Breast Implant Revision

Whether you are looking to update your look from a previous breast augmentation or are experiencing a complication or unsatisfactory results, breast implant revision surgery can help you achieve your goals.

Top female plastic surgeon in the Twin Cities, Dr. Jennifer Harrington has extensive experience revising previous breast augmentations for patients seeking an updated or improved look. During your consultation, she’ll work closely with you to determine the best approach for delivering your ideal results with breast revision surgery.

Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery in Plymouth has helped women from Minneapolis-St. Paul with breast augmentation revision. Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about breast implant revision, including pricing.

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Use our convenient online scheduler to book your initial surgical consult online. Choose a time that works for you and meet with Dr. Harrington’s RN, Saebra. We look forward to seeing you!

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Almost any woman who feels dissatisfied with her breast augmentation results or who is having a complication from a previous surgery can be a good candidate for breast implant revision.

Medically speaking, you may be a good candidate if:

• You are fully healed from your original augmentation. Dr. Harrington generally recommends waiting at least 6 to 12 months before pursuing revision, unless a complication requires earlier intervention.
• You are in good overall health. Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, bleeding disorders or severe cardiac issues may limit surgical safety.
• You are at a healthy, stable weight. Maintaining a stable weight that is close to your ideal body weight helps to minimize complications and optimize final outcomes.
• You do not smoke or are willing to stop. Smoking affects circulation and healing, increasing the risk of complications.
• You have realistic expectations. Understanding what breast augmentation revision can and cannot achieve is essential for a satisfying outcome.

Depending on how your initial breast augmentation was performed, Dr. Harrington may be able to use the same incision location to minimize any additional scarring. However, in some cases, she may need to create a new incision. Most women who have had an inframammary fold incision, which traces along the natural crease below the breast, are able to have breast implant replacement surgery without an additional scar.

Your exact incision approach will depend on your specific needs, the condition of your current implants and the type of revision needed. During your consultation, Dr. Harrington will discuss the safest and most discreet incision options for your customized surgical plan.

Your consultation is an opportunity to ask any questions you might have, address any concerns and understand more about what to expect from start to finish. During this visit, Dr. Harrington will review your medical history, evaluate your current implants and assess breast tissue, skin quality and implant position. She may also review operative notes from your previous surgery, imaging if needed and discuss factors such as implant type, placement and scar tissue.

Dr. Harrington will walk you through your customized surgical plan for your revision, explain potential risks and complications and what to expect in terms of recovery, scarring and long-term outcomes. The goal of this visit is to make sure you have all the information you need to make confident, well-informed decisions about your care.

Breast implant revision is a same-day procedure that typically takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours from start to finish. Dr. Harrington performs breast revision surgery under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Patients with sensitivities to narcotic medications may benefit from our opioid-free or reduced surgery and recovery customized approach.

Plan to arrive 1 hour before your procedure start time. The recovery phase lasts an additional hour, and you should come to our surgery center with a friend or family member who can drive you home once you are discharged. An adult will need to stay with you for at least 24 hours after your procedure.

Because every breast implant replacement surgery is different, the exact procedure is customized for each woman. In some cases, the same breast implants can be used, while in others, Dr. Harrington may recommend using new breast implants.

Depending on your individual situation, Dr. Harrington may recommend additional procedures to combine with your breast augmentation revision. Women whose breasts have begun to sag due to age, pregnancy or changes in body weight often benefit from including a breast lift, or mastopexy, as part of their breast revision surgery. Breast implant replacement can also be included in a mommy makeover for an updated look.

Your recovery experience will depend on how your body responds to surgery, whether you include additional procedures and the exact surgical approach used. In most cases, the recovery process after breast implant replacement is substantially quicker than the recovery from your initial breast augmentation.

Dr. Harrington may provide you with a special post-surgical garment to wear during the first few days of your recovery in order to minimize swelling. You will need to refrain from strenuous activities for several weeks as your body heals. If you work a desk job with no heavy lifting, you may feel up to returning to work after only 3 to 5 days of recovery.

It’s important to learn about the possible risks of breast implant revision surgery before your procedure. Dr. Harrington will discuss potential complications with you during your consultation. If you notice any sudden swelling in one of your breasts with increased pain, notify our office immediately.

Although individual experiences vary, most women can see their final results from breast implant revision within 4 to 6 months, once swelling has fully resolved and the implants have settled into place. Early improvements are often noticeable within the first few weeks, particularly if the revision addressed issues like asymmetry, capsular contracture or implant malposition.

As healing progresses, your breasts should take on a smoother, more balanced shape that better reflects your goals. Revision results can be very long-lasting, although implants are not considered lifetime devices. This means you may require additional surgery at some point in the future, depending on the specifics of your unique situation.