Breast Implant Revision
Breast Augmentation Revision at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa
Even with initially successful breast augmentation, a woman's body and aesthetic preferences can evolve over time, sometimes necessitating adjustments to existing breast implants.
Breast augmentation revision at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa in Kalispell, MT, offers an expert pathway to refine and restore your breast contours. Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Michelle Spring and Dr. Michael Hromadka, bring unparalleled expertise to this intricate procedure, which is designed to address various concerns to restore your most harmonious silhouette.
Breast augmentation revision is a surgical procedure designed to modify or correct the results of a previous breast augmentation. It’s a highly personalized approach for women whose initial implants no longer align with their aesthetic goals, or for those with implant-related issues.
This procedure can involve a range of techniques, from exchanging existing implants for new ones (different size, type, or material) to more complex interventions that address scar tissue (capsular contracture), implant malposition, implant rupture, or changes in the natural breast tissue due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations.
The purpose is to refine the breasts' appearance, improve comfort, and restore a sense of satisfaction with your contours. Our surgeons at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa possess the precise skill required for these nuanced adjustments, aiming for results that feel authentic and refreshed.
Even though most women who get breast implants are highly satisfied with the results—breast augmentation has a 97% “worth it” rating on RealSelf.com—revision surgery to either replace or remove implants becomes a consideration at some point. Breast implants are not intended to be lifetime devices.
You may elect to exchange your breast implants for numerous reasons. These include:
Some women decide to remove their implants, rather than replace them. This procedure, also called explant surgery, can be elective or due to one of the complications described above.
There are different techniques used to remove implants that our surgeons will discuss with you. The procedure is often combined with a breast lift to tighten tissue stretched by the implants.
Undergoing breast augmentation revision (or breast implant revision) surgery can be a more complicated process, which will be planned and executed with the utmost care by Dr. Spring or Dr. Hromadka. Your procedure will take place in our state-of-the-art surgery center in Kalispell, MT, ensuring a safe and fully equipped environment.
The surgical approach for revision breast surgery is highly individualized, depending on the specific concerns being addressed. Often, the surgeon can utilize the same incision location as your original augmentation to minimize additional scarring. The procedure may involve:
The duration of your revision breast surgery can vary with its complexity, but our commitment to artistic precision and your well-being remains paramount throughout.
Women considering breast augmentation revision surgery travel from Missoula and throughout Montana to Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa. Most women seek elective implant exchange, and less commonly, others experience some type of complication following breast augmentation surgery that requires revision surgery.
Examples of these complications include:
Scar tissue develops around the implant after all breast augmentation procedures. In some cases, however, the tissue hardens and squeezes the implant. This distorts the appearance of the breast and can be painful.
Some women notice implant rippling or wrinkles on their breasts. This occurs more often with saline implants, especially those placed in front of the chest muscle. Placing the new implants behind the muscle can prevent visible rippling.
If a saline implant leaks, it noticeably deflates, and implant revision surgery is necessary.
It can be difficult to know when a silicone implant ruptures—sometimes referred to as a “silent” rupture. An imaging test, such as an MRI or ultrasound, can detect a rupture. Breast pain or changes in the shape of your breast may indicate a rupture.
Often called “uniboob” and also spelled “synmastia,” this complication occurs when the breasts merge together after augmentation surgery.
Breast implant revision surgery offers several benefits, allowing you to achieve renewed satisfaction and comfort with your breast contours.
This procedure provides the opportunity to address dissatisfaction with your previous breast implant surgery or to update your results to align with your current aesthetic desires. Whether it's adjusting size, resolving asymmetry, or refining shape, revision surgery aims to create breasts that look and feel naturally balanced and proportionate to your body, restoring a sense of effortless beauty.
For those experiencing physical discomfort, pain, or health concerns related to their existing implants (such as capsular contracture or rupture), revision breast surgery can offer significant relief. By addressing these underlying issues, the procedure enhances your physical comfort and provides peace of mind regarding the integrity and safety of your breast implants, allowing you to live more comfortably.
Our bodies naturally evolve over time due to aging, weight shifts, or life events like pregnancy. Breast augmentation revision allows your breast contours to gracefully adapt to these changes. It’s about ensuring your breasts continue to complement your evolving figure, rather than appearing out of sync, fostering continued confidence throughout different stages of your life.
Revision breast surgery offers the chance to benefit from advances in implant technology. If you have older implants, you might choose to replace them with newer, more refined types (e.g., highly cohesive silicone "gummy bear" implants) that offer different shapes, improved safety profiles, or a more natural feel, optimizing your long-term satisfaction with your results.
Breast augmentation revision is a highly individualized procedure for women who have previously undergone breast augmentation and are now seeking to modify, correct, or refine their results.
Ideal candidates are in good overall health, have specific concerns about their existing implants or breast appearance, and have realistic expectations regarding achievable outcomes. You might be a candidate for breast revision surgery if you are unhappy with your implant size or type, are experiencing complications like capsular contracture or rupture, or if your natural breasts have changed over time. During your personalized consultation in Kalispell, MT, Dr. Spring or Dr. Hromadka will thoroughly evaluate your current breast contours, implant characteristics, medical history, and specific goals to determine the most beneficial pathway for your revision.
Your recovery will likely be quite similar to the recovery after your primary breast augmentation procedure. In most cases, our surgeons will use the same incision locations for revision surgery that were used for the initial implant placement.
Our compassionate team at Mountain West Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa provides meticulous guidance to ensure a smooth healing process.
There are many reasons you may be considering revision breast surgery, such as changing the size or exchanging older saline implants for the latest silicone gel products.
Dr. Michelle Spring and Dr. Michael Hromadka perform breast augmentation revision surgery at our practice in Kalispell to create natural-looking results for patients from areas including Whitefish, Missoula, and Great Falls, MT; Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, ID; and even Calgary.
The combination of surgical skill and decades of experience sets Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka apart from other plastic surgeons not just in Kalispell, but throughout Montana and the Northwest. Assisted by Kristy Ehrmantraut, PA-C, their surgical physician assistant, Dr. Spring and Dr. Hromadka are known for their down-to-earth personalities and for spending the time to truly understand their patients’ goals.
You will notice immediate differences in your breast appearance after breast revision surgery, reflecting the corrected size, shape, or position. However, initial swelling and bruising will be present. As this swelling gradually diminishes over the first few weeks, your newly refined contours will become increasingly apparent.
The final results of your revision, with all subtle swelling resolved and tissues fully integrated, typically become visible around 6 to 12 months post-procedure, depending on the complexity of the changes made. Results from breast implant revision are designed for longevity, often providing satisfaction for many years. While implants themselves are not considered lifetime devices (with an average lifespan of 10-15 years, though many last longer), breast implant revision aims to address specific issues for a sustained period. The longevity of your revised results will depend on factors like your implant type, natural aging process, and lifestyle. Our goal is to provide enduring comfort and aesthetic satisfaction that can last a decade or more.
If you’re considering elective breast augmentation revision surgery or need to correct a complication, it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing these procedures.
To discuss your options with one of our two highly trained plastic surgeons, request a consultation using the online form or call our office at (406) 609-0210 to schedule an appointment. Revision surgery tends to be more expensive than the original operation due to the added complexities. We offer a variety of flexible financing options to make your procedure work for your budget.
Common reasons for breast augmentation revision include a desire for a different implant size/type, capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue), implant rupture or deflation, implant malposition (shifting), visible rippling, or changes in the natural breast tissue over time due to aging or pregnancy.
Revision surgery can often be more complex than the initial breast augmentation because it involves addressing existing scar tissue, potentially repositioning implants, or correcting complications. The complexity of the procedure depends on the nature of the issue being addressed.
Yes, you can choose to have your breast implants removed without replacing them. This is called explantation. In such cases, a breast lift may be performed simultaneously to address any sagging of the natural breast tissue after implant removal.
Recovery time varies depending on the complexity of the revision, but it is generally comparable to or slightly longer than the recovery following your initial breast augmentation. Most patients take 1-2 weeks off work, with full recovery and resolution of swelling taking several months.
Yes, breast revision surgery is the primary treatment for capsular contracture. It typically involves removing or releasing the hardened scar capsule around the implant and often replacing the implant, to restore a softer, more natural breast shape.
Coverage for breast implant revision procedures varies. If the revision is due to a medical complication (like a confirmed rupture or severe capsular contracture causing pain), some portions of the procedure may be covered by insurance. However, breast revisions solely for cosmetic changes are generally not covered.
One of the perks our breast augmentation patients enjoy is getting to buy new, more flattering bras after surgery. It’s one of the most exciting parts of the breast augmentation experience, especially when you know…
Nearly 300,000 women in the United States have breast augmentation surgery each year, and it has been the top plastic surgery procedure since 2006. Even though the procedure is so popular, many women have questions…
If you are frustrated by volume loss, drooping, and sagging in your breasts, this is a common issue for women. Age, genetics, and pregnancy can affect your breasts and make them look smaller, asymmetrical, and…
Start Your Journey With Montana’s Premier Aesthetic Experts
For our valued patients traveling from Whitefish, Missoula, Great Falls, and Helena, we offer a seamless and supportive out-of-town patient experience, ensuring your comfort and peace of mind from your first inquiry through your complete recovery.
