Implant RevisionBreast Implant Revision Surgery
Surgical management of complications or concerns following previous breast augmentation — including capsular contracture, implant exchange, removal, and symmetry correction — from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
What is implant revision?
Breast implant revision surgery addresses concerns or complications that have developed following a previous breast augmentation procedure. It encompasses a range of operations — from implant exchange or removal, to capsule treatment, symmetry correction, or a change in implant size or type.
Revision surgery is more complex than primary augmentation, as it must address not only the patient's current concerns but also the anatomy and scar tissue created by previous surgery. Careful assessment, thorough planning, and realistic expectations are especially important.
At Coastal Plastic Surgery, a thorough consultation is essential before any revision procedure. Your surgeon will review your previous surgical records where possible, assess your current implants and surrounding tissue, and discuss what may reasonably be addressed.
Common reasons for revision
Why patients seek implant revision
Capsular contracture
Hardening of the scar tissue (capsule) around the implant, causing firmness, discomfort, or distortion of breast shape. Treatment involves removing or releasing the capsule (capsulectomy or capsulotomy) and replacing the implant.
- Capsulectomy (full capsule removal) or capsulotomy
- Implant replacement with new implant
- Change in implant pocket may be recommended
Implant rupture or deflation
Silicone implant rupture may be silent and detected on imaging. Saline implant deflation is immediately apparent. Both require surgical removal and replacement.
- Removal of ruptured or deflated implant
- Replacement with new implant
- Medicare rebate may apply
Implant malposition or asymmetry
Implants that have shifted position — too high, too low, or laterally displaced — can be surgically repositioned. Pocket revision and internal suturing correct the position and improve symmetry.
- Pocket revision and internal suturing
- Implant repositioning or exchange
- Symmetry correction
Size change or removal
Some patients wish to change implant size over time — either larger or smaller — or to have implants removed entirely (explantation), with or without a breast lift. Each case is assessed individually.
- Implant exchange for different size or profile
- Explantation (removal only)
- Explantation with mastopexy (breast lift)
Step by step
The procedure
- 1
Comprehensive consultation
Your surgeon reviews your previous surgical history, current implants (type, size, and position), surrounding tissue quality, and your specific concerns. Previous surgical records and imaging are reviewed where available.
- 2
Imaging if required
Ultrasound or MRI may be recommended prior to surgery to assess implant integrity and capsule status, particularly where rupture is suspected.
- 3
Surgical planning
The specific revision procedure is planned based on your assessment findings. The complexity and extent of revision vary significantly between patients — your surgeon will explain what is planned and what outcomes may be reasonably expected.
- 4
Procedure under general anaesthesia
Revision surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia as a day procedure or with one overnight stay. Surgery time varies from 1–3 hours depending on complexity.
- 5
Recovery and follow-up
Recovery is similar to primary augmentation for straightforward cases, and longer for more complex revision. Follow-up at 1 week, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months is provided.
Recovery
What to expect after revision
Days 1 – 5
Rest at home
Soreness and tightness are expected, particularly after capsulectomy. Wear surgical bra continuously. Limit arm movement and avoid lifting.
Week 1 – 2
Wound review
Dressings and sutures reviewed. Most patients can return to light desk work by day 10–14 for straightforward revision cases.
Weeks 3 – 6
Gradual return to activity
Light activity resumes. Upper body and chest exercise restricted until cleared at 6 weeks. Implants begin settling if exchanged.
3 – 6 months
Intended result becoming apparent
Swelling resolves, implants settle, and the intended post-revision appearance becomes more apparent. Ongoing monitoring is recommended for all implant patients.
Fees and Medicare
Costs and rebates
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthetist's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Hospital / facility fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| New implants (if applicable) | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Total | To be confirmed at consultation |
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Greater complexity than primary surgery
Revision surgery is inherently more complex due to existing scar tissue, altered anatomy, and the need to address previous surgical outcomes. Thorough assessment helps set realistic expectations.
Recurrence of complications
Some complications — particularly capsular contracture — can recur after revision surgery. Your surgeon will discuss recurrence risk and strategies to minimise it at consultation.
Tissue changes
Previous surgery may have altered breast tissue quality and skin elasticity. These factors can affect what is achievable with revision surgery and are assessed at consultation.
Implant monitoring
All patients with breast implants require ongoing monitoring. Regular self-examination and periodic imaging (ultrasound or MRI) are recommended. Your surgeon will advise on appropriate follow-up intervals.
BIA-ALCL
Patients with certain textured implants should be aware of Breast Implant-Associated ALCL. If revision involves removal of textured implants, your surgeon will discuss current TGA guidance and monitoring recommendations.
Realistic expectations
Revision surgery can address many concerns but may not fully resolve all issues, particularly where significant tissue changes have occurred from previous surgery. Your surgeon will discuss realistic outcomes at consultation.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions our patients ask most — including what people search when looking for this procedure on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionMedicare may provide rebates for breast implant revision where a clinical complication is present — such as implant rupture, symptomatic capsular contracture, or BIA-ALCL. Revision for aesthetic preference, such as a size change, is generally not eligible for Medicare rebates. Each case is individually assessed at consultation.
There is no fixed waiting period, though it is generally recommended to allow adequate healing after primary surgery before undertaking revision. For elective revision, most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6–12 months. For complications requiring intervention, timing is assessed individually based on the clinical situation.
Yes — explantation (implant removal without replacement) is an option. The appearance of the breast after removal depends on factors including implant size, how long they have been in place, skin quality, and degree of natural breast tissue. Your surgeon will discuss the likely appearance and whether a breast lift may be appropriate at the same time.
Implant revision costs vary considerably depending on the specific procedures required, whether new implants are needed, and the complexity of the revision. A thorough consultation and written quote are provided at Coastal Plastic Surgery. Medicare rebates may significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs where a clinical complication is the indication.
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that naturally forms around an implant tightens and hardens, causing firmness, discomfort, or shape distortion. Treatment involves surgically removing or releasing the capsule (capsulectomy or capsulotomy) and replacing the implant. The position of the implant pocket may also be changed to reduce recurrence risk.
Modern silicone gel implants contain cohesive gel that generally stays in place even if the implant shell ruptures. A ruptured silicone implant may not cause immediate symptoms and can be detected on ultrasound or MRI. Surgical removal and replacement is recommended when rupture is confirmed. Medicare rebates typically apply.
Implant revision surgery at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — both FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW, serving patients from the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Sydney.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh is a specialist plastic surgeon experienced in breast implant revision surgery, providing thorough assessment and carefully considered surgical planning for patients seeking revision.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi brings a careful and patient-centred approach to implant revision, taking time to review each patient's history and concerns before developing a personalised surgical plan.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and provide a personalised written quote — with no obligation.