How Do I Know If My Breast Implants Need to Be Revised or Replaced?
Implants don't last forever, and that's the part many surgeons don't emphasize during the first consultation. If your implants are ten years old or more, or if you're noticing changes like hardening, asymmetry, shifting, rippling, or pain, it's time for an evaluation. I see a lot of Santa Ana patients who had their original augmentation elsewhere and are now dealing with problems. Capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant, is the most common reason for revision. It makes the breast feel hard and look unnatural. Other reasons include implants that have dropped too low, moved too far apart, or ruptured.
Why Revision Surgery Is More Complex Than the Original
Revision is harder than a first-time breast augmentation. The tissue has been stretched, scar tissue has formed, and the pocket may need to be completely rebuilt. This is not a procedure for a surgeon who only does a few breast cases a month. I've performed over 8,000 breast surgeries in my career, and a significant number of those are breast revisions. I frequently see patients whose original surgeon either doesn't do revisions or moved to a different state. I'll be straight with you: revision results depend heavily on what the previous surgeon did and what your tissue looks like now. Sometimes we can achieve a great outcome. Other times we're managing a difficult situation and making the best of it.
What Revision Typically Involves
It depends on the problem. For capsular contracture, I remove the scar tissue capsule and usually switch the implant position from over the muscle to under it, or vice versa. For malposition, I rebuild the pocket with internal sutures to hold the implant in the correct location. For rupture, I remove the old implant and any leaked silicone, then replace it. Some patients use this as an opportunity to change size, switch from saline to silicone, or go from implants to a natural look with a lift.
Coming From Santa Ana
Our Costa Mesa office at 3140 Red Hill Ave is about 10 to 15 minutes from Santa Ana. Easy access from the 55 or Bristol Street. Free parking. For revision consultations, bring any records or photos from your original surgery if you have them. It helps me understand what was done and plan accordingly.
Pricing and What to Expect
Filler pricing depends on the product and how many syringes you need. A single syringe of Juvederm or Restylane runs from $385 to $585. Most patients need one to two syringes depending on the treatment area. I'll tell you the exact cost before we start, no surprises. We also offer membership pricing that brings the cost down if you plan to maintain your results over time.
Schedule Your Revision Consultation
Call (714) 544-8678. Breast revision consultations are free. I'll examine your current implants, discuss your options, and give you an honest assessment of what's achievable. Hablamos espanol.
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