The stunning results of aesthetic breast surgery typically exceed patient expectations, but — like many surgical procedures — there are certain instances in which a revision surgery may be necessary. Breast revision is a secondary procedure designed to improve upon the outcome of a previous aesthetic breast surgery, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. There are many reasons why patients may be prompted to seek out revisionary breast surgery. Some of the more common reasons include (but are not limited to): exchanging breast implants for a different size or type of implant, correcting capsular contracture, removing implants, correcting or adjusting the breast fold to fix “bottoming out,” or contouring the breasts’ overall shape. No matter your reasons for considering a revision procedure, Utah plastic surgeon Dr. Garlick can listen to your concerns and gain an in-depth understanding of your goals to create an optimal breast revision treatment plan for you.

Breast Revision Candidates
Breast Revision Procedure
Breast Revision Recovery

Is Breast Revision Right for Me?

Dr. Garlick performs a complete assessment and evaluation of a patient’s needs before determining whether they would benefit from breast revision surgery. In general, the following reasons outline some of the most popular motivations behind a secondary breast augmentation:

Correcting asymmetry caused by disproportionately-sized implants
Exchanging saline implants for silicone implants, or vice versa
Concealing visible implant edges — a phenomenon known as implant rippling
Removing hardened scar tissue or capsular contracture
Addressing a tear, leak, or rupture in an implant
Removing one’s implants and using fat transfer to restore fullness
Repairing the positioning of implants when they appear too close together (symmastia) or have “bottomed out” (dropped below the breast fold)

Open communication and a mutual understanding of concerns and goals are critical to making the results you seek a reality. Dr. Garlick incorporates a range of techniques to address complications, replace older implant models, and enhance the profile and positioning of your breasts. Be sure to bring your old operative notes from your previous plastic surgeon to your consultation to help Dr. Garlick tailor a treatment plan suited to your individual needs.

“I can’t even begin to express my gratitude for Dr. Garlick. He is extremely patient and listens to each and every concern while educating his patients.”

Walla A.

How is the Breast Revision Procedure Performed?

The various approaches to breast revision include using fat transfer, creating a new implant pocket to improve positioning, placing an “internal bra” scaffold and/or internal suturing, or replacing an asymmetrical implant with the correct size, among other techniques. The only way to determine the best course of action for you is to discuss your concerns in a consultation with Dr. Garlick. In many cases, the incisions made during your first breast surgery can be re-used for breast revision surgery, helping avoid further scarring. Breast revision is usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia.

What Can I Expect From the Recovery Period After Breast Revision?

The healing period after breast revision will likely be very similar to the recovery from your first breast augmentation. A surgical bra or compression garment is worn immediately after surgery to help facilitate blood flow, reduce swelling, and support your new breast contours. Patients typically experience some degree of swelling, bruising, tenderness, and soreness, which should naturally subside as you continue to heal. Non-strenuous work and light daily activities can be resumed within one to two weeks, although exercise and demanding physical labor should be avoided for at least four weeks.

Questions? Please contact our office for more information about breast revision surgery or to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Jared Garlick.