Revisional Breast Augmentation
Serving Danville, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Livermore, and across the East Bay metro area
Many women find that their needs or aesthetic preferences change in the years following an initial breast augmentation.
Breast revision surgery is a corrective field that addresses both medical complications and changing aesthetic preferences, ensuring your breasts remain in perfect harmony with your body.
At Blackhawk Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS, specializes in navigating the complexities of existing scar tissue, implant complications, and your changing anatomy to deliver the beautiful, long-lasting outcome you deserve.
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Revisional breast augmentation, or breast implant revision, focuses on updating or correcting the results of a previous breast augmentation surgery.
A revision procedure may involve removing breast implants, replacing them with new implants, or modifying the breast implant pocket to improve the overall shape and position of the breasts. Revision surgery requires a deep understanding of how breast tissue has healed around the implant over time.
Whether you are seeking to correct a specific complication or simply want to take advantage of newer breast implant technology, breast revision provides the opportunity to start fresh.
Dr. Ronan works closely with each patient to develop a surgical plan that addresses their specific concerns, minimizes additional scarring, and delivers results that align with their current goals.
Every breast augmentation revision surgery begins with a comprehensive consultation to create a personalized surgical plan. Dr. Ronan will learn about all of your goals or concerns, evaluate your current breast anatomy, and assess the integrity of your existing breast implants. On the day of your surgery, which is performed under general anesthesia in our Danville facility, Dr. Ronan typically utilizes the existing incisions from your previous breast surgery to minimize additional scarring.
Once the surgeon makes the necessary incisions, the old implants are removed. If you are dealing with capsular contracture, Dr. Ronan will also address the excessive scar tissue surrounding the implant. He then meticulously modifies the breast implant pocket to ensure the new implants sit in the ideal position for a natural-looking result. Patients also have the option of removing their implants to restore a natural breast profile; in this case, a breast lift is often performed in the same surgical session to address excess, sagging skin. The revision surgery usually takes two to three hours. You will be monitored closely as the anesthesia wears off before returning home the same day.
st revision surgery may be performed to address a variety of medical and cosmetic issues that can arise years after an initial breast augmentation. Common reasons patients may seek implant revision include:
Living with implant complications or breasts that do not reflect your current preferences can have a profound impact on your physical comfort and your self-image. For patients suffering from the tightness of capsular contracture or the weight of malpositioned implants, a revision procedure can alleviate chronic pain and chest pressure. Revision breast augmentation also allows patients to take advantage of newer implant technologies, such as "gummy bear"-style cohesive silicone implants that offer a more natural feel and a lower risk of rupture.
Breast augmentation revision surgery also allows you to adjust your implant size and shape to better reflect your current physique and personal style. Dr. Ronan’s focus on precision ensures that your results address any complications you are experiencing while providing a natural look and feel that harmonizes with your contours.
If you are experiencing complications or are unhappy with the appearance of your breasts following a primary breast augmentation surgery, you are likely a good candidate for breast revision surgery. It is important to have realistic expectations, as revision surgery involves working with existing scar tissue and altered breast tissue. Dr. Ronan will review your surgical history and perform a physical exam to ensure that a revision is the safest path toward your desired outcome.
Recovering from breast implant revision is often similar to the recovery following your initial breast augmentation. You will experience some swelling and a feeling of tightness in the chest for the first few days. We provide a detailed postoperative care plan, including the use of a supportive bra, to protect the surgical area.
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within a week. As the initial swelling begins to decrease, you will start to see the early results of your revision. It is important to avoid heavy lifting for several weeks to allow the new implants to settle into their final position without the risk of displacement. Dr. Ronan and his team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and check your healing at post-operative visits.
The results of a breast implant revision procedure are highly rewarding, as they finally resolve long-standing issues or aesthetic frustrations. You will notice an immediate improvement in the shape and position of your breasts, with a more symmetrical and natural-looking profile.
While it takes a few months for the tissues to fully soften and for the implants to drop into their final position, the boost in confidence is often immediate. By choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in implant revisions, you are ensuring that your secondary procedure is your final, successful step toward the look you’ve always wanted.
Revision surgery is a technically demanding procedure that should only be performed by a surgeon with extensive experience in secondary breast procedures. Dr. Stephen Ronan is a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for his ability to correct unsatisfactory results with integrity and precision. At Blackhawk Plastic Surgery, we understand the emotional weight of undergoing a second surgery. Our Danville team provides the compassionate care and surgical mastery needed to address your concerns and help you move forward with a silhouette you truly love.
In many cases, the recovery from a revision is actually more comfortable than the primary procedure. Because the breast implant pocket has already been created, the tissues are often more accommodating to the new implants. Dr. Ronan also utilizes advanced long-acting numbing blocks to ensure your initial healing phase is as seamless and pain-free as possible.
Yes, this is one of the most common reasons patients seek a revision. Many women find that the newer cohesive silicone gel technology—often referred to as "gummy bear" implants—provides a more natural feel and a softer silhouette than their original saline implants. During your surgical plan development, Dr. Ronan will help you select the specific implant technology that best fits your anatomy.
Dr. Ronan prioritizes aesthetic integrity and always strives to minimize additional scarring. In most revision procedures, he is able to use your existing scar tissue and original incision sites to access the implant pocket. This approach ensures that your transformation remains discreet while providing the necessary corrective access.
A simple exchange involves replacing old implants with new ones through the same pocket. A full revision breast augmentation is more comprehensive; it may involve removing excessive scar tissue (capsulectomy), tightening the breast implant pocket to correct shifting, or combining the exchange with a breast lift to address new sagging. Dr. Ronan will provide a physical exam to determine which level of correction is required for your desired outcome.
Generally, we recommend waiting at least six to twelve months after your initial breast augmentation before undergoing a revision. It takes this amount of time for the internal tissues to fully heal, for swelling to resolve, and for the implants to settle into their final position. However, if you are experiencing a medical complication like an implant rupture or severe capsular contracture, a revision may be prioritized sooner for your safety.
When it comes to plastic surgery, proper care happens before, during, and after surgery day. That’s why we’ve created blueprints outlining what patients and providers need to consider to ensure success. Our pre-care and post-care guides are here to help our patients and all patients take the necessary steps to maximize their chances of safe surgery and beautiful results.
Located in Danville’s Blackhawk Plaza, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is Northern California’s largest, most advanced plastic surgery and medspa center.
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