Medical description
Breast augmentation revision covers procedures performed on a patient who already has implants. It may involve replacing old or damaged implants, changing volume or shape, correcting a malposition, treating capsular contracture or a rupture, or permanently removing the implants (explantation), possibly combined with a breast lift or fat transfer to preserve the shape of the breast. Each situation is different: the condition of the tissues, the thickness of the skin, the position of the old implant and the appearance of the capsule guide the strategy. A breast ultrasound or MRI is generally requested beforehand. The procedure is often more complex than a first augmentation, and the indication is confirmed by the surgeon after examination.
What the procedure can correct
- Hardened or painful capsular contracture
- Rupture or ageing of an implant
- Implant that has shifted, sitting too high or too low
- Wish to change size
- Breast tissue that has dropped over the implants
- Wish to remove implants permanently
The ideal candidate
A woman with breast implants who has a complication, discomfort or aesthetic dissatisfaction, or who wishes to live without implants. Recent imaging, realistic expectations and a stable weight are required. It is helpful to bring all documents from the original procedure, particularly the implant card, where available.
The technique
Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon generally reuses the old scar. Depending on the case, the implant is removed, a partial or total capsulectomy is performed, the pocket is modified (capsulorrhaphy, change to a plane behind the muscle), and then a new implant is placed or a simple explantation is carried out. A breast lift or fat transfer may complete the procedure to harmonise the shape. A drain is sometimes left in for a few days, and a support bra is worn for several weeks.
Your stay, step by step
- 1
Arrival and consultation
Welcome by your coordinator, examination and pre-operative consultation with the practitioner, who confirms the treatment plan.
- 2
Procedure
General · 1.5–3 h
- 3
Monitoring in the clinic
Hospital stay: 1 night. The care team looks after your comfort and post-operative monitoring.
- 4
Check-up before departure
Follow-up visit, care, instructions and prescription before your flight home. Recommended stay: 7–8 days.
- 5
Remote follow-up
Back home, you send your photos and stay in touch with the practitioner through your patient area, for up to 12 months.
Risks and recovery
The usual after-effects are similar to those of a first augmentation: tightness, moderate pain, swelling and bruising. Possible complications are haematoma, seroma, infection, renewed capsular contracture, malposition, asymmetry, changes in sensation and, after explantation, breasts that look emptier or more sagging; the risk of needing further surgery is higher than after a first procedure. Your surgeon will explain these in detail during the consultation.
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and does not replace a medical consultation. Every procedure carries risks; the indication is made by the practitioner after examination, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Will my breasts be misshapen if I have my implants removed without replacing them?
After explantation, the skin may appear loose and the volume reduced, especially if the implants were large or old. A breast lift or fat transfer may be offered to restore a more harmonious shape.
Does the capsule around the implant need to be removed?
It depends on its condition: a capsule that is thickened, calcified or causing contracture is generally removed, partially or completely. Your surgeon decides based on the examinations and what is seen during the operation.
Can I have implants replaced that were placed in another country or by another surgeon?
Yes, a revision is possible wherever the first procedure took place. It is helpful to provide the operative report and the implant card so that the operation can be prepared as well as possible.
