How Soon After Breast Augmentation Can I Get a Revision?

Breast augmentation surgery is the second most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States, exceeded only by liposuction.  For many women who choose augmentation, the surgical results have an incredibly positive impact on their self-confidence and overall quality of life.

Still, breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure, and like any cosmetic procedure, there may be times when the results aren’t everything you were hoping for. In those instances, breast implant revision can help but how long do you have to wait to schedule your revision procedure?

At Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery, Rishi Jindal, MD, uses the most advanced surgical techniques for breast implant revision surgery, tailoring every procedure to help women get the results they’re looking for. If you’re unhappy with your breast augmentation results, here’s how long you need to wait before scheduling a revision.

Timing breast implant revision

You can have breast implant revision surprisingly soon after your initial augmentation surgery, particularly when revision is necessary for problems like implant failure or painful contracture. 

But what if you’re unsatisfied with your results, such as if you’ve decided you want larger or smaller implants or you want a different shape? How long should you wait before making those or similar cosmetic changes? 

In most cases, we recommend waiting at least six months following your initial augmentation. That’s because it can take that long before you see the final results of your surgery. For some women, it can take up to a year before swelling resolves and the implants assume their more natural position.

In the early days of healing, swelling and other tissue changes can cause the implants to “ride higher” and feel harder or firmer than natural breasts. Those 6-12 months post-surgery give the surrounding tissue time to heal. Having revision before that time means making an aesthetic decision about your breasts before they have a chance to “settle in.”

The revision process: What to expect

Like breast augmentation surgery, breast implant revision surgery begins with an evaluation of your breasts and a detailed review of your concerns. During this exam and consultation, you and Dr. Jindal work together to understand all your options and map out a surgery plan.

The surgery itself follows the same basic steps as your original implant procedure. Before surgery, you may need to get lab tests or imaging exams and stop taking certain medications shortly before your surgery date, like medicines or supplements that affect bleeding.

The surgery itself is performed under anesthesia. Dr. Jindal makes small incisions to access your current implant so it can be removed. Next, he assesses the cavity before placing the new implant. Imaging before surgery helps determine if the new implant can be placed in the same pocket of tissue or if a new pocket needs to be made.

Finally, Dr. Jindal closes your incisions and covers them with a special bandage. You receive complete recovery instructions similar to those you received following your initial surgery, including the all-important follow-up visits to monitor your healing and recovery.

Love your body

Bottom line: There’s no single answer for timing breast implant revision. If you’re unhappy with your results or you have concerns about your augmentation surgery, the best solution is to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jindal to discuss those concerns and come up with the best solution for your needs and goals.

To learn more about breast revision surgery, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Jindal and the team at Rejuvenate Plastic Surgery in San Diego, California, today.