Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant revision surgery involves either implant removal and/or replacement of breast implants with the latest generation silicone breast implants in a newly created surgical breast pocket. The procedure can be carried out to change old implants for larger or smaller-sized implants, or it can be performed to address complications that they have developed from primary breast augmentation.

RELATED: What is breast revision surgery?

Breast implant revision aims to produce an aesthetically pleasing look with a more youthful breast appearance. Most types of revision breast implant surgery involve a greater degree of technical complexity than the first breast augmentation procedure. They should only be carried out by suitably skilled plastic surgeons in a dedicated unit treating high volumes of breast implant revision cases.

RELATED: Common Questions about Breast Implants

Here at Centre for Surgery in London, we offer the full range of breast implant revision procedures, including breast implant removal, breast implant replacement, breast implant removal combined with a breast lift and fat transfer breast augmentation. Breast implant surgery is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the UK. The first majority of women who have breast implants are pleased with the results of their procedure, although a small number of patients may not achieve the results they are looking for and may require breast implant revision.

RELATED: What are common breast implant problems?

Many people enjoy many years of having breast implants with no problems, although after a certain point, breast implant revision may be required. Other women may develop complications shortly after their procedure has taken place, or they may be dissatisfied with the results and require corrective surgery. Most reputable breast implant manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty, although it is highly likely that implants will eventually develop problems, especially after ten years. Breast implant revision surgery is required for women who have breast implants between 10 and 20 years old. In many cases, the need for breast implant revision surgery could have been minimised by careful preoperative planning and choosing an expert breast specialist to perform your primary breast augmentation.

1. Changes in the size of breast implant necessitating breast implant replacement

In some cases, many women wish they had chosen larger implants for their first breast implant surgery. Our surgeons commonly hear this from women who have already had a breast augmentation and now prefer to go bigger. Less commonly, women may be surprised at how large their breasts look and wish to have smaller implants. Although breast implant replacement can help change breast implant size or shape, it is not as technically straightforward as primary breast surgery. If you want bigger breast implants, we recommend reflecting on the aspects of your appearance that you would like to alter instead of choosing larger-sized implants. Many women often like to have more cleavage, and choosing implants with a higher projection, also known as high-profile implants, may help to give the impression of enhanced cleavage and upper pole fullness without altering the dimensions of the implant. Some women often prefer to have increased lateral fullness of their breasts, and changing to implants with a broader base may help to give women more lateral boobs.

RELATED: Does breast augmentation enhance cleavage?

What constitutes the ideal aesthetic appearance of the breasts often evolves over time, and having bigger breasts isn’t always the aesthetic ideal. For women who would like to have significantly smaller-sized implants, a breast lift or mastopexy may also need to be performed in the same procedure to address any sagging skin that has developed as a result of stretching out of the skin envelope by having large implants. If you have only had breast implants for less than a few years, then the skin’s elasticity may allow the breasts to undergo a degree of shrinkage around the new smaller-sized implants. The extent of breast skin retraction around the smaller-sized implants is determined by overall skin quality. People who have undergone significant fluctuations in weight or have carried out breastfeeding may be more likely to have poorer skin quality and therefore require a breast lift in the same procedure to tighten the skin.

Capsular contracture

Capsular contracture is the most common complication after breast augmentation surgery with implants. The condition can develop as soon as three months after the procedure or as late as 20 years later. Based on current medical opinion, it is impossible to predict who will develop capsular contracture and at what point. Women who develop capsular contracture often notice their breasts feel hard, become deformed in appearance or may cause significant discomfort.

More severe grades of contracture often require revision breast surgery. Surgery for capsular contracture most commonly requires removal of the existing implant and surrounding affected capsule, also known as a capsulectomy and replacement with a new implant. In certain cases, your surgeon may create a new pocket for the breast implants and leave the existing capsule behind. The new implant is placed in a brand-new pocket, resulting in a speedy recovery. For women who have previously had a subglandular (over the muscle) breast augmentation, the risk of developing capsular contracture can be minimised by creating a new pocket beneath the pectoralis muscle (dual plane).

RELATED: Breast implant placements – over or under the muscle?

Some women may have had several breast implant revision procedures to treat capsular contracture. The thickness of the soft tissues begins to diminish with repeated surgical procedures and may increase the risk of the implant or its edges being visible. The risk of implant rippling is also higher. The best option is to carry out fat transfer to the breast while performing breast implant revision in the same procedure. This is also known as hybrid breast augmentation.

Despite successful treatment of capsular contracture, the condition can still recur despite following all the best guidance for prevention. Patients who develop severe grades of capsular contracture or have had multiple breast revision surgeries may be better suited to having polyurethane breast implants as these have been shown to reduce the risk of developing repeated capsular contraction. Patients who smoke should ideally be given help to stop smoking as the prevalence of capsular contracture is doubled in smokers versus non-smokers.

Breast implant rupture

Revision breast implant surgery will be required if the outer shell of a breast implant loses its integrity which may lead to deflation for saline implants or deformation of silicone implants. The rupture of saline implants is easy to recognise, with an obvious reduction in breast size similar to a deflated balloon. Silicone implant rupture can be more difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience pain or discomfort in the infected breast or may notice a deformed breast appearance due to a ruptured implant.

MRI is the most appropriate diagnostic imaging investigation to diagnose silicone implant rupture. An MRI scan can assess the integrity of the outer implant shell and detect silicone that may have migrated into the surrounding tissues. An ultrasound scan is a suitable alternative if patients are not keen to have an MRI scan. However, diagnosing breast implant rupture on ultrasound is highly operator-dependent and requires a skilled practitioner. Modern breast implants containing silicone have a very low risk of rupture of less than one percent. Medical grade silicone in the latest generation implants has a highly cohesive nature. This means that if a rupture occurs, the silicone does not leak out like a runny liquid and remains within the implant shell or the surrounding capsule. The breast capsule surrounding an implant is composed of scar tissue and is the body’s normal reaction to a foreign body, including breast implants.

Breast implants have a finite lifespan which means that as breast implants age, they are more likely to develop breaches in the integrity of the outer shell, including minor cracks or larger tears. These will require revision breast implant surgery at the earliest opportunity to minimise the risk of complications occurring.

Breast implant malposition

The position of breast implants may change if the breast pocket is excessively large in a certain direction. Breast implants may migrate downwards or upwards. They can also migrate outwards towards the armpit or inwards, known as symmastia. The best way to prevent or minimise these issues is to ensure meticulous surgical technique is used throughout the procedure. Our expert breast specialists are experienced in creating breast pockets with precise dimensions to accommodate the size of your chosen implant. This helps to prevent implant displacement and possible malposition. Patients who choose excessively large implants have a higher risk of developing implant displacement. Implants that are 500cc or larger are more likely to migrate downwards or outwards due to their heavier nature. Implants that are positioned over the muscle, also known as the subglandular approach, have a greater risk of downward displacement. Implants placed beneath the muscle are more likely to displace outwards.

Excessively large breast gap or wide cleavage

Breast implants can displace outwards towards the armpit, and this can result in a reduction in the appearance of breast cleavage. When people lie flat, it is normal for the breasts to move laterally. When people are standing or sitting, breast implants should not displace laterally. An excessively large breast implant pocket from overzealous dissection or natural expansion with time can result in the implants migrating laterally to the sides and is especially noticeable when lying down. Some women may have chest wall deformities, such as pectus carinatum. This condition creates an excessive curvature of the chest wall and increases the likelihood of lateral displacement of breast implants despite an appropriately sized breast pocket.

Symmastia or uniboob

When breast implants move medially or towards the sternum, this is known as symmastia or a ‘uniboob’. Symmastia has a greater risk of occurring with subglandular placement of implants. It can, however, also occur from the excessive surgical release of the pectoralis muscle fibres in its inner aspect as part of the dual plane approach combined with the insertion of an excessively wide breast implant.

Symmastia most commonly relates to an excessively large breast pocket in women who may have a pre-existing deformity of the chest wall such as pectus excavatum. This increases the likelihood of breast implants migrating in an inwards direction. Surgical treatment for symmastia is complex and difficult. Revision breast surgery involves adjusting the size of the pockets using suture reconstruction and changing to a smaller sized implant with a slimmer base.

Double bubble deformity

A double bubble deformity is known as a static deformity as it is visible when the breasts are in a resting state. In this condition, the breast implant is located below the normal lower breast fold leading to the formation of an extra crease below the level of the breast implant. This can look unsightly. Causes of a double bubble include excessively large implants, short nipple to IMF distance, capsular contracture, tuberous breast deformity or a well-defined inframammary fold. Surgery to correct a double bubble deformity is considered technically challenging. The exact surgical technique used will depend on the extent of surgical correction required.

Animation deformity

Animation deformity results in implants migrating upwards and outwards with muscle contraction in patients who have breast implants placed beneath the muscle. The condition can occur due to both excessive and inadequate release of pectoralis muscle fibres along the breast bone or may occur over time as the soft tissue begins to lose its thickness. The condition is more common in women with well-developed chest muscles who carry out upper body resistance exercises. The condition can be corrected by repositioning the breast implant into a subglandular position above the muscle. The implant is replaced with a highly cohesive breast implant and may be supported in its position with the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM).

Breast implant rippling

Patients who have insufficient soft tissue coverage over their implants are at risk of developing implant rippling. Women most commonly notice a wavy appearance, especially when they bend over. Implant rippling occurs more commonly with subglandular implant placement than with implants placed beneath the muscle. Textured implants with a lower cohesiveness or softer feel are more likely to develop rippling compared with smooth implants. The latest generation of highly cohesive anatomical implants have a low risk of implant rippling. When implants are placed on top of the muscle, breast implant rippling is most commonly seen within the inner aspect of the breasts and may look cosmetically unacceptable. Many women describe their breasts as looking fake when rippling affects their cleavage area. The best solution is to create a new breast pocket beneath the muscle and change to highly cohesive anatomical textured implants. Implant rippling may occasionally be seen with submuscular placement of implants in the outer aspect of the breast as this area is not covered by the pectoralis muscle. The inner aspect of the breasts is covered by the pectoralis muscle, and so any implant rippling is less visible with the submuscular approach. The best treatment for lateral implant rippling is to replace the implants with a highly cohesive, form stable anatomical textured implant.

There are several reasons why you would want to remove your breast implants, including for women who developed symptoms of breast implant illness (BII).

RELATED: What is breast implant illness?

Many people have decided they no longer wish to have implants and may have breast implant removal alone. They can also have implant removal combined with breast fat transfer for natural-looking results without the risks of implants. Women who have had large implants for a long time may need breast implant removal combined with a breast lift to eliminate loose skin.

Some women may prefer to have breast implant replacement surgery to change their implants from a textured surface to a smooth surface as they may be concerned about the risks of BIA-ALCL. Others would like to have the latest generation of breast implants after having had ageing implants for over ten years and may not have experienced any breast implant-related problems.

How to finance the cost of your breast implant revision?

Centre for Surgery is an approved partner of Chrysalis Finance, the leading medical finance provider in the UK. We offer various flexible finance options, including 0% finance for eligible applicants. Please call us today to learn more about the finance options available on 020 7993 4849.

Is breast implant revision worth it?

The vast majority of patients who have breast implant revision at Centre for Surgery tell us how their self-confidence has developed significantly with an associated improvement in emotional well-being. Most patients wish they had chosen us many years earlier for breast implant revision. Patients can look forward to a refreshed and youthful look which helps them to feel better about themselves and boost their overall physical and mental health.

The cost of breast implant revision surgery will be determined by your breast implant problem and the extent of surgical correction required. Here at Centre for Surgery, you will receive a package price for your procedure that includes your surgeon’s, anaesthetist’s, and facility fees. The price of breast implant revision also includes post-operative after-care, follow-up appointments and any ongoing post-operative support as required. Once you have had your in-person consultation, you will receive a detailed quotation from your dedicated patient coordinator. We would recommend reflecting on all aspects of the consultation for two weeks as part of a recommended two-week cooling-off period.

RELATED: How much do breast implants cost?

Centre for Surgery is considered the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London and is home to some of the best consultant breast specialists in the UK. Our surgeons perform hundreds of breast procedures yearly at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone. We regularly see patients who have had primary breast augmentation elsewhere and have developed complications from their surgery. We are pleased to offer in-house high-resolution ultrasound scanning for patients who cannot have an MRI scan to assess the condition of the implants in selected cases. Our surgeons have refined their surgical techniques over time and are committed to learning the latest techniques in breast implant revision by attending national and international conferences. Our highly trained staff will ensure that you are fully informed whilst providing world-class cosmetic surgery in a personal and caring environment. If you would like to schedule an appointment with an expert breast specialist, please call us on 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below to arrange an in-person consultation.

Based on 135 reviews

Zara Khan

19/11/2021

Amazing from start to finish, the communication was the main thing was fully informed and looked after, on the day of my breast augmentation, the staff were fab and made me feel at ease through out the whole process. Thank you so much.

Mohammed Farid

18/11/2021

I’ve had such a great experience with excellent advice, care and attention and surgical treatment (gynaecomastia) - I can fully endorse the treatment I have received from Centre for Surgery with absolutely no qualms at all. Brilliant in every way - thank you all so much.

Caroline Thorpe

14/11/2021

Very pleased with my whole experience of having a procedure. Was so nervous about getting treatment and i was reassured and felt so comfortable throughout thanks to the amazing nurses. I definitely made the right decision to have breast augmentation at centre for surgery with dr erel.

Melissa Briggs

08/11/2021

So glad I went with centre for surgery, the whole process went very smoothly from the consultations down to the actual day of the procedure. I was so nervous on the day but the whole team put me at ease and I’m happy with my results as I feel a lot more comfortable wearing certain clothes now. My surgeon was Alberto Di Giuseppe who performed a breast Augmentation on me, and I would definitely recommend as he was very clear on what the outcome of the surgery would be and which size would look the best for my frame.

Raphinha kiki

08/11/2021

Couldn’t be happier with Dr Tillo work,i had my breast surgery one week ago and so happy with the results so far,all the staff are extremely nice and very supportive,i would definitely recommend their services,thank so much

Grace Olafemi

15/10/2021

From start to the finish everything was perfect for tummy tuck surgery. All staff is very friendly and the aftercare has been good. The Doctor and the nurse team was fantastic. I'm so happy...result is amazing. Thank you!!!

Ranjit Singh

14/10/2021

This was overall a great experience, all the staff at Centre for Surgery were friendly and put me at ease. It is a nerve wracking thing to go through an op but the staff were so nice. Mr Ertan has got a great team around him. On the day of the operation everything went smoothly to plan, there was no delay or holdups, I had another consultation with Mr Ertan who confirmed what was going to be done and that I was still happy to proceed. I was prepped for the procedure, I met with the anaesthetist who again was really nice and put me at ease explaining his role. After the procedure I woke up with the nurse by my side making sure I was OK and checking on me, I was able to stay in the clinic until I was ready to leave and was not rushed at all. I was well looked after from the start to the point when I was discharged. Post operation I was staying at a local hotel it was so close there was no point in even getting a taxi and I was able to walk back where my partner was waiting for me. I was expecting a lot of bruising to both my eyes but there was very little if any by the time the cast came off after 7 days, I am now at the two week post operation point and it is healing well with no outwardly visible bruising or scaring. The next milestone is a checkup at the 6 week point with my surgeon. If you're thinking of having something like this done I would highly recommend getting in touch with Centre for Surgery.

Layla Karami

13/10/2021

The staff at Centre for Surgery were very kind and accommodating. They answered any questions I had about the procedure and were constantly checking up on me. A special thank you to Christina for all her support throughout.

Gemma Small

08/10/2021

I would just like to state the quality of care received from the nurses at Centre for Surgery was beyond the highest level. Sophie takes her patient care to another level beyond words. She always puts me at ease. She is there for me even at awkward hours just when I mostly needed reassurance and she is one of the most compassionate nurses I have come across and demonstrates her passion naturally for caring for others. She totally deserves recognition at its finest and thank you for always being there for me. 😍