Breast augmentation procedures may need revision either due to poor planning or changes of the implant, or overlying tissue, with time. Additionally, we know that implants are not necessarily a device that will last a patient’s lifetime. Reported failure rates are about 1% per year.

All patients seeking revision surgery after breast augmentation need to have their plastic surgeon evaluate and explain the interplay between the following factors:-

•    Breast/soft tissue coverage
•    Skin envelope
•    Capsule
•    Pocket position
•    The implant itself

Revision procedures may be as simple as exchanging implants through the original incision, to requiring a complete change of incision, pocket and implant.

The overlying breast and skin tissues after a second procedure tend to be thinner and less able to bounce back. Due to this additional scars may be necessary to help shape the tissues into a good shape. The overlying factor that will determine the likelihood of a good outcome is how much soft tissue can be manipulated to cover the implant.