Breast Revision in Orange County, CA
Whether you’re experiencing an implant-related complication or simply feel that your breasts no longer reflect your ideal aesthetic, breast revision surgery can help restore your confidence. Many women choose breast revision to replace aging implants, correct changes that have occurred over time, or achieve a look that better suits their lifestyle today.
If you’re interested in learning more about your breast revision options, our board-certified plastic surgeons at UCI Plastic Surgery can help. Depending on your needs, surgery may involve replacing or removing breast implants, correcting implant position, treating scar tissue, or combining breast revision with a breast lift to create balanced results that look natural.
To learn how breast revision surgery might benefit you, contact UCI Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation at one of our locations in Orange County, CA. We have offices in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin, CA.
Table of Contents
- Breast Revision Before and After Photos
- Breast Revision Patient Testimonials
- How Much Does a Breast Revision Cost in Orange County?
- Why Choose UCI Plastic Surgery?
- What Is Breast Revision?
- Why Might I Consider Breast Revision?
- What Are the Benefits of Breast Revision?
- Am I a Candidate for a Breast Revision?
- Your Breast Revision Consultation
- How Is Breast Revision Surgery Performed?
- What Are My Breast Revision Options?
- What Is Breast Revision Recovery Like?
- What Results Can I Expect From My Breast Revision?
- Breast Revision FAQs
Breast Revision Before and After Photos
Breast Revision Patient Testimonials
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“I felt like everyone really cared about me in solving my issues – making sure I was properly scheduled for the appropriate follow-up visit and that I understood what was going on.”
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“Dr. Evans and his staff are truly the epitome of doctors. They have empathy and are compassionate and caring.”
Read More Patient TestimonialsHow Much Does a Breast Revision Cost in Orange County?
The cost of breast revision surgery in Orange County depends on the complexity of your procedure, whether your implants will be removed or replaced, whether additional procedures, such as a breast lift, are recommended, and other factors. Due to the highly custom nature of breast lift surgery, we will provide you with a detailed estimate after your surgeon has evaluated you during a personalized consultation.
Why Choose UCI Plastic Surgery?
UCI Plastic Surgery is a leader in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Each of our specialists is highly knowledgeable, trained, and committed to bringing our patients the latest advancements in the field. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have years of experience performing breast revision surgeries using evidence-based techniques. Learn how our experts can help you achieve industry-leading breast revision results by scheduling your consultation today.
Start Your Journey Today!What Is Breast Revision?
Breast revision is a surgical procedure performed to improve, correct, or update the results of a previous breast augmentation or breast reconstruction. Depending on your needs, breast revision surgery may involve removing or replacing breast implants, correcting implant position, treating scar tissue, or combining implant revision with a breast lift to restore a youthful breast contour.
Why Might I Consider Breast Revision?
You might choose to have your breast implants removed or replaced for any of a range of reasons, from cosmetic preference to medical necessity. Breast implant manufacturers state that implants are not lifetime devices, and breast augmentation patients should plan for replacement at some point. But the timing of that replacement will vary widely.
There is no defined expiration date for a breast implant. Many women are happy with their implants for 10–15 years or longer, while others experience problems before that, or choose to have their implants removed or replaced for personal reasons.
Here are some of the reasons women consider revision breast surgery.
To Change Breast Size
After living with the results of your original breast augmentation, you may decide that your implants are too small or too large and that you would prefer to change their size. Implant revision for these reasons involves replacing the original implants with a different size.
To Correct for Changes in Breast Tissue
Pregnancy, aging, or significant weight loss can change your breasts’ size and shape to the point where the original implants no longer make your breasts look natural and in balance with your other features. Implant revision can restore an attractive appearance to your breasts.
Capsular Contracture
The body naturally forms a capsule—a thin layer of scar tissue—around every implant, including hip and knee replacements and breast implants. This phenomenon is normal, and in the great majority of cases causes no problems. But there are times when the capsule thickens and hardens around a breast implant in a condition known as capsular contracture. This issue can put pressure on the implant, change the shape of the breast, and cause discomfort or pain. When capsular contracture occurs, breast revision surgery involves removing the hardened capsular tissue with the implant.
Breast Implant Rupture
Eventually, breast implants can leak or rupture. When this happens with a saline implant, the device deflates, causing asymmetry between the breasts, but no health concern. A surgeon can remove or replace the damaged implant. When a silicone implant ruptures, any leaked silicone will need to come out as part of the revision procedure.
Implant Malposition
In some cases, implants can shift from their intended position—either up, down, or to the side. When this happens, a revision procedure restores the implants to their original position. In some cases, this doesn’t require surgery. In others, a surgeon can place supportive tissue in the breasts to hold the implants in place. Revision surgery is the solution for two of the more extreme implant malposition problems.
- Symmastia: When the implants shift to the center of the chest, pushing the nipples to face outward or giving the appearance of a single breast.
- Double bubble: When an implant shifts down into or below the breast fold to give the appearance of a double breast on one side.
Implant Rippling
Patients with thinner breast tissue may notice visible implant edges or implant rippling under the skin, which can be exacerbated after weight loss or with aging. Breast revision techniques are often used to improve implant coverage for a more natural look.
Poor Healing or Scarring
Breast revision surgery may be necessary when the original augmentation causes excessive and noticeable scarring or when the breasts don’t heal well from the procedure.
Implant Removal
Some patients decide they no longer wish to have breast implants. There are many reasons for this, such as lifestyle changes, personal preference, complications, or concerns about aging implants.
These issues vary in frequency, and some are quite rare. Because so many women undergo breast augmentation in the United States, it is common for plastic surgeons to handle breast implant complications and aesthetic concerns. If you are dissatisfied with the results of a previous breast augmentation, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at UCI Plastic Surgery to discuss the possibility of surgical revision.
What Are the Benefits of Breast Revision?
Breast revision surgery can offer patients a wide range of benefits, including:
- Correction of implant-related complications
- Replacement of ruptured or aging implants
- Removal of painful scar tissue caused by capsular contracture
- Improved breast symmetry and balance
- Enhanced breast shape
- Ability to increase or decrease implant size
- Improved implant position
- Removal of breast implants, if desired
- Improved comfort and confidence
- Long-lasting results
Am I a Candidate for a Breast Revision?
You may be a good candidate for breast revision surgery if you:
- Are dissatisfied with the appearance or feel of your current breast implants
- Have experienced implant rupture, deflation, capsular contracture, or implant malposition
- Would like to change the size or type of your implants
- Want to have your implants removed
- Have noticed changes to your breasts following pregnancy, weight changes, or aging
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations for surgery
- Are a non-smoker or willing to quit
If you smoke or use nicotine products, you will need to quit for at least three weeks before surgery and remain nicotine-free for at least three weeks afterward to support proper healing and reduce your risk of complications.
Your Breast Revision Consultation
The first step in your breast revision journey is a consultation with one of our highly qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeons. During this appointment, you and your surgeon will have a thorough discussion covering:
- Expectations: This is your opportunity to discuss what you hope to achieve with breast revision surgery. Whether your goal is to correct an implant-related concern, update the size of your implants, remove your implants altogether, or restore a more youthful breast appearance, openly discussing your expectations will help you and your surgeon develop a personalized treatment plan. You are also welcome to bring photos that illustrate your aesthetic goals.
- Your medical history: Your surgeon will review your previous breast procedures, current implants, medical conditions, medications, allergies, and overall health. This information helps ensure your procedure is planned as safely and effectively as possible.
- Your lifestyle: Factors such as pregnancy history, weight changes, smoking, vaping, exercise habits, and future plans can all influence your surgical recommendations and long-term results.
- Risks: Your surgeon will explain the potential risks associated with breast revision surgery and answer any questions you may have.
- Options: Based on your anatomy, existing implants, concerns, and desired outcome, your surgeon will discuss the breast revision techniques that are most appropriate for you.
If breast revision is determined to be a good fit, your surgeon will perform a physical examination of your breasts, evaluate your implants and breast tissue, obtain “before” photographs, and develop a customized surgical plan. From there, your team will discuss the anticipated costs of surgery and help you schedule your procedure.
Come prepared with any questions or concerns. Remember that you’re always welcome to reach out after your consultation if anything else comes to mind.
How Is Breast Revision Surgery Performed?
Breast revision surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Because every revision procedure is unique, your surgeon will customize the operation based on your anatomy, previous surgery, and treatment goals.
In many cases, your surgeon can use your existing incision to minimize scarring. Depending on your individualized surgical plan, your procedure may involve removing or replacing your breast implants, removing scar tissue surrounding the implants, repositioning the implants, adjusting the implant pocket, or performing a breast lift to improve the breast shape and position. If you choose to remove your implants without replacement, your surgeon will reshape the remaining breast tissue to create the most natural contour possible.
The length of surgery varies depending on the complexity of your procedure and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. After surgery, you will be monitored as you recover from anesthesia before being discharged home with a responsible adult. Your surgeon will provide detailed postoperative instructions to support a safe, comfortable recovery.
What Are My Breast Revision Options?
Breast revision surgery is highly personalized. Your surgeon will recommend the best approach based on your anatomy, current implants, and aesthetic goals. Depending on your needs, your breast revision may include one or more of the following:
Implant Exchange
If you would like to change the size, shape, or type of your breast implants, your surgeon can remove your current implants and replace them with new ones. Patients may choose implant exchange to achieve a different look or replace aging or ruptured implants.
Implant Removal
Some patients decide they no longer wish to have breast implants. Implant removal, also known as explant surgery, can be performed with or without replacing the implants. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend combining implant removal with a breast lift to restore a more youthful breast shape.
Capsulectomy
Scar tissue naturally forms around every breast implant. If that scar tissue becomes thickened or tight, it can distort the breasts’ appearance and cause discomfort. During a capsulectomy, your surgeon removes some or all of the scar tissue surrounding the implant to restore a softer, more natural breast contour and feel.
Implant Repositioning
If your implants have shifted over time or are no longer sitting in their ideal position, your surgeon can adjust the implant pocket to improve breast symmetry.
Many breast revision procedures combine multiple techniques to achieve the best possible outcome. During your consultation, your surgeon will explain your options and develop a personalized surgical plan based on your individual goals.
What Is Breast Revision Recovery Like?
Recovery after breast revision surgery varies depending on the complexity of your procedure and whether additional procedures, such as a breast lift, are performed at the same time.
Following surgery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, all of which gradually improve over the first several weeks. You may be instructed to wear a supportive surgical bra to minimize swelling and support your breasts as they heal and settle in their new position.
We recommend avoiding strenuous activity and heavy lifting during the initial stages of recovery. Most patients are able to resume light daily activities within a few days, but you should always follow your surgeon’s specific postoperative instructions regarding exercise and physical activity.
Return to Work
Many patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks after breast revision surgery, depending on the nature of their job and the extent of their procedure.
Your Recovery Team at UCI
Our team will provide a schedule for follow-up visits and detailed recovery instructions, including how to care for your incisions and when to contact us with any questions or concerns.
What Results Can I Expect From My Breast Revision?
Breast revision surgery provides life-changing results for women looking for a change. Whether your goal is to correct an implant-related complication, upgrade your implants, or remove your implants altogether, breast revision can help you achieve results that restore comfort and confidence and better reflect your needs.
Initial results will be partially obscured by swelling, but your new breast contours will become more apparent as your body heals. As healing progresses, swelling will continue to resolve, your implants (if replaced) will settle into their position, and your final results will gradually emerge. Final results usually take about six months to one year to fully emerge.
Following all postoperative instructions and attending follow-up appointments helps minimize your risk of post-surgical issues and support an ideal recovery and the best possible results. After you have recovered and are enjoying your outcome, regular breast evaluations are highly recommended to monitor your implants and ensure the health of your breasts.
Breast Revision FAQs
How do I detect a breast implant rupture?
Detecting a rupture in a saline implant is usually very easy. If there’s a breach in the outer shell, the implant will fail, and the sterile saline will drain out. Silicone implants have a more cohesive material, which doesn’t leak out if the outer shell becomes ruptured. The standard recommendation for detecting a silicone implant rupture has been regular MRI screening. With either type of breast implant, you should pay close attention to any changes and report possible problems to your plastic surgeon.
Will I have new and more visible scars after breast revision surgery?
The incisions for breast revision surgery are almost always along the same lines as those from the original augmentation procedure, so a revision will not result in new scars. If you have a breast lift as part of the revision procedure, you may have new scars from that part of the procedure, but your natural breast contours will hide them well.
Will breast revision surgery be able to correct my capsular contracture?
Yes, but it also depends on the reason for capsular contracture. Patients who have had radiation may continue to experience increased scarring and contracture.
Do you reuse my old implants?
No, your old implants will not be reused.
Should I remove my implants completely?
This depends on how long they have been in place, whether they have ruptured or not, and if you want the same size.
Can breast implant revision fix asymmetry between breasts?
It can improve it but may not completely fix it. No two breasts are ever perfectly symmetrical.
Will insurance cover my implant revision surgery?
Insurance will only cover the surgery if it relates to a previous diagnosis of breast cancer.
Should I visit my original breast augmentation surgeon to perform my revision?
That is the ideal situation; however, due to patient mobility, surgeons still practicing, patient happiness, etc., this may not be possible.
How will my breasts look after revision surgery?
The answer to this question depends heavily on the current issue with the breasts, the type of implants, and the surgeon’s ability. Our surgeons will do everything they can to deliver optimal results.
Interested in Breast Revision Surgery in Irvine, CA?
Contact UCI Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and determine whether a breast revision is right for you. We’ll answer your questions and explain what you can expect from the procedure. We have offices in Orange, Costa Mesa, and Tustin and offer our services at six sites throughout Orange County.
Call our Orange office at (714) 456-3077, our Costa Mesa office at (949) 999-2411, or our Tustin office at (714) 456-3077 today.
