Understanding Breast Revision Surgery Near You

When Revision Surgery Becomes Necessary

While most women who undergo breast augmentation are pleased with their long-term results, there are circumstances where revision surgery can improve your outcome, restore comfort, or address complications. Breast implant revision is a procedure designed to improve or otherwise revise breast augmentation results by removing, replacing, or repositioning existing implants.

There are many legitimate reasons to consider breast implant revision. Capsular contracture, a hardening of scar tissue around an implant, can cause distortion and significant discomfort. Asymmetrical results may develop over time or occur due to improper filling, placement issues, or failure to account for differences in natural breast size. Fold malposition can push the breasts too far apart, allow implants to bottom out, or create other unwanted positioning issues. Some women simply have a change of heart and want their breasts to look different than they do following augmentation, and that's completely valid.

Breast implant failure provides another reason for revision. This includes visible implant wrinkles and ripples, double-bubble deformity, folds and creases, or rupture. Many women also choose revision surgery to replace older saline implants with newer, more natural-looking and feeling silicone breast implants, especially if their original implants were placed several years ago. Additionally, concerns about breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), an extremely rare but potentially serious form of cancer linked to textured silicone breast implants, have led some women to opt for implant removal or replacement as a precaution.

Breast Implant Illness: Real Concerns Deserve Real Answers

Understanding and Addressing Breast Implant Illness

Breast implant illness refers to a constellation of symptoms that some women experience after breast implant placement. While breast implant illness is not currently recognized as an official medical diagnosis, for the women experiencing these symptoms, there is no question: the condition is real and demands attention. At South Tulsa Plastic Surgery, we believe that women are capable of assessing their own experiences, and if you're struggling with unexplained symptoms, we're here to listen, validate your concerns, and explore your options.

The most commonly reported symptoms of breast implant illness include:

Brain fog, memory and concentration problems, anxiety and depression, general fatigue, joint and muscle pain, breathing difficulties, sleep disturbances, hair loss, dry mouth and dry eyes, rashes and dry skin, chronic headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and mood changes. Brain fog

• Memory and concentration problems
• Anxiety and depression
• General fatigue
• Joint and muscle pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Sleep disturbances
• Hair loss
• Dry mouth and dry eyes
• Rashes and dry skin
• Chronic headaches
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Mood changes

More than 100 symptoms have been linked to this condition. If you have breast implants and are experiencing issues that have no other medical explanation, or if treatment for other conditions has proven unsuccessful, it may be worth exploring whether your implants could be contributing to your symptoms.

The exact cause of breast implant illness remains unknown, which is complicated by the fact that there are no lab tests or clinical criteria for diagnosis. However, working theories suggest the condition may be related to autoimmune responses triggered by residue from heavy metals used during implant manufacturing, immune reactions to silicone, or bacterial biofilm on the implant surface. It's entirely possible for an autoimmune response to trigger symptoms without an underlying diagnosable cause showing up in standard medical tests.

The only currently known treatment for breast implant illness is explantation, which is the removal of the implants. Many women also choose to have a capsulectomy, where the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant is also removed. The most popular method is en bloc capsulectomy, which removes the implant and capsule together as a single piece. This may help prevent bacteria and other substances from leaking into the body during removal. Studies reported by the National Institutes of Health suggest that nearly 90 percent of patients who undergo explantation with capsulectomy experience symptom improvement within 3 months, though results vary from person to person.

Women who undergo explantation for breast implant illness are typically advised against future breast augmentation with implants, though some opt to try a different type of implant as an alternative. During your consultation, Dr. Schiesel will discuss all your options and help you determine the best path forward based on your specific situation and goals. It's important to understand that surgery alone may not fully correct all issues, and some dietary and lifestyle changes may be necessary as well.

Your Breast Implant Revision Options

Removal, Replacement, and Restoration

Breast implant revision surgery is highly customizable based on your specific needs and goals. The approach Dr. Schiesel takes depends entirely on why you're seeking revision.

Implant Replacement

If you're exchanging implants for a different size or type, experiencing rupture, or simply ready to update, replacement is the path forward. During revision, you can choose new implants in any size, shape, or type that best suits your current goals.

Some women discover that once their implants settle into their final positions after initial augmentation, they wish they'd chosen a different size. If you want smaller or larger implants, revision surgery makes this possible. However, Dr. Schiesel typically counsels patients to wait at least one full year after the original surgery so that all swelling and settling are completely finished. This waiting period gives you time to really live with your augmented breasts before deciding to make a size change. Of course, if there are problems with your implants, such as leakage or pain, there's no reason to wait to address these issues.

Implant Removal with Breast Lift

If you're having your implants removed without replacement, Dr. Schiesel typically recommends combining removal with a breast lift to address stretched, sagging tissue and restore a youthful breast shape. After implants are removed, the skin that stretched to accommodate them often needs to be tightened and reshaped for the best aesthetic outcome. Some of the scar tissue from the capsule will likely be removed as well. A breast lift repositions the nipple and areola, removes excess skin, and creates a firmer, more uplifted breast contour that looks natural and proportionate to your frame.

Surgical Approach and Incisions

One of the benefits of revision surgery is that Dr. Schiesel can usually work through the incisions used during your initial augmentation, which means no additional scarring. The trauma of creating the initial breast pockets has already occurred, so most patients find there's less pain and recovery is easier after revision compared to their first surgery. Because of this, many women opt for over-the-counter pain medication rather than prescription options, though Dr. Schiesel can provide stronger medication if needed.

Making the Most of Your Manufacturer Warranty Program

Understanding and Using Your Breast Implant Warranty

If you're seeking revision surgery due to complications like rupture, capsular contracture, or other covered events, your existing breast implant warranty may significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Most major manufacturers—including Sientra, Mentor, and Motiva—offer warranties that cover both replacement implants and financial assistance toward surgical fees when specific complications occur.

Your warranty coverage typically depends on how long ago the implants were placed and the reason you're seeking revision. Most warranties provide lifetime coverage for implant rupture, meaning you'll receive replacement implants at no charge. Many also cover complications like capsular contracture (hardening of scar tissue around the implant), late-forming seroma, and double capsule for a specified period, which is typically 10 to 20 years, depending on the manufacturer. Beyond free replacement implants, warranties often include financial assistance ranging from $1,200 to $5,000 or more to help cover surgical fees, anesthesia, and facility costs.

The warranty claim process typically involves your surgeon reporting the qualifying event to the manufacturer within a specific timeframe. Dr. Schiesel's office will help facilitate this process and ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly. The manufacturer will provide a return kit for the explanted product and process your warranty claim. While the specifics vary by manufacturer and the nature of your complication, the goal is to minimize the financial burden of addressing covered issues.

It's worth noting that warranties generally don't cover elective changes, such as choosing a different size or switching implant types, for aesthetic reasons. However, if you're dealing with a medical complication or implant failure, your warranty is designed to help. Even if your implants were placed years ago, it's worth checking your coverage; you might be surprised by what's included.

During your consultation, bring any warranty information you received at the time of your original surgery. If you can't locate it, Dr. Schiesel's team can often help identify your implant manufacturer and determine your coverage. We'll walk you through the process and help you understand exactly what financial assistance may be available to you.

For detailed information about specific warranty terms and how to file a claim, you can visit each manufacturer's website directly:

• Sientra Platinum20 Product Replacement and Limited Warranty Program(opens in a new tab)
• Mentor Promise Protection Plan(opens in a new tab)
• Motiva Always Confident Warranty

We're here to help you navigate the warranty process and ensure you receive all the coverage you're entitled to.

Recovery & Results After Breast Implant Revision Surgery

What to Expect After Breast Implant Revision

One of the most reassuring aspects of breast implant revision is that recovery is typically easier than your initial augmentation. Because the breast pockets were already created during your first surgery, most patients experience less pain and a smoother recovery process. Many women can return to work in just 2 or 3 days after revision surgery when only implants are being replaced.

However, if Dr. Schiesel performs a breast lift along with your implant removal or exchange (which is usually necessary when changing to smaller implants or removing implants entirely), your recovery will more closely align with that of a breast lift. This is more involved than a standard revision but still manageable.

As with breast augmentation, you'll need approximately five to seven days of rest before resuming work, and six weeks or more before resuming all normal activities. You'll return to our office for follow-up visits during this time, and Dr. Schiesel will assess your recovery progress and help you determine when it's safe to resume specific activities.