All About
Breast Revisions
What is a Breast Revision?
A breast revision is a surgical procedure performed to correct, improve, or change the results of a previous breast surgery, such as a breast augmentation, lift, or reconstruction.
Patients may choose breast revision for several reasons, including:
Correcting complications like capsular contracture, implant rupture, or asymmetry
Changing Implant Size, Type, or Position
Some patients desire a different look or feel—choosing larger, smaller, or different types of implants, or adjusting the implant placement for better symmetry or shape.Replacing old or aging implants
Dr. Gupta customizes each breast revision to your specific needs, with the goal of achieving a natural, balanced, and beautiful result.
Actual Verve Patients
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Procedure Video
Correcting Complications
Complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, rippling, or asymmetry can sometimes occur after breast surgery. Breast revision surgery is designed to correct these issues, restore comfort, and improve the overall appearance of the breasts. Dr. Gupta carefully evaluates each case to create a personalized surgical plan that addresses your concerns and delivers natural-looking results.
Capsular Contracture
What is it? : Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant tightens and hardens, causing the breast to feel firm, distorted, or painful.
Solution: Dr. Gupta can perform surgery to remove or release the hardened scar tissue, often combined with replacing the implant and sometimes adding an ADM graft to help reduce recurrence.
Breast Rippling
What is it?: Rippling is visible or palpable wrinkles or folds in the breast skin caused by implant edges showing through, often in thin tissue or with saline implants.
Solution: Solutions include switching to silicone implants, placing implants under the muscle for more coverage, or adding fat grafting to smooth the contour.
Common Complications
Ruptured Implant
What is it? : A ruptured implant may present differently depending on the type—saline ruptures are typically noticeable right away due to visible deflation, while silicone ruptures may be less obvious and harder to detect without imaging.
Solution: The solution for a ruptured implant—whether saline or silicone—is surgical removal and replacement. Dr. Gupta customizes the revision to restore breast shape, symmetry, and a natural feel, often using updated implant options for improved results.
Implant Misplacement
What is it? : Implant misplacement occurs when the breast implant shifts from its intended position, leading to asymmetry, poor cleavage, or an unnatural appearance. This can result from factors like gravity, tissue laxity, or surgical complications.
Solution: Dr. Gupta addresses implant misplacement through revision surgery. He repositions the implant and may use internal sutures or surgical mesh to support the new position, restore symmetry, and achieve a more natural-looking result.
Asymmetrical Breasts
What is it? : Differences in breast size, shape, or position can happen naturally or after implant surgery, leading to uneven appearance.
Solution: Dr. Gupta customizes your revision by adjusting implant size, shape, or position, or combining procedures like a lift or fat grafting to achieve better symmetry.
Double Bubble
What is it?: This occurs when there is a visible crease or fold below the breast mound, creating the appearance of two separate “bubbles” or contours on one breast.
Solution: Surgical correction involves releasing the fold, repositioning the implant, and sometimes performing a breast lift or tightening the tissue to smooth the breast shape.
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Unlike saline implants, which deflate noticeably, a silicone implant rupture is often “silent”—meaning you may not see any obvious changes right away. Some patients notice subtle signs such as changes in breast shape, firmness, or new discomfort, but many ruptures are only detected through imaging like an MRI or ultrasound.
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A ruptured silicone implant is not considered a medical emergency, but it should be addressed. Modern cohesive silicone gel implants (also known as “gummy bear” implants) tend to hold their shape even if the outer shell breaks, minimizing the risk of the silicone spreading. However, the rupture can still cause breast changes, discomfort, or hardening (capsular contracture) over time.
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If you have a ruptured silicone implant, it is recommended to have the implant removed and replaced, even if you aren’t experiencing obvious symptoms. Silicone implant ruptures are often silent, but over time they can cause changes in breast shape, firmness, or discomfort.
In most cases, Dr. Gupta performs an intracapsular removal, meaning the damaged implant and any leaked silicone are carefully removed from inside the scar tissue capsule that naturally forms around the implant. This method allows for safe, controlled removal while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. If needed, the capsule itself may also be partially or fully removed, especially if there is scar tissue (capsular contracture). Dr. Gupta will then replace the implant or discuss alternative options based on your goals.
What happens if a silicone implant ruptures?
Most Common Complication:
Capsular Contracture?
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Capsular contracture occurs when the natural scar tissue (or “capsule”) that forms around a breast implant tightens or hardens more than it should. While it's a natural healing response, in some cases the capsule becomes overly firm, which can distort the shape of the breast or cause discomfort. The exact cause isn't always known, but it may be related to inflammation, bacteria, trauma, or even genetics.
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While you can’t completely eliminate the risk, there are ways to reduce it. Choosing smooth, high-quality implants, using precise surgical techniques, and inserting implants with a Keller Funnel (like Dr. Gupta does) may help minimize bacteria and trauma. Placing implants under the muscle and following all aftercare instructions can also lower your risk.
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Capsular contracture is not life-threatening, but it can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable. It may cause the breast to feel firm, look misshapen, or become painful. While not harmful to your health, it often impacts your cosmetic results and may require correction.
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Treatment usually involves a surgical procedure called a capsulectomy, where Dr. Gupta removes the hardened scar tissue and replaces the implant if needed. Some patients also benefit from adding an internal bra (mesh support) to help prevent recurrence and improve long-term results. The goal is to restore comfort and create a more natural look and feel.
Capsular Contracture Video
ADM Graft
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An ADM graft (Acellular Dermal Matrix) is a soft, natural tissue material used during breast surgery to provide additional support around an implant. It acts as a scaffold that your body’s own tissue can grow into.
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Dr. Gupta may recommend an ADM graft if you are prone to capsular contracture (the hardening of scar tissue around an implant) or if you’ve had complications with previous implants. The graft can help reduce the risk of capsular contracture and improve overall implant stability.
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Yes, ADM grafts are widely used and considered safe in both breast reconstruction and cosmetic breast surgeries. The material is processed to remove all cells, reducing the risk of rejection or infection.
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The primary purpose of the ADM graft is to support the implant and improve long-term results. It typically does not change the outward appearance or feel of the breast but can enhance the stability, softness, and natural look over time.
Replacing Old or Aging Implants
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced over time. Most implants are recommended to be exchanged every 10 to 15 years to maintain safety, appearance, and your desired results. Whether due to aging implants, personal preference, or changes in your body, Dr. Gupta can help you refresh your look with a customized implant exchange.
Aging Implant FAQ
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Breast implants are not lifetime devices. According to FDA guidelines, breast implants should be monitored regularly and are generally recommended to be replaced every 10 to 15 years. Even if you aren’t experiencing problems, implants can age, wear down, or silently rupture over time. Dr. Gupta can help you decide the right time for replacement based on your body, implant type, and aesthetic goals.
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Common signs include changes in size, shape, or firmness, visible rippling or wrinkling, discomfort, or the feeling that something just “doesn’t look or feel right.” However, some issues, like silicone implant rupture, can be silent and only detected through imaging (such as MRI or ultrasound).
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Yes, newer generation implants are significantly safer, softer, and more natural-feeling than earlier versions. Advances in implant technology have made them more durable, with stronger shells and more cohesive silicone gel (often called “gummy bear” implants), which lowers the risk of rupture, leakage, or visible rippling.
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Absolutely! Implant exchange is an opportunity to update not just the age of the implant but also to customize the size, projection, shape, and material to better match your current aesthetic goals. Many patients also choose to combine the exchange with a breast lift for a more refreshed, youthful appearance.
Enhancing or Refreshing Your Results
Over time, your aesthetic goals or your body may change, and your original breast augmentation results might no longer reflect the look you desire. Whether you’re interested in changing implant size, switching to a different implant type, or simply updating your appearance after aging, weight changes, or pregnancy, breast revision can help. Dr. Gupta works closely with each patient to create a personalized surgical plan that enhances or refreshes your results—helping you feel confident, balanced, and beautiful at every stage of life.
About Implant Exchanges
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Many patients choose implant exchange simply to achieve a softer, more natural appearance or to update results that may have changed over time due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy. Dr. Gupta can also combine your exchange with a breast lift or fat grafting for enhanced results.
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Yes! An implant exchange is the perfect time to switch to a larger or smaller size, choose a different implant type (saline, silicone, or gummy bear), or update the shape and projection to better match your current preferences.
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Recovery after an implant exchange is typically similar to your original breast augmentation, though in some cases it may be even smoother. Most patients return to light activities within a few days and can resume regular routines within a few weeks. Dr. Gupta and our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and support you through every step of your healing process.
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Here at Verve Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of implant options to help you achieve your desired look. Choices include saline or silicone implants, smooth or textured shells, and implants with different shapes, sizes, and projections to suit your body and goals. For more detailed information on breast implants and what might be right for you, please visit our Breast Augmentation page.
Add on an Internal Bra!
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Think of it as an internal sports bra—a hidden support system placed inside your body to help lift, shape, and hold your breasts in place long after surgery. At Verve Plastic Surgery, Dr. Gupta uses advanced mesh materials like Galatea and TIGR to create a secure internal framework that becomes part of your natural anatomy over time. It’s a game-changer for long-lasting, sculpted results.
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During your procedure, Dr. Gupta places a soft, flexible mesh inside the breast to act as internal scaffolding. This mesh reinforces the tissue and helps prevent issues like sagging or implant shifting.
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An internal bra can significantly enhance the look and feel of the breasts during a revision by providing better shape, support, and softness. It helps create a more lifted, youthful contour and prevents the implants from shifting or settling unnaturally over time. This added internal support not only improves the appearance but also helps the breasts feel more stable and natural.
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Acts like an internal sports bra
Prevents sagging and implant displacement
Enhances cleavage, shape, and lift
Long-term support and stability
Seamlessly integrates with your own tissue
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No! Internal bras are not one size fits all. The type, size, and placement of the mesh are carefully customized by Dr. Gupta based on your anatomy, surgical goals, and level of support needed.
Support That Lasts. Confidence That Shows.
Sign up for the Verve Standard Membership to access all pre-op and post-op instructions, recovery videos, and helpful tips and tricks—everything you need for the smoothest possible surgery experience.
Experiencing implant complications or aging implants? Schedule a consultation!
info@verveplasticsurgery.com
(760) 436-7600
700 Garden View Ct STE 208
Encinitas, CA 92024