What is Breast Implant Revision Surgery?
Breast implant revision surgery is, for many people, an opportunity to realign their body with who they have become. Bodies change, tastes evolve, and what once felt right may no longer reflect the person you are today.
Revision surgery opens the door to a personalized, refreshed result- one that feels more you than ever. Revision surgery can feel like an emotional reset. It’s a chance to let go of an older version of yourself that no longer fits how you feel about yourself and view yourself. Breast implants can look beautiful and feel comfortable for many years, but they are not lifetime devices.
Over time, changes in the implants or in the body can affect how the breasts look and feel. Some patients develop firmness or distortion, notice visible rippling, or feel that the size or shape no longer matches their current goals. Others simply want a more natural look, a different volume, or to remove implants altogether.
Breast implant revision is a highly individualized procedure that addresses these changes. The goal is to improve comfort, restore balance, and refine aesthetics while respecting your tissue, health, and personal preferences. For patients across Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, the Poconos, and the Lehigh Valley, revision surgery offers an opportunity to feel more at ease in their bodies again.
Anthony D. Bruno, II, M.D. is double board certified in both General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. After six rigorous years of general surgery training and successfully passing his General Surgery board examination, he went on to complete 3 additional years of advanced plastic surgery training at Duke University Medical Center, one of the nation’s premier programs. He then passed his Plastic Surgery board exam.
This exceptional level of training along with his God given talents is what enables his meticulous planning, technical mastery, precision, and expert refinement in the most complex breast surgery such as breast implant revision surgery.
When Breast Implant Revision May Be Considered
Breast implant revision is not based on a fixed timeline. Instead, it is considered when implants or breast tissue no longer feel right for your body or your goals.
Common reasons patients explore revision include:
– Changes in size or shape that no longer fit lifestyle or proportions
– Visible rippling, asymmetry, or an “unnatural” appearance
– Tightness, hardness, or distortion from capsular contracture
– Suspected implant rupture or deflation
– Discomfort related to implant position or weight
– Desire to remove implants and return to a more natural breast
During consultation, Dr. Bruno reviews your history, examines the implants and breast tissue, and talks through what you would like to change.
Common Reasons for Breast Implant Revision
Every revision is different, but several patterns appear frequently:
Capsular contracture: the natural scar capsule around the implant becomes abnormally tight or firm, sometimes distorting shape or causing discomfort.
Implant malposition: implants may sit too high, too low, too far apart, or too close together.
Rupture or deflation: saline implants can visibly deflate; silicone ruptures may be more subtle.
Size and style changes: goals can evolve, from wanting smaller, softer implants to a more natural contour.
Aging and tissue changes: weight shifts, pregnancies, and gravity alter the breast envelope around the implant.
Dr. Bruno tailors each plan to address both implant-related issues and changes in the surrounding tissue.
Dr. Bruno’s Approach to Implant Revision
Revision surgery is a complex surgery that requires more than simply exchanging implants. Scar tissue, stretched skin, weakened support structures, and prior incision patterns must all be considered.
Anthony D. Bruno, II, M.D. approaches implant revision as a sophisticated restorative procedure with many fine details, applying advanced training in both general surgery and plastic surgery to create a stable, long-lasting framework.
His approach includes:
– Detailed review of prior operative history when available
– Careful physical examination of implant position, capsule quality, and tissue support
– Thoughtful discussion of size preferences, lifestyle, and desired level of fullness
– Planning for capsule management, pocket adjustment, or lifting when needed
– Clear conversation about realistic possibilities and limitations
The goal is to deliver an outcome that feels comfortable, looks balanced, and aligns with current priorities while respecting safety and anatomy.
Options: Exchange, Removal, and Lift
Breast implant revision can include several different strategies, sometimes combined in a single procedure:
Implant exchange: Replacing older implants with new ones, often adjusting size, profile, or type to better match current goals.
Implant removal: Taking implants out entirely for patients who prefer a more natural breast; may be paired with a lift for shape.
Capsulectomy or capsulotomy: Removing or releasing tight scar tissue around the implant to improve softness and position.
Pocket revision: Adjusting the space where the implant sits to correct malposition or create better symmetry.
Combination with breast lift or reduction: Reshaping stretched or heavy tissue around the implant.
During consultation, options are reviewed in detail so you can choose the approach that feels right.
The Breast Implant Revision Procedure
Breast implant revision is typically an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. The exact steps depend on your specific plan. In many cases, Dr. Bruno uses existing scars when possible to minimize new incisions.
During surgery, the implants are carefully removed and inspected. The capsule and pocket are evaluated and managed according to the plan—released, reshaped, or partially or completely removed. If new implants are placed, the pocket is adjusted to support appropriate position and coverage.
When a lift is needed, excess skin is removed, and breast tissue is reshaped to create a more youthful, uplifted contour. Incisions are closed in layers to support structure and scar quality, and a supportive bra is placed.
Recovery and Healing
After a Breast Implant Revision Surgery you will have detailed instructions on post operative care and restrictions. You will be closely followed by Dr. Bruno for monitoring of healing, adjustments to your activity plan, and time to address any questions. The goal is a safe recovery that sets the foundation for a long-lasting, natural-looking result.
Asymmetry and Customization
Many patients seeking implant revision already have some degree of asymmetry, either from natural differences or from how implants and tissues have changed over time. A core advantage of revision surgery is the ability to address these differences more directly.
Dr. Bruno may adjust implant size, profile, or pocket position differently on each side. Lift patterns and areolar sizing can also be tailored to each breast. Measurements, photographs, and a candid discussion about what bothers you most guide the plan.
The aim is a more harmonious balance that feels right to you in clothing, swimwear, and daily life, rather than rigid or unnatural symmetry.
Results and Emotional Impact
Breast implant revision often carries a strong emotional component. Some patients feel frustrated by long-term firmness or distortion, while others feel that their reflection no longer matches their current stage of life. A well-planned revision can relieve these concerns, soften the chest, and restore a sense of alignment between how you feel and how you look.
Patients frequently describe improved comfort, better fit in clothing, and renewed confidence. For those choosing removal and lift, many appreciate the lighter feel and more natural contour. The intent is always to enhance quality of life—physically and emotionally—while keeping results tasteful, balanced, and authentically you.
Learn More About Breast Implant Revisions From
What Sets Bruno Plastic Surgery Apart
Anthony D. Bruno, II, M.D., who leads Bruno Plastic Surgery is what sets it apart.
Dr. Bruno’s work goes far beyond technique. Dr. Bruno strives to change someone’s life with precision, artistry and emotional intelligence that exceptional surgery requires. Patients throughout the tri-state area choose Dr. Bruno for his attention to detail and meticulous technique.
Dr. Bruno has the ability to create results that look natural, elegant, and uniquely tailored to each patient.
Dr. Bruno is Double Board Certified. He is board certified in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery, with extensive training at the prestigious Duke University and other leading institutions. This background provides a strong foundation for managing complex breast procedures with both safety and artistry. Every patient’s plan is individualized, and every detail is considered.
Many long-standing patients express their loyalty with the hashtag #OnlyDrBruno, reflecting the trust they place in his judgment and the consistent care they receive.
From your first consultation through your final follow-up, the experience is designed to be first class, organized, and supportive at every step.
Preparing for Breast Implant Revision
Thorough preparation supports both safety and a smooth recovery. Before surgery, Dr. Bruno reviews your medical history, medications, prior operative notes when available, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and exercise. Stability in weight, sound nutrition, and smoking cessation are emphasized to support healing and reduce risk.
Practical steps may include preoperative imaging, laboratory testing, garment fitting, and filling prescriptions in advance. At home, setting up a comfortable recovery space with extra pillows, front-opening tops, and essentials within easy reach can make the early days easier. A responsible adult should drive you home and stay close by for at least the first day or two. Detailed instructions about bathing, incision care, activity, and follow-up are reviewed so you know what to expect at each stage.
Aftercare Essentials
After implant revision, a supportive bra, proper incision care, and adherence to medication instructions form the foundation of recovery. Short, frequent walks help circulation and reduce stiffness. Lifting, overhead reaching, and strenuous exercise are limited until Dr. Bruno confirms that tissues and implants are stable.
Underwire bras are usually delayed until healing has progressed. When appropriate, silicone therapy and gentle scar massage may be recommended. Protecting new scars from sun exposure helps prevent darkening and supports better cosmetic outcomes.
Regular follow-up visits allow close monitoring, early intervention if minor concerns arise, and fine-tuning of your activity plan, supporting a smooth recovery and a balanced, comfortable result.
Related Pages
Breast Augmentation
Breast Lift
Breast Reduction
Breast Implant Revision
Breast Asymmetry Correction
Breast Liposuction
Contact Us
Patients needing a breast implant revision in NEPA can call Bruno Plastic Surgery to set up a consultation.
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FAQs
How do I know if I need a simple implant exchange or a full revision?
A simple exchange replaces implants of similar size and position when the pocket is stable and soft. A full revision corrects issues like contracture, malposition, rippling, or bottoming out, often requiring capsule release or removal, pocket tightening or relocation, and sometimes a lift.
In consultation, we assess tissue quality, capsule behavior, implant position, and symmetry. Imaging may confirm rupture or pocket problems. Your goals also matter: size changes, profile updates, or switching filler types can influence the plan. We recommend the least invasive approach that reliably addresses your concerns and supports long-term softness, symmetry, and comfort.
What are my options if my implants feel hard from capsular contracture?
Options depend on severity and history. Mild tightness may respond to pocket modification or exchange, but true contracture often needs surgical release or capsulectomy to soften the breast and restore shape. We may change plane, adjust implant size or profile, or add internal support to reduce recurrence risk.
If repeated contracture has occurred, removal with or without a lift is a reasonable choice. We tailor decisions to your anatomy and goals, balancing softness, symmetry, and safety. During surgery, we reassess the pocket and capsule directly to deliver the best combination of release, reinforcement, and implant selection for durable results.
Can revision fix implants that are too far apart or too close together?
Yes. When implants drift laterally, we tighten the outer pocket and reinforce support to restore cleavage. When they meet in the middle, careful release and reconstruction of the inner pocket recreates a natural gap. Bottoming out is corrected by tightening the lower pocket and restoring fold position.
These techniques, called capsulorrhaphy and pocket reconstruction, are performed with precise suturing and, when indicated, internal support materials. Size and profile adjustments may further improve balance. A supportive bra during healing protects repairs. The aim is symmetric, stable positioning with attractive cleavage and a breast footprint that fits your chest shape.
Should I remove my implants or keep them and switch type or size?
The decision is personal and based on your anatomy, symptoms, and aesthetic goals. Many patients are happiest after exchanging to a size and profile that better matches their frame and lifestyle, often with pocket refinement for stability. Others feel best removing implants, sometimes adding a lift and optional fat grafting for soft contour.
We will show likely outcomes for each path, discuss scarring, recovery, and maintenance, and consider future plans such as weight changes or pregnancy. Our role is to provide clear guidance so you choose confidently, knowing each option can be performed safely with natural results.
What is recovery like after revision compared with first-time augmentation?
Recovery after a straightforward exchange is often similar or slightly easier than a first augmentation, with several days of tightness and soreness that improve steadily. When pocket reconstruction, capsule work, or a lift is added, expect more tenderness and a longer return to full activity.
Most patients resume desk work within one to two weeks, wear support continuously early on, and avoid lifting and vigorous exercise for four to six weeks. Swelling and implant position evolve over several weeks as tissues relax. Follow-ups guide activity progression, bra use, and scar care so healing remains predictable and your new shape settles beautifully.