Have you recently undergone a breast implant procedure, but aren’t completely satisfied or comfortable with the results? Dr. Tarola has helped many women become more comfortable and confident with their femininity with breast revision surgery.
Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro and Hendersonville is led by Dr. Nicholas Tarola, who is a board-certified plastic surgeon with substantial training in both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body. Dr. Tarola and his team have made it their mission to provide each of our guests with unparalleled care as we help you realize your aesthetic vision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more about breast revision surgery.
What is breast revision surgery?
Dr. Tarola performs breast revision surgery to correct any complications from a previous breast implant procedure, including those from:
- Breast augmentation
- Breast reduction
- Mastopexy
- Breast reconstruction
Our goal for a breast revision procedure is to revitalize youthfulness in your feminine contours and appearance.
Common Reasons Women Seek Breast Revision Surgery
Concerns that lead patients to us for revision can develop months or years after an initial breast procedure and range from physical complications to simple changes in personal preference:
- Implant Rippling or Wrinkling: Rippling occurs when the edges or surface of an implant become visible through the skin. This is more common with saline implants or those with less natural breast tissue to cover the implant.
- Capsular Contracture: The body naturally forms a thin layer of scar tissue (called a capsule) around any implant. In some patients, this capsule tightens too much and squeezes the implant. This can cause a distorted appearance and discomfort.
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Saline implants deflate visibly when they rupture because the saltwater is absorbed by the body. Silicone ruptures are harder to detect since the gel tends to stay within the capsule. Regular MRI imaging can identify silicone ruptures.
- Implant Malposition: Implants can shift from their original placement, sometimes moving too far apart or close together. They can also become too high on the chest or drop below the natural breast fold. Weight changes and stretching tissue can all contribute to this shift.
- Dissatisfaction With Size or Shape: As preferences change, some women decide to adjust the size or type of implant that they have, or want to remove them altogether.
- Asymmetry: There is some degree of natural asymmetry in all breasts, but sometimes this can become more visible because of aging or weight changes. If one implant settles differently from another, this can also create asymmetry.
What Are Some Benefits of Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast revision surgery has several benefits, including:
- A younger-looking contour of the breasts
- A decrease or increase of breast size
- Enhanced symmetry for improved balance and proportions
Breast Revision Surgery Options
Implant Exchange
Implant exchange involves removing the current implants and replacing them with new ones. This may mean switching from saline to silicone or changing the size and profile. Some people also want to exchange their implants due to the age of their current implants or after a rupture.
Implant Removal Without Replacement
In some cases, women decide they no longer want breast implants. Breast implant removal without replacement (sometimes called explant surgery) involves taking out the implants and the surrounding capsule. Dr. Tarola will discuss with you what your breasts may look like after the surgery so you can set realistic expectations.
Capsulectomy and Capsulorrhaphy
A capsulectomy is the surgical removal of the scar tissue capsule that has formed around an implant. It is typically performed for capsular contracture. A capsulorrhaphy tightens or reshapes the pocket surrounding the implant to reposition one that has shifted. These two techniques are sometimes combined during breast revision surgery.
Combining Breast Revision With a Lift
When there is sagging, the revision surgery may be combined with a breast lift (mastopexy). A lift repositions the nipple and areola higher on the breast mound and removes excess skin. This combination can be helpful for those whose skin has stretched significantly since their original surgery, and it may be used when a patient wants their implants removed but is concerned about having a deflated look after removal.
Who May Be a Candidate for Breast Revision Surgery?
You may be a potential candidate for breast revision surgery if you are:
- Looking to correct a complication from a previous breast implant procedure such as breast augmentation, reconstruction, reduction, or mastopexy
- Looking to increase or decrease size, improve symmetry, or enhance the contours of your breasts
- Looking to remove breast implants
- Living a healthy lifestyle
- Not a smoker
Suitable candidates for breast revision surgery should also have realistic expectations and a positive attitude towards this procedure. Dr. Tarola and his team can help you determine if you may be a candidate during your consultation.
What Will Be Reviewed During My Consultation?
During your consultation with Dr. Tarola and his team, your aesthetic goals for this procedure will be discussed in full detail. The current appearance of your breasts will be evaluated and examined. The quality of your skin, type of implant you may already have, and the appearance you desire will all be considered.
Choosing Your Implants During Revision
Implant Size and Profile
Implant volume is measured in cubic centimeters (cc) instead of cup size, and even a small change can make a big difference. The profile of an implant refers to how far it projects from the chest wall and how wide it is. Low-profile implants are wider but don’t project as far. High-profile implants are narrower at the base and project further from the chest wall. The biggest factors affecting size and profile are chest width, existing breast tissue, body proportions and the desired outcome of the patient.
Implant Material: Saline vs. Silicone
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after they are placed in the breast cavity. This gives the surgeon some flexibility during the surgery when creating a symmetrical result. Saline implants tend to look fuller, especially in the upper pole of the breast, and can be prone to rippling, but they are preferred by some patients who are concerned about silent rupture.
Silicone implants are pre-filled with a silicone gel material that feels similar to natural breast tissue. These implants come in a variety of shapes and can be more or less cohesive, depending on patient preference. During revision, switching materials is common, either because the patient wants the more natural feel of silicone implants or prefers the easy rupture detection of saline. These factors will all be weighed during your consultation.
Implant Shape
At Tarola Plastic Surgery, we tend to use round implants rather than shaped implants that are textured to keep them in place. There is an association between textured implants and a type of lymphoma that can develop capsule scar tissue around the implant. Smooth implants are not associated with this risk, and many round implants are able to move with gravity in a way that allows for a natural, sloped shape within the breast. It is difficult to tell the difference between round and teardrop shapes in implants less than 350cc, which is one more reason that we have gravitated away from the use of shaped implants.
Implant Placement
If you are having new implants put in, they can be placed either above the chest muscle or beneath it. When the implant is above the chest muscle, the recovery tends to be faster and easier. However, some patients may benefit from a submuscular placement because there is more tissue coverage and a lower risk of rippling.
How to Prepare for Breast Revision Surgery
Medical Evaluations and Pre-Operative Testing
Dr. Tarola may order blood work, a mammogram or breast MRI, and a physical examination before your surgery. If he suspects a silicone implant rupture and this hasn’t been confirmed yet, imaging will help confirm the diagnosis and guide the surgical plan. You will need to share your full medical history and any prior surgical records from the original procedure.
Medications and Supplements to Avoid
With the approval of your prescribing physician, you should avoid blood-thinning medications and certain over-the-counter medications like aspirin and ibuprofen. Certain supplements are commonly discontinued before surgery, like vitamin E, turmeric and fish oil, because of the increased bleeding risk. Dr. Tarola will give you a list of what to stop and when.
Lifestyle Adjustments Before Surgery
Patients who smoke will need to stop at least three to four weeks before the surgery. Nicotine in any form restricts proper blood flow and could keep you from healing as quickly after your surgery. You also nourish your body in other ways in the days leading up to your surgery. Eat healthy and nutritious foods and keep your body hydrated. Plan to take at least two weeks off from work after your surgery.
Arranging Recovery Support at Home
You will be unable to do certain tasks right after your surgery, so arrange to have someone stay with you to help. You can prepare meals ahead of time and place all of the items you plan to use at waist height, where you can access them easily. Set up a comfortable area on a couch or recliner where you can prop yourself up and keep the chest area elevated.
What to Expect During Breast Revision Surgery
Anesthesia and Surgical Setting
Breast revision surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. Our surgeries are performed in an accredited surgical facility with Dr. Tarola, who is board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.
How the Procedure Is Performed
Whenever possible, Dr. Tarola uses the incision lines from the original surgery to minimize additional scarring. The specific steps depend on the reason for revision. For an implant exchange, the existing implant is removed before the new one is positioned. For capsular contracture, the hardened scar tissue is excised and a new pocket may be created in a different tissue plane. If a lift is included, excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is reshaped before closing. There may be additional incisions made around the areola and vertically from the areola to the breast fold.
Typical Procedure Length
Most breast revision surgeries take between one and three hours, though complex cases combining multiple techniques can take longer. Dr. Tarola provides a time estimate during the pre-operative appointment so patients can plan accordingly.
Breast Revision Recovery
The First Week After Surgery
Swelling, bruising and mild to moderate discomfort are normal during the first several days. Dr. Tarola prescribes pain medication and may place surgical drains to prevent fluid buildup. You will need to wear a supportive surgical bra around the clock during this period. Light walking is encouraged, but avoid lifting anything heavier than a few pounds.
Returning to Normal Activities
Desk work and light daily tasks can usually resume within one to two weeks. Upper body exercise, heavy lifting and strenuous activities are typically restricted for four to six weeks. Dr. Tarola clears each patient individually based on healing progress.
Managing Discomfort and Swelling
Prescribed medications, cold compresses and sleeping in an elevated position help control pain and reduce swelling. Most swelling subsides within the first few weeks, though subtle changes in breast shape can continue for several months as the implants settle.
Follow-Up Appointments With Dr. Tarola
You will return for scheduled visits so Dr. Tarola can monitor healing, remove drains or sutures and evaluate early results. These appointments are spaced over several months and give patients a chance to ask questions and receive personalized care instructions.
Breast Revision Surgery Results
You will see your final results from breast revision surgery after three to six months, once the swelling has fully resolved and the implants have settled. Many patients notice an immediate improvement in shape and comfort, but the tissue needs time to adapt. Skin quality, implant type and the complexity of the revision all influence the timeline.
Photos From the Breast Revision Surgery Before & After Gallery
Before
After
Before
AfterView Our Before & After Gallery
What Are the Risks of Breast Revision Surgery?
As with any surgery, breast revision does carry risks, and it’s important to understand them before making your decision. Because revision involves working with tissue that has already been operated on, the process can be more complex than a first-time procedure. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, unfavorable scarring and the potential need for additional surgery. Capsular contracture can also return after revision. Dr. Tarola takes time during the consultation to walk through each of these risks with you so you feel confident and informed moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Revision Surgery
How long after my first surgery can I have a revision?
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least six months to a year after the original procedure. This allows the tissues to heal fully and the implants to settle. In cases involving rupture or severe capsular contracture, revision may be scheduled sooner. Dr. Tarola evaluates each situation individually during the consultation.
Is breast revision covered by insurance?
Coverage varies widely. Revisions for medical reasons, such as implant rupture or painful capsular contracture, may be partially covered by some plans, particularly if the original surgery was for reconstruction purposes. However, some cases of capsular contracture are still not covered. You will need to contact your insurance for specifics regarding your plan. Tarola Plastic Surgery offers financing options to help patients manage costs.
Are breast implants permanent devices?
No, breast implants are not meant to be permanent devices. Implants often need to be replaced or removed after a certain amount of time. There is no fixed schedule for when an implant should be replaced, and the decision is based on factors like comfort and appearance. This is something you should discuss with your surgeon.
About Tarola Plastic Surgery
Dr. Nicholas Tarola is a board-certified plastic surgeon who earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and completed advanced plastic surgery training at Vanderbilt University. He brings years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, and his approach is centered on his patients, with open communication and detailed surgical planning. Tarola Plastic Surgery also offers a CosmetAssure® program, which provides additional financial protection in the unlikely event of a covered complication following cosmetic surgery.
Schedule Your Breast Revision Consultation
Refreshed femininity is just a phone call away! Contact us today to schedule your consultation to learn more about breast revision surgery. We look forward to helping you realize your true feminine beauty!
