Restore & Refine – Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant revision is a personalized surgical procedure designed to correct or enhance the results of a previous breast augmentation. Whether you’re experiencing complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, malposition, or asymmetry—or wish to change the size, shape, or type of your implant—revision surgery can restore both comfort and confidence. At Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center in Sandy Springs—serving Buckhead and Atlanta—Dr. Carmen Kavali applies advanced techniques including capsulectomy, pocket modification, and implant exchange to achieve natural, long-lasting outcomes tailored to your anatomy and goals.

You may consider breast implant revision if you:

• Experience Capsular Contracture: Uncomfortable firmness or distortion from scar tissue tightening around the implant
• Have Implant Rupture or Deflation: Noticeable size change with saline implants or asymmetry with silicone
• Notice Rippling or Wrinkling: Visible implant edges through thin tissue
• Deal with Malposition or Bottoming Out: Implants sit too high, too low, or drift laterally
• Desire Size or Profile Change: Want to go larger, smaller, or switch implant type (saline ↔ silicone)
• Want to Correct Asymmetry: One breast differs in size, shape, or position from the other
• Seek Freshening After Aging: Natural changes in breast tissue call for an update in implant selection or lift

Ideal candidates are in good overall health, non-smokers (or willing to quit before and after surgery), and have realistic expectations for improvement rather than perfection.

Educational Preparation

• You’ll be enrolled in the EMMI® online module for breast revision, covering common scenarios, techniques, and risks—so you arrive fully informed.

Initial Assessment with Physician Assistant

• Review of your surgical history and any complications (contracture, rupture, etc.)
• Discussion of symptoms, aesthetic concerns, and desired changes
• Standardized photographs taken for your medical record

Surgeon Evaluation with Dr. Kavali

• Goals Review: Relief of discomfort, size modification, or contour improvement
• Physical Exam: Assess implant position, pocket integrity, skin quality, and scar tissue
• Issue Identification: Determine underlying problems (e.g., thickened capsule, inadequate pocket)

Physical Measurements & Imaging

• Breast Base Width & Footprint: Guides new implant dimensions if exchanging
• Pocket Evaluation: Ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to assess implant integrity and capsule thickness
• Skin & Soft-Tissue Assessment: Determines need for lift (mastopexy) in addition to revision

Tailored Surgical Plan

Together, you’ll decide on:

• Capsular Management: Capsulectomy (complete removal) vs. capsulotomy (release) vs. capsulectomy with implant exchange
• Implant Strategy: Change fill (silicone/saline), shape, profile, or size
• Pocket Modification: Convert from subglandular to submuscular or dual-plane placement
• Adjunctive Procedures: Fat grafting or lift if needed for skin excess or contour smoothing

Our goal is a thorough, educational consultation so you feel confident in your personalized revision blueprint.

• Capsule Management
  • Capsulectomy: Complete removal of the scar capsule, ideal for severe contracture or calcifications
  • Capsulotomy: Strategic scoring of the capsule to soften constriction
  • Capsulectomy with Implant Exchange: Removes problematic capsule and replaces the implant in a fresh pocket
• Implant Selection
  • Material: Upgrade from saline to silicone for a softer feel, or vice versa for easier rupture detection
  • Shape & Profile: Round vs. anatomical; low to ultra-high projection based on aesthetic goals
  • Size: Increase or decrease volume to suit your current body shape and lifestyle
• Pocket Plane & Placement
  • Submuscular (Under the Muscle): Reduces rippling, lowers contracture risk, provides more tissue coverage
  • Subglandular (Above the Muscle): Easier recovery, improved upper-pole fullness; suitable for minor adjustments
  • Dual-Plane Approach: Combines benefits of both for optimal shape and support
• Need for Mastopexy (Lift)
  • No Lift Needed: If skin elasticity is good and nipple position remains ideal
  • Concurrent Lift: Addresses sagging skin and nipple descent via vertical, anchor, or crescent patterns

• Anesthesia & Preparation
  • General anesthesia ensures comfort and safety
  • Preoperative markings outline capsule boundaries, new pocket parameters, and lift incisions if indicated
• Incision & Capsule Access
  • Reuse previous inframammary, periareolar, or axillary incisions when possible to minimize new scars
  • Careful dissection to expose the existing capsule and implant
• Capsule Management
  • Capsulectomy: Remove the entire fibrous capsule if dense or calcified
  • Capsulotomy: Release constricting bands within the capsule to allow expansion
• Pocket Revision
  • Release adhesions and re-dissect to the new pocket level (submuscular if converting)
  • Reinforce pocket walls with sutures or mesh to prevent recurrent malposition
• Implant Exchange or Revision
  • Removal: Extract the old implant and inspect for rupture or damage
  • Insertion: Place the new implant using a “no-touch” sleeve (silicone) or fill in situ (saline)
• Adjunctive Lift (if performed)
  • Excise excess skin per chosen lift pattern; reposition and resize the nipple–areola complex
  • Smoothly redrape skin over the new implant contour
• Closure & Dressing
  • Multi-layer, dissolvable sutures secure the revised pocket and overlying skin
  • Steri-strips and a well-fitted support bra maintain implant position and minimize swelling

Procedure Duration: 1.5–3 hours (depending on complexity)
Setting: Accredited outpatient surgical center—same-day discharge with a responsible escort

• Pain Management: Oral analgesics tailored to your comfort level
• Support Garments: Wear the surgical bra continuously for 4–6 weeks
• Drain Management (if used): Typically removed within 24–48 hours
• Activity Restrictions: Rest with upper body elevated; avoid lifting, driving, and strenuous movements for two weeks

Weeks 1–2

• Swelling & Bruising: Peak around days 3–5, then gradually diminish
• Follow-Up: One-week postoperative check to remove non-dissolvable sutures and ensure healthy healing
• Work: Most desk jobs resume in 7–10 days; avoid chest muscle exertion

Weeks 3–6

• Gentle Movement: Light walking encourages circulation; no upper-body workouts
• Scar Care: Silicone sheets or gels may help minimize scars once incisions have closed
• Support Transition: Move from surgical bra to a well-fitted, supportive soft bra

Months 2–6

• Final Contour: Implants settle into revised pockets; final shape emerges by month three to six
• Exercise Clearance: Chest exercises typically permitted after six weeks; full activity by eight weeks
• Long-Term Support: Regular supportive bras during high-impact activities

Adhering closely to Dr. Kavali’s aftercare protocol maximizes safety, comfort, and aesthetic success.

Breast implant revision involves unique considerations beyond standard augmentation risks:

• Recurrence of Contracture: New capsule formation—mitigated by thorough capsulectomy and pocket management
• Infection or Hematoma: Treated promptly with antibiotics or drainage if needed
• Implant Damage: Removal may reveal shell wear or rupture
• Scarring: Reusing old incisions helps limit new scar formation
• Anesthesia Risks: Standard for any general anesthesia procedure

Dr. Kavali discusses each potential complication during consultation, ensuring you feel fully informed and at ease.

Revision patients sometimes benefit from adjunctive treatments:

• Fat Grafting: Smooths rippling or contour irregularities, especially in thin patients
• Mastopexy: Lifts sagging skin for a more youthful profile
• Chest Wall Contouring: Liposuction of the underarms or torso to refine the overall silhouette

Bundling procedures optimizes recovery and enhances cohesive, natural-looking results.

For breast implant revision in Sandy Springs, Buckhead, or Atlanta, verify:

• Board Certification: American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Revision Expertise: Documented experience in complex implant and capsule procedures
• Accredited Facility: AAAASF or Joint Commission accreditation for safe outpatient surgery
• Before-and-After Portfolio: Cases showcasing contracture, rupture, and malposition revisions
• Patient Testimonials: Praise for technical skill, empathy, and complication management

Dr. Carmen Kavali’s revision expertise and our state-of-the-art suite ensure personalized, safe care.

• Symptom Relief: Improved comfort and resolution of pain or irritation from contracture or malposition
• Confidence Restored: Natural, balanced contours that enhance self-image
• Implant Longevity: New implants are evaluated for durability; routine monitoring is recommended (MRI for silicone)
• Breast Health: Continue annual self-exams and mammograms with implant-specific protocols
• Supportive Bras: Well-fitted garments maintain position and prevent recurrence of malposition

Regular follow-ups with Dr. Kavali enable early detection of any late-onset changes and facilitate timely intervention.

Breast implant revision is an investment in both form and function. At Monarch Plastic Surgery we offer:

• Transparent Pricing: Detailed breakdown of surgeon, anesthesia, and facility fees
• Flexible Financing: Custom payment plans to suit your needs
• No-Pressure Scheduling: Time to decide without obligation

Our Patient Coordinator will guide you through financial options following your consultation.

Ready to restore comfort and refine your results with breast implant revision? Contact Monarch Plastic Surgery & Skin Renewal Center:

• Call: 404.250.3333
• Email: info(at)drkavali(dotted)com
• Visit: 6045 Barfield Rd, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30328
• Online: Request a Consultation

Your personalized consultation will include a thorough examination, a review of revision goals, and detailed planning—starting your journey to renewed comfort, symmetry, and confidence.