Breast Revision Overview

Restore Breasts & Your Self-Confidence

On rare occasions, changes occur after breast augmentation that can cause you to feel less than completely satisfied with your results. Problems can arise regarding the size, shape, and position of the breasts, as well as skin laxity. As we get older, genetics, gravity, and other factors affect the breasts and their position on the chest, often resulting in a saggy appearance. 

At The Piazza Center, we believe that following a healthy lifestyle enhances beautiful surgical results. Our aim is to help you achieve your cosmetic goals and desires. If you would like to find out more about breast revision in Austin, request an in-person or virtual consultation.

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Why Choose Dr. Piazza for Your Breast Revision in Austin?

A top board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Rocco Piazza has specialized training in revisionary procedures to correct problems with the breast fold, malposition of the breast implants, and shape distortion. Dr. Piazza performs breast augmentation revision surgery in Austin for women from New Braunfels, Laredo, Wimberley, Dripping Springs, Kyle, and the surrounding area who want to correct these problems and attain a more aesthetically pleasing shape.

  • Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery  
  • M.D., Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston  
  • Top Doctor recognition on RealSelf  
  • Recipient of the Doctor’s Choice Award in Plastic Surgery  
  • Published contributor with significant work in plastic surgery literature
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Reasons for Getting Revision Breast Augmentation 

Most women are very satisfied with their breast augmentation results, and complications are rare. Still, age-related changes to the body can affect the appearance of the breasts over time. Additionally, the implants themselves are not designed to last forever, so most women will eventually need revision surgery even if they were initially happy with their results. Common reasons for revision breast augmentation include:

Elective Implant Exchange

Patients who have saline-filled implants often replace them with the newer generation of cohesive silicone gel breast implants or the highly cohesive gummy bear implants, as these more reliably retain their shape and fullness over time. Some want either smaller or larger implants, or they want to change the implant placement from above or below the muscle. Revision surgery is also for patients who solely want to remove their implants.

Sagging or Loose Breast Tissue

For many patients, breast tissue becomes loose and droopy after having children, yet the implant remains high. A breast revision can tighten the breast, removing loose skin and reducing the size of the nipple and areola. A breast implant exchange can also be performed at the same time to restore the fullness that was lost after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Visible Deformities

Rippling, symmastia (“uniboob”), and “double bubble” are among the visible complications that can occur with breast implants. These may be obvious soon after the procedure, or emerge gradually. In many cases, these deformities occur because an inexperienced surgeon doesn’t plan or execute the operation properly. An experienced and highly trained plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Piazza, can repair or re-create an implant pocket to correctly position the implants.

Capsular Contracture

This is the most common breast augmentation complication. After any breast augmentation procedure, the body naturally forms scar tissue around the implants, creating a capsule. In some cases, however, the capsule tightens and distorts the implant’s position or shape, which can be painful. Dr. Piazza removes scar tissue and places a new implant, often using an acellular dermal matrix like Strattice™ to significantly reduce the chance of recurrence.

Deflated Implant

Women with saline-filled implants notice immediately if one of them ruptures or leaks, because it causes the breast to appear deflated. It’s a stressful–but usually harmless–situation that can be corrected with revision surgery. Ruptured implants filled with silicone gel often go undetected until the woman gets a routine imaging test. That’s because the silicone–filled implants maintain their shape even if they’re damaged.

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Your Custom Procedure

Breast augmentation revision surgery can sometimes be a more involved procedure than the initial augmentation surgery. Dr. Piazza’s extensive training and experience enable him to create customized surgical plans based on a physical examination and the concerns you have about your breasts’ appearance.

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What Can I Expect At My Breast Revision Consultation?

Dr. Piazza asks about your aesthetic goals and explains in detail the types of results he can achieve through revision surgery. It’s important that you have realistic expectations about your surgical outcome. Dr. Piazza spends as much time as needed to answer your questions. He will describe what he believes is the best approach to get the results you want. At the end of the consultation, you can schedule your surgery, which is performed at a fully accredited ambulatory surgery center near our office.

Breast Procedures With Dr. Rocco Piazza

In this video, Dr. Rocco Piazza speaks about different breast procedures and how to find out which procedure is best for you. 

Female patient looking at breast implants with Dr. Piazza

What Does Breast Revision Surgery Entail?

Your breast revision in Austin will take as little as 30 to 45 minutes or as long as 4 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of the corrections that need to be made. Generally, when performing revision surgery for breast augmentation, Dr. Piazza uses a combination of different techniques. 

These include performing a pocket change and adding an internal bra to support the implants, which corrects the position of the implant, and gives a better shape to the breast. In some cases, Dr. Piazza combines a breast lift with a revision surgery. He’ll discuss this possibility during the consultation, and talk about the incision options.

What Is Recovery Like After Breast Revision Surgery?

After the procedure, you may experience some soreness. This will decrease significantly during the next few days. Patients wear supportive bras after surgery and have follow–up office visits 1 week after their procedures. Dr. Piazza usually places all sutures under the skin so he doesn’t need to remove them later.

In general, patients should be able to return to normal, everyday activities within 5 to 7 days after their surgery. This can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, so it is important to follow all post-operative instructions closely.

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Breast Augmentation Revision at a Glance

Goal

To improve the appearance of the breast after a prior breast procedure by refining the shape and volume of the breast. This procedure can also treat capsular contracture or firm scar tissue around a breast implant.

Procedure

The incisions are usually planned to include the scars from the previous breast surgery. Oftentimes, Dr. Piazza will access the breast implant through a previous incision location by performing a scar revision of that incision. If a lift is needed to tighten and reposition the breast tissue, Dr. Piazza utilizes short-scar techniques to minimize scars while maximizing the result. 

Sometimes an “internal bra” is needed to provide support to the breast or reduce the chance of capsular contracture recurrence. Depending on the patient’s desired result, Dr. Piazza may use fat transfer to enhance the cleavage or correct any asymmetries of the breast. Sometimes, he will use drains to remove healing fluid in the early post-surgical timeframe to improve the result.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia

Procedure length

2 to 4.5 hours

Aftercare

The breast incisions will be covered with small white Steri-Strips™. The patient will be placed in a soft bra if a breast lift or internal bra procedure is performed. Occasionally, the patient will have foam support on the sides of the breast or supportive tape on the skin. The patient should have someone at home for the first 24 hours after surgery. If needed, professional in-home nursing care can be arranged.

Recovery

During the first few days after surgery, the patient will experience some breast discomfort and pressure that usually can be controlled with medications that focus on pain and on muscle/chest tightness. Most patients will return to work 1 week after the procedure and resume full activities without restrictions after 6 weeks. Bruising around the breast in the areas where the lift or fat transfer was performed usually resolves in 2 weeks.

Timeline

  1. Surgery
  2. Day 5 to 7: Steri-Strip removal
  3. Day 6 to 12: Drain removal
  4. Day 7 to 10: Return to work and social activities
  5. 3 months: 80% healed
  6. 6 months: 100% healed

Delivering an Exceptional Anesthesia Experience for Our Patients

At The Piazza Center, our patients come first. We have listened to our patients, and in an effort to reduce the uncertainty with the anesthesia experience, The Piazza Center has developed a collaborative relationship with Dr. Cady to deliver an exceptional anesthesia experience for patients like you. Learn more about Dr. Cady, D.O., and The Piazza Center’s approach to taking the fear and stress out of anesthesia.

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Breast Revision Patient Testimonial

Excellent service and results on my implant revision. Not just a plastic surgeon but an artist!

- Piazza Center Patient

Breast Revision FAQ

After I have a breast augmentation revision procedure, will I need surgery again?

Will I have to replace my implants at the time of my revision surgery?

How soon after my surgery can I resume exercise?

Is breast augmentation easier the second time?

How long is it safe to keep breast implants in?

How soon after breast augmentation can you get a revision?

After I have a breast augmentation revision procedure, will I need surgery again?

The goal is to correct problems with each breast. Often, I am dealing with a number of complex problems, such as fold asymmetries and breast distortion, which can be very difficult to correct. I always tell my patients that they will ultimately have surgery again after having breast implants placed and that there are reasons for short–term re–operation and other reasons for long–term re–operation. The most important thing I want my patients to remember is that breasts change with age, just like the rest of the body. This is completely normal and expected, and therefore, surgery may be needed in the future. To learn more, read The Truth About Breast Implants: 10 Years Later in my blog.

Will I have to replace my implants at the time of my revision surgery?

It is likely that your breast implants will need to be replaced. This is dependent on a number of things. First, when were the implants placed? Second, are they silicone gel implants or saline implants? Is the implant shell intact? Are you happy with the size of your breasts? During a pre–surgery consultation with you, I will address these questions, as well as your cosmetic goals, to help you determine what is right for you.

How soon after my surgery can I resume exercise?

As with any surgery, it is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions after the procedure in order to ensure that you recover as safely and quickly as possible. I usually tell my breast augmentation revision patients that they can resume exercise as soon as they feel comfortable. I prefer that they refrain from heavy lifting for the first few weeks, but I encourage them to get to the gym and walk on a treadmill or stair–step machine in the first week after surgery. I want my patients to get back to feeling like their normal selves as soon as possible. Returning to an active, healthy lifestyle can help achieve beautiful surgical results.

Is breast augmentation easier the second time?

This is a tricky question, and depends on the specifics of the procedure. It can be easier for the patient in that she knows what to expect and is better prepared. However, if you are adding a breast lift, going significantly larger, or require repairs to the implant pocket, your recovery might be more involved the second time around. For the surgeon, the same care and meticulous approach will apply whether it is a primary or secondary breast augmentation. The surgeon may encounter new challenges in a second breast augmentation, such as scar tissue or changes to the implant pocket, making the surgery more complex than the initial one.

How long is it safe to keep breast implants in?

There is no expiration date for implants. While the FDA in 2011 recommended replacing implants every 10 years, many women have kept their implants for 20+ years. Most surgeons will tell you that, if you are not experiencing problems with your implants, there is no reason to consider removing them. If it brings you peace of mind, you can monitor your implants with ultrasound or MRI imaging. The FDA recommends every other year starting 5 or 6 years after your surgery.

How soon after breast augmentation can you get a revision?

Most surgeons would recommend waiting at least 6 months before seeking a revision surgery. It can take this long for the tissues to soften and relax, allowing your implants to “drop and fluff.” Once you have fully healed and your final results are evident, then you and your surgeon can decide whether you want and need a revision procedure.

Breast Augmentation Implant Exchange at a Glance

Goal

To enhance the appearance of the breast after a prior breast procedure by refining the shape and volume of the breast.

Procedure

When possible, Dr. Piazza prefers to utilize the scar from the previous breast surgery for this procedure to avoid creating new scar locations on the breast. The implant pocket can be tightened or adjusted during this procedure if needed. Depending on the patient’s desired result, Dr. Piazza may use fat transfer to enhance the cleavage or correct any asymmetries of the breast.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia

Procedure length

1 to 2 hours

Aftercare

The breast incisions will be covered with small white Steri-Strips™. The patient may be placed in a soft bra, depending on the specifics of the surgery. Occasionally, the patient will have foam support on the sides of the breast or supportive tape on the skin.

Recovery

During the first few days after surgery, the patient will experience some chest pressure or tightness of the breasts. Most patients recover very well with acetaminophen and ibuprofen, which are 2 over-the-counter medications. 

Most patients will return to work 3 to 4 days after the procedure and resume full activities without restrictions after 6 weeks. Bruising is uncommon with this procedure but can sometimes be visible on the sides of the breast where Dr. Piazza has injected anesthetic medication or in the area where fat transfer was performed.

Timeline

  1. Surgery
  2. Day 5 to 7: Steri-Strip removal
  3. Day 7 to 10: Return to work and social activities
  4. 6 weeks: 80% healed
  5. 3 months: 100% healed
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