Breast Revision

Breast Revision in Scottsdale

A breast revision, breast augmentation revision, or breast implant exchange is a procedure for women who have already had silicone or saline breast implants and need them replaced or removed. Breast revision surgery is an option for women who are unhappy with the appearance of breast implants, either in shape, size, or positioning. Also, in cases of defects to the implant or breast, such as capsular contraction or implant deflation, a breast implant revision is needed. Dr. Ashley Howarth is a plastic surgeon in Scottsdale who specializes in breast revision and breast implant exchange surgeries.

What is a revision breast augmentation?

Revision breast augmentation is the surgical improvement of women’s breasts that have already had silicone or saline breast implants by exchanging the breast implants. A woman may become unsatisfied with her breast implants due to shape, size, position, and wish to enhance her breasts with the latest breast implants and improved surgical techniques.

Dr. Ashley Howarth is one of Arizona’s top female plastic surgeons and is known for her beautiful breast revision results. Among the reasons why patients have their breast implants exchanged are:

• Defective or misshaped breast implants
• Ruptured and leaking silicone implant
• Ruptured and deflated saline implant
• Unsatisfactory breast and nipple position
• Breasts too close together, symmastia, or “uniboob”
• Breast implants that are saggy, or breast ptsosis
• Capsular contracture or hardening of the breast
• Rippling or wrinkling of the tissue around the implant
• Gained or lost weight since breast implant
• Double bubble breast implant deformity
• Snoopy breast or waterfall deformity
• Other breasts and body changes over time and age

Breast Implant Exchange

A woman may exchange her breast implants to increase or decrease the size of their breasts by exchanging their implant for a larger or smaller size. As newer implants offer an improved variety of shapes, a patient may exchange from a round implant to an anatomic or tear-dropped shaped implant. A breast implant exchange is also an opportunity to switch from a saline-filled implant to a silicone or gummy-bear style implant. Women will find similarities as well as advancements in the types of breast implants since choosing their initial augmentation surgery.

Breast Implant Exchange and Lift

Breasts and bodies change with time, weight changes, pregnancy and nursing, and gravity. Breasts that once had an ideal aesthetic appearance may need to be exchanged years later. In cases where breasts now appear saggier, a condition called breast ptosis, a breast lift may be considered to reposition the breast. A breast implant exchange and a breast lift are often performed together in a breast revision surgery, especially in cases where a breast implant exchange alone will not provide the patient their best aesthetic result.

Am I a candidate for a breast revision?

The consultation process with Dr. Howarth is your opportunity to learn if you are a good candidate for a breast revision. Candidates should be in good overall health and at a stable weight.

Patients may be candidates for breast revision for any of the following reasons: defective or ruptured implants; cosmetic concerns of the shape, size, or placement of their implants; capsular contracture, rippling, or any other implant defect; or age, pregnancy, or weight changes.

Candidates for breast revision may choose to remove their saline or silicone implants to exchange for new implants of the same, smaller, or bigger size. Candidates for breast revision may choose a different shape of implant and also may reposition their breasts with a breast lift procedure.

What should I expect during my breast revision surgery?

Your breast implant revision is typically a single-day outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Howarth will perform your surgery at one of the state-of-the-art surgery centers where she has privileges, chosen for their convenient locations and excellent care. Some centers also offer on-site recovery suites for patients who may require an overnight stay after longer procedures. For more information, visit our Surgery Centers page.

The extent of the procedure depends on the surgical plan that was developed at your consultation and if other procedures like a breast lift are planned. Dr. Howarth minimizes and camouflages her incisions to minimize potential for scarring.