Breast augmentation is an art, but complications, poor surgical technique, or the wrong implants leave some women with a poor result. If you'd like to correct an issue from a previous experience—or simply wish to swap out your old breast implants for a new size or style—our board certified plastic surgeons have many years of experience in revision surgery and can help you get a look you love.
Every woman deserves to love her breasts…even if it takes a second try
Every year, thousands of patients get implants, and most are thrilled with their results. But if you’re one of the women who doesn’t love the results of your breast augmentation, don’t despair: you’re not alone, and we can help. As one of the longest-standing and most reputable breast surgery practices in the US, women often come to our Atlanta plastic surgery center for help with corrective surgery. In fact, replacing breast implants is one of our areas of special expertise and we would love to talk with you about your revision options.
Common reasons women want revision surgery
Whether due to unsatisfactory results from prior breast augmentation surgery or a desire for a different aesthetic, shape, or size than originally sought, the decision to have corrective breast surgery is incredibly personal—and there are many different reasons a woman may choose to have breast implant revision. Here are a few of the most common reasons we hear from our Atlanta plastic surgery patients.
I am 8 weeks post op from Breast Augmentation replacement… I have had surgery a few other times and I never received this type of care. If you are considering any type of plastic surgery call the Swan Center before going anywhere else.
Breast implant complications after breast augmentation
In recent years, breast implant complications have become increasingly rare. However, they do sometimes happen. These complications can occur as a result of error during surgery, while you are healing, or even many years after your procedure. Typical breast implant complications that may require a surgical correction at our Atlanta plastic surgery center include:
Breast Implant Displacement (“Bottoming Out”)
This condition occurs when the breast implant falls beneath your natural breast crease, creating an over-full appearance in the lower half of the breast, the illusion of unnaturally high nipples, and a deflated looking upper breast.
Symmastia (“Bread Loafing”)
Symmastia occurs when implants extend too closely to the middle of the chest, causing them to appear fused in a bread loaf-like appearance. It is often the result of implants placed too far toward the center of the chest during surgery or if chosen implants are simply too wide for the patient’s body frame and chest wall.
Capsular Contracture
This condition can become quite painful for patients who experience it. When implants are placed, a capsule of scar tissue naturally forms around it as your body heals. Capsular contracture occurs when this capsule shrinks and begins putting pressure on the breast implant, leading to discomfort, a firmness of the breast, and a distorted appearance.
Double Bubble
If the bottom of your implant falls behind your inframammary fold (natural crease under your breast), rather than in alignment with it, an indentation or fold will appear across the breast implant. This results in the appearance of two breast creases: your natural crease, which is falling too high on the breast implant, and then a second crease where the bottom of the implant rests.
Your aesthetic preferences have changed
As we move through life, it’s totally normal to change—and your preferences when it comes to your breasts are no different. After your original breast augmentation, you may have experienced big life changes, such as having a child or weight fluctuation, that impacted your breasts (or the way you feel about them), or you simply may have decided you’d be happier with a different look. It is okay if the look you hoped for with your first procedure just isn’t the look you’d like now. Many of our Atlanta breast revision patients would like to change the size of their implants or are interested in trying newer generations of implants to achieve a more natural look and feel.
Meet Your Breast Surgery Specialists
Dr. Joseph Bauer
Board-Certified Plastic & General Surgeon
With over 50,000 breast surgeries under his belt, Dr. Bauer is one of the most respected aesthetic breast surgeons in the US. He is a Mentor LEAD surgeon whose specialized techniques, thoughtful approach, and exceptionally natural-looking results have earned the trust of patients from around the world.
As a female and mom, “Dr. Cat” can easily relate to her patients. She loves supporting and empowering other women. Her meticulous skill and friendly, supportive personality have endeared her to patients and earned her a “Best Plastic Surgeon” award from My Alpharetta magazine.
An 11-time Vitals’ Patient Choice award winner, Dr. Fardo treats every patient as if they were family. He is a trusted authority on breast enhancement, and contributes his expertise to industry publications and Mentor Worldwide, LLC, as part of the LEAD national council.
The first step in the breast revision process is to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in corrective breast surgery. During a private consultation, your surgeon can listen to your concerns, examine the condition of your breasts and implants, and help you understand your options.
The techniques used for your revision will depend on your unique concerns. Some complications can be addressed without having to remove or replace the implant; however, most of the time we recommend swapping the original breast implants out with new implants that may better meet your needs.
Recovery following revision breast surgery
After your revision surgery, all post-op supplies and garments you need for your recovery will have been provided by The Swan Center, thus hopefully alleviating any stress and allowing you to focus on you! Light activities can be resumed in a few days, and more aerobic activities can be started after about 3 weeks. You can expect to be back at work in about 4 days. It will take up to 6 months for your breasts to fully settle. Be sure to carefully follow all post-operative instructions throughout the entirety of your recovery period.
Choosing a surgeon for your breast revision
Breast revision surgery requires a keen eye for aesthetics, a commitment to staying abreast of new and innovative breast augmentation techniques, and the ability to develop and apply problem-solving techniques. As one of the leading cosmetic practices in the Southeast with a respected expertise in breast procedures, the Swan Center’s Atlanta plastic surgeons are known for their unique problem-solving surgical techniques. They are often called upon by their colleagues to assist revision surgery patients who are unhappy with the aesthetic outcome of their original breast augmentation.
If you would like more information about breast augmentation options or to find out how breast revision could help you, we encourage you to contact our Atlanta office and schedule a consultation with one of our qualified plastic surgeons. For revision cases, there is a consultation fee of $250.