Breast Reaugmentation: Understanding Breast Implant Revision Surgery

Breast augmentation, which is the enlargement of the breasts through the use of implants, is a procedure with long-lasting but not permanent results. The high-quality Mentor Implants we use typically last 15 years or more. At that point, we recommend breast implant removal and replacement, also known as breast reaugmentation, to replace your current implants.

However, the longevity of your implants is not the only reason why you might choose a breast reaugmentation. Over time, you may decide to increase or decrease the size of your implants. Age, weight loss or gain, lifestyle changes and childbirth may also mean implants that once fitted perfectly are no longer the right shape or size for your body.

Whatever the motivation, breast implant revision is a procedure we specialise in at Enhance Medical. Here we explain exactly what the procedure involves, who it’s suited to, the benefits, the recovery timeline and the potential complications.

Who is a good candidate for a breast implant revision?

There are many reasons why you might decide to remove and replace the implants from a previous breast enlargement procedure. Common motivations include:

• Replacing older implants that are imbalanced, deflated or losing their shape
• Changing the size of the implants, whether it’s going bigger or smaller
• Correcting rippling
• Fixing an asymmetry caused by a previous surgeon
• Repositioning implants that may be too high or low, too close together or too far apart
• Fixing distortions due to implant movement over time
• Replacing an implant that is unnaturally firm or distorted due to capsular contracture (severe scar tissue that forms around the implant)
• Replacing a ruptured implant

Whatever your motivation, looking at our breast implant size guide and before and after images can give you a clearer idea of the shape, size and projection of the implants you’d like.

What is the breast reaugmentation procedure?

Breast reaugmentation is usually performed under general anaesthetic and typically takes between one and three hours. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will carry out an assessment and ask you about your motivations for the treatment and your aesthetic goals. That will help to inform the technique they use.

The surgeon will either use the en-bloc or capsulectomy technique to remove the implant, depending on its condition.

• En-bloc removal: The surgeon takes out the implant and the scar tissue around it (called the capsule) together in one piece. This way, there’s less chance of any silicone leaking into the breast.
• Capsulectomy: The surgeon first removes the implant, then takes out the scar tissue around it. They then remove the capsule in one piece or smaller sections.

Regardless of the technique, we aim to make the incisions along the same lines as the first procedure to minimise scarring. That could be on the lower fold of the breast or around or below the areola

Once they have removed the old implants, the surgeon will place the new implants into the breast pocket. They may recommend a different placement than before, such as over the chest muscle rather than under it. The choice will depend on your aesthetic goals and the reason for replacing the implants.

They’ll then close the incisions with dissolvable stitches and cover them with tape before fitting you with a post-operative bra that you must wear during the recovery period. You’ll then have a short stay at our clinic to allow the anaesthesia to wear off. Once your surgeon and the nursing team are happy, you’ll be allowed to leave with a friend or family member on the same day.

What are the benefits of breast reaugmentation?

There are significant benefits associated with breast revision surgery in terms of your physical health, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. The advantages include:

Improved posture and pain relief

Having implants that are too large can have an impact on your posture and physical comfort, potentially leading to conditions such as chronic pain. Replacing those implants with something smaller can relieve neck, back and shoulder pain and improve your health and happiness. If you decide to have smaller implants, a breast lift may also be required depending on factors such as; how old you are, how long your previous implants were in for and skin elasticity. Your surgeon will conduct a thorough review to determine whether a lift is necessary.

Enhanced confidence

It’s common for patients to choose smaller implants initially, only to wish, over time, that they had gone bigger. Equally, some women opt for larger implants and find that they restrict their lifestyle or clothing choices. Replacing those implants can significantly increase confidence.

Improved appearance

Even if your new implants are the same size and shape as the old ones, you should still be able to see a clear difference in terms of their firmness and how they sit. Reaugmentation is also an effective way to correct an existing imbalance or asymmetry and issues such as rippling.

The breast reaugmentation recovery timeline

As with any surgical cosmetic procedure, recovery from breast implant removal and replacement is a gradual process that requires patience and proper aftercare. Most patients achieve full recovery within six to eight weeks, though final results continue to refine over several months.

Following breast reaugmentation, the initial recovery period involves managing expected post-operative symptoms. Pain and discomfort are typically most pronounced in the first few days but can be effectively managed with prescribed medications. Swelling, bruising, and chest tightness are normal aspects of healing that gradually improve over the first few weeks.

During the early recovery phase, you’ll need to wear a post operative bra continuously. This provides essential support as your body begins to heal. Rest is crucial during this time, and you’ll likely need assistance with daily tasks. Driving should be avoided until you can move comfortably and are no longer taking prescription pain medication.

Most patients take one to two weeks off work following breast reaugmentation, though this varies depending on the nature of your occupation. Jobs involving physical labour or heavy lifting may require a longer absence. Light activities can typically be resumed after a few weeks, with your surgeon providing specific guidance based on your healing progress.

As recovery progresses, bruising fades and swelling continues to diminish, though some residual swelling may persist for several months. Your breasts will begin to feel softer and more natural as the implants settle into position. With your surgeon’s approval, you’ll transition from the post-operative bra to less restrictive support garments.

By six to eight weeks, most patients are considered fully healed and can resume their normal exercise routines and daily activities. However, the refinement process continues beyond this point. Your breasts will continue settling, and incision lines will gradually fade over the course of a year, becoming increasingly inconspicuous.

The final results of breast reaugmentation typically become apparent between six and twelve months post-surgery, once the implants have fully settled and all residual swelling has resolved. We’ll schedule regular follow-up appointments with your surgical team throughout your recovery to ensure optimal healing and address any concerns that may arise.

What are the side effects and risks of breast implant revision?

As with any form of cosmetic surgery, there are expected side effects and some complications to be aware of before going ahead with corrective breast surgery. Your surgeon will explain these to you in detail during your initial consultation.

The side effects include:

• Temporary discomfort
• Bruising and swelling
• A tight feeling in the chest area

Although these side effects cannot usually be avoided, they can be minimised with appropriate aftercare.

There are also some risks and complications that, although rare, you need to be aware of:

• Breast scarring that does not fade as expected
• A hardening of the scar tissue that forms around the breast (capsular contracture), causing it to feel firm and sore
• Implant rupture or leakage that causes changes in breast size or shape
• Nerve damage leading to a decreased or complete loss of sensation in the nipples
• Infection
• A blood clot or excessive bleeding around the implant
• An allergic reaction to the anaesthetic

As part of our aftercare package, we schedule regular follow-up appointments throughout your recovery. You also have a 24-hour emergency contact number for your nursing team and a comprehensive warranty package, all included in your quoted surgery price.

What are the side effects and risks of breast implant revision?

As one of the UK’s leading providers of day-case breast surgery, we perform safe, high-quality and affordable breast implant removal and replacement from our state-of-the-art clinics throughout the country. Many of our surgeons are specialists in this procedure and deliver the highest level of personalised care while prioritising patient satisfaction.

Please get in touch our experts on 0800 808 5630 with any questions or book a free consultation to start your journey.