Breast Revision for Improved Results

If the results of your breast surgery did not meet your original goals, breast revision with the Philadelphia area-based Dr. Scott D. Chapin can effectively improve your results or correct complications from your previous breast surgery.

Dr. Chapin is a plastic surgeon who is nationally recognized for breast revision due to his cutting-edge, advanced techniques that produce unparalleled patient outcomes. Dr. Chapin has set himself apart from other leading board-certified plastic surgeons in both primary and secondary breast surgeries in a variety of ways.

Contact Chapin Aesthetics to schedule your consultation with Dr. Chapin today! We are located in Doylestown and proudly serve patients visiting from Bucks County, Lehigh County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bethlehem, Allentown, Easton, and other nearby areas.

Why Should I Consider Breast Revision?

The most frequent reasons women decide to have breast revision are:

  • Dissatisfaction with the initial implant size and/or shape
  • Desire to replace the current implant type with another type
  • Capsular contracture
  • Malposition, also known as laterization
  • Rippling
  • Implant rupture
  • Double bubble

Breast revision can:

  • Change the size and/or shape of your breast implants
  • Upgrade your implant type
  • Correct complications from a previous breast surgery
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Breast Revision Before & After

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Dr. Chapin's Approach to Breast Revision

Dr. Chapin will ensure that you receive the time and attention required during your breast revision consultation to make certain he understands your individual aesthetic goals. If it is determined that a breast revision is necessary, Dr. Chapin will thoroughly educate you on all your options and develop a customized breast revision plan to achieve your original goals and/or correct any complications you may be experiencing. He will make certain that you have a complete understanding of how your breast revision will look and feel to ensure you are satisfied with your breast revision decision.

Breast Revision to Change Breast Size or Shape

If you find that you are dissatisfied with the size and/or shape of your current breast implants, Dr. Chapin can correct this with breast revision by decreasing or increasing the size of your implants. He can also address any concerns regarding shape. Dr. Chapin’s goal for breast revision is to achieve a look that makes you feel comfortable. The size of the implant should relatively match the width of your breast. Going too large or too small can cause long-term complications and dissatisfaction. Your desired look in combination with your breast dimensions will help determine what size would fit you best.

Please keep in mind that when surgeons reference breast implant sizes for breast augmentation or breast revision, they use cc’s rather than cup size as a measurement tool. Cup size may vary among bra manufacturing companies and therefore is not an accurate way to measure breast volume. It is Dr. Chapin’s philosophy that it is the look of the breast—not the cup size—that is most important.

If you are considering breast revision, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast revision for optimal results.

Comprehensive Care, Superior Results

Dr. Scott D. Chapin is a highly specialized, board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in breast and aesthetic surgery. His extensive experience and expertise in the aesthetics industry deliver superior results that help patients achieve their aesthetic goals.

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Candidates for Breast Revision in Doylestown

Ideal candidates for breast revision in Doylestown, PA, are individuals who are dissatisfied with the appearance, feel, or position of their breast implants and are ready to achieve results that better reflect their goals. Whether you’re addressing a complication or simply seeking an aesthetic update, Dr. Chapin will guide you through every option with honesty and care.

Breast Revision For An Implant Upgrade

Due to the increased risk of complications associated with saline implants, it is not uncommon for breast revision patients to upgrade to cohesive gel silicone implants. You may have heard of the terms “cohesive,” “gummy bear,” “form-stable,” or “highly cohesive” breast implants. Each is a different way of describing an implant that retains its shape and cannot leak if the implant were to rupture. Click here to discover some of the benefits cohesive gel silicone implants have to offer patients considering a breast revision procedure.

Breast Revision For Malposition

Breast implant malposition literally means the breast implant is in the wrong place. Generally, breast implant malposition is an acquired problem that develops gradually over time.

Breast implant malposition occurs when breast implants sit too high, too low, too medial (close together), or too lateral (far apart). Breasts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and because every patient’s anatomy is unique, it is not always possible to have implants “perfectly” positioned.

Breast implant malposition is treatable; it is best to start with a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast revision, such as Dr. Chapin.

Although there are some nonsurgical options available, it is possible that breast revision will be necessary if your implants are significantly out of position. If you are considering breast revision, it is always a good idea to try to obtain your operative records and preoperative photos from your original surgeon prior to breast revision. After Dr. Chapin obtains your full medical history and performs a thorough physical exam, he will formulate a breast revision plan for the best possible outcome. If breast revision is recommended, Dr. Chapin may suggest using cohesive gel silicone implants to replace the implants you have.

Breast Revision For Rippling

“Rippling” describes irregularities of the implant surface that can be visible or felt through the skin. This can be caused by thinning of the tissue covering the implant, a saline implant that is underfilled or overfilled, the placement of the implant, or a combination of factors.

Rippling occurs more often with saline breast implants than cohesive gel silicone implants. It is also more likely in women with a small amount of pre-existing breast tissue or when the breast implants are placed above or superficial to the chest muscle. If you are experiencing rippling, it is best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast revision. Dr. Chapin treats rippling with breast revision.

Breast implant rippling with a saline-filled implant can be improved by simply exchanging the implant for a cohesive gel implant through breast revision, provided there is enough breast tissue to adequately “hide” or cover the implant. Cohesive gel implants ripple much less than saline implants due to the molecular structure of the gel inside. If the implant is located above the muscle, it can be relocated below the muscle (subpectoral site change) in breast revision to gain more tissue coverage of the implant itself. Lastly, fat grafting or “lipofilling” can be utilized to provide more coverage to camouflage the implant during breast revision.

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What Is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture occurs when the normal scar tissue around an implant thickens and contracts, resulting in the formation of a hardened shell around the breast implant. Patients usually become aware of changes in their breast implants when capsular contracture occurs, because the look and feel of the breasts will change.

Dr. Chapin can help correct this issue with breast revision. Many cases of capsular contracture are quite subtle and can develop over time. It is possible that Dr. Chapin may recommend breast revision, which may consist of implant exchange and removal of the scar tissue, also known as capsulectomy.

Five Reasons to Consider Cohesive Gel Silicone Implants

1. Improved Shape Retention

Over time, saline breast implants can fold and lose their shape, creating an unflattering appearance. This can ultimately lead patients to breast revision to correct the problem.

Saline and liquid silicone implants lose their shape faster than cohesive gel silicone implants due to the difference in their respective composition. The new generation of cohesive gel silicone implants is firmer than the traditional saline or liquid silicone implants, but they are still soft to the touch. Cohesive gel silicone implants retain their shape longer and exhibit improved longevity when compared to saline and liquid silicone implants.

2. Long-Term Aesthetic and Functional Benefits

Cohesive gel silicone implants not only deliver a more natural look and feel but also offer greater stability and longevity. Their durable construction, shape retention, and lower complication rate make them a preferred choice for patients seeking reliable, lasting results with fewer revisions over time.

3. Reduced Risk of Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture may require patients to undergo breast revision surgery to remove the scar tissue and replace the implant. However, there are proven operative techniques that have reduced the risk of capsular contracture in our patients.

The use of antibiotic solutions, the Keller Funnel, and inframammary (under the breast) incisions all contribute to a decreased chance of developing capsular contracture. Dr. Chapin routinely employs all of these maneuvers during surgery to reduce this risk.

4. Minimized Rippling

Although rippling can happen to any patient and may require breast revision to be corrected, there is research to support which factors increase the chance of implant rippling:

  • Overfilling of the breast implant: This can only occur with saline implants when more saline is inserted than recommended, creating tension and visible edges.
  • Underfilling of the breast implant: Underfilling leaves the implant shell too loose, causing wrinkles or folds.
  • Poor tissue coverage: More noticeable in patients with smaller breasts, as there is less tissue to cover the implant.
  • Subglandular placement: Implants placed above the muscle offer less coverage, increasing the likelihood of visible rippling.

5. Decreased Rupture Rate

Cohesive silicone gel has been dubbed “gummy bear,” as its consistency resembles that of a gummy bear candy. Amazingly, this cohesive gel implant will not leak, even if the implant is cut in half. This feature is thought to make these implants safer and easier to remove, even if there is a tear in the outer shell.

Cohesive silicone gel implants are advantageous in the rare event of implant rupture. Should a saline implant rupture, the implant will typically deflate completely. Although the body harmlessly absorbs the saline, the patient will require implant replacement right away due to the significant cosmetic discrepancy that is created.

A cohesive gel implant, on the other hand, will retain its shape even if there is a significant tear in the implant shell. Patients with cohesive gel implants who are seen to have a tear in the implant shell (usually noted on MRI) have the option to pursue breast revision for replacement or simply observe the implant over time. This does away with the financial and emotional burden of rapid breast revision surgery in the case of implant injury.

Saline implants have a much shorter shell life compared to cohesive gel silicone implants. There is no doubt that cohesive gel silicone implants offer a longer shell life and consequently minimize the number of reoperations you are likely to require over time.

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Breast Revision for Implant Rupture

When a breast implant ruptures, the patient may experience a variety of symptoms. If you have experienced a rupture, Dr. Chapin will be able to provide you with the most advanced breast revision options to achieve optimal results.

  • When a saline implant ruptures, the saline (salt water) leaks very quickly and causes the implant to deflate, much like a balloon that has lost the air inside. This creates an obvious cosmetic deformity and asymmetry. This scenario generally requires the patient to undergo breast revision to exchange the ruptured implant for a new one.
  • If a liquid silicone implant (no longer available) ruptures, the leakage may be slow and go unnoticed. The leaking silicone can stay inside the capsule, which is the thick layer of scar tissue that naturally grows around the implant, or it can leak outside of the scar tissue capsule. When it leaks outside the capsule, the liquid silicone can migrate to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes under the arm and major organs such as the lungs, where it is impossible to remove. The longer a patient waits to have a ruptured liquid silicone gel implant removed with breast revision, the more time the silicone has to leak inside the body.
  • The newest generation of cohesive gel silicone implants is comprised of a strong silicone shell that surrounds the cohesive silicone gel filler that is solid, yet soft and rubbery. This cohesive silicone gel is similar in consistency to a gummy bear candy. In the extreme unlikelihood that one of these cohesive silicone gel implants were to sustain enough trauma to cause a rupture, the gel would remain intact. This prevents the contents of the implant from seeping into the body and makes the ruptured implant easily removable for replacement with breast revision.
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Breast Revision for "Double Bubble"

“Double bubble” is used to describe a specific type of breast augmentation complication following surgery. Double bubble occurs when an implant drops down behind the natural fold (inframammary crease), causing a second bulge below the natural crease of the breast. This migration creates an unnatural line across the bottom (lower pole) of the breast that is particularly visible when the arms are lifted above the head. The most common causes of double bubble are because:

  • Implants were not the proper size in the original breast augmentation procedure. If an implant is too heavy for the chest wall, it can cause the supporting tissue to stretch, allowing the implant to drop down below the inframammary crease
  • Implants were not positioned properly by the surgeon
  • The mammary crease is constricted
  • Capsular contracture
  • Tuberous breasts
  • Scarring from previous surgeries

Dr. Chapin has several ways to correct the double bubble, all of which involve breast revision. One option is breast revision involving a breast lift (mastopexy) and dual plane placement of the implants. Breast revision lifts the implants back into their proper position and stabilizes them to help prevent them from migrating.

The breast crease can also be modified for the correction of a double bubble. This breast revision method requires a small incision to be made in the crease, which is then tightened and raised by placing sutures along the bottom of the breast. This eases the implant back into its proper position.

The best double bubble correction for your situation should be determined during a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast revision, such as Dr. Chapin.

What to Expect During Breast Revision Surgery in Philadelphia

Breast revision will be performed with general anesthesia at a Bucks County or Montgomery County AAAA-certified facility. On the day of the breast revision, Dr. Chapin and his highly trained team will meet with you to review all details and answer any questions before surgery. Generally, breast revision takes about an hour to perform. You will receive exceptional and comprehensive care following your breast revision to ensure your comfort.

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Breast Revision Recovery

There is less pain associated with breast revision than with the initial procedure. This is due to the fact that the pockets for the implants have already been created, and your muscles have already adjusted to the implants. Breast revision recovery time is typically 25 percent of what is usually experienced with the initial augmentation procedure.

Dr. Chapin will provide complete preoperative and postoperative care instructions for breast revision. He will monitor and advise when patients can gradually resume their daily activities, including exercise, after they have had breast revision surgery.

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Choosing Dr. Scott D. Chapin as Your Breast Revision Provider

With over 27 years of plastic surgery experience, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott D. Chapin is nationally recognized for his breast surgery experience, exclusive cutting-edge techniques, and unparalleled patient outcomes. By blending medical science, artistry, and humanity in every procedure he performs, Dr. Chapin proves time and again that he is one of the best breast surgeons in Pennsylvania and beyond.

At Chapin Aesthetics, Dr. Chapin and his staff are in the business of making people feel better about themselves. With a comforting environment that puts patients at ease and excellent results that speak for themselves, Dr. Chapin and his staff ensure comfort, safety, efficiency, and superior results in all aspects of your cosmetic surgery journey. Learn more about breast revision surgery in Philadelphia & Doylestown, Pennsylvania by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Scott Chapin by calling or completing our online form today.

FAQs Breast Revision

Is breast revision surgery easier?

A breast revision surgery is always more complicated than an initial breast surgery. The current implants have stretched the breast tissue, making the tissue less predictable to manipulate. Scar tissue also makes the surgery more difficult.

How many breast revisions can you have?

There is no set rule on how many breast revisions you can have. Ultimately, you can decide to have breast surgeries until you reach your desired goal. However, there are surgical challenges that arise with each surgery you undergo, and both you and the surgeon must be comfortable with the revision plan.

Are breast revisions common?

Breast revisions are common for many reasons. Patients may desire revision due to weight, pregnancy, or age-related changes that affect the appearance of their breasts. Other patients may experience overall unhappiness with the appearance of their breast shape and/or size from a previous surgery. Some may encounter complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.

What is the average cost of a breast implant revision?

There are many contributing factors that are taken into consideration when planning for a breast revision surgery. It is best to consult with Dr. Chapin to tailor a plan specific to your goals. Pricing and financing options will be reviewed at the consultation with our practice coordinator.

Is it cheaper to replace breast implants than the initial breast augmentation surgery?

No, it is not cheaper to replace breast implants in comparison to the initial breast augmentation. A breast implant exchange requires more work and more time.

How do I know when my breast implants need to be replaced?

It is important to follow the FDA recommendations on implant surveillance: “Even if you have no symptoms, you should have your first ultrasound or MRI at 5-6 years after your initial implant surgery and then every 2-3 years thereafter. If you have symptoms at any time or uncertain ultrasound results for breast implant rupture, an MRI is recommended.” Many believe that after 10 years, the breast implants must be replaced. However, if your imaging appears benign and you are happy with your breast appearance, there is no need to replace your breast implants.

What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?

It is possible that after breast implants are removed, your breast tissue may retract and reshape itself. Other times, the surgeon may recommend a breast lift to surgically reshape the breast tissue.

Is it painful to remove breast implants?

Breast implant removal is typically not a painful surgery. You may feel sore or tender at the incision site for a couple of days postoperatively. It is a more painful procedure to undergo a breast capsulectomy (removal of scar tissue around the implant) and implant removal. These options, if recommended, will be discussed at your consultation.

Do breasts go back to normal after implant removal?

It is possible that after breast implants are removed, your breast tissue may retract and reshape itself. This process can take up to 4-6 weeks.

What are the signs of breast implant illness?

Common reported signs/symptoms of breast implant illness include the following: chronic fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, and anxiety. Although there is no official medical diagnosis for BII, research is continuously ongoing. Many patients report that their symptoms improve after explantation. It is our responsibility as healthcare providers to listen to our patients’ concerns, to perform evaluations, and to offer treatment options.

When should a breast implant be removed?

A breast implant should be removed if you are experiencing symptoms such as capsular contracture or implant rupture.

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