Case#779
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If you've had breast augmentation and something about the result no longer feels right, you're not stuck with it. A breast revision corrects or updates the results of a previous augmentation, whether that means replacing, resizing, repositioning, or removing implants. At Palm Beach Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Michael Sistare will look at what happened, listen to what you want now, and build an honest plan to get you there.
A breast revision is a corrective surgery that addresses problems or changes from a previous augmentation. It can replace ruptured or outdated implants, remove scar tissue from capsular contracture, reposition implants that sit too high, low, or off to the side, correct asymmetry or symmastia, swap implant size or type, or remove implants entirely, often paired with a lift. It is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia and usually takes about two to three hours. Because Dr. Sistare can often work through your existing incisions, recovery is frequently quicker and less painful than your first augmentation.
Most women wait until swelling settles and the implants finish settling to judge the final result, which develops over about three to six months. Dr. Sistare generally recommends waiting at least 6 to 12 months after your original surgery before revising, so your revision is based on a stable outcome.
A second breast surgery raises different questions than the first one did. Along with what you'd like to fix or change, timing, cost, and the extra complexity of working with an existing result all come into play.
What you are actually trying to fix or change. A revision can solve a problem (a rupture, capsular contracture, a shifted implant) or update a result (a new size, a different implant type, or removal). Knowing whether you are correcting a complication or changing your mind helps Dr. Sistare plan the right approach.
How long it has been since your last surgery. Timing matters. Dr. Sistare generally recommends waiting at least 6 to 12 months after your original surgery so swelling can settle, scar tissue can mature, and your result can stabilize. Revising too early risks judging a result that had not finished settling.
Whether it is a complication or a preference. This affects cost and coverage. Most cosmetic changes are paid out of pocket, but a documented complication such as an implant rupture or capsular contracture may qualify for partial insurance coverage.
A revision can be more involved than the first time. Working around existing scar tissue and implant pockets takes care. The upside is that Dr. Sistare can usually reuse your existing incisions, and recovery is often easier than your first augmentation.
These are the questions Dr. Sistare will ask during your consultation. Having early answers makes the visit more productive and the result more aligned with what you actually want.
A breast revision is an outpatient surgery performed under general anesthesia, and it usually takes about two to three hours depending on what is being corrected. Wherever possible, Dr. Sistare works through your existing incision lines to avoid adding new scars. Depending on your plan, he removes or replaces the implants, clears out hardened scar tissue, rebuilds or adjusts the implant pockets, and corrects position or asymmetry. When it helps the result, a revision is combined with a breast lift to restore shape, especially when implants are being removed or downsized.
Because every revision starts from a different history, no two are identical. The plan is built around what happened the first time, the condition of your tissue and implants, and the look you want now.
A breast revision really comes down to a few decisions made together: what needs correcting, whether you are replacing, resizing, or removing implants, and how to do it with the least added scarring. The right plan depends on your history and your goals, not on any standard default.
Revisions solve a range of concerns, and many plans address more than one at a time. The most common:
| TECHNIQUE | BEST FOR | WHERE THE SCAR SITS |
|---|---|---|
| Capsular contracture | Scar tissue hardens around the implant, causing firmness or distortion | Removes the scar tissue and replaces the implant |
| Rupture or leakage | A saline or silicone implant has failed | Removes and replaces the implant |
| Size or type change | Your goals have changed since your first surgery | Swaps to a larger or smaller implant, or saline to silicone |
| Malposition | Implants sit too high, too low, or off to one side | Repositions the implants for symmetry |
| Synmastia | Implants have drifted toward the midline (uniboob) | Rebuilds the internal pockets to separate them |
| Asymmetry | The breasts do not match in size or position | Balances size and positioning |
| Implant removal | You want to return to a natural look | Removes the implants, often with a lift to restore shape |
Dr. Sistare will pinpoint what is driving your concern and match the correction to it, rather than defaulting to a one-size plan.
Dr. Sistare will help you decide which path fits your situation during your consultation.
In most cases, Dr. Sistare can reuse the incision lines from your previous breast surgery, which keeps additional scarring to a minimum. If your revision calls for a different approach or a change in implant placement, a new incision may be needed, and it is placed in a discreet, easily concealed spot.
"A revision is built around your history. The best result comes from understanding what happened the first time, then correcting it with the least added scarring possible."
— DR. MICHAEL SISTARE
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A breast revision works best when expectations match what it can do. It corrects problems from a previous augmentation and updates results to match your current goals. It is its own surgery, with its own recovery, and timing matters.
You are likely a good candidate if:
A revision may not be the right choice right now if:
During your consultation, Dr. Sistare will evaluate your implants, your tissue, and your scar history and tell you honestly whether a revision, more time, or a different plan would serve you better. Even after several prior surgeries, a revision is often still possible. The goal is the right plan for the result you actually want.
Breast revision recovery is often quicker and less painful than a first augmentation, especially when existing incisions are reused. It is still real surgery with real downtime, and recovery depends on what was corrected, but the timeline below is what most patients can expect.
A breast revision is a safe, well-established surgery when performed by a qualified surgeon. That said, it is a real operation; it works around existing scar tissue, and it carries real risks you deserve to understand.
The two most important things within your control are choosing an experienced surgeon and following your aftercare exactly, including sleeping elevated on your back and wearing your support bra. Dr. Sistare will review every risk with you before your procedure.
Cost depends on what is being corrected, whether implants are replaced, resized, or removed, and whether a lift is added. Because every revision starts from a different history, the most accurate number comes from a consultation rather than a generic figure.
Most breast revisions are elective and paid out of pocket, though a documented complication such as an implant rupture or capsular contracture may qualify for partial insurance coverage. Financing is available through CareCredit and Cherry, and your consultation will include a clear breakdown based on your specific plan, with no obligation to proceed.
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These before and after photos contain nudity. Please click/tap to view the images.
Board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Michael Sistare brings advanced cosmetic surgery training and a precise, artistic eye to every procedure. He learned the art of cosmetic surgery as a surgical fellow under Dr. Erik Nuveen before returning home to South Florida to practice. Dr. Sistare and his team take the time to assess your body, explain your options in detail, and let you arrive at the right decision yourself, without pressure.
Dr. Sistare is focused on helping you get the results you want at a price you can afford. What patients mention most often in their reviews is the experience itself: a surgeon and team who listen, explain thoroughly, and are genuinely available.
