Breast Augmentation Revision

Breast implants are common in Portland, Oregon, as breast augmentation is perennially one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. And though the overwhelming majority of women are satisfied with their results, some require improvement with revisionary surgery. Whether you’d like to correct a complication or simply have had a change of heart about your implants, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Portland Plastic Surgery group are dedicated to helping you reach your aesthetic goals.

To learn more about breast implant revision at our Portland practice, you can request a consultation online or call our office at  (503) 292-9200.

Breast Augmentation Complications

While the majority of breast augmentation procedures provide beautiful results that last many years, patients sometimes experience complications, which may include:

  • Asymmetry: breasts that are two different sizes
  • Capsular contracture: hardened scar tissue that may distort the breast appearance
  • Fold malposition problems: these can cause the breasts to merge together, to rest too far apart, to bottom out, or to develop a “double bubble” appearance
  • Visible implant borders or ripples
  • Ruptured or leaking implants

Your Breast Implant Revision

During your consultation, your surgeon takes the time to understand what your initial hopes were for your first surgery, as well as your ideal outcome for your revision procedure. He or she performs a thorough physical examination of your breasts, evaluating factors such as scar tissue, implant position, skin quality, and amount of breast tissue. If you’d like to increase or decrease the size of your breast implants, your surgeon helps you decide which options will likely give you your desired results.

If you’re hoping to correct a complication, your surgeon takes a customized approach to correct not only the aesthetic appearance, but also the underlying condition to ensure your results hold up for the long term. Your surgeon can also address excessive sagging with a breast lift if necessary.

Prior to your revisionary procedure, your doctor carefully explains each step of your surgery to help you understand what you can expect afterwards, as well as the steps you can take to ensure a healthy recovery. With our in-office 3-D technology, you can even preview your own results before surgery.

Doctors of Portland Plastic Surgery Group

Five Providers, One Goal

Combining artistry with the science of medicine, board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Shannon O'Brien, Dr. H. Daniel Zegzula, Dr. Kyle Baltrusch, and Dr. Austin Hayes, and Colleen Phillips, PA-C serve women and men in Portland.

*Dr. Zegzula and Dr. O'Brien are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons

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Your Procedure

Because breast implant revision is such a personalized procedure, there are no official procedural steps. Many surgeries follow a process similar to that of breast augmentation. It’s important to note that breast augmentation revision is more complex than the original procedure, since scar tissue is present and the anatomy of the breast has changed. During surgery, old implants may be replaced with newer models or simply repositioned. The nipple and areola may be repositioned for a more natural-looking appearance, and excess scar tissue may be reduced. The implant pocked may require repair or reinforcement.

Your Recovery

Recovery following breast implant revision is usually fairly easy, since patients who have already had breast enhancement surgery know what to expect. Breast implant revision is an outpatient procedure, and you should anticipate taking about a week to rest at home. During this time, you should reduce your activity and avoid bending and heavy lifting. Your surgeon gives you detailed instructions for caring for yourself during this time, including a customized timeline for follow-up appointments. By keeping these appointments and carefully following your doctor’s instructions, you can do your part to ensure a beautiful, successful outcome that lasts for many years.

Common Questions

How is breast augmentation revision different from primary breast augmentation?

Breast augmentation revision is a complex procedure that often draws more comparisons to breast reconstruction than breast augmentation. The procedure itself is a bit more complex than your initial breast augmentation.

There’s typically some scar tissue present, and if it’s causing significant issues (such as capsular contracture), it needs to be removed. Your initial breast augmentation alters both the skin and the structural anatomy of the breasts, which adds a degree of complexity to revision surgery. Finally, many women who undergo breast augmentation revision are older, on average, than initial breast augmentation patients.

Taken together, these factors call for special consideration and care in order to ensure a good outcome.

How much does breast augmentation revision cost?

The cost of breast augmentation revision is comparable to your initial breast augmentation, but revising a previous surgical procedure tends to be more complex which explains the slightly higher cost for this procedure. At Portland Plastic Surgery Group, the cost of a breast augmentation revision surgery starts at $10,100. This price includes our board-certified plastic surgeon’s fee, the cost of new implants, the cost of garments needed after your surgery, the surgery facility’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, and CosmetAssure insurance. A personalized quote will be provided at your consultation once you and your surgeon have decided on your surgical plan.

What qualifications should I look for in a breast augmentation revision surgeon?

As always, be sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. This ensures that your doctor has demonstrated advanced competence specifically in plastic surgery, including cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.

Next, take a look at before-and-after photos to get a sense of your desired surgeon’s skills and style. It’s also a good idea to read some online reviews to read about other patients’ experiences firsthand.

At Portland Plastic Surgery Group, 3 of our physicians are board-certified plastic surgeons. Your safety and satisfaction are what motivates us.