Breast Revision

During your consultation with Dr. Aimé, your medical history and surgical goals will be discussed in detail. If new implants are part of your plan, you’ll choose between saline vs. silicone, volume, projection, and implant plane (above or below the muscle). Dr. Aimé may also recommend a mesh “internal bra” for added support.

Preoperative steps may include:

• A mammogram (required for patients 40+)
• Ultrasound or other imaging if there’s concern about implant rupture or displacement
• Medical clearance or lab work, if needed
• Halting supplements one week before and after surgery
• Ceasing nicotine use (including vape) for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery

Breast revision surgery is performed either awake with local anesthesia or asleep under general anesthesia depending on the complexity.

If implants are being removed or exchanged:

• The old implants are assessed for rupture, creasing, or other issues
• Pocket adjustments (capsulorrhaphy or capsulotomy) are made as needed
• Breast capsule is removed if needed (capsulectomy)
• New implants are selected using intraoperative sizers if needed
• The capsule may be closed if no new implant is placed
• Implants may be sent back to the manufacturer under warranty (if eligible)
• Any removed breast tissue may be sent to pathology for review

If shaping is needed after implant removal, a breast lift may be performed. In cases where fat grafting is planned, this is often scheduled as a second stage to allow the initial shape to heal.

After your breast revision surgery, you’ll be placed in a supportive surgical bra, which you’ll wear for approximately 4 to 6 weeks to help reduce swelling, support your new breast shape, and protect healing incisions. Most patients experience moderate soreness, swelling, and bruising, which are expected after surgery and typically resolve with time.

To enhance your comfort in the early recovery period, long-acting numbing medication is often used during the procedure to provide extended pain relief. This is supplemented by prescribed oral medications to manage any residual discomfort. Showering is usually permitted 1 to 2 days after surgery, depending on your specific case and surgical details.

You’ll be encouraged to resume light daily activities such as walking within a few days and return to work as early as 2 to 7 days post-op, depending on the extent of the surgery and your activity level. Light exercise such as longer walks or gentle cycling can typically resume around 2 to 4 weeks, while more strenuous activity, including lifting and vigorous workouts, should wait until around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

Because breast revision procedures vary widely—from simple implant exchanges to complex pocket reconstructions and lifts—Dr. Aimé will provide you with personalized recovery instructions tailored to your procedure. It’s important to follow all postoperative guidelines closely to ensure optimal healing and long-term results.