Breast Revision Surgery
Correcting a result that did not turn out the way you hoped after an earlier breast procedure — so you can feel at home in your body again.
Is this right for you?
Breast revision is surgery to correct a result that fell short of what you wanted, or a complication, after an earlier breast operation. Every case is different, so the plan is always built around you after a careful assessment.
This may be a good fit if
- You are unhappy with the shape or size you have after your previous surgery.
- There are signs of capsular contracture (the breast feels firm, looks distorted, or is uncomfortable).
- An implant has shifted out of position, rotated, rippled, or you suspect it has ruptured or deflated.
- The two sides are uneven, or you would like to change the volume.
- Your health is stable and you hold realistic expectations about what a revision can achieve.
This may not be right if
- You have an active infection or a health problem that is not yet under control.
- Your previous surgery was too recent and the tissue has not finished healing.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding; in most cases it is wiser to wait.
- Your hopes go beyond what surgery can safely deliver.
How it works
The consultation begins by reviewing the records from your earlier operation if you have them, an in-person examination, and, when needed, imaging to assess the implant and the surrounding tissue. The aim is to understand clearly what needs correcting before we talk about how to correct it.
Depending on what we find, surgery may involve treating the capsule (removing or releasing it), replacing or removing the implant, changing the pocket the implant sits in, and in some cases adding your own tissue or a support material. Revision is usually more involved than the first operation because there is scar tissue and the anatomy has already changed.
The type of anaesthesia and the length of surgery depend on how much needs to be done. Your surgeon will walk you through the plan, including its limits, before you decide.
Realistic expectations
The goal of revision is to improve and correct, not to create something flawless. Because the tissue has been operated on before, the outcome of a revision can be harder to predict than the first time, and some cases are best done in stages.
What this will not do
- It does not promise an ideal result or fully erase every trace of the earlier operation.
- It cannot prevent every complication from returning — capsular contracture, for example, can still form again.
- It does not replace the need for regular follow-up afterward.
Recovery
Recovery after a revision is broadly similar to the first operation, but it varies a great deal with how much was done. The milestones below are general guides only.
- The first few days
- Some pain and tightness are normal and are managed with the medication your surgeon prescribes. You may have swelling and bruising.
- The first few weeks
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting; wear the support garment as your surgeon directs.
- Over the coming months
- The breast gradually settles into its shape and feel. Scars need time to fade.
Risks & safety
Revision carries the risks of breast surgery in general, and because the tissue has been operated on before, some of those risks can be higher. Your surgeon will go through the specifics with you.
- Capsular contracture forming again.
- Bleeding, a collection of blood (hematoma), or infection.
- A change in sensation in the nipple or the skin of the breast.
- Sides that remain uneven, or problems related to the implant.
- Poor scarring.
- Risks related to anaesthesia.
- The possibility that further surgery is needed in the future.
How we do it
Revision calls for careful assessment and experience with tissue that has already been operated on. The first thing that matters is understanding correctly why the earlier result fell short.
At The Gioi Dep, surgery is carried out to hospital standards, with a pre-operative anaesthesia review and follow-up afterward. Your surgeon will be honest about what is possible — and about what is not.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my previous surgery not turn out well?
There can be several reasons: capsular contracture, an implant that shifted or rotated, an implant choice that was not quite right, or simply the way your own tissue behaves. The consultation focuses on finding the cause before we discuss how to correct it.
Can everything always be fixed?
Most problems can be improved, but not everything can be fully corrected. Your surgeon will be honest about what a revision can and cannot achieve in your case.
Will I need a new implant?
It depends on what we find. Some cases need a new implant; others only need the pocket adjusted or the capsule treated. This is decided after your examination.
How long do I need to wait after my previous operation before revising?
The tissue needs time to heal and settle before it is operated on again.. If there is an urgent complication, the plan may be different.
Will the scars look worse?
Your surgeon will usually try to reuse the existing incision lines where possible. Even so, scar tissue from the earlier surgery can affect how you heal, and this will be discussed with you beforehand.
Is revision more involved than the first operation?
Usually yes, because there is already scar tissue and the anatomy has changed. That is exactly why a thorough assessment and a clear plan matter so much.
The next step
The next step is a conversation - book a consultation.
The content on this page is for reference only and does not replace a direct examination and consultation with a specialist physician. Surgical outcomes vary from person to person.