Breast augmentation is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States—and breast implant revision is a natural part of the long-term relationship between a patient and her implants. Most women who have breast augmentation will consider some form of revision during their lifetime, whether due to a complication, a change in aesthetic goals, or simply the natural aging of the implant-breast system. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David E. Kim in Beverly Hills provides comprehensive breast revision surgery with the same precision and artistry he applies to all breast procedures.
Why Women Choose Breast Implant Revision
Change in Aesthetic Goals
The most common reason for elective revision is a change in what the patient wants from her augmentation. Women who had augmentation in their 20s may want to go smaller in their 40s. Women who prioritized dramatic volume may come to prefer a more natural appearance. Women who have experienced post-pregnancy changes may want to combine a revision with a breast lift. Personal aesthetic preferences evolve over time, and revision surgery allows patients to update their augmentation to reflect their current goals.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture—the hardening and tightening of the scar tissue capsule around the implant—is the most common complication of breast augmentation. It causes firmness, distortion, and sometimes pain. Surgical revision involving capsulectomy (removal of the contracted capsule) and implant replacement is the standard treatment.
Implant Malposition
Implants that have shifted from their original position—whether dropping too low (bottoming out), moving too far to the sides (lateral displacement), or migrating toward each other (symmastia)—require revision surgery to correct the pocket and reposition the implants. Pocket repair techniques vary depending on the specific malposition and may involve suturing, mesh reinforcement, or changing the plane of implant placement.
Implant Rupture
Silicone implant ruptures are often silent—the cohesive gel tends to remain contained and the breast may not change noticeably, but routine MRI screening can detect the shell failure. Saline rupture is immediately apparent as the implant deflates. Both types require surgical replacement.
Rippling or Wrinkling
Visible or palpable rippling through the skin—more common in thin patients with limited tissue coverage or in patients with implants above the muscle—can be addressed through implant exchange, changing the plane of placement, or adding fat grafting to improve soft tissue coverage.
Combining Revision With a Breast Lift
A common finding in revision surgery is that the breast has changed since the original augmentation—whether from aging, pregnancy, or weight changes. In these cases, revision may involve not just implant replacement but also a concurrent mastopexy (breast lift) to restore breast position and shape. Dr. Kim evaluates each patient’s breast anatomy carefully to determine whether a lift is needed for optimal results.
Why Revision Is More Complex Than Primary Augmentation
Breast implant revision is consistently more complex than primary augmentation because the surgeon is working within existing altered anatomy—with scar tissue, changed pockets, and tissue that has been affected by the previous implants. Dr. Kim’s experience in both primary augmentation and revision surgery, combined with his anatomy-first approach, makes him well suited to address the full spectrum of revision presentations.
Dr. Kim provides breast implant revision to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, and throughout Southern California. To discuss your revision needs, schedule a consultation at drdavidkim.com.