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What is Breast Revision?

Breast revision, also known as implant exchange, is performed to achieve the patient’s original wishes for an elegant and personalized augmentation procedure. While breast augmentation with implants has a high rate of client satisfaction, there are times when a woman may wish to resume a more natural look or switch to implants of a different size. 

Additionally, breast revision is often performed to mitigate complications such as capsular contracture, malposition, rippling, rupture, and illness. Regardless of the reasons for pursuing a change, Dr. Wirth can deliver beautiful, customized outcomes with breast revision in Newport Beach that restore your quality of life and self-confidence.

What is the goal of breast revision?

The goal of breast revision surgery is to replace old (or prior) breast implants with new ones. This may be done for a myriad of reasons.

After breast augmentation, most patients feel a renewed sense of satisfaction with how they look. In a select few, however, an enhanced cup size may not fulfill expectations, and the patient may desire to return to a more modest cup size.

Dr. Wirth's breast revision surgery can help correct issues related to the size and cosmetic appearance of the implants. It is also the chosen solution when a woman is dealing with discomfort or complications related to her implants, such as capsular contracture, BII (Breast Implant Illness), or BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). In some cases, women may want to remove their implants and not replace them, which Dr. Wirth also offers and you can read more about on his breast implant removal page.

What are the benefits of breast revision?

Benefits of breast revision in Newport Beach with Dr. Wirth include:

  • Improved comfort and well-being
  • Reduced pressure on the back, neck, and shoulders
  • Enhanced self-confidence and peace of mind
  • Relief from complications
  • Long-lasting results
  • Optimized breast symmetry

Who is an ideal candidate for BREAST REVISION?

As with the initial breast augmentation procedure, ideal candidates are:

  • Non-smoking women who are healthy, both physically and mentally
  • Not currently struggling with any significant medical issues
  • Have positive, realistic expectations for their outcomes based on a detailed consultation process with Dr. Wirth


If you are dealing with implant complications or you’re simply ready for a change, a breast revision in Newport Beach may be an excellent option for regaining your sense of satisfaction with how you look and feel.

What types of issues can be addressed by breast revision?

There are several reasons women undergo breast revision surgery. Some of the most common reasons include:

Capsular contracture

This occurs when the tissue surrounding the implants hardens, distorting the appearance of the breasts and causing discomfort. The condition in some may not warrant a revision, while in others, a capsulectomy may need to be performed.

Implant rupture or leakage

If saline implants rupture, it will be immediately apparent since the chest will look deflated. Ruptures with silicone implants are a little more difficult to detect and usually need to be diagnosed through an ultrasound or MRI.

Implant rippling

When the patient has thin breast tissue, or when they have chosen devices that are too large, the implant edges may become visible. This also occurs sometimes when the implants are placed over the chest muscles rather than beneath them. Rippling typically happens more with saline implants.

Implant malposition

This condition occurs when the implants shift away from their intended positions and drift inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards. A faulty surgical technique may be to blame, or a poor choice of implant size in relation to the body frame. Lastly, capsular contracture may contribute to implant malposition.

Symmastia

This is a rare complication where the implants drift together, often referred to as “uni-boob”. It happens when the muscle and skin between the breasts shift away from the chest, and the implant capsules collide. The result is a poor cosmetic appearance accompanied by discomfort.

BII

Breast Implant Illness occurs very rarely but includes a host of symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, trouble concentrating, respiratory difficulties, hair loss, and pain. The most common solution for BII is an en bloc capsulectomy to remove both the implant and the pocket as a single unit.

BIA-ALCL

BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. Rather, it is a type of rare lymphoma that forms in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. The condition is associated with textured devices. Dr. Wirth can perform an en bloc capsulectomy to remove the implants and capsules together.

A change in appearance

Breast revision is not only performed to address complications. It can also help restore a positive self-image in women whose aesthetic sensibilities have changed over time. The implants can be removed entirely and a fat transfer or breast lift can be performed to restore balance and beauty. The devices can also be exchanged.

Wirth Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Why choose Dr. Wirth for breast revision in Newport Beach?

Dr. Wirth is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, specializing in the demanding field of breast surgery, as evidenced by his consistently elegant, nuanced results.

Whether he is reshaping a woman’s breasts after explantation or helping to restore confidence after implant complications, his skill, artistry, and compassion combine to offer a superior and rewarding patient experience from start to finish.

Dr. Wirth received a Master’s Degree in Physiology and Cell Biology, going on to obtain his Doctor of Medicine degree at Albany Medical College. He then completed a prestigious residency in general surgery as well as additional elite training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California – Irvine Medical Center

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What is recovery like following breast revision surgery?

Recovery after breast exchange is usually much less demanding since the capsule does not need to be recreated from scratch, and the original incisions can be used. That being said, patients can still expect to need around 10-14 days to rest and heal. When a capsulectomy, mastopexy, or fat transfer procedure is performed with breast revision, downtime may be longer. Each patient will recover at their own rate.

Dr. Wirth will provide you with pain medications, a detailed aftercare plan, and a compression garment to help reduce swelling after surgery. He will give you personalized instructions for bathing, sleeping, caring for your incisions, restarting an exercise regimen, and returning to work.

After breast revision, many patients find it beneficial to take short, gentle walks. This helps to promote circulation and blood flow, minimizing the risk of complications. It also helps support a positive mindset.

Breast Revision FAQs

What are the risks of breast revision?

Dr. Wirth’s superior surgical techniques help to minimize the risk of complications. However, all surgeries come with inherent risks, including anesthesia risks, bleeding, infection, poor scarring, changes in breast sensation, temporary numbness, implant rupture, asymmetry, and a poor cosmetic result.

How much does breast revision cost?

Costs vary based on the extent of the work performed, the techniques used, and whether the patient undergoes additional procedures at the same time as their breast revision. Dr. Wirth will provide a personalized quote at the time of your confidential consultation.

How long do I need to wait after an augmentation procedure to get a revision?

Dr. Wirth suggests that clients wait at least 6 months before being assessed for a revision procedure. This allows the body enough time to heal from the primary breast augmentation procedure and for any residual swelling to completely resolve.

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