Breast Implant
Exchange & Removal
While most women are happy with their breast augmentation results, our surgeons often treat women in and around the Sacramento area who had breast augmentation elsewhere and are now experiencing complications. In cases such as these, or for women who want a different size or type of implant, or to remove their implants entirely, breast augmentation revision can help you feel great about your appearance again.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons provide a unique and individualized approach to each patient’s breast revision. With careful consideration and meticulous skill, they’ve helped many women correct numerous breast concerns with beautiful outcomes. Combined, they have performed over 1,700 breast implant exchange and breast implant removal cases.

*ACTUAL PATIENT
Why Choose Us
- As important as experience is for your initial breast augmentation, surgical expertise plays an even bigger role when it comes to breast augmentation revision. Our plastic surgeons perform many revision surgeries every year.
- Our surgeons participate in continuous professional development programs designed to enhance the quality of care they provide and help them stay up to date on the latest techniques and technologies.
- The patient experience is our top priority, and we want that relationship to be a long-term one. The majority of our staff has been with us for 5 years or more, and we’ve worked with the same group of anesthesiologists for even longer.
Reasons to Consider Breast Implant Revision
Breast augmentation is an extremely popular procedure, and the majority of women are happy with their results. However, there are many reasons a woman may wish to update or even remove her breast implants. One of the more common reasons is that an issue has developed with one or both of the implants. Also, preferences change over time and you may no longer like the look of your implants.
You may benefit from breast implant revision if you notice:
- Implant rupture. A leak or break in the implant can affect breast shape and requires surgical correction.
- Implant rippling or wrinkling. Visible folds beneath the skin can occur when the implant shifts or the tissue thins.
- Bottoming out. This happens when the implant sits too low on the chest, creating an imbalanced or elongated appearance.
- Symmastia. If implants migrate too close together, it can cause the breasts to appear joined in the center.
- Pronounced asymmetry. One breast looks noticeably different in size or position compared to the other.
- Capsular contracture. This happens when hardened scar tissue forms around the implant, causing tightness or distortion.
- Dissatisfaction with size, shape or position over time. Even without complications, preferences can change after your initial breast augmentation.
Breast implant revision surgery can correct complications, improve implant placement or simply update your implants to a size or type that better fits your current goals. Regardless of your reason, our plastic surgeons will evaluate your concerns and create a personalized plan to help you achieve the results you want.
Best Candidates for Implant Exchange/Removal
Breast implant exchange/removal surgery is best suited for women who are fully healed from their initial augmentation and medically cleared for another procedure. Timing, overall health and surgical safety all play important roles in determining whether revision is appropriate.
Ideal candidates for breast revision surgery:
- Are at least 6 to 12 months out from their first surgery, unless a medical complication is an immediate concern.
- Are in good overall physical and mental health.
- Have no active infections or untreated medical issues.
- Do not smoke or are willing to stop before surgery.
- Are at a healthy, stable weight.
- Have realistic expectations about revision outcomes.
Your surgeon will evaluate your health and implant history to determine whether breast implant revision is the safest and most effective option for you.
Request Your Consult
Your Consultation
Each breast implant exchange/removal performed at The Natural Result / Center for Aesthetic Artistry is tailored to the individual needs of the patient, so the first step of revising your previously performed breast augmentation is to talk with one of our skilled surgeons.
During your consultation, your doctor will review your concerns, assess your current implants and breast tissue and discuss the options that best align with your goals. Your surgeon will also review your surgical history, evaluate skin quality and implant position and explain what can realistically be achieved with revision surgery.
With extensive experience in breast implant revision, our surgeons will guide you through the decision-making process and help you create a personalized plan for natural-looking, beautiful results.
Your Breast Revision Procedure
Because breast implant revision is highly individualized, your exact surgical plan will depend on your specific needs and goals. This plan will be discussed with you in detail prior to your procedure. Breast revision procedures are performed under general anesthesia, and the length of surgery can vary based on whether implants are being replaced, removed, repositioned or combined with additional procedures such as a breast lift.
In many cases, your surgeon will be able to use the same incision from your original augmentation to remove or adjust the implants and correct any issues. Once the necessary revisions are made, new implants are placed (unless you have chosen to remove them completely) and incisions are closed.
After surgery, you’ll spend time in recovery before heading home the same day in most cases. Your surgical team will give you detailed instructions on dressings, support garments, activity restrictions and follow-up care to support a smooth and comfortable healing process.
Recovery after Breast Revision Surgery
Recovery from breast implant revision varies from person to person, depending on the techniques used and the extent of correction. Expect some soreness, swelling and a feeling of tightness in the chest during the first several days of recovery, similar to what you likely experienced after your initial augmentation. Discomfort is usually manageable with prescribed medication, rest and compression garments.
Many people take about one week off work, though you may need more time if your job is physically demanding. Light walking is encouraged early on, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 3 to 4 weeks, or as directed by your surgeon. Swelling should continue to improve over the next several weeks, and full healing can take several months depending on the complexity of your revision.
Once you have fully healed, the issues from your original augmentation should be corrected or significantly improved.
Your New Look
You should begin to notice initial improvements within the first few weeks after your breast revision procedure, as swelling decreases and your breasts start to settle into a more natural position. Concerns like asymmetry, rippling or implant malposition often look noticeably better fairly quickly.
Final results will take shape more gradually over the coming weeks and months. Most patients see their full outcome at around 3 to 6 months, once residual swelling has resolved and the implants or breast tissue have fully adjusted. In more complex revisions, final results may continue to refine for up to a year.
With proper support, healthy habits and stable weight, the improvements from your breast implant revision can be long lasting and help restore a more balanced, natural-looking appearance.
Breast Implant Exchange/Removal FAQs
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How much does breast implant revision cost in Sacramento?The cost of your breast exchange or removal procedure will vary, depending on the extent of correction needed, whether you choose to get new implants or remove them altogether and other factors specific to your needs. For this reason, we will be able to give you a more accurate breast revision cost estimate at the time of your consultation. For ballpark pricing and more information about financing options, please call us at 916-983-9895 or contact us online.Does insurance cover the cost of breast implant exchange or removal?It depends on whether or not the reason for your revision surgery is deemed medically necessary. Insurance may cover breast implant revision surgery if they are due to capsular contracture, ruptured implants, deformities or wound healing issues. Before considering breast revision surgery, talk with your surgeon and your insurance provider.Should I return to the same surgeon who did my original breast augmentation?If you are comfortable with your previous surgeon and they are experienced with breast implant revisions, then there is no reason not to return to the same surgeon. However, breast implant revision surgery is more complicated than your original breast surgery and requires special skill and experience. Talk with your surgeon about their revision experience and what they recommend.Why is revision surgery more complicated than the initial breast procedure?Revision surgery is more complex because your surgeon must work around existing scar tissue, previous implant pockets and changes in breast tissue from the first procedure.How do I know if my breast implant has ruptured?Signs can include changes in breast size or shape, increased firmness, swelling or discomfort, though silicone ruptures may show no symptoms at all. If you suspect a rupture, your surgeon can confirm with an exam and imaging.Will the same breast implants be used for my revision procedure?It depends on the reason for your revision. Your surgeon will help you choose whether to replace your implants with the same type, switch to a different style or size or remove them entirely, depending on your goals and the reason for your revision.Should I have my implants removed or replaced?Making this decision is personal and depends on a variety of different factors. Many women may opt to replace their implants with a different implant model or size, while other women choose to return to their pre-augmentation figure. Talk with your surgeon about your options and how to best meet your desired goals.Is breast implant revision painful?Thanks to anesthesia, you should not experience any pain or discomfort during your breast revision procedure. However, as breast revision is a more complicated procedure than your original breast augmentation, you may experience a little more discomfort during recovery than you did with your initial procedure.What are the possible risks associated with breast revision surgery?Breast revision surgery is a common procedure and your surgeon does everything possible to reduce any potential risks. However, as with all surgical procedures, there are possible risks.
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