Breast Revision FAQs

Any woman who isn’t happy with her existing breast augmentation may be a candidate for breast implant revision. You should be in good overall physical and mental health, and have realistic expectations about your results.

Correction of capsular contracture, which is the abnormal growth of overdeveloped scar tissue around the breast implant, is the primary reason that women schedule implant revision. Dr. Koehler has found that a full removal of the scar tissue capsule combined with the use of Strattice dermal matrix when placing new implants leads to a decreased risk of recurrence along with superior revision results.

The question of reusing vs. replacing implants during revision surgery is one that varies depending on a number of considerations, including your reasons for pursuing revision surgery in the first place. For example, women who are interested in breast implant revision due to capsular contracture will likely see better results and a decreased chance of recurrence if they opt for new implants.

This is a personal choice that only you can make. Many women choose to replace implants should the need arise, while others decide to return to their pre-augmentation figure. Dr. Koehler is happy to discuss all the options with you so you can make the decision that’s right for you.

Performing revision surgery to correct breast implant asymmetry is very common. In fact, asymmetry after breast augmentation is one of the most common reasons that women cite for seeking out revision surgery in the first place. During implant revision surgery to improve symmetry, existing implants may be resized or replaced, or additional breast surgery procedures may be incorporated, such as a breast lift or breast reduction surgery.

Most health insurance companies view any type of breast enhancement as purely cosmetic, and won’t cover the costs associated with the primary surgery or any necessary revisions. However, you should always check with your insurance provider just to make sure. Dr. Koehler and his staff are happy to answer any questions you may have about cosmetic surgery pricing and help you fully understand the costs associated with your revision surgery.

Breast augmentation and breast implant revision, while related, can require very different skill sets. Dr. Koehler would encourage patients to seek the counsel of their original surgeon however, not every surgeon performing augmentation procedures will have the necessary knowledge base and understanding of the unique considerations that have to be accounted for in revision surgery. For the best breast implant revision results, be sure to schedule your surgery with a cosmetic surgeon who is well-versed in all types of implant revision.

The common saying in cosmetic surgery is to expect improvement rather than perfection, and this is especially true for revision surgery. While the goal is always to help you feel and look your best, factors such as existing scar tissue, your natural anatomy and your personal goals for surgery all play a role in your final results. Please feel free to visit our photo gallery to see images of women who have undergone implant revision for some examples of real patient results to get a better idea of what may be possible for you.