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What Is Breast Implant Revision?
Breast augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that increases breast volume and enhances shape using breast implants, fat grafting, or a combination of both. This is not a one-size-fits-all surgery but a highly customizable procedure designed to meet your unique body type, proportions, and vision.
Dr. Fichadia offers a variety of implant types, including cohesive silicone gel implants like Motiva, Sientra, Natrelle and Mentor as well as saline implants when appropriate. She also performs fat transfer breast augmentation for women seeking subtle, natural volume without the use of implants. In some cases, she combines both in a hybrid augmentation to achieve optimal shape, projection, and softness.
To explore the full range of options available, including implant materials, sizes, and profiles, visit our page on Types of Breast Implants.
Why Do Patients Seek Breast Implant Revision?
There are many reasons women consider revision surgery, some of which include:
- Capsular contracture (tight scar tissue around the implant)
- Implant rupture or deflation
- Implant malposition (bottoming out, lateral displacement, asymmetry)
- Rippling or visible implant edges
- Desire to change size (larger or smaller)
- Transition to Motiva implants
- Desire for a more natural look
- Aging, pregnancy, or weight changes affecting results
- Desire to remove implants altogether
During your consultation, Dr. Fichadia will help you understand what’s happening anatomically and walk you through your options clearly and compassionately.
Why Choose Dr. Hetal Fichadia for Breast Implant Revision?
Revision surgery requires judgment, restraint, and experience. It is not just about replacing implants. It is about restoring harmony
Here’s what sets her apart:
- Extensive surgical experience: As a double board-certified plastic and general surgeon with over a decade in private practice, she understands both the technical and aesthetic complexities of revision surgery.
- Thoughtful problem-solving: She carefully analyzes why the original result changed or failed and addresses the root cause, not just the symptom.
- Natural aesthetic philosophy: Dr. Fichadia avoids overcorrection. Her goal is balance, softness, and proportion that age gracefully.
- Advanced techniques: She incorporates subfascial placement, hybrid fat grafting, and Galaflex internal support when indicated.
- Holistic care: From surgical readiness to emotional reassurance, she supports you as a whole person, not just a surgical case.
If your first experience left you uncertain or disappointed, this is your opportunity to feel truly heard.
Common Techniques in Breast Implant Revision
Every revision is different. Dr. Fichadia customizes your procedure using one or more of the following approaches:
Implant Exchange
Replacing older implants with modern cohesive silicone implants such as Motiva can improve softness, shape, and safety profile. Some patients choose to downsize for a more natural look. Others want more projection.
Capsulectomy or Capsulotomy
If scar tissue has hardened around the implant (capsular contracture), Dr. Fichadia may remove or release the capsule to restore comfort and shape.
Implant Pocket Adjustment
If implants have shifted too low, too far to the side, or are uneven, Dr. Fichadia can reshape and reinforce the implant pocket for better positioning.
Subfascial Placement
For patients who previously had submuscular implants and experience animation deformity or discomfort, conversion to subfascial placement may offer a smoother, more natural movement.
Hybrid Revision with Fat Grafting
Fat transfer can soften edges, improve cleavage, correct rippling, and refine contour. This is especially helpful for thinner patients or those seeking a more natural transition.
Galaflex Internal Bra Support
In cases where tissue support has weakened, Dr. Fichadia may use Galaflex mesh to reinforce the lower pole of the breast. This biocompatible scaffold acts like an internal bra, integrating with your tissue to provide added support and reduce the risk of bottoming out or recurrent sagging. It is often used in complex revisions or in patients with thin or stretched tissue.
Breast Lift with Revision
If sagging is present, combining implant revision with a breast lift can restore both position and volume in one surgery.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?
You may be a candidate if:
- You are unhappy with the size, shape, or feel of your implants
- You are experiencing discomfort or tightness
- Your implants have ruptured or shifted
- Your breasts have changed due to aging or pregnancy
- You are in good general health and have realistic expectations
Revision surgery is highly individualized. Dr. Fichadia will evaluate your breast tissue, implant history, skin quality, and goals to determine the safest and most effective path forward.
Hetal Fichadia MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in Portland, OR
What Can I Expect on Breast Revision Surgery Day?
Breast implant revision is performed at accredited outpatient facilities such as East Pavilion Surgery Center.
On the day of your breast revision surgery:
- You will meet with Dr. Fichadia to review markings and confirm your surgical plan
- You will speak with the anesthesia and nursing team
- Surgery time varies depending on complexity, typically 2 to 4 hours
- Most patients return home the same day
- You will leave with detailed instructions, supportive garments, and direct access to our team for questions.
How Is the Recovery After Breast Implant Revision?
Recovery depends on the extent of revision. In many cases, it is similar to or slightly longer than primary augmentation.
Most patients experience:
- Swelling and tightness for the first 1–2 weeks
- Return to desk work in about 5–7 days
- Avoidance of strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks
- Gradual softening and settling over several months
If Galaflex support or a lift is included, Dr. Fichadia will tailor your activity restrictions accordingly. Follow-up visits typically occur at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.
You will not navigate recovery alone. We check in frequently and prioritize your peace of mind.
How Much Does Breast Implant Revision Cost in Portland?
The cost of breast implant revision varies depending on:
- Implant exchange versus removal
- Capsulectomy complexity
- Use of Galaflex internal support
- Fat grafting inclusion
- Combination with breast lift
At your consultation, you will receive a transparent, personalized quote based on your surgical plan. Financing options are available for qualified patients.
Begin Your Next Chapter with Confidence
Whether you’re updating older implants, correcting a complication, or refining your results for a more natural look, Dr. Hetal Fichadia offers expert guidance with compassion and precision. Dr. Fichadia welcomes you to visit her to have a friendly and informative consultation to review your options. She will gladly answer any questions you have and explain how the surgery can help; or, if there is a better option, she will explain what this might be.
Serving patients from Portland, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Vancouver, and beyond, Dr. Fichadia is honored to help women feel confident again. Call (503) 488-2344 or contact us through our online form to schedule your consultation today.
Portland Breast Revision Surgery – FAQs
How long after my original augmentation can I have revision surgery?
In most cases, it’s ideal to wait at least 6 to 12 months after your initial breast augmentation before pursuing revision surgery. This allows your implants to fully settle, swelling to resolve, scars to mature, and your tissues to stabilize. That said, if you are experiencing significant discomfort, implant rupture, severe asymmetry, or capsular contracture, earlier intervention may be appropriate.
Dr. Fichadia will carefully evaluate your healing, review your surgical history, and help you determine the safest timing. Her priority is not rushing you into another procedure, but ensuring your body is truly ready for a successful, lasting result.
Can I downsize my implants?
Yes, and many women choose to downsize over time. Lifestyle changes, aging, athletic goals, or simply evolving personal preferences often lead patients to desire a more natural, proportional look.
When downsizing, Dr. Fichadia will assess your skin elasticity and tissue support. In some cases, especially if implants have been large or present for many years, a breast lift may be recommended to maintain shape and prevent sagging. She will walk you through what your breasts will look like with smaller implants and design a plan that preserves elegance and long-term stability.
Will revision surgery be more painful than my first augmentation?
Not necessarily. Recovery depends on what is being corrected. A simple implant exchange is often very similar to primary augmentation in terms of discomfort. More complex revisions involving scar tissue removal, pocket reconstruction, or internal support may require a slightly longer recovery period.
Dr. Fichadia uses meticulous surgical technique and thoughtful pain management strategies to keep recovery as smooth as possible. Many patients tell us they feel more prepared and less anxious the second time around because they know what to expect and feel fully supported.
Can capsular contracture come back?
Capsular contracture can recur, but the risk can be significantly reduced with careful surgical planning. During revision, Dr. Fichadia may remove or release the scar capsule, adjust implant placement, or recommend a different implant type to lower recurrence risk.
She also evaluates factors such as implant position, pocket technique, and tissue quality. While no procedure can offer a zero-percent recurrence rate, her goal is to address the underlying cause and create a more stable, comfortable long-term result.
Do I have to replace my implants every 10 years?
No. Implants do not automatically expire at 10 years. That guideline is often misunderstood. If your implants are intact, you are not experiencing symptoms, and imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI when indicated) show no issues, replacement is not mandatory.
Revision is typically recommended only if there is a complication, rupture, discomfort, aesthetic concern, or personal desire for change. Dr. Fichadia monitors her patients over time and will guide you honestly about when, or if, replacement is appropriate.
Can Galaflex mesh be used in revision cases?
Yes, and it can be especially helpful in certain revision situations. If tissue has thinned, stretched, or lost strength over time, Galaflex mesh can provide internal reinforcement. It acts like a soft, supportive internal bra, helping to stabilize implant position and reduce the risk of bottoming out or recurrent sagging.
Galaflex is biocompatible and gradually integrates with your tissue as it resorbs. Dr. Fichadia will only recommend it if it meaningfully improves your long-term outcome. Her philosophy is always thoughtful correction, not over-treatment.