Breast Implant Revision Surgery

At Elle Aesthetic Arts & Plastic Surgery in Northern Virginia, our mission is to help women feel like the best version of themselves. Breast implant revision can restore confidence for women who have had breast augmentation surgery, but are no longer satisfied with the size or shape of their breasts.

Reasons for Breast Implant Exchange and Revision Surgery

The vast majority of women who have breast augmentation are happy with their results and experience a boost in overall quality of life after their procedure.¹ However, shifts in lifestyle or physical transformations can lead women to seek a revision or implant exchange procedure. Common reasons may include:

• Weight gain or weight loss that has changed the appearance of the breasts
• Shifting of breast tissue after pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Deflation, asymmetry, sagging, or loss of cleavage 
• Desire for a different size due to changes in aesthetic trends or personal style
• Rare post-surgical complications such as capsular contracture, “double bubble”,  symmastia, or implant rupture

Unhappiness with breast size or initial breast augmentation results from previous surgeries

Why Choose Dr. Larry Lickstein For Your Breast Implant Revision?

As a board-certified plastic surgeon and the founder of Elle Aesthetic Arts, Dr. Larry Lickstein is dedicated to patient safety and satisfaction. He approaches each surgical procedure as a unique opportunity to deliver exceptional results that enhance a patient’s natural beauty. Dr. Lickstein combines extensive surgical experience and an artist’s eye in a warm and welcoming environment. 

Breast Implant Removal Without New Breast Implants

In some cases, women want to have their breast implants removed and they are not interested in new implants. Removal of breast implants, also known as explant surgery, requires an experienced surgeon and a customized approach in order to deliver a favorable breast shape without implants. Depending on the size and placement of your implants, as well as the position of your natural breast tissue, Dr. Lickstein may recommend a breast lift or fat grafting after the removal of your implants. 

What to Expect From Breast Implant Revision

Preparing for Breast Implant Revision

Your consultation appointment with Dr. Lickstein is an opportunity for you to learn about your options and determine if breast implant exchange is right for you. At the same time, Dr. Lickstein will learn about your unique goals and desired results in order to create a personalized treatment plan for you. If you decide to move forward with breast implant revision, Dr. Lickstein will give you detailed pre-surgical instructions, which may include pausing certain medications. If you smoke, you will need to stop before surgery, as smoking can inhibit optimal healing.

How Breast Implant Revision Works

Breast Implant Revision is an outpatient surgery performed with general anesthesia. Dr. Lickstein will review your treatment plan with you prior to your revision procedure. His surgical approach will depend on your concerns with your current breast implants and your desired results. Breast implants are encased in a thin layer of scar tissue called the capsule. Dr. Lickstein may remove the breast implant with the capsule intact, which is called an “en bloc” explantation or total capsulectomy. Once the implant is removed, he will reposition the breast tissue and reshape the implant pocket to replace fullness to the top half of the breast if needed before inserting the new silicone or saline implant. If extra lift is desired, he may use a special FDA-approved bioresorbable soft tissue support system such as Galaflex that acts as a scaffolding for the breast tissue. He will close the incisions with sutures and wrap your chest in gauze.

Implant Revision Recovery 

After your breast revision procedure, Dr. Lickstein will provide you with detailed post-op instructions, including any prescriptions that may be needed during your recovery. Plan to have a friend or family member to drive you home. You may experience mild swelling or discomfort during your initial recovery period. Your recovery time may vary, but most patients resume regular activities in about one week. 

Contact Elle Aesthetic Arts

You deserve to feel good and if you are unhappy with the size, shape, or overall appearance of your breast implants, Dr. Lickstein can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment and learn more about your revision options.