Breast Implant Revision: What You Need to Know

Revision surgery requires careful planning and surgical expertise to ensure safe outcomes and natural-looking results.

What is Breast Implant Revision Surgery?

Breast implant revision encompasses a variety of procedures designed to improve or correct the results of previous breast augmentation. It differs from primary breast augmentation because it addresses the results of previous surgery and any changes that have occurred over time in breast tissue, implant position, or shape. Every patient’s situation is unique which is why surgeries can range from a straightforward implant exchange to more complex revisions involving lifts, implant replacements, or removal.

When and Why It’s Performed

Breast implant revision is performed for a range of reasons. Some patients pursue it to update their look after several years, while others need correction due to complications. Life changes, shifts in personal aesthetic preferences, or physical changes over time can all impact how implants look or feel. Whether the concern is cosmetic or medical, the goal is to restore comfort, confidence, and balance.

Common Revision Procedures Explained

• Implant Exchange: Replacing existing implants with a different size, shape, or material can help patients achieve their desired look, whether that’s a fuller, more proportionate shape or a subtle adjustment.
• Implant Removal (Explant with or without Capsulectomy): Some patients may choose to remove their implants entirely for personal or medical reasons. This procedure can restore a natural contour while addressing concerns about implants. In many cases, breast implant removal is combined with a breast lift to tighten and reshape the breast tissue or a fat transfer to restore volume.
• Lift with Implants: For patients experiencing sagging (ptosis), a breast lift combined with implants can restore volume and create a youthful, balanced contour. This approach ensures the breasts maintain natural shape while enhancing symmetry and projection.

Reasons Patients Consider Breast Implant Revision

Whether motivated by aesthetic goals or medical issues, patients seek revision for highly personal reasons. The decision is often a combination of physical and emotional considerations.

Cosmetic Concerns

Cosmetic concerns are a common reason for revision. Some patients may wish to increase or decrease the size of their implants to achieve a more balanced or proportionate figure. Others seek to refine the shape of their breasts or correct problems like double bubble or bottoming out that developed over time. Some are looking to correct the results from another procedure that didn’t quite achieve their goals in the first place. The goal is always to achieve a natural, harmonious appearance that complements the patient’s body and meets their personal aesthetic preferences.

Medical Reasons

Revision may also be necessary to address complications from a previous surgery. Capsular contracture, a hardening of the tissue around the implant, can distort breast shape and cause discomfort. Implants may also shift from their intended position, rupture, or develop visible rippling or contour irregularities. These issues can impact both the appearance and comfort of the breasts, making surgical correction essential.

What to Expect from Recovery

Recovery from breast implant revision depends on the type and complexity of the procedure. While it often resembles recovery from a primary breast augmentation or lift, individual timelines can vary. Dr. Plant provides detailed guidance to help patients navigate each stage of healing.

Timeline and Healing Process

Patients typically return to work within 7–10 days. Swelling and discomfort are common in the first week, but symptoms gradually subside. It may take several weeks to fully return to strenuous activities or exercise. Ongoing improvements in shape and sensation continue for several months.
Wearing a supportive compression bra helps minimize swelling, support the healing tissue, and optimize results. Close follow-up ensures that any complications are identified early and addressed appropriately.

How Much Does Breast Implant Revision Cost?

The cost of breast implant revision varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the techniques used, and the geographic location of the practice. Personalized considerations, such as implant warranties, the number of adjustments needed or the presence of complications, also influence pricing.

In a major metropolitan area such as Toronto, revision surgery may carry higher fees than in smaller regions. The specific surgical technique and level of customization also play a significant role in determining overall cost. Procedures that address multiple concerns at once often require more extensive planning and operating room time, which can further impact the investment.

During your consultation, Dr. Plant will provide a transparent cost breakdown tailored to your surgical plan. This ensures you have a clear understanding of what’s included and the value of a safe, high-quality procedure.

Consulting With Dr. Plant for Your Breast Implant Revision

Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast revision procedures is essential for achieving safe, natural, and balanced results. Dr. Plant works closely with each patient to develop a comprehensive plan tailored to their goals, anatomy, and lifestyle.

Personalized Recommendations and Next Steps

During your consultation, Dr. Plant assesses your medical history, current breast condition, and aesthetic objectives. He then creates a customized surgical plan designed to address cosmetic concerns, correct complications, and deliver results that enhance your natural proportions. With careful planning and expert guidance, patients can feel confident in their decision and prepared for a smooth recovery.

If you are considering breast implant revision in Toronto, contact Dr. Plant’s office today to schedule your consultation and learn how your personalized revision plan can restore both confidence and comfort.