or using silicone implants often reduces visible rippling.

Symmastia

Symmastia creates a "uniboob" appearance where the breasts seem to merge in the middle of your chest. This happens when the tissue between your breasts detaches from your breastbone, allowing implants to move toward each other.

During revision surgery, your surgeon rebuilds the natural separation between your breasts using specialized suturing techniques and often adjusts implant placement. They might also recommend different implant sizes or shapes to prevent recurrence.

Breast implant illness (BII)

Some women report symptoms they believe are connected to their breast implants, including fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and autoimmune-like symptoms. While research continues on BII, many patients say they feel better after implant removal.

Revision surgery for breast implant illness usually involves the complete removal of implants and surrounding capsule tissue (en bloc capsulectomy). Some women choose to replace their implants with a different type, while others opt to remain implant-free.

Who are common candidates for breast implant revision?

Good candidates for breast implant revision include healthy women experiencing complications with their current implants or those wanting to switch to a different type of implant. You should be at a stable weight and free from any conditions that could impair healing.

The best candidates also maintain realistic expectations about what revision surgery can achieve. Having an open discussion with your surgeon about your goals, lifestyle, and concerns helps ensure you'll be satisfied with your results.

Benefits of breast implant revision

Breast implant revision offers numerous advantages beyond just updating your appearance. The surgery can resolve painful complications, improve breast symmetry, and help your implants look more natural. Many women report feeling more confident and comfortable after their revision.

Modern surgical techniques and improved implant technology mean that revision results often look and feel better than the original augmentation. Your surgeon can address previous concerns while taking advantage of newer methods and materials.

Cost of breast implant revision

Breast implant revision typically costs between $8,000 and $16,000, depending on the complexity of your case. Factors that influence the price include surgeon's fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and the new implants. Most insurance companies don't cover revision surgery unless it's needed to correct a documented implant rupture and they deem it medically necessary.

Many plastic surgeons offer financing options through medical credit companies or payment plans. Some practices also provide package pricing that includes post-operative care and follow-up visits.

Cost in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, breast implant revision surgery generally runs higher than the national average, averaging around $14,500. The higher costs reflect the region's higher operating expenses and the extensive experience of LA-based plastic surgeons.

Location within LA also affects pricing – Beverly Hills and Santa Monica surgeons typically charge more than those in surrounding areas. However, the concentration of experienced surgeons in LA means you'll have many qualified options to choose from.

Step-by-step guide to the breast implant revision procedure

The journey to successful breast implant revision involves careful planning and preparation. 

Here's what you can expect at each stage of the process:

Selecting the right plastic surgeon

Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs many breast implant revisions each year. Check their credentials through the American Board of Plastic Surgery and read patient reviews on independent websites. Pay attention to their revision-specific experience, as these surgeries often require more skill than initial augmentations.

Consider scheduling consultations with several surgeons to compare their approaches and communication styles. A good plastic surgeon will take time to understand your concerns and explain all your options clearly.

Initial consultation

During your first visit, your surgeon will examine your current implants and discuss your goals for revision. They'll take measurements, photos, and detailed notes about any complications you're experiencing. This is your chance to ask questions about their experience, suggested techniques, and expected outcomes.

Be prepared to share your complete medical history, including details about your original implant surgery. Your surgeon needs this information to plan the safest, most effective approach to your revision.

Reviewing the surgeon's portfolio

Ask to see before-and-after photos of revision cases similar to yours. Look for consistent results and changes that match what you hope to achieve. Pay special attention to patients with similar body types and starting conditions.

Customized treatment plan

Your surgeon will create a detailed surgical plan based on your anatomy, goals, and any complications present. This plan includes decisions about implant type, size, placement, and any additional procedures needed to achieve your desired outcome.

The plan should also address how to prevent or minimize previous problems from recurring. Your surgeon might recommend techniques like changing implant placement or using additional tissue support.

Preparing for your breast implant revision surgery

In the weeks before surgery, follow your surgeon's instructions carefully. Stop smoking, avoid certain medications, and arrange for help during your recovery. Stock up on supplies like comfortable clothes that button in front and any prescribed medications.

Your surgeon might order pre-operative tests to ensure you're healthy enough for surgery. Use this time to prepare your recovery space at home and make work arrangements for your time off.

Undergoing the breast implant revision surgery

On surgery day, you'll receive either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on which is best for your procedure. Your surgeon will make an incision and remove old implants, address any complications, and place new implants if desired. Your surgeon will then stitch the incision. Your revision surgery may take between one to three hours, depending on complexity.

The surgical team monitors you closely during recovery from anesthesia. Most patients go home the same day, though complex cases might require overnight observation.

Recovering from breast implant revision

Recovery typically takes one to two weeks before returning to light activities. The first few days focus on rest and pain management. You'll wear a surgical bra and follow specific instructions about movement and sleeping position.

Attend all follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor healing.
You can usually return to regular activities after about six weeks, but it takes a few months for everything to heal completely.

Longevity of breast implant revision results

Revision results can last many years with proper care. While breast implants are not permanent, modern implants are more durable than earlier generations. Regular check-ups help catch potential issues early, and maintaining a stable body weight helps preserve your results.

Can breast implant revision achieve lift?

If you’d like to improve your breast position, you can add a breast lift procedure (mastopexy) to your breast implant revision. Your surgeon can remove excess skin, reposition your nipples, and place new implants to create more youthful, lifted breasts.

How soon can you get a breast implant revision?

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months after your initial breast augmentation before considering revision. This allows time for swelling to resolve and implants to settle into their final position.

Will insurance cover breast implant revision?

Insurance typically only covers breast implant revision when medically necessary, such as for documented ruptures or severe capsular contractures. Cosmetic revisions are usually considered elective and require out-of-pocket payment.

Before and after photos of breast revision

These photos showcase the transformative results possible with breast implant revision surgery. Each case demonstrates careful attention to achieving natural-looking results while addressing specific concerns like asymmetry, capsular contracture, and implant malposition.

Choosing the best plastic surgeon for your breast implant revision

Finding the right surgeon significantly impacts your revision results. Look for board certification, extensive experience with breast surgeries, and a history of successful outcomes with cases similar to yours. The ideal surgeon should make you feel comfortable, answer all your questions clearly, and help you understand what's realistically achievable.

Your surgeon should also perform revision breast surgery in an accredited surgery center. These credentials help ensure your safety and indicate professional recognition of their surgical skills.

Conclusion

Breast implant revision offers solutions for women experiencing complications or wanting updates to their breast implants. Whether addressing medical issues or pursuing aesthetic changes, successful revision requires careful planning and an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.

If you’re considering a breast revision in the Los Angeles area, Burbank Plastic Surgery offers a combination of expertise, experience, and compassionate care. Our accredited state-of-the-art facility provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for all patients.

Dr. Orloff brings over 26 years of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon to every surgery and has performed more than 12,000 procedures. 

Call 818-848-0590 to book your consultation.