A good breast augmentation result depends on breast size, shape, balance and the position of the nipple. Over time, or because of skin elasticity, breast structure or how the first operation was performed, the result may change or no longer meet your expectations.
Breast implant revision corrects or improves a previous breast augmentation or reconstruction. It may involve changing the size or type of implant, removing implants, correcting their position, treating scar tissue, or adding a breast lift. Breast implants aren’t lifetime devices, so many people need revision or replacement at some point.
Why Do YouHave to Do Breast Implant Revision?
There are many medical and cosmetic reasons for revising a breast implant surgically. Kamol Cosmetic Hospital is concerned about safety and satisfying outcomes. We evaluate a patient’s needs to ensure the aesthetic results best suit each patient. The following breast conditions are amenable to detailed correction.
1. Size Problems
Going smaller: removing large implants can leave excess skin and sagging. Your surgeon may combine a smaller implant with a breast lift, and remove the old capsule.
Going larger: if the existing implants are under the muscle, the pocket is enlarged for the new implant. If they’re above the muscle, the new implant is usually moved under the muscle, and the old capsule is removed to prevent a “double bubble.”
2. Ruptured or Leaking Implants
A leaking saline implant usually deflates noticeably, making the breasts uneven, and should be replaced promptly. A ruptured silicone implant is harder to detect, because the gel usually stays within the surrounding capsule. Ultrasound, mammography or MRI may be needed to confirm it. The capsule is removed, a new pocket is created and the implant is replaced.
3. Capsular Contracture
The body naturally forms a capsule of scar tissue around any implant. Sometimes this capsule thickens and tightens, squeezing the implant and making the breast hard, misshapen and painful. The capsule is removed completely (capsulectomy), the pocket is reshaped, and the new implant may be placed in a different plane, such as under the muscle. Read more about capsular contracture.
4. Implants Sitting Too High
The implants sit too high compared with the nipple. The capsule is released (capsulotomy) or removed (capsulectomy), and a new, lower pocket is created, centered on the nipple.
5. Implants Too Far Apart (Wide Cleavage)
The implants sit too far to the sides, leaving a wide gap between the breasts. Through an incision under the breast, the outer side of the pocket is tightened with internal stitches, and the pocket is extended towards the center, so the new implants sit closer together.
6. Bottoming Out
The implants sit too low, making the nipples appear to point upwards. This can be caused by a pocket made too low, or by weak or stretched tissue. Through an incision under the breast, the lower edge of the pocket is raised and reinforced with stitches, and the implant may be moved under the muscle.
Picture 3. Shows Bottoming out of breast implants
7. Rippling
Visible rippling can occur in people with thin skin and tissue. It can be improved with fat grafting to thicken the tissue over the implant, or with acellular dermal matrix (ADM), a tissue scaffold that the body’s own tissue grows into.
8. Symmastia ("Uniboob")
Symmastia is a result that may occur from breast implant surgery. The implants may be inserted too close to each other. It may be an effect of an implant that is too large to be inserted in a thin woman with a small rib circumference. Symmastia can be fixed by extending laterally outward from the midline breastbone to create more space between the implants. This procedure will involve incisions under the breasts and expanding the previous pocket to the lateral side. Sutures fix the midline of the chest. The breast results will be separated.
9. Concerning about BIA- ALCL(Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)
BIA-ALCL is a rare and highly treatable type of lymphoma that can develop around the breast implants and may occur in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces. BIA-ALCL is a cancer of the immune system, not a type of breast cancer.
Common symptoms include breast enlargement, pain, asymmetry, a lump in the breast or armpit, skin rash, breast hardening, or extensive fluid collection. The symptoms will occur from 1 year to 8-10 years. If you have any symptoms, see the doctor for evaluation. You need to remove the implant, and the tissue scar around the breast implant includes a lump. You need to remove the implant and tissue scar around the breast implant, including lumps and treatment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Revision
- Cosmetic concerns with the result of previous surgery due to poor implant or other problem
- Capsular contracture requires the release of scar tissue through Capsulectomy or Capsulotomy
- Good physical health
- Realistic in their expectation
- Psychologically stable
- Not currently pregnant or nursing
Preparing for Surgery
- Consult with the surgeon for your unsatisfying and expected results. The surgeon and patient will discuss and evaluate how to solve the needs together. Breast implant revision is complicated. There are many techniques to revise the breast implant, depending on the causes and the patient’s needs. The surgeon will explain, including incision scar location, shape, size, and positioning.
- A physical examination, blood test, and chest x-ray are required.
- Stop smoking at least two weeks before and after surgery
- Stop taking anti-inflammatory medications such as Aspirin or ibuprofen for at least two weeks. Also, avoid herbal supplements and vitamins, which may increase bleeding during and after surgery.
The Procedure
Please keep in mind that the second surgery is more complicated than the prior breast augmentation. Several reasons, such as the presence of scar tissue, make it more difficult to predict a good result, in addition to the stretching of muscles or anatomical changes caused by the prior implant. That is the challenge for the surgeon.
- The operation is done during general anesthesia.
- The procedure is done as surgery, depending on the reasons; breast revision usually swaps out the old implant for the new one. It can include a breast lift, release of scar tissue, and change the size, shape, and location of the pocket(space for the implant sits)
- The surgeon will close the incision and bandage it with adhesive and surgical tape.
The operation time is 1-4 hours, depending on a complicated breast implant from the previous.
Post-operative Care
The post-operative care for breast implant revision is similar to their previous breast augmentation to minimize any post-operative discomfort after surgery, which can be done as follows;
- Keep clean and dry the incision wound 2-3 days after surgery.
- Apply a cold compress to control bruising and swelling
- Sleeping with torso slightly elevated to control bruising and swelling
- Take medicine for pain relief.
- Take stitches off seven days after surgery.
- You will need a follow-up with every appointment.
- You should wear a compression bra for extra support and positioning to prevent fluid accumulation and control swelling.
- Please don’t lift more than 2-3 kilograms within six weeks. The lifting will cause the implants to move up.
- Avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks.
Recovery
Recovery is similar to your first breast augmentation and depends on the type of surgery:
- Implant removal or exchange: usually a quick recovery. Many people return to work within a few days, or 4–5 days if the implants are larger. Pain, stiffness, swelling and bruising settle over the following weeks.
- Revision with a breast lift: discomfort lasts longer, and most people return to work after about 1 week.
- Exercise: avoid moderate to strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks.
- Sensation: numbness around the incisions or nipples can take 6 months or more to recover.
- Final result: the new implants may take several weeks to months to settle.
Risks and Complications
Any operation might have complications, including.
- Keloid from the incision scar
- Bleeding
- Bruising
- Itching
- Soreness
- Poor healing
- Asymmetry
- Infection: if you notice warmth and redness in your breast due to fever, you might have an infection; contact the surgeon as soon as possible
- Shortness breathe, or chest pain
- Decreased or Lost Sensation
- Capsular contracture might need a second surgery
- Skin waves and sagging
- Implant Failure
- Risk from anesthesia
Video : Testimonials of Breast Implant Revision
Before and After for Breast Implant Revision
Why Choose Kamol Hospital in Bangkok for Breast Implant Revision
Kamol Hospital is a leading medical facility in Thailand specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery, including breast implant revision. The hospital is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology, and highly trained and experienced surgeons.
The surgeons at Kamol Cosmetic Hospital have extensive experience performing breast implant revision procedures. They are skilled in various revision techniques, such as replacing and removing old implants and correcting implant-related problems such as capsular contracture and symmastia. They use the latest surgical techniques, including endoscope-assisted surgery, which allows for smaller incisions and minimal scarring.
The hospital is also equipped with the latest technology, including 3D imaging and simulation software, to plan and perform the procedures. This technology allows the surgeons to achieve the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Kamol Cosmetic Hospital is known for its commitment to high-quality care and excellent customer service. The hospital staff is dedicated to ensuring that patients feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the process, from consultation to recovery. The hospital also provides comprehensive aftercare services to ensure the best possible results and to help patients recover quickly and comfortably and Kamol Trip help you plan your stay in Bangkok.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I have my implants removed without replacing them?
Yes. Implants can be removed without replacement (explant surgery), often with removal of the capsule. Because the breast skin may have stretched, your surgeon may recommend a breast lift at the same time to improve the shape.
How do I know if my silicone implant has ruptured?
A ruptured silicone implant often causes no obvious symptoms, because the gel usually stays inside the capsule. Changes in shape, firmness or size, or new pain, can be signs. Ultrasound or MRI is the most reliable way to check.
Should I remove textured implants because of BIA-ALCL?
BIA-ALCL is rare. If you have no symptoms, removal isn’t usually required, but you should monitor your breasts and see a doctor if you notice swelling, a lump or pain. Some patients choose to have textured implants replaced for peace of mind, and your surgeon can discuss the options.
Can capsular contracture come back after revision?
It can, although the risk is reduced by removing the whole capsule, changing the implant position and using careful technique. Your surgeon will explain how they reduce the risk in your case.
Can I change my implant size and have a breast lift at the same time?
Often, yes. Many patients combine a size change with a breast lift, especially when going smaller or when the breasts have sagged. Recovery is slightly longer than with an implant exchange alone.
My first surgery was done elsewhere. What should I bring?
If possible, bring your implant card (showing the brand, type and size), operative notes and any recent ultrasound or MRI reports. This helps your surgeon plan the revision.
Does Thailand have good surgeons for breast revision work?
Thailand has an established plastic surgery sector with a high volume of breast surgery, and revision work is performed here routinely by Thai board-certified plastic surgeons. Because revision is more demanding than primary augmentation, it is worth asking specifically about revision experience rather than general breast surgery numbers, and confirming the facility is an accredited hospital with imaging available on site.
Is it worth travelling to Bangkok, Thailand for revision surgery?
Many patients travel to us precisely because their first surgery was elsewhere and the revision quote at home was as expensive as the original. The cost difference is usually significant, and combining revision with a lift in one operation makes it more so. Practically, allow around two weeks in Bangkok, Thailand, so sutures can be removed and the early result reviewed before you fly — and send your records ahead so the surgical plan is largely settled before you arrive.
How long should I stay in Bangkok after breast implant revision?
Plan to stay in Bangkok for about 7–10 days. This allows for stitch removal at 7 days and a follow-up check before you fly home. Kamol Trip can arrange accommodation close to the hospital.
