• Anesthesia:
    General
  • Duration:
    1 to 2.5 hours
  • Pain level:
    3/10
  • Recovery time:
    7 to 14 days
  • Resuming physical activities:
    4 to 6 weeks

Breast implant revision surgery is a procedure to remove and/or replace previous breast implants. Patients may feel their breasts have changed over time due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. Revision implant surgery can restore an esthetically pleasing shape and size to your breasts.

There are different options available for revision surgery, including exchanging the implants, lifting the breasts or removing the implants. At Phi Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gdalevitch will listen to your concerns, discuss your options, and create a surgical plan that is right for you.

Patients who are good candidates for this procedure:

  • Are at a stable and healthy weight
  • Have no significant medical problems
  • Non-smokers
  • Not on blood thinners
  • Are not happy with the way their current implants look or feel
  • Desire implant correction or complete removal

Patients who are poor candidates for this procedure:

  • Obese (want or need to lose weight)
  • Smoker
  • Have serious medical problems
  • On blood thinners

Are you a good candidate?

Our Self-Evaluation Quiz can help you decide if an implant revision is the right procedure for you.

Techniques for Implant Revision

Implant removal is often performed using an incision along the inframammary fold (breast crease). From there, several techniques and additional procedures can be used to create the desired results.

Breast implant revision usually involves removing the old breast implants as well as the scar tissue or capsule around the implants (capsulectomy). This may correct complications such as capsular contracture and implant rupture. The breast implant pocket may be reshaped to reposition the new implant on the chest. The size of the implant can also be changed to suit your aesthetic goals.

If you are not looking to replace your old implants with new ones, other techniques can be performed in addition to removing your implants. Many patients opt for breast fat grafting or a breast lift to enhance the size and shape of their breasts after implant removal.

Discover the procedure through live surgeries

Breast augmentation presentation

Inserting and placing the breast implant

Consent for implant revision

Pre op instructions for implant revision

At Phi Plastic Surgery, we believe that a beautiful body can take many shapes and sizes. The Phi philosophy centers on respecting your body's proportions and helping you let your inner beauty shine.

We offer our patients the best, most advanced techniques to help them achieve their aesthetic goals.

Pre-op & post-op instructions

These pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions are provided as essential services for you. Please follow the instructions carefully to ensure optimum results. If there are instructions that need to be clarified, please feel free to contact our office as soon as possible. If some instructions are not followed, your surgery could be delayed if deemed necessary by your surgeon.

Pre-op INSTRUCTIONS

ONE MONTH before your surgery

  • Stop using contraceptive pills or hormone therapy.
  • A pre-operative visit (if necessary) approximately one month before your surgery will be scheduled to review your goals and provide you with additional information regarding your surgery.

THREE WEEKS before your surgery

  • Stop all consumption of collagen.
  • Complete your pre-operative tests. Be sure to complete all prescribed pre-operative tests (ECG blood tests, etc.). If your tests’ medical results and clearances are received on time, your surgery may be completed on time.
  • Prepare your surgery date: Plan to ensure a stress-free experience. Arrange your work leave and special assistance to help you with a ride home. Prepare your return by organizing meals, delivery, babysitting, etc. Make sure you have someone scheduled to accompany you home after your surgery. Someone should also be on-call to help you during the first 24 hours after your surgery.

TWO WEEKS before your surgery

  • Stop the consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Aspirin, drugs containing aspirin or any anticoagulants such as Arixtra pf, clopidogrel, Plavix, coumadin, dalteparin, edoxaban, eliquis, apixaban, enoxaparin, Fragmin pfsyringe, lepirudin, Pradaxa, dabigatran etexilate, Xarelto, rivaroxaban.
  • A pre-operative visit (if necessary) approximately two weeks before your surgery will be scheduled to review your goals and provide you with additional information regarding your surgery.

SEVEN DAYS before your surgery

  • Stop taking any supplements or medications from the list below. These products can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. Stop consuming any non-prescribed supplements, including: Omega 3-6, nutricap, echinacea, glucosamine, fat burners, St. John’s wort.
  • Confirm your surgical support plan: This includes your transportation and post-surgical care, including an adult family member or a friend on-call for your support 24 hours after your surgery.
  • Purchase any prescription provided by Dr. Gdalevitch (If applicable) and revise your pre-surgical instructions.

The day BEFORE your surgery

Prepare a bag. It should include the following:

  • All necessary papers
  • Your identification (RAMQ card)
  • Prescription Drugs
  • Glasses if necessary
  • Confirm who will assist you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • Take a shower. Use a non-perfumed soap. Wash your hair. Do not put cream or lotions. Do not put deodorants, hair products, perfumes, or makeup on.
  • Remove any nail varnish (even if transparent) from your hands and feet, including shellac, resin, gel or acrylic. All this reduces the risk of post-surgical infections, and nails are monitored for blood circulation.
  • Do not eat or drink dark liquids for 8 hours before your surgery. Do not drink any light liquids 6 hours before your surgery. Anything you eat can cause the cancellation of your surgery and increase the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia. This includes sweets, mints, chewing gum, tea or coffee. You can take a minimal amount of water after brushing your teeth or taking medication.
  • Relax. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and avoid stress.

YOUR SURGERY DAY

  • Do not drink or eat on the day of your surgery.
  • Do not train before surgery.
  • Please bring your medications which have been prescribed to you in a bag as above.
  • Please bring your compression socks if they have been prescribed to you.
  • Do not wear any makeup, jewellery, contact lenses, hairpin or piercings: during surgery, an electric cautery is used, and any piercing or jewellery can cause burns.
  • Wear light and comfortable clothing. Wear a top that opens forward. Do not wear a sweater, turtleneck or tight clothing. You can wear a skirt, but pants and a jogging jacket are ideal. Flat shoes that are easy to put on and remove (no heels) should be worn. A lip balm is recommended.

post-op instructions

When you get home

You can expect to have some pain in the breasts. You may feel like it is challenging to take a deep breath.

To help you rest comfortably, follow these instructions:

  1. Take extra-strength Tylenol every 4 hours
  2. Take an anti-nausea medication such as Gravol 30 minutes before taking your prescribed pain medication
  3. Take your pain medication as prescribed
  4. Take your antibiotics as prescribed
  5. Try and rest in a semi-sitting position until bedtime
  6. Avoid using your arms for anything strenuous
  7. Keep your surgical bra in place
  8. Apply ice to your upper breast area (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off)

Contact us immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Pain that is not controlled by the pain medication
  • One breast is unusually large, painful and bruised.
  • A fever of greater than 38.5
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Hallucinations or incoherent behaviour
  • Pain or swelling of one calf
  • Excessive bleeding through your dressing
  • Incapable of urinating

The first day following surgery

  • Your pain will start to dissipate after 48 hours.
  • Avoid staying in bed all day, and rest in a semi-sitting position.
  • Avoid strenuous activities with your arms.

Healing and follow up

  • Your breasts will not be fully healed for 4-8 weeks.
  • Your breast implants will appear too high for the first two weeks. This is normal.
  • Exercise is not permitted until four weeks after surgery to prevent implant displacement.
  • You should rest for at least one week after surgery and gradually regain daily activities, except for strenuous upper body activities or exercise.

You will have a follow-up appointment 1-2 weeks after surgery, then at one month and three months.

Your results

Recovery from implant revision surgery consists of two days of pain medication, two weeks for the skin to heal, two months for the breasts to settle and two years for the scars to fade. Time off work is approximately 2-3 weeks. Recovery may look different for every patient.

Implant revision will help you restore the look of your previous breast augmentation and can also accomplish the following:

  • Complete removal or replacement of current implants
  • Enhance shape and improve breast contour
  • Correct implant rupture or capsular contraction
  • Increase self-confidence that comes with achieving your desired breast appearance

The result is a more comfortable and esthetically pleasing breast.

View most frequently asked questions.

When should I remove or replace my breast implants?

Usually, implants last 10 + years. It is common after this mark to see changes in your body and the appearance of the implants. Implants should be removed if you no longer like the look or feel or are experiencing pain and discomfort, implant rupture, or capsular contracture.

What scars will I have after implant revision?

Most often, an inframammary incision is used to remove the implant. An additional incision may be used if you receive a breast lift or fat grafting during your revision. These incisions will be discussed with Dr. Gdalevitch before your surgery.

What is a capsulectomy?

A capsulectomy is an operation to remove the scar tissue around your implant.

What are my surgical revision options?

Your surgical options will depend on your desired aesthetic result. From there, different techniques can be used to create your results. These may include new implant placement, breast lift and/or fat grafting to the breasts.

How long will it take to recover?

If you are considering improving the results of an earlier breast augmentation with a breast revision, you’ll need to account for your recovery time as part of the process. Every patient experiences different recovery times, but most women return to work after one to two weeks.

How much does the procedure cost?

Revision breast augmentation (implants)

starting at $11,000

For a more beautiful and proportional you!

φ Phi is the Greek symbol that indicates the golden ratio, a ratio that is synonymous with beauty.

Dr. Perry Gdalevitch offers a unique approach that involves applying the principles of perfect proportions (phi) to help you achieve your aesthetic and reconstructive goals.

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