Breast Implant Revision
Dallas, TX
A Better Fit This Time
Choosing to have a revision can feel very different from planning your first breast augmentation. You may already know that something feels uncomfortable or looks out of place, and the thought of another surgery can bring understandable hesitation. Breast implant revision allows Dr. Joseph Kelling to correct the problem, refine your result, and help you feel confident in your breasts again.
A Fresh Look
Breast implant revision is a secondary surgery that removes, replaces, or repositions existing breast implants. The procedure may also correct scar tissue, repair the breast pocket, reshape breast tissue, or add a breast lift or fat grafting to create a softer, more balanced result.
Every breast revision is different because the original surgery, current implants, surrounding tissue, and reason for revision all affect the surgical plan. Dr. Kelling approaches each case as a new operation rather than repeating the initial breast augmentation.
When Something Feels Off
Breast implant revision surgery can address aesthetic concerns, implant complications, and changes that develop over time, including:
A Second Chance at Balance
A well-planned revision procedure can address both the implant and the tissues supporting it.
Is It Time for a Revision?
Breast revision surgery may be appropriate if you have implant pain, firmness, rupture, malposition, visible rippling, or concerns about the appearance of your previous breast augmentation. Candidates may also be healthy patients who simply want a different implant size, material, or breast shape.
Dr. Kelling may postpone surgery for patients with an active infection, uncontrolled medical concerns, nicotine use, or conditions that interfere with healing. Revision may also need to wait during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or a period of substantial weight change.
Good Preparation Starts Early
Dr. Kelling and his team will help you prepare based on the scope of your revision procedure. Bring any available records from your original surgery, including implant cards and operative reports. You may need imaging if implant rupture is suspected, particularly with silicone implants. Complete requested testing, stop nicotine within the required timeframe, adjust medications when medically approved, and arrange transportation and support at home.
Rebuilding From the Inside Out
Dr. Kelling performs breast implant revision surgery under general anesthesia at a fully accredited surgical facility.
Acellular dermal matrix or bioresorbable mesh may help reinforce thin breast tissue or provide additional implant support in select breast augmentation revisions.
Take Recovery at Your Pace
Most patients return to non-strenuous work within one to two weeks. More complex corrective surgery involving capsulectomy, pocket repair, or a breast lift may require additional time.
Walking begins shortly after surgery, while heavy lifting and upper-body exercise remain restricted. Most patients return to full physical activity after four to six weeks with Dr. Kelling’s clearance.
Swelling, bruising, tightness, and soreness are common during the first week. Breast shape becomes clearer over the next several weeks, though new implants may take a few months to settle.
Wear your surgical bra as directed and avoid pressure on the breasts. Dr. Kelling schedules follow-up appointments to monitor incision healing, implant position, breast symmetry, and the way your tissues are adapting.
Give Yourself Some Time
Stage | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Immediately | The primary implant concern has been corrected |
| 1–2 weeks | Bruising and prominent swelling begin resolving |
| 4–6 weeks | The breasts start feeling softer and more natural |
| 2–3 months | Implant position and breast shape become clearer |
| 6–12 months | Scars continue fading |
Moving Forward Beautifully
Breast implant revision can provide long-lasting improvement, although breast implants are not lifetime devices. Implant type, scar tissue response, breast pocket stability, skin elasticity, pregnancy, and weight changes can affect longevity. Some implants can last for over a decade depending on the patient. Continued follow-up helps identify changes before they become more difficult to correct.
Making the Most of Existing Incisions
Dr. Kelling reuses existing scars whenever the original incision provides safe access. A breast lift or more extensive corrective surgery may require incisions around the areola, vertically toward the breast crease, or along the crease. Scars mature over 6 to 12 months, with placement and closure planned to keep them as discreet as possible.
Keep, Replace, or Remove?
Procedure | What It Addresses |
|---|---|
| Implant replacement | Exchanges old implants for new implants |
| Pocket repair | Corrects implant malposition or double bubble |
| Capsulectomy | Removes the scar tissue capsule around the implant |
| Breast lift | Reshapes sagging breast tissue and removes excess skin |
| Implant removal | Removes implants without placing replacements |
| Fat grafting | Adds soft tissue to refine contour or camouflage rippling |
When Another Technique Helps
Yes. A breast lift can improve breast position after aging, pregnancy, or implant removal. Fat grafting can soften rippling, improve upper-pole fullness, and add coverage over the implant surface. Dr. Kelling may also use internal support when the breast pocket or surrounding tissue needs reinforcement.
Trust Us With Your Next Chapter
Dr. Joseph A. Kelling is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in breast surgery from UT Southwestern and Parkland Memorial Hospital. He personally performs each breast implant revision and has experience with implant exchange, pocket correction, capsular contracture, fat grafting, breast lift techniques, and soft-tissue support.
His revision work begins with clear problem-solving. Dr. Kelling studies the choices made during the original surgery, identifies why the current result changed, and creates a plan that respects your breast tissue and desired outcome.
Schedule a consultation at Kelling Plastic Surgery in Dallas to discuss your breast revision options.
Cost depends on the complexity of revision surgery, implant replacement, scar tissue removal, pocket repair, and any added breast lift or fat grafting. You’ll receive personalized pricing after your consultation appointment.
A silicone implant rupture can be silent. The FDA recommends ultrasound or MRI screening five years after silicone implant placement and every three years after that.
Yes. Removing excess scar tissue and replacing the implant can reduce firmness, but capsular contracture can recur. Dr. Kelling may change the implant pocket or add tissue support when appropriate.
Yes. Many patients use implant revision to switch from saline to silicone implants, change implant size, or select a different profile.
Yes. Breast implant removal may be performed alone or combined with a breast lift or fat grafting. The appearance afterward depends on your skin elasticity, breast tissue, implant size, and length of time with implants.
Recovery depends on the work required. A straightforward implant replacement may be easier than primary augmentation recovery, while capsulectomy, pocket reconstruction, or a breast lift can make the recovery longer.
