Breast Revision

While most breast implants never cause a problem after breast augmentation, some Denver and Colorado Springs women experience changes after surgery that warrant a revision, such as an implant rupture or capsular contracture. Others are simply ready for a cosmetic change. Our surgeons have the knowledge and skill for these more challenging procedures, specializing in revision treatment for patients who are dissatisfied with results from a past breast augmentation.

Breast Implant Revision
 Before & After Photos

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Do I Need a Breast Revision?

There are many reasons a woman might want to revise the results of breast augmentation surgery. Most fall into 2 main categories: elective implant exchange or complications. Explore each below.

What Is an Elective Implant Exchange?

Sometimes women who have breast implants are not experiencing any problems with them, but they simply want to change their implants for a different type, shape, or projection, or want to increase or decrease volume. Newer breast implant choices have been introduced in the past 5 years, presenting women with more options, and it’s completely understandable to want to take advantage of the benefits they offer.

Another reason a woman may choose to exchange her implants is that they may have looked great in her 30s, but they may not look as good as she continues to age. This is because breast tissue can become less dense or can be redistributed. In this instance, she might be a candidate for a breast implant exchange and a breast lift. Some women even choose to have their breast implants removed completely (called “explantation”). Our breast surgeons have the experience to provide beautiful results in all of these cases for our Colorado Springs, Golden, and Denver patients.

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Which Complications Require Breast Revision Surgery?

In general, you are also a good candidate for a breast augmentation revision if your initial surgery didn’t produce the results you wanted, or if changes such as these have occurred since that initial surgery:

  • Asymmetry
  • Deflation
  • Bottoming out or “double bubble”
  • Implant rippling
  • Implant rupture
  • Capsular contracture

These complications are cosmetic in nature and don’t pose any health risks. In the case of a rupture or capsular contracture, telltale signs include tenderness or pain, a hardening of the breast, and visible deformities in shape or symmetry.

How Soon Can I Get a Breast Augmentation Revision?

If you are displeased with your initial results, it’s important to wait at least 6 months after your breast augmentation surgery before considering a revision. Your body needs that time to fully heal — and it’s possible that your final results may improve.

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Your Consultation

Your first visit to our practice is our chance to discuss what led you to think about a breast augmentation revision, examine your breasts, and talk through your surgical options and achievable outcomes. In some cases, the best approach may be to replace your implants; other procedures will merely involve shifting the position of the existing implants.

Revision surgery can be a life-changing procedure for our patients, especially if a visible deformity has developed. We take great pride in helping every patient improve the look of her breasts and feel better about her appearance.

We also are happy to use innovative VECTRA® 3-D imaging to show you what your potential results may look like. This process helps us make sure our expectations are aligned with yours, giving you extra peace of mind.

Vectra 3-D Imaging

Preview Your Projected Results

How Is Breast Augmentation Revision Performed?

In a breast augmentation revision, your surgeon may need to remedy scar tissue, work with skin that has stretched or thinned out, or repair the chest wall. Every procedure is unique, but they all demand advanced surgical techniques to deal with the complexities that arise.

While surgical techniques will vary depending on the nature of the corrections you would like to see, your experience will likely be similar to your initial breast augmentation surgery. As much as possible, your surgeon will try to work with the same incision sites as your initial surgery, but it may be necessary to make additional incisions. You will be placed under general anesthesia for the procedure and will be able to return home a few hours afterward.

It’s crucial to choose a plastic surgeon with specialized training in this area and positive patient reviews. Our surgeons bring decades of experience to each procedure and have a strong history of publishing research and presenting on their surgical techniques to members of the medical community.

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Dr. Steven Vath, Dr. Andrew Wolfe, Dr. Paul Steinwald, and Dr. Matthew Freeman

How Should I Prepare for My Breast Revision?

Preparation for your surgery and recovery should be similar to what you did before your initial breast augmentation. Be sure to avoid alcohol in the weeks prior to surgery, as well as any anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin.

A Reputation Built on Results

Had inverted t-anchor top surgery with Dr. Steinwald. Had some complications after but he took care...
Dr. Steven Vath is just THE best plastic surgeon! I am a registered nurse and have worked in the specialty...
Dr. Vath is a wonderful caring surgeon. All of the staff that I have encountered have been very helpful...
My 2nd procedure done with Dr. Vath I am soo impressed with how thin and straight my scar lines are....

What Is Breast Revision Recovery Like?

After surgery, we generally send patients home with moderate-strength pain medication and a 5-day regimen of oral antibiotics. We encourage patients to rest in the days immediately following surgery, gradually returning to light activity in that first week. Loose-fitting clothing is best during this time — ideally, garments that don’t need to be pulled over the head.

Corrections to scar tissue and the chest wall may increase the recovery time compared to your initial breast augmentation, but you may plan to return to a nonstrenuous job about 7 to 10 days after your procedure. You can resume light exercise after 2 weeks and get back to a normal workout schedule in about 4 to 6 weeks.

Because a breast augmentation revision is particularly complex, we invite anyone who is considering the procedure to request an in-person consultation or call us at  (303) 278-2600 to schedule an appointment at our plastic surgery practice in Denver.

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Financing Your Procedure