BREAST REVISION SURGERY GOLD COAST
Breast revision refers to a range of procedures that correct, update or reverse a previous breast augmentation. It may involve removing your implants — known as explant surgery — with or without replacement, removing the scar-tissue capsule that forms around an implant (capsulectomy), exchanging implants for a different size or type, or combining implant removal with a breast lift (mastopexy) or fat transfer to restore shape. People consider revision for many reasons, from capsular contracture, implant rupture or ageing implants to a change in body shape or a decision to remove implants altogether. Breast revision is surgery carried out under general anaesthesia; it carries risks and involves a planned recovery, and the most appropriate option for you is determined at a one-on-one consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon.
Where would you like to start?
Options in DetailYour breast revision options
Removing your implants, with or without the capsule
Your implants are removed — with or without part or all of the surrounding scar-tissue capsule (capsulectomy), depending on your circumstances. No new implants are placed. Depending on your tissue, the breasts may look flatter or softer afterwards, and a lift or fat transfer can sometimes be added to help improve shape.
What is involved
- Removal of the existing implants
- Partial or full capsulectomy if needed
- No new implants placed
- A lift or fat transfer can sometimes be added
Updating to new implants
Your existing implants are removed and new implants are placed, with the size, type and profile tailored to your goals. This may involve adjusting the implant pocket or capsular work, and can be combined with a lift or fat transfer.
What is involved
- Removal of the existing implants
- New implants tailored to your goals
- Pocket adjustment or capsular work if needed
- Can be combined with a lift or fat transfer
Reshaping with a breast lift
Where there is loose skin or sagging — common after implants have been in place for a long time — a breast lift (mastopexy) can be combined with removal or exchange to reshape the breast and reposition the nipple.
What is involved
- Removal or exchange of implants
- A breast lift to reshape the breast
- Repositioning of the nipple where needed
- Additional scars in exchange for improved shape
Restoring volume naturally
In selected cases, fat is taken from another area by liposuction, processed, and injected into the breast to help restore volume or soften contours after implant removal. The amount of volume achievable is limited and results vary.
What is involved
- Liposuction to harvest fat from another area
- Processing and injection into the breast
- Helps restore volume or soften contours
- Limited volume; results vary between patients
Before and afters Want to see our results with previous patients?
When Do I Need My Implants Checked?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. They are made to last many years, but they do have a finite lifespan, and current guidance is that they are reviewed periodically rather than left indefinitely.
For most patients that means a review around five years after surgery, and every two to three years after that. Many people are not told this at the time of their original surgery, or were told and have understandably forgotten. There is nothing unusual about coming in with no symptoms at all.
A review is a straightforward appointment. It covers how long your implants have been in place, how they feel, and whether anything has changed, along with an examination. Some things cannot be assessed by examination alone — imaging is the only way to properly assess the condition of an implant, and whether imaging is recommended for you is determined at your appointment.
- Time In Place How long your implants have been in, and what the current guidance means for you.
- Change In Shape Or Size Any difference in shape, size, firmness or position since your original surgery.
- Comfort Discomfort, tightness, heaviness or pain.
- Whether Imaging Is Recommended Assessed at your appointment, not assumed beforehand.
- Your Options Discussed only if you are considering a change.
If you no longer have the details of your original surgery, that is very common and not a barrier to being seen. Bring your operative report, implant card or any imaging if you have them, and come anyway if you do not.
Reasons You Might Consider Breast Revision
People come to us for very different reasons. Some are medical, some are practical, and some are personal. All of them are a reasonable reason to book a consultation.
A routine review
Your implants have been in place for a number of years and you would like them looked at. There may be nothing wrong at all. Implants are not designed to last forever, and a periodic review is simply part of looking after them.
Something has changed
A change in shape or size, new firmness, rippling you can feel through the skin, a change in position, or ongoing discomfort. Changes like these have a range of possible explanations, and an assessment with a specialist plastic surgeon is how they are properly understood. You do not need to be certain what is causing them before booking.
- Capsular Contracture Firmness, distortion or discomfort caused by tightening of the scar-tissue capsule around an implant.
- Implant Rupture or Deflation A known or suspected leak or failure of an existing implant.
- Change in Shape, Size or Position Implant malposition, rippling, asymmetry, or a desire for a different size or profile.
- Chronic Discomfort Ongoing pain, tightness or a feeling of heaviness.
Health concerns you want addressed
Some patients associate symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain or difficulty concentrating with their implants, and want the option of removal discussed. These symptoms have a wide range of possible causes, and implant removal is not an established treatment for them. What we can offer is a proper assessment, an honest explanation of what removal does and does not involve, and a decision made with full information. If you have been researching this for a long time, you will not be dismissed.
A personal decision
You may simply no longer want implants, or want a different size or shape to the one you chose originally. Your body may have changed with time, children or weight. Preferences change, and there is nothing to justify — this is a considered personal decision and it is treated as one.
Before Your Consultation
To assist with planning, it helps to gather details of your previous breast surgery before your consultation. Where possible, please bring:
- Implant brand and type
- Implant size and profile
- Implant placement (above or below the muscle)
- The date of your original surgery
- Any operative reports or imaging you have available
Accurate implant details allow your surgeon to assess the most suitable options if implant exchange is being considered, and help optimise your surgical plan.
