Breast Implant Revision in Los Angeles
Candidates
Women who are considering breast implant revision surgery should wait until their breasts have had adequate healing time after their primary breast augmentation surgery. Minor swelling can affect the appearance of the breasts for six months to a year after surgery. Patients with breasts that appear high on the chest may need to give the implants time to settle into their breast pockets. However, you should consider immediate breast implant revision surgery if you have developed a complication as a result of your augmentation procedure.
Common Reasons for Implant Revision
- Size: If you have given your breasts adequate time to heal and are still not satisfied with the size of your implants, then you may wish to have surgery to replace them. While some women feel their implants are too large, many more feel that they are too small and don’t provide the breast size increase they desired.
- In most cases, Dr. Kao can utilize your previous incision sites to remove your original implants and replace them with new ones that will provide the desired size increase.
- Wrinkling and Rippling: When women with thin breast tissue choose saline breast implants, they may develop visible wrinkling or rippling. This can distort the appearance of the breasts and make women feel self-conscious.
- Dr. Kao can remove saline implants and replace them with silicone implants to prevent future rippling.
- Capsular Contracture: A shell of scar tissue naturally forms around the breast implant during healing. In some cases, this shell can become hard and tight, constricting the implant. Capsular contracture can affect the appearance of your breast by making it look and feel hard. In aggressive cases, capsular contracture can be painful.
- Dr. Kao can perform a capsulotomy to release the pressure of the tissue shell or a capsulectomy to completely remove the scar tissue shell without removing any breast tissue. It is very important for the surgeon to take his time to ensure that no breast tissue is removed with the scar tissue. Dr. Kao performs capsulectomy with meticulous precision without removing any breast tissue. In cases of a capsulectomy, Dr. Kao removes the old implant and inserts a new one.
- Implant Rupture: Implant ruptures are most easily identified in patients with saline breast implants because the breast visibly deflates. Patients with silicone implants require an MRI to diagnose an implant rupture since there may be no visible difference in the appearance of the breast. While implant ruptures aren’t immediately harmful to your health, you should correct a rupture as soon as it occurs.
- Dr. Kao can utilize your previous breast augmentation incision site to remove the ruptured implant. In the cases of silicone implants, the breast pocket is cleaned of silicone gel. A new implant is inserted to restore the appearance of the breast.
- Synmastia (also called “uniboob” or “breadloafing;” often misspelled as symmastia): In rare cases, the breast implants move out of their pockets and migrate medially toward each other. This occurs when the breast pocket was made too wide during your first augmentation, allowing the implants to slip toward the center of the chest where they may begin to touch.
- Dr. Kao places sutures around the edge of the breast pocket to prevent the implants from crossing the midline. These sutures may be placed in the capsule layer along the inner breast contour or directly into the bone.
- Bottoming Out: When large implants are placed on weak breast tissue, the implant can become too heavy for the tissue to support. Over time, the implant may slip out of the pocket and past the lower edge of the breast tissue. Two distinct folds develop on the underside of the breast: the lower implant edge and the higher breast tissue edge.
- Dr. Kao can provide additional support to the implant by reconstructing the inframammary crease. Sutures are placed in the lower portion of the breast capsule, and the implant is repositioned in the breast pocket.
- Double-Bubble Deformity: Like bottoming out, two distinct folds develop under the breast. However, the lower fold is caused by weak, sagging breast tissue. Over time, if you had sagging breast tissue and did not receive a lift in combination with your first augmentation, your breast tissue may begin to droop and pool under the breast implant.
- Dr. Kao performs breast lifts to correct tissue sagging. He removes excess skin and fat from under the implant and pulls the remaining tissue tight.
Recovery
All of Dr. Kao’s patients have the option to stay at an aftercare facility following their procedure. KO’AN Recovery Center is a post-surgical care facility situated just across the street from Dr. Kao’s surgical facility, and it is located in a federally and state-licensed healthcare center.
You may experience bruising, swelling, and redness following your procedure, and you may experience some minor discomfort that can be alleviated with prescribed oral pain medication. You will be required to rest in an upright position for several days to minimize swelling and should avoid strenuous physical activities for several weeks.
The length of your recovery period will depend on the extent of correction needed. Most invasive procedures will leave people out of work for two weeks. You can resume your regular exercise routine after four to six weeks. Most major swelling should begin to subside at this time.
Results
Secondary breast procedures usually permanently correct the issue you face. Some complications, like capsular contracture, have a chance of developing again. It is important to discuss with your surgeon the methods to help prevent further complications from developing.
Scarring
Dr. Kao attempts to minimize the need for additional scarring by utilizing existing incision sites. Some cases may require new incisions to be placed on other areas of the breast(s). Additional scarring is likely to fade over time.
If you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts after your augmentation or are experiencing complications that affect your breasts’ aesthetics, schedule your consultation today. Dr. Kao is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast procedures. He and his friendly staff are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Contact our office at 310-315-9211 or fill out our online contact form here for additional information.
Breast Implant Revision in Los Angeles
Not every breast augmentation result feels right long term. Some patients are unhappy with their implant size, shape, position, symmetry, or overall feel. Others develop changes over time due to aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuation, implant complications, capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, or implant displacement. Breast implant revision surgery is designed to correct concerns from a previous breast augmentation and restore a more natural, balanced, and comfortable breast appearance. At Kao Plastic Surgery in Santa Monica, just west of Los Angeles, Dr. Chia Chi Kao performs breast implant revision for patients who want to improve their results, address complications, or update their implants after years of change. Because revision surgery is often more complex than a first-time breast augmentation, the procedure requires careful planning, precise technique, and a strong understanding of breast anatomy, scar tissue, implant pockets, skin quality, and long-term support. Dr. Kao evaluates each patient individually to determine the safest and most effective way to improve breast shape, symmetry, softness, and proportion.
Am I a Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?
Good candidates for breast implant revision are patients who have previously undergone breast augmentation and are dissatisfied with the appearance, feel, size, position, or comfort of their implants. In our experience, patients often seek revision because their goals have changed, their bodies have changed, or the original implant result no longer looks or feels natural. It is important to allow enough time for the breasts to fully heal after a primary augmentation before deciding that revision is necessary. Minor swelling, implant settling, and tissue adjustment can take several months. However, if you are experiencing pain, hardening, visible implant distortion, rupture, malposition, or another complication, a revision consultation may be appropriate sooner. Patients commonly consider breast implant revision for concerns such as:
- Implants that feel too large or too small
- Breast asymmetry after augmentation
- Capsular contracture or implant hardening
- Visible rippling or wrinkling
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Implants that sit too high, too low, too wide, or too close together
- Bottoming out or double-bubble deformity
- Changes after pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight loss, or aging
- A desire to switch from saline to silicone implants, or vice versa
- A desire to remove implants and restore a natural breast shape
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your implant position, breast tissue, skin quality, scar tissue, nipple position, prior incision pattern, and long-term goals. He may discuss implant exchange, capsule correction, breast lift, fat transfer, implant removal, or a combination approach depending on what is needed to restore a more balanced result.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Revision
Breast implant revision is highly individualized because every patient’s concerns are different. Some revisions are performed for aesthetic reasons, while others are needed to correct implant-related complications. Dr. Kao’s goal is to identify the true cause of the problem and design a surgical plan that improves both appearance and long-term support.
Changing Implant Size
Some patients decide that their original implants are too large, too small, too wide, or no longer proportionate to their body. In our experience, many women seek revision because their aesthetic preferences have changed over time. Others may have wanted a more noticeable change from their first augmentation and now want a fuller result. When appropriate, Dr. Kao may be able to use the previous incision sites to remove the original implants and replace them with implants that better match the patient’s current goals. Implant size, profile, width, projection, and pocket position are all carefully reviewed before surgery.
Wrinkling and Rippling
Visible implant wrinkling or rippling can occur when there is limited natural breast tissue covering the implant, when saline implants are used, or when tissue has thinned over time. Rippling may be more noticeable along the sides, lower breast, or cleavage area. Depending on the cause, Dr. Kao may recommend switching implant type, adjusting implant placement, improving soft tissue coverage, or using fat transfer to the breast to soften visible implant edges and improve contour.
Capsular Contracture
After breast augmentation, the body naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around each implant. This is called the capsule. In some patients, the capsule becomes tight, firm, or distorted, which can make the breast feel hard, look misshapen, or become uncomfortable. This condition is called capsular contracture. Correction may involve releasing the capsule, removing scar tissue, replacing the implant, adjusting the implant pocket, or changing the surgical plan to reduce the risk of recurrence. Capsular contracture correction requires careful technique because the goal is to improve breast softness and shape while preserving healthy tissue.
Implant Rupture or Deflation
Saline implant rupture is often obvious because the breast usually deflates as the saline is absorbed by the body. Silicone implant rupture can be more difficult to detect because the breast may not visibly change. Imaging may be recommended to evaluate silicone implant integrity. If an implant is ruptured, Dr. Kao can remove the damaged implant, clean the implant pocket when needed, and replace the implant if the patient wants to maintain breast volume. Some patients may choose to remove implants entirely or combine implant removal with a breast lift or fat transfer.
Symmastia or Implants Too Close Together
Symmastia occurs when the implants move too close to the center of the chest, sometimes creating the appearance of a connected breast shape. This can happen when the implant pockets were created too widely or when implant size places too much pressure toward the midline. Correcting symmastia often requires rebuilding the inner breast pocket and improving implant support. Dr. Kao may use internal suturing techniques to help restore the natural separation between the breasts and reposition the implants more appropriately.
Bottoming Out
Bottoming out occurs when an implant drops too low on the chest, causing the nipple to appear too high on the breast or the lower breast fold to stretch downward. This may happen when implants are too heavy for the tissue, the lower breast support weakens, or the implant pocket expands over time. Revision may involve reconstructing the inframammary fold, tightening the lower implant pocket, changing implant size, or adding support to improve implant position. The goal is to restore a more natural breast contour and better alignment between the implant, breast tissue, and nipple position.
Double-Bubble Deformity
A double-bubble deformity can create two visible folds beneath the breast. This may occur when the implant sits below the natural breast fold, when breast tissue sags over the implant, or when a previous augmentation did not adequately address existing breast laxity. Correction depends on the cause. Some patients may need pocket repair, implant repositioning, implant exchange, or a breast lift to tighten loose tissue and improve breast shape. Dr. Kao will evaluate whether the issue is primarily implant-related, tissue-related, or both.
Recovery After Breast Implant Revision
Recovery after breast implant revision varies depending on the type of correction performed. A simple implant exchange may have a shorter recovery than a more complex revision involving capsule correction, pocket repair, breast lift, implant removal, or fat transfer. Most patients can expect some bruising, swelling, tightness, and soreness after surgery. Prescription or recommended medication may be used to manage discomfort during the early recovery period. You may also be asked to wear a surgical bra or support garment to help protect the breasts as they heal. Patients are usually advised to rest with the upper body slightly elevated for the first several days to help reduce swelling. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and upper-body workouts should be avoided until Dr. Kao clears you to resume those activities. Many patients return to desk work or light daily activities within one to two weeks, depending on the extent of correction. More involved revision procedures may require additional downtime. Exercise is commonly resumed around four to six weeks, although your timeline will depend on your surgical plan and healing progress. All of Dr. Kao’s patients have the option to recover at the KO’AN Recovery Center, a post-surgical aftercare setting near the Santa Monica surgical center. This can be especially helpful for patients undergoing more complex revision procedures who want additional privacy, comfort, and professional recovery support.
Breast Implant Revision Results
Breast implant revision is designed to improve the appearance, feel, comfort, or position of the breasts after a previous augmentation. Results depend on the reason for revision, the quality of the breast tissue, the condition of the implant pocket, the amount of scar tissue present, and the type of correction performed. Some patients see an immediate improvement in breast size, shape, or position, while swelling and tissue settling continue to refine the result over several weeks and months. If a breast lift, fat transfer, or capsule correction is performed, the final outcome may take longer to fully develop. Many revision concerns can be corrected long term, but some conditions, such as capsular contracture, can recur. During your consultation, Dr. Kao will explain the realistic goals of revision surgery, the limitations of your anatomy, and any steps that may help reduce the chance of future problems.
Before and After Photos
Will Breast Implant Revision Leave New Scars?
Whenever possible, Dr. Kao attempts to use existing incision sites from the original breast augmentation to minimize additional scarring. In many cases, implants can be removed or exchanged through a previous incision.
However, some revision procedures require new incisions, especially when a breast lift, capsule correction, or more advanced reshaping is needed. If new incisions are necessary, Dr. Kao will explain where they are likely to be placed and how they may heal over time.
Scars usually fade gradually, although every patient heals differently. Proper incision care, scar management, and follow-up visits can help support the best possible healing outcome.
Breast Implant Revision Video
Additional Breast Implant Revision Photos
Why Choose Dr. Kao for Breast Implant Revision?
Breast implant revision is often more technically demanding than a first-time breast augmentation. The surgeon must understand not only implant selection, but also scar tissue, capsule behavior, implant pocket repair, breast tissue support, skin quality, asymmetry, and long-term breast shape.
Dr. Kao brings extensive experience in aesthetic breast surgery, revision planning, and natural-looking breast enhancement. His approach is focused on improving breast proportion, softness, symmetry, and support while creating a result that looks refined and appropriate for the patient’s body.
At Kao Plastic Surgery, revision surgery begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Kao will listen to what you dislike about your current result, evaluate the cause of the issue, and explain what can realistically be improved. In some cases, the best solution may involve implant exchange. In others, it may require pocket repair, capsule correction, implant removal, fat transfer, a breast lift, or a combination approach.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Revision Consultation
If you are unhappy with the appearance, feel, size, or position of your breast implants, breast implant revision may help restore a more comfortable and natural-looking result. Dr. Kao will evaluate your current implants, breast tissue, scar tissue, skin quality, and goals to determine the best revision plan for your needs.
To schedule your consultation, call (310) 315-9211 or request a consultation online. Kao Plastic Surgery serves patients from Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding Southern California communities.
Individual results vary. Risks, benefits, recovery, and revision options will be discussed during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Revision
- What is breast implant revision surgery?
- Breast implant revision is a secondary breast surgery performed to improve, correct, remove, or replace breast implants from a previous breast augmentation. It may address concerns such as implant size, shape, position, capsular contracture, rupture, rippling, asymmetry, bottoming out, or changes caused by aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuation.
- How do I know if I need breast implant revision?
- You may be a candidate for breast implant revision if you are unhappy with the appearance, feel, size, symmetry, or position of your implants. Revision may also be appropriate if you have pain, firmness, implant rupture, capsular contracture, visible rippling, implant displacement, or other complications. During your consultation, Dr. Chia Chi Kao will evaluate your implants, breast tissue, scar tissue, and goals before recommending a plan.
- How long should I wait before having breast implant revision?
- If your concern is mostly cosmetic, it is often best to wait until swelling has resolved and the implants have had time to settle after your original breast augmentation. This can take several months. However, if you have pain, rupture, severe asymmetry, capsular contracture, infection, or another significant complication, you should schedule an evaluation sooner.
- Can Dr. Kao change my implant size during revision?
- Yes. Many patients choose breast implant revision because they want larger implants, smaller implants, a different profile, or a more natural-looking size. Dr. Kao will evaluate your tissue quality, implant pocket, chest width, and goals to determine which implant size and shape can be safely supported.
- Can breast implant revision fix capsular contracture?
- Breast implant revision can often improve capsular contracture by releasing or removing tight scar tissue around the implant, replacing the implant, and adjusting the surgical pocket when needed. Capsular contracture can sometimes recur, so Dr. Kao will discuss your risk factors, surgical options, and long-term monitoring during your consultation.
- What happens if my breast implant has ruptured?
- If a saline implant ruptures, the breast usually deflates as the saline is absorbed by the body. Silicone implant rupture can be harder to detect and may require imaging. During revision surgery, the damaged implant can be removed and replaced, or the implants may be removed entirely depending on your goals. You can also review general implant safety information from the FDA breast implant resource.
- Can breast implant revision correct rippling?
- Yes, in many cases. Rippling may be improved by changing implant type, adjusting implant placement, improving soft tissue coverage, or using fat transfer to the breast to soften visible implant edges. The best solution depends on your implant type, tissue thickness, and where the rippling appears.
- Can breast implant revision fix bottoming out?
- Breast implant revision can often improve bottoming out by repairing the lower breast pocket, reconstructing the inframammary fold, changing implant size, or adding internal support. Dr. Kao will determine whether the implant has dropped too low, whether the lower breast tissue has stretched, and what type of repair is needed.
- Can I remove my breast implants instead of replacing them?
- Yes. Some patients choose implant removal without replacement because their preferences have changed or they want a more natural breast shape. Depending on skin quality, breast tissue, and nipple position, Dr. Kao may discuss implant removal with breast lift or fat transfer to help restore shape after explant surgery.
- Will I need a breast lift with implant revision?
- You may need a breast lift if your breast tissue has sagged, your nipples sit too low, or loose skin is affecting the final shape. A lift can be combined with implant exchange, implant removal, or fat transfer depending on your goals and anatomy.
- Will breast implant revision leave new scars?
- Whenever possible, Dr. Kao attempts to use previous incision sites to minimize additional scarring. However, new incisions may be needed if the revision includes a breast lift, capsule correction, pocket repair, or more advanced reshaping. Most scars fade over time, although every patient heals differently.
- Is recovery harder than the first breast augmentation?
- Recovery depends on the complexity of the revision. A simple implant exchange may feel similar to or easier than the first augmentation, while procedures involving capsule correction, pocket repair, breast lift, or implant removal may require more downtime. Dr. Kao will explain your expected recovery timeline based on your surgical plan.
- How much does breast implant revision cost in Los Angeles?
- The cost of breast implant revision in Los Angeles depends on the complexity of the procedure, whether implants are exchanged or removed, whether capsule correction or pocket repair is needed, whether a breast lift or fat transfer is included, and the details of your surgical plan. A personalized quote will be provided after your consultation at Kao Plastic Surgery.
