Breast Implant Revision
Breast implants, used in both breast augmentation and breast reconstruction surgeries, are expected to provide years of issue-free function. Even so, the majority of women who have breast implants will undergo one or more additional breast surgeries over the course of 30 or 40 years. At some point, there may be a reason to consider replacement of your implants through breast revision surgery. This surgery can correct your breast appearance and replace compromised implants to produce more desirable results.
Before & After Photos








Reasons for Breast Revision
Breast Changes
Time never stands still. After breast surgery, it should be expected that there will be changes in your breast shape due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, gravity, and aging. Changes such as laxity of the skin, deviations in breast shape, and breast volume deflation can all be addressed with breast revision surgery. A variety of techniques are available to assist with addressing these concerns, and a personalized treatment plan will be devised to produce the best outcome possible.
Surgical Complications
Breast implants are artificial constructs that may require revision and replacement procedures at some point. Some of the complications that can occur with breast implants include loss of implant integrity (rupture or deflation), capsular contracture (where a robust scar capsule encases the implant), and bottoming out (breast pocket failure), among others. These complications are directly addressed with breast revision, which corrects the issue and restores the appearance of the breasts.
Desire for Change
If the results of breast augmentation surgery don’t match your anticipated expectations, you may desire a change. Revisionary breast surgery can improve the results and produce a more desirable outcome. Additionally, over time, a woman’s preferences can shift. This may lead to a change in opinion about the implants. If a desire for change occurs at any point, breast revision can be performed to replace or remove the implants according to your preferences.
Breast Revision Surgery Techniques
Concerns
Testimonials
"The atmosphere from Dr. Cohn to the staff was extremely friendly and professional. I have zero complaints and will return for any future procedures. My results were beautiful. Dr. Cohn knew exactly what he was doing and was able to answer all of my questions. I felt very comfortable in his office in Birmingham. Dr. Cohn's staff reached out to me the day after my surgery to check on me and to see if I had anymore questions."
Frequently Asked Questions
Breast revision surgery is a highly individualized procedure that may be a good option for women who wish to sustain the appearance of their breasts as they change over time and who are able to cope with ongoing treatment. Potential Birmingham Breast Revision Candidates may have various reasons for pursuing breast revision, such as implant deflation or rupture, capsular contracture or other complications, a desire for implants of a different size, or interest in a different style of implant (silicone vs. saline). Candidates should not have significant medical conditions or illnesses that may impair natural healing, and they should have a positive outlook and realistic goals for revision surgery.
Before your procedure, you may be asked to receive lab testing, a medical evaluation, and/or prescriptions for certain medications. You may also be asked to adjust your medications, cease smoking, and/or adjust your use of specific drugs or supplements. You will be given instructions on what to do the day of your surgery, the use of anesthesia, documentation for breast implant registry (when necessary), postoperative care, and follow-up appointments. If your breast revision is performed as an outpatient procedure, you will need to arrange to receive a ride to and from your surgery and for someone to be with you for at least the first night after your surgery.
Breast revision surgery may be considered either elective or reconstructive. If considered a reconstructive surgery, it may be covered by some health insurance plans. This largely depends on the reason for the original breast procedure; for instance, breast revision after breast reconstruction may be more likely to receive coverage than breast revision after breast augmentation. The full cost of your procedure will typically include the surgeon’s fee, hospital or surgical facility costs, cost of anesthesia, cost of implants, medication prescriptions, post-surgery garments, and associated medical tests. Cohn Plastic Surgery offers patient financing plans, so be sure to ask for more information if you are interested.
Breast revision is a personal decision and is not without risk. Dr. Cohn will fully review these risks with you before your procedure. Examples include infections, bleeding, changes in nipple sensation, reactions to the anesthesia, and implant complications. Despite the potential risks and complications, there is no known health risk to the breasts following placement of breast implants. Most patients have no complications and are pleased with their results.
Results from breast revision are typically long lasting. Implants are expected to last long term and can continue to enhance the breasts for many years.