Revision Breast Augmentation

Breast implants do not last forever and eventually will need to be replaced. Some women have experienced complications after breast augmentation and need aesthetic issues resolved.

Other women want to return to their natural breast size and have the implants removed through a procedure called explantation. Whatever your situation, revision breast augmentation should be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who uses the least invasive, most advanced techniques in the safest surgical environment.

Why choose Dr. Joshua B. Hyman for revision breast augmentation?

Dr. Hyman, a double-board-certified plastic surgeon, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical Center and is on staff at Lenox Hill Hospital.

He brings decades of experience to every breast revision surgery, having performed thousands of successful procedures with stunning results.

Dr. Hyman’s private plastic surgery offices are equipped with a state-of-the-art, in-house surgery center that has achieved AAAASF certification and has a perfect safety record. Your breast augmentation revision will be performed on-premises, not at a busy, impersonal hospital or crowded outpatient clinic, under the care of arguably one of the most talented breast surgeons serving NYC and beyond.

Why pursue breast revision surgery?

Every person is unique and could experience a range of aesthetic or medical issues related to primary breast augmentation. The reasons to undergo revision surgery include:

A desire for larger or smaller implants: Over time, your aesthetic sense changes, and you may choose to change the size of your implants to a larger or smaller cup size. If you want smaller breasts, your revision will include removing excess skin or resolving sagging (“ptosis”).
Capsular contracture: Your body naturally develops scar tissue around the implants, but for some women this scar tissue is extensive and squeezes the implant, altering the implant shape and causing pain and discomfort.
Bottoming out (implants too low, nipples too high): Implants incorrectly placed in a primary augmentation may drift lower on the chest wall, with the nipples now appearing higher on the breast mound.
Older implants: Implants typically last many years, but with time will need to be replaced. The latest generation of implants lasts many years, typically ten to twenty, or even longer.
Health concerns: Some women have health concerns regarding implants and want them removed altogether.
A wish to return to natural breast size: You may wish to return to your natural breast size and have the implants removed. Fat transfer and mastopexy can be performed to ensure a pleasing and balanced final result.
Implant rupture: Although rare, an implant can rupture, requiring removal and replacement.
Symmastia (breast implant pockets have merged together medially): Revision surgery can resolve this troublesome complication.
Breasts uneven on the chest wall: If the implants have not settled correctly and are uneven on the chest wall, revision surgery can be performed.
Rippling: Rippling may be due to the implant being placed beneath glandular tissue in slimmer patients. The implants may need to be placed beneath the chest muscles with natural fat transfer performed to add volume.
Implants have shifted in position: This aesthetic problem may occur in women who have had large implants, or when the surgical pocket has developed a tight capsule (capsular contracture) that shifts the position of the implant.
Excessive breast sagging: Silicone implants are similar in weight to natural tissue. When the implants are larger, the skin tissues can stretch, leading to the breasts sagging. This concern can be addressed through a revision procedure such as a breast lift.
Textured implants: Some women have had Allergan textured implants placed that were recalled due to the increased risk of BIA-ALCL. Dr. Hyman may perform explantation with an En-Bloc capsulectomy when indicated.

Benefits of breast revision surgery with Dr. Hyman

The prospect of undergoing another breast surgery is often worrisome. If your primary augmentation was a disappointment and you did not achieve the results you envisioned, choosing the right surgeon for your revision is of utmost importance. When under the care of Dr. Hyman, your treatment will be highly customized, performed at our private, state-of-the-art, in-house surgery suite under the care of board-certified medical professionals. Every revision is performed with ultimate precision and advanced surgical techniques and may include natural fat grafting, the removal of excess scar tissue along with the implant in a specialized technique called “en bloc capsulectomy,” or mastopexy (breast lift surgery). You deserve to have the breasts you want, and Dr. Hyman spends all the time needed to discuss your options and concerns and answer your questions about this important surgery.

Breast revision augmentation and lift

Over time, even when your implants have not caused any aesthetic issues, the breasts may sag and lose their youthful position on the chest wall. Additionally, the nipples may face downward toward the breast crease. In these cases, a custom revision with mastopexy can be performed to both replace implants and resolve any sagging, restoring a plump, vivacious look to your breasts.

Your recovery after breast revision augmentation

The recovery time will reflect the type of revision performed. In most cases, the revision will require a recovery time similar to what was experienced after the primary augmentation. Patients typically need about one week to rest and heal before returning to work or other activities. They should sleep on their backs and avoid lifting, raising their arms, and vigorous activities for about four weeks. A sports bra should be worn for the first months after surgery. Soreness and pressure in the chest may occur, but Dr. Hyman provides pain medications and muscle relaxants when needed.

Dr. Hyman always chooses the most minimally invasive approach to breast surgery possible to achieve your goals, and he specializes in quick recovery procedures. He has mastered techniques in surgical anesthesia, making recovery painless in most cases. As a rule, Dr. Hyman tries not to use drains as they can be uncomfortable and cumbersome in the early recovery period. He will schedule the first follow-up appointment 5-7 days post-op. Within 7-10 days, patients are usually thrilled with their results despite swelling.

Your detailed consultation process

To ensure each patient’s safety and satisfaction, Dr. Hyman conducts an in-depth consultation to determine candidacy for breast surgery. He wishes for the patient to fully understand their options and choices for implants, the recovery process, the risks and benefits, and what they can anticipate in terms of their final outcome. Additionally, Dr. Hyman will introduce the patient to his state-of-the-art, onsite surgical center and present them to his caring, dedicated staff. Breast sizing can be performed during this initial session. Selecting the best implant size and shape for each patient is an art form that Dr. Hyman has elevated to perfection. He has a detailed sizing system to help empower patients to make the best choices for their comfort, wellbeing and happiness.