Breast Implant Revision for Broken Arrow Patients

Why implants sometimes need a second surgery

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Over time, the body can form a hard scar shell around an implant — a condition called capsular contracture. An implant can also leak, shift out of position, or simply no longer match the size or shape you want. Any of these is a reasonable reason to revisit the operating room.

Revision surgery fixes a problem with implants placed in the past. Options include swapping to new implants, removing scar tissue, or removing implants for good. Removing implants without replacing them is always a fair choice. Some patients also add a breast lift at the same time, especially when the skin has stretched or the tissue asks for additional support.

The goal is straightforward: fix what is not right, carefully, in a single well-planned operation whenever possible. We encourage every patient to consult a qualified surgeon to understand which path fits her anatomy and her goals.

What happens in the operating room

You receive anesthesia — medicine that makes you sleep. The surgeon usually works through your old scar when possible. The old implant comes out. If hard scar tissue has formed around it, that tissue may be removed as well. This step is called a capsulectomy.

If you chose new implants, the pocket is adjusted and the new implants are placed. If not, the pocket is closed. A lift can be added if the skin is loose. The incisions are closed in layers. Small drains are sometimes used for a few days. The procedure is performed in our AAAHC-accredited surgery center, which includes a private overnight guest suite for patients who benefit from monitored rest before heading home.

Implant removal versus implant exchange

One of the most common questions we hear is whether to replace the implants or simply have them taken out. There is no single right answer. Some patients want a fresh set of implants in a different size or profile. Others are ready to be done with implants entirely. Both paths are valid, and neither decision needs to be defended.

When implants are removed without replacement, the final breast shape depends on your skin quality and the amount of natural tissue present. The breast may look deflated at first. A lift performed at the same time can help restore a more natural contour. We walk through every option during the consultation so you can make an informed, unhurried decision.

A qualified surgeon will assess your tissue, your implant history, and your goals before recommending one approach over the other. That conversation matters more than any article you read online.

The honest risk list

Every surgery has risks. Revision carries the same risks as first-time implant surgery, and scar tissue can return. Other risks include changed nipple sensation, bleeding that may require a return to the operating room, infection — watch for spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever — and scars that may stay raised or wide. Feeling usually returns over months, though small areas can stay numb.

Blood clots in the legs are possible. A clot that travels to the lungs is an emergency — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you experience sudden chest pain or difficulty breathing. Anesthesia complications are rare in healthy patients. The two sides of the body are never a perfect match, and additional surgery may be needed later to refine the result. We review every risk with you in person before you decide.

The drive from Broken Arrow and planning your visits

Broken Arrow is about six miles from Tulsa Surgical Arts — a short drive for your consultation, your surgery day, and every follow-up appointment. That proximity matters during recovery, when you will return for drain removal, wound checks, and progress evaluations over the weeks that follow.

Every surgical plan begins with a consultation. During this visit you meet your surgeon, discuss your goals, review your anatomy, and receive a candid assessment of what surgery can and cannot do. Our consult team can help you coordinate timing so you make the most of your trip. Call 918-392-7900 or book online to schedule your first conversation with our team.

Schedule your consultation

If your implants are causing discomfort, have changed shape, or simply no longer feel like you, we are here to help you understand your options. The surgeons of Tulsa Surgical Arts — the practice behind the AACS-certified cosmetic surgery fellowship — perform revision breast surgery in an AAAHC-accredited surgery center with a private overnight guest suite. Call 918-392-7900 or request a consultation online. We look forward to meeting you.

Individual results vary. This article is general education, not medical advice.