Breast Revision in Austin

Breast revision surgery in Austin allows women to correct complications from previous breast augmentation or update their implants to match their current goals better. Whether you are experiencing implant rupture, capsular contracture, rippling, or simply wish to change your implant size or remove implants altogether, breast revision can restore both comfort and confidence.

At Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform advanced breast revision procedures to correct implant-related issues and achieve natural, balanced results.

What is breast revision surgery?

Breast revision surgery is a procedure to replace, remove, or adjust breast implants to improve aesthetics or correct complications. Over time, changes in the body, implant issues, or personal preferences may lead to the need for revision. Common reasons include implant rupture, capsular contracture, rippling, size changes, or a desire to return to a natural breast size.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Revision?

Breast revision surgery is designed for women who previously had breast augmentation and now want to correct a complication or change their results.

You may be a good candidate for breast revision in Austin if you:

Have breast implants that have ruptured or deflated
Are experiencing capsular contracture or hardened scar tissue
Notice implant rippling or visible implant edges
Have implant malposition such as bottoming out or double bubble
Want to change the size, shape, or type of implant
Wish to remove implants and return to a natural breast size

During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your current implants, breast tissue, and goals to determine the most effective revision approach.

Do you need a breast revision?

Thousands of women make the decision each year to have breast augmentation surgery with implants. While the overwhelming majority of women are pleased with their results, in some cases, complications occur, or the results are not satisfying. Some patients would like to change their size, while others might have an implant malposition or an asymmetry. The main reason, however, that patients have a revision, is because the original implants were too large for their frame. Women who have had breast implants that have been in place a decade or longer may consider a breast revision procedure to replace their current implants. We recommend all patients, who have breast implants 5 years or longer to undergo an MRI or ultrasound to see if they have any evidence of rupture.

What Problems Can Breast Revision Correct?

Breast revision surgery can address both aesthetic concerns and medical complications that may develop after breast augmentation.

Common issues treated with breast revision include:

Implant rupture or deflation
Capsular contracture (tight scar tissue around the implant)
Implant malposition or bottoming out
Double bubble deformity

Implant rippling or wrinkling
Breast asymmetry
Desire to change implant size or type
Removal of implants for a more natural appearance

Revision surgery is highly individualized, and the surgical plan depends on the specific issue being corrected.

Breast rippling

Breast rippling and wrinkling can occur along the side of the breast, or underneath it. This occurs most often with saline implants and creates an unnatural breast look. This is most common in women who are extremely thin. Conversion to our newest 5th generation Sientra silicone implants can usually completely remove this problem. All patients with rippling that have implants above the muscle should have them converted to below the muscle if they wish to avoid rippling.

Reasons for revision surgery

Patients who wish to have their implants replaced will undergo a procedure where an exchange of one or both implants may occur. These revision surgeries vary considerably in their difficulty. It is very important to have an experienced surgeon. If a thickened scar tissue (capsule) does exist around the implant, it can be painful. It is removed by performing a capsulectomy. Some patients may require a breast lift during the revision surgery. In addition, an internal support matrix device known as GalaFORM or Strattice may be placed when added support is needed. The goal of the revision process is to resolve or overcome issues in a way that satisfies the patient’s aesthetic goals. There are various circumstances as to why a woman may decide to undergo breast revision in Austin. The most common reasons are:

Ruptured implant

If a saline implant ruptures, the implant device will deflate due to the leakage of saline. This will result in an obvious deflation of the breast(s). The replacement is done with a silicone implant to prevent this from happening again. Silicone implants will not deflate visibly, however a break in the shell may still occur. The only true way to detect a shell break is through an MRI or possibly an ultrasound, which is why routine check-ups are recommended throughout the years.

Double bubble

“Double bubble” is a rare complication with women who have breast implants. This occurs when the implant drops down below the natural breast crease,. When this occurs, an unnatural indention will result in a “double” breast appearance. This is usually caused by weakening of the lower crease of the breast where the implant sits during the original surgery. Care must be taken not to lower the crease too much without an internal support like GalaFORM.

Remove implants to return to a natural size

Some women may decide later in life they no longer wish to have breast implants in place. As the breast ages, the gland is replaced by fat and the breast mound can simply be too large for that patient. Breast implant removal is a procedure that removes the implants and often the skin around the breast is tightened/lifted to create a natural look.

Older implants

Implants that were placed years in the past will eventually need to be replaced. Generally, they last for 10 to 15 years, but many implants last longer. If you have concerns that your implants are too old, you may want to have them replaced. Newer implants last even longer.

Breast size

Some women will be unhappy with their breast size following breast augmentation surgery. They may desire a secondary surgery to replace the implant with one of a different size, texture or shape. Many women want to go from saline to silicone in order to have a more natural look and feel.

Implant bottoming out

This can occur post-surgery when an implant shifts or moves from its original location. This can also occur with aging, gravity, trauma to the chest area, or with excessive scarring.

Poor planning

Some women are not good candidates for breast augmentation surgery alone. Instead, they need a combination of an implant and a breast lift. Women who have sagging breasts and undergo breast augmentation surgery alone will be NOT be happy with the results. Putting in a large implant to avoid a lift is always a bad idea. The breast will sag further due to the increased weight of the implant. In addition, implants that are too large and wider than the base diameter of the breast are at high risk of needing a revision.

Capsular contracture

Scar tissue that has formed around the implant may create a capsular contracture. When this occurs, excessive tightening of the capsule will result in a hard feel of the breast. Sometimes, to correct this, a capsulectomy is done to remove the scar tissue. This is the removal of scar tissue from around the implant. In general, silicone implants more than 20 years old have a higher incidence of capsular contracture (approximately 10-15% chances) than saline implants (10% chance). Newer 5th generation Sientra silicone implants have a contracture rate of just 5%.

Breast Revision Recovery Timeline

Recovery after breast revision surgery depends on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional corrections, such as capsulectomy, implant removal, or a breast lift, were performed. While each patient heals at a different pace, most women find recovery manageable and are able to return to many normal activities within the first week.

First Week

During the first several days after breast revision surgery, patients typically experience swelling, tightness, and mild discomfort. A supportive surgical bra will be worn to protect the breasts and help minimize swelling. Most patients can return to light daily activities within a few days.

Weeks Two to Three

Bruising and swelling continue to improve, and many patients feel comfortable returning to work if their job is not physically demanding. Light walking is encouraged, but strenuous activity should still be avoided.

Weeks Four to Six

Most patients are able to gradually resume more vigorous activities and exercise. Your surgeon will guide you on when it is safe to return to strength training or high-impact workouts.

Three to Six Months

The breasts continue to settle into their final shape and position. Swelling resolves and scars begin to soften and fade.

Following post-operative instructions and attending follow-up visits are important to ensure proper healing and optimal results after breast revision surgery.

Meet with us to discuss breast revision surgery.

The FDA has recommended an MRI or ultrasound of the breasts at 5-6 years post-op and every 2-3 years after for best detection of rupture or the need for implant revision. Our practice will do our best to make the revision process as easy as possible for patients needing or wanting a breast implant exchange or breast implant removal surgery.

Breast Revision Cost in Austin

The cost of breast revision surgery in Austin varies depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of correction required.

Factors affecting cost may include:

Whether implants are replaced or removed
The need for capsulectomy or scar tissue removal
Use of internal support materials
Whether a breast lift is performed during revision
Anesthesia and surgical facility fees

Because revision procedures are highly customized, the best way to determine cost is through a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.

Breast Revision FAQs

Can breast revision fix capsular contracture?

Yes. Breast revision surgery is commonly used to treat capsular contracture, a condition where scar tissue tightens around the implant and causes firmness, distortion, or discomfort. The procedure typically involves removing the scar tissue (capsulectomy) and replacing or repositioning the implant.

Can breast revision correct a double bubble deformity?

Yes. A double bubble occurs when the implant sits below the natural breast crease, creating a visible indentation. Breast revision surgery can reposition the implant, repair the breast crease, and restore a smoother breast contour.

Can breast revision move implants from above the muscle to below the muscle?

Yes. Some patients develop complications such as rippling or visible implant edges when implants are placed above the muscle. Breast revision surgery can reposition the implants beneath the chest muscle to improve coverage and create a more natural appearance.

Can I switch from saline implants to silicone during breast revision?

Yes. Many women choose to replace saline implants with silicone implants during breast revision surgery. Silicone implants often provide a more natural look and feel and may reduce visible rippling in patients with thinner breast tissue.

Can breast implants be removed completely during revision surgery?

Yes. Some patients choose breast implant removal, also called explant surgery, during breast revision. In many cases, a breast lift may also be performed to reshape the breast and remove excess skin after the implants are removed.

How long after breast augmentation can I have revision surgery?

Breast revision surgery can be performed at any time if a complication occurs, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture. For cosmetic changes, surgeons often recommend waiting at least six to twelve months after the original augmentation to allow tissues to fully heal.

Will breast revision surgery leave additional scars?

Breast revision surgery often uses the same incision locations from the original breast augmentation whenever possible. In some cases, additional incisions may be required to correct complications or perform procedures such as a breast lift or capsulectomy.