Breast Implant Revision: When a Second Surgery Is the Right One

Why patients seek revision

Breast implants are durable, but they are not permanent devices. Over time the body can form a hard scar shell around the implant—a condition called capsular contracture. The implant can shift out of position, settle unevenly, or develop a leak. Some patients simply decide the size they chose years ago no longer fits the life they live now.

Each of these situations is a legitimate reason to revisit the operating room. Revision is not a sign that something went wrong with the original surgery. It is a recognition that bodies change, materials age, and preferences evolve. The goal is to address the specific problem—once, and well.

Removing implants without replacing them is always a fair choice. Some women decide they are finished with implants entirely. Others want a different size or profile. A few need scar tissue removed and a lift added at the same time. The consultation is where we sort out which path fits you.

What happens in the operating room

You receive anesthesia—medicine that puts you to sleep for the duration of the procedure. Whenever possible, the surgeon works through your existing scar so no new incision line is created. The old implant is removed first. If a hard scar capsule has formed around it, that tissue may be removed as well. This step is called a capsulectomy.

If you have chosen new implants, the pocket is reshaped and the new implants are placed. If you have chosen removal only, the pocket is closed. When the skin is loose—common after years with implants—a breast lift can be performed at the same time. The incisions are closed in careful layers. Small drains are sometimes placed and stay in for a few days.

The entire operation is performed in our AAAHC-accredited surgery center in Tulsa, which includes a private overnight guest suite for patients who prefer to recover on-site or who are traveling in from out of town.

Risks explained in plain words

Every surgery carries risk, and revision is no exception. The risks include many of the same concerns as a first-time implant surgery. Capsular contracture can recur. Nipple sensation may change. Bleeding can occasionally require a return to the operating room. Infection—marked by spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever—is possible. Every incision leaves a scar; most fade over a year, though some remain raised or wide.

Numbness near the incision lines is common and usually resolves over months, though small areas can stay numb permanently. Blood clots in the legs are a rare but serious risk—a clot that travels to the lungs is an emergency. If you experience sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg swelling after surgery, call 911 immediately. We review every one of these risks with you in person before you sign anything.

Recovery, honestly

The first few days feel similar to your original augmentation recovery—soreness, tightness, and fatigue. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first twenty-four hours. That is a firm rule after anesthesia, not a suggestion. If you are traveling from a community like Broken Arrow, about five miles away, or from across the country, our guest suite is available.

Healing is gradual. Swelling takes weeks to settle. Final shape continues to refine for months. The two sides of the body are never a perfect mirror of each other, and some asymmetry is normal. Additional surgery to refine a result is sometimes needed. We set honest expectations in the consultation so there are no surprises during recovery.

Explant versus exchange: choosing your path

One of the most important decisions in revision is whether to replace the implant or remove it for good. An exchange gives you the opportunity to change size, shape, or implant type. Removal—sometimes called explant—returns the breast to its natural tissue. The breast shape after removal depends on your skin quality and how much of your own tissue remains. It may look deflated at first.

Neither choice is better in the abstract. The right answer depends on your anatomy, your goals, and how you feel about implants at this stage of your life. A lift can accompany either option. We encourage patients to think through both paths before the consultation so we can have a focused, productive conversation.

Our patient gallery shows real revision results so you can see the range of outcomes. We are happy to walk through specific cases with you during your visit.

Schedule a consultation

If your implants no longer look or feel the way they should, a consultation is the first step. You will meet with one of the surgeons at Tulsa Surgical Arts, review your imaging if available, and leave with a clear understanding of your options, the timeline, and what to expect. Call 918-392-7900, text us, or book online. We see patients from Tulsa, from nearby communities like Broken Arrow, and from across the country.

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