Breast Revision
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Pasadena, CA
Breast revision is a personalized surgical procedure designed to improve or correct the results of a previous breast surgery. Whether you’re experiencing asymmetry, contour irregularities, prominent scarring, implant-related concerns, or changes over time, breast revision can help restore a more balanced result tailored to your aesthetic goals.
Dr. Caroline Min is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in complex breast procedures and delivers beautiful, natural-looking results through patient-focused care. Dr. Min draws from her wealth of experience and deep understanding of surgical nuance to help her patients reclaim their confidence.
To explore your options for breast revision, call or text (626) 214-5727 or submit an online contact form to request a personal consultation with Dr. Min.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Breast Revision
Breast revision is a procedure for women who are dissatisfied with their appearance after a previous surgery, including breast reduction, lift, or augmentation. While breast augmentation is one of the most widely performed aesthetic surgeries, roughly 36% of patients will seek revision for reasons other than simple implant exchange. (1) Breast revision surgery addresses a variety of issues that arise after a primary breast surgery, including irregular contours or scars, malposition of implants, asymmetry, rippling, or hardening of the tissue around an implant (capsular contracture). This specialized surgery requires an in-depth understanding of breast anatomy and advanced surgical techniques to correct the underlying problems resulting from the previous procedure.
Common Reasons for Seeking Revision
- Contour Irregularities: Correction of asymmetry, residual skin laxity, or shape concerns that may arise following breast lift or breast reduction procedures.
- Poor Scarring: Correction of thickened, widened, or uneven scars.
- Capsular Contracture: The most common complication of breast implant surgery; (2) it is also the most common reason for revision. Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue (or “capsule”) that naturally forms around the breast implant stiffens and constricts the implant, making the implant feel hard, misshapen, and sometimes uncomfortable.
- Implant Rupture or Deflation: Silicone or saline implants can rupture or deflate due to various reasons, requiring prompt replacement.
- Implant Malposition: Implants have the potential to shift in the breast pocket over time, resulting in breasts that look too low, too high, or too lateral. Correction may require creating a new pocket for the implant.
- Desire to change implant size or type, including switching from saline to silicone, choosing a different profile, or removing implants altogether
- Personal Preference: Sometimes, the patient’s aesthetic goals change following any previous breast surgery, or the results of the initial procedure do not meet their expectations or suit their body as they had hoped.
- Changes in breast appearance over time due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or gravity
Benefits
The most crucial benefit of a breast revision is the restoration of aesthetic harmony and comfort. Correcting previous issues can lead to profound satisfaction and a sense of both physical and psychological refreshment. Specific benefits include:
- Achieving a more symmetrical and balanced breast appearance.
- Relief from pain or discomfort caused by internal tissue changes.
- Correcting contour irregularities for a smoother, more natural-looking result.
- Updating and improving surgical outcomes using advanced techniques.
- Reclaiming confidence in your body image.
Candidates
Potential candidates for breast revision are overall healthy women who are dissatisfied with the aesthetic and/or physical results of a previous breast surgery. They will have a specific issue they wish to correct and be prepared to communicate openly and honestly with Dr. Min about their desired outcomes for revision while maintaining realistic expectations. All patients need to have completed their healing process from the initial surgery, typically waiting 6-12 months before proceeding. Dr. Min will determine your full candidacy during your personal consultation.
Personal Consultation
Your personal consultation with Dr. Min is an open conversation designed to create a clear, shared vision for your revision results. Dr. Min will learn your health history, including the details of your previous breast surgery and the concerns that brought you to her office. She will perform a thorough physical evaluation and may take measurements and photos. Dr. Min will explain the techniques necessary for correcting your specific concerns. Through this one-on-one collaboration, Dr. Min will formulate a personalized treatment plan that aligns your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals with her specialized surgical approach.
If you are ready to take the next step toward the outcome you desire, please text or call (626) 214-5727 or submit our online contact form to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Min.
Preparation
Dr. Min will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to facilitate a seamless procedure and recovery period. This process typically includes making necessary medication and dietary adjustments, such as stopping blood thinners and certain supplements one to two weeks prior. It is also mandatory to stop smoking before and after the procedure to ensure proper healing. Additionally, Dr. Min may require lab testing or a baseline mammogram. Following these instructions and any others you receive helps ensure the best possible outcome.
Procedure
Dr. Min performs breast revision surgery with patients under general anesthesia, and the procedure can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the necessary corrections. She typically uses the existing incision lines from your previous surgery to minimize additional scarring. However, in cases that require a significant lift or reshaping, she may need to make a new incision.
Recovery
Recovery from a breast revision procedure may be somewhat similar to the initial surgery, but it can feel slightly more or less intense, depending on the amount of work involved. Swelling and bruising are normal and manageable with prescribed and over-the-counter medications. Rest is essential. You should avoid lifting your arms above your shoulders and lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk. Dr. Min encourages gentle walking to promote circulation. After a couple of weeks, swelling will decrease, and you can return to work and light activities. More strenuous activity must wait until Dr. Min gives you clearance. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments so Dr. Min can monitor your progress and answer any questions that may arise.
Results
The goal of breast revision surgery is to achieve a more natural, harmonious, and satisfying outcome than your previous surgery. The final results will gradually reveal themselves as all swelling resolves, which typically takes between three and six months. Your resulting breasts should feel softer, appear more symmetrical, and achieve a smoother, more pleasing contour. Dr. Min dedicates herself to providing exceptional, long-lasting results that restore your confidence and comfort.
Corresponding Procedures
While a breast revision provides significant rejuvenation as a standalone procedure, occasionally a corresponding treatment can help amplify its effects for a more comprehensive result. For instance, if skin elasticity is poor or there is significant sagging, a breast lift can be performed in addition to a revision to remove excess skin, tighten the surrounding tissue, and reposition the nipple-areolar complex to a more youthful height. During your personal consultation, Dr. Min can provide further information and guidance about additional treatments that can enhance your overall outcome.
Cost of Breast Revision in Pasadena and Los Angeles
The cost of breast revision surgery is highly variable because the procedure is so customized. It depends heavily on the complexity of the revision (e.g., simple implant exchange vs. complex capsulectomy and tissue repair). During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will provide you with a comprehensive price quote that coordinates with your treatment plan.
To start exploring your options for breast revision with Dr. Min, call or text our Pasadena office at (626) 214-5727 or submit an online consultation request.
FAQ
I don’t like the results of my breast surgery. What can I do?
A skilled and ethical plastic surgeon will manage expectations realistically and prioritize patient satisfaction. In cases of dissatisfaction, open communication with your surgeon is important to explore potential solutions or revisions. If there is an issue that can be corrected surgically, it is best to discuss this with your surgeon. It is important to wait until there has been enough time to heal before attempting any revision work.
Is breast revision surgery more complex than the initial breast augmentation?
Breast revision surgery can be more complex than the initial surgery, as it often involves addressing scar tissue from previous surgeries and working with the existing anatomy. However, the complexity depends on the individual case and the goals of the revision.
Will breast revision surgery leave additional scars?
The extent of scarring depends on the nature of the revision. In some cases, existing incisions can be used, but in others, new incisions may be necessary. Your surgeon will discuss the placement of incisions during the consultation.
What kinds of breast revision does Dr. Min offer?
Breast revision can be performed after any type of breast surgery. If a patient is unhappy with their results after a prior breast reduction, lift, or augmentation, breast revision can help address related concerns.
References
- Denney BD, Cohn AB, Bosworth JW, Kumbla PA. Revision Breast Augmentation. Semin Plast Surg. 2021 May;35(2):98-109. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8186996/
- Safran T, Nepon H, Chu CK, Winocour S, Murphy AM, Davison PG, Dionisopolos T, Vorstenbosch J. Current Concepts in Capsular Contracture: Pathophysiology, Prevention, and Management. Semin Plast Surg. 2021 Aug;35(3):189-197. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8432999/