Whether you’re experiencing complications like capsular contracture, visible implant rippling, or implant rupture, breast revision surgery can help restore both aesthetics and comfort. At JanigaMDs in Reno, NV, we offer personalized breast implant revision procedures performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Janiga to help you achieve your desired results with confidence.

What is Breast Revision?

Breast revision is a secondary surgery performed to replace or remove existing breast implants, correct implant-related complications, or improve the appearance of the breasts after a previous breast augmentation. Common reasons for revision surgery include:

• Breast implant rupture
• Capsular contracture
• Implant migration
• Dissatisfaction with breast size or shape
• Changes in the breast tissue due to aging
• Weight loss or weight gain

The breast implant revision surgery approach varies based on the condition of your existing breast implants, your aesthetic goals, and the techniques used during your initial surgery or primary breast augmentation. The decision to undergo breast revision should be made with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who understands the intricacies of secondary surgery and can help ensure a safe and successful outcome.

Types of Breast Revisions

Capsulectomy

A capsulectomy, also known as a full capsule removal, is the surgical procedure used to remove capsules that have formed around a patient’s breast implants. A capsulectomy from Janiga MDs is designed to remove the capsule and restore a more natural look to the breast. 

Capsulotomy 

Similarly, a capsulotomy is the surgical procedure used to open a capsule that has formed around an implant. The formation of these capsules typically follows a patient’s breast augmentation surgery and is a natural response by the body’s immune system to the presence of a foreign object. A capsulotomy is designed to restore a more natural look to the breast and relieve any discomfort it may be causing.

Capsulorrhaphy

We also offer capsulorrhaphy breast revisions. Some patients who have previously undergone a breast augmentation may seek breast revision surgery. One of the most common reasons is the desire to replace their current implants with a smaller option. During a breast revision, the current capsule may need to be tightened with internal suturing, or capsulorrhaphy, and the skin is tightened or lifted to effectively hold the newer, smaller implant.

Before Your Breast Revision Procedure

Before your breast revision procedure, you will meet with Dr. Janiga to evaluate your current implants, breast health, and desired outcomes. During this time, we will review your first surgery records, perform a physical exam, and possibly request imaging to assess the condition of the implant pocket, presence of scar tissue, or if a rupture occurred in silicone implants.

Together, we’ll discuss whether you want to remove the implants entirely, replace them with a smaller implant, correct capsular contracture, or address visible implant rippling. We’ll also talk about your implant type, implant size, and any concerns you may have about the breast revision cost, recovery process, or implant warranty. If needed, we’ll explore whether a breast lift should be performed during the same surgical procedure to improve your final breast shape and implant position.

Your Breast Revision Procedure

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Timothy Janiga performs breast revisions in our own surgical center, Mountain West, using general anesthesia.

Capsulectomies involve making an incision along the original breast augmentation procedure incisions, removing the saline or silicone breast implant, gently dissecting the capsule from the healthy tissue, and replacing the implant with a new one. At times, your original implant can be used. This procedure typically takes one to two hours with two hours of recovery time before going home.

Capsulotomies are also performed in an outpatient surgery center using general anesthesia. The procedure involves cutting through the scar tissue, opening the capsule, and relieving any uncomfortable tension it may have been causing. This procedure typically takes two to three hours, with two hours of recovery time before going home.

With a capsulorrhaphy, an incision is usually made in the fold underneath the breast, and the original implant is then removed. The capsule is tightened with internal suturing to accommodate a new smaller implant. The new implant, chosen and discussed during your initial consultation with Dr. Janiga, will then be inserted into the resized capsule. If a breast lift is also needed, incision size and placement may be different. A capsulorrhaphy typically takes around two hours with two hours of post-surgery recovery time before going home.

After Your Breast Revision Procedure

Recovery after breast revision surgery typically involves mild sensitivity, swelling, and bruising that can last up to three weeks. Most women can return to work and light activity within a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the procedure. A supportive surgical bra is often recommended to reduce swelling and help stabilize the new implant or breast pocket. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks or until cleared by your surgeon, and final results will continue to improve as swelling resolves and the implant settles into its final position.

Recovery time and outcomes may vary depending on the specific procedure, whether a breast lift was included, and your unique healing process. Dr. Janiga and his team are committed to supporting you throughout your recovery and beyond.

What to Expect After Breast Revision

With a capsulectomy and capsulotomy, you will notice a release in tension previously caused by the capsules pushing on the implant. In addition, breasts will appear more natural-looking and feel softer after the procedure. For capsulorrhaphy patients, the new implants will have the smaller size that you desire.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Revision

Learn More About Breast Revision at JanigaMDs

We evaluate patients considering breast revisions in our Reno plastic surgery and cosmetic center. To arrange a consultation with Dr. Timothy Janiga, please send us an email or call 775-364-0224.

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