Breast Implant Revision San Diego
Did your breast augmentation fall short of your expectations? Or have your breasts changed over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, or other factors? You’re not alone, and the good news is that achieving your ideal result is still possible with breast implant revision surgery.
Many patients seek revision for concerns such as implant position, size, symmetry, or complications that developed after their original procedure. Treatment may involve replacing implants (implant exchange), adjusting the implant pocket, or combining the procedure with a breast lift (mastopexy) to restore a more natural, balanced appearance.
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified San Diego plastic surgeon who often performs revision breast surgery on patients operated elsewhere. Many of these patients were never happy with their original result. In some cases, changes occurred over time to yield an unsatisfactory result. Implants, if involved, will likely be replaced (implant exchange). Sometimes the space of the implant needs to be changed (pocket exchange). Often a breast lift (mastopexy) is necessary to get an amazing result.
Brian Reagan, MD, FACS
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.
Is Breast Implant Revision Right for You?
Breast revision may be right for you if you wish to:
- Change the size, shape or position of your breast implants
- Replace one type of breast implants with another type
- Replace breast implants that have leaked, ruptured or suffered another complication
- Remove breast implants without replacing them
True Beauty is committed to making your breast enhancement goals a reality. The first step is to meet with you one-on-one and discuss your aesthetic concerns and goals. Once we evaluate your breasts and anatomy and get a thorough understanding of the results you seek, we can design a treatment plan that best suits your case.
Breast Implant Revision Options
Breast revision surgery is an outpatient procedure, performed under general anesthesia. There are several approaches our plastic surgeon can use to perform breast revision:
Replacing breast implant type with another type
Your saline implants can be replaced with silicone gel implants, or vice versa. This type of breast revision surgery is relatively straightforward; the replacement implants are typically inserted through the same incisions used for the initial augmentation surgery.
Replace your breast implants with another size
Implants can be replaced with a bigger pair by enlarging the “pockets” in the natural breast tissue. Or, implants can be swapped for a smaller size by reducing the pockets.
Remove implants altogether
If you no longer desire breast implants, or have developed a serious complication, our team can remove your implants altogether. If needed, we will treat skin that has stretched out from the breast implants.
Correct capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is a complication in which the tissue surrounding the implant (known as the capsule) and the implant harden. Our team can remove the implant and replace it with another one.
Correct implant malposition
Implant malposition occurs when the implant pockets are created too far apart or too close together, causing the breasts to appear distorted, uneven, or unnatural. When differences in breast size, shape, or position are also present, treatment may incorporate techniques used to correct breast asymmetry.
Correcting Rippling, Bottoming Out & Implant Displacement
Breast implants can shift or become more noticeable over time as breast tissue, skin, and the implant pocket change. Some women may notice visible rippling, an implant that sits too low (often called “bottoming out”), or differences in implant position between the breasts. Dr. Reagan evaluates the breast tissue, implant pocket, skin quality, and existing implants to determine what is causing the concern and develop a revision plan designed to restore a more natural, balanced breast shape.
Breast Implant Rupture or Leakage
A ruptured or leaking breast implant is another reason patients may consider breast revision surgery. Saline implant rupture is typically noticeable because the affected breast gradually loses volume, while silicone implant rupture may be less obvious. When an implant needs to be removed or replaced, Dr. Reagan can evaluate your existing implants and discuss whether an implant exchange, pocket adjustment, or other corrective technique is appropriate for your situation.
Breast Changes After Pregnancy, Weight Loss or Aging
Even when breast implants remain in good condition, the natural breast tissue surrounding them continues to change. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, significant weight changes, and aging can cause stretched skin, sagging, volume changes, or differences in breast shape. In these situations, revision surgery may involve replacing or repositioning the implants and, when appropriate, combining the procedure with a breast lift to improve breast position and shape.
Dr. Reagan’s Personalized Approach to Breast Implant Revision
No two breast revision procedures are exactly alike. Some patients simply want a different implant size or type, while others require correction of the implant pocket, removal of scar tissue, implant replacement, or reshaping of the surrounding breast tissue. Dr. Reagan develops each revision plan based on the patient’s existing implants, breast anatomy, previous surgery, and desired outcome. His goal is not simply to replace an implant, but to identify what is contributing to the patient’s concerns and create a more natural, proportionate result.
Breast Implant Revision FAQs
How do I know if I need breast implant revision?
You may consider breast implant revision if you are unhappy with the size, shape, position, or appearance of your implants, or if you experience a complication such as implant rupture, capsular contracture, or implant displacement. Some patients also choose revision because their breasts have changed with pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging.
Can I change the size or type of my implants during revision surgery?
Yes. Breast implant revision provides an opportunity to change implant size or switch between saline and silicone implants. Dr. Reagan will evaluate your existing breast tissue, implant pocket, and aesthetic goals to help determine which breast implant options may provide the most natural and proportionate result.
Will I need a breast lift with my implant revision?
Not every patient needs a lift. However, if the natural breast tissue or skin has stretched or begun to sag, Dr. Reagan may recommend combining implant revision with a breast lift. This allows him to address both the implants and the position and shape of the natural breast tissue.
Schedule Your Consultation
True Beauty would be happy to discuss your breast revision options during an in-office consultation. To learn more, please contact us by calling (858) 454-SKIN (7546) or sending us an email today.
