When breast augmentation does not deliver the result you expected, the impact is often more than cosmetic. Discomfort, imbalance, and long-term concerns can affect both confidence and quality of life. At Casper MD, breast revision is approached with a level of expertise shaped by decades of focused breast surgery. Dr. Daniel Casper, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles with more than 30 years of experience and serves as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. His practice is known for managing complex breast revision cases with precision, safety, and long-term planning. In this blog, we take a clear look at what breast revision surgery can fix and when it may be the right step forward.
When Breast Augmentation Does Not Go as Planned
Breast augmentation is intended to enhance shape, balance, and confidence, but outcomes do not always align with expectations. Some concerns appear shortly after surgery, while others develop gradually as implants age or anatomy changes. Patients may notice discomfort, visible asymmetry, or results that feel inconsistent with what was discussed preoperatively. Breast revision surgery is specifically designed to address these concerns, whether they are aesthetic, functional, or related to implant performance.
Rather than living with a result that feels incorrect or uncomfortable, revision surgery allows concerns to be evaluated and corrected by a surgeon experienced in identifying both obvious complications and subtle structural issues.
Common Concerns Breast Revision Can Correct
Breast revision surgery is highly individualized. The approach depends on the underlying problem, the condition of the implants and tissue, and the patient’s desired outcome. Common issues addressed through revision include:
- Implant rupture or deflation: Saline ruptures are immediately noticeable, while silicone ruptures may be silent and require imaging for detection.
- Capsular contracture: Scar tissue tightens around the implant, leading to firmness, discomfort, or distortion.
- Implant malposition: Implants that sit too high, too low, too close together, or too far apart can be repositioned.
- Bottoming out: The implant drops below the natural breast crease, affecting shape and support.
- Double bubble deformity: A visible crease forms beneath the breast due to implant or tissue positioning issues.
- Rippling or visible implant edges: Often related to thin tissue coverage or implant selection.
- Size or shape dissatisfaction: Some patients wish to change implant size or return to a more natural appearance.
- Asymmetry: Differences in breast size, fold position, or nipple alignment that disrupt balance.
Revision surgery requires careful planning, particularly when scar tissue or prior surgical changes are involved.
Addressing Capsular Contracture and Implant Failure
Capsular contracture is a common medical reason patients seek breast revision. It occurs when the body forms an abnormally firm scar capsule around the implant, which can cause pain, distortion, or implant displacement. In more advanced cases, revision surgery involves removing the hardened capsule and correcting implant position or replacing the implant altogether.
Implant rupture is another frequent indication for revision. While saline ruptures are immediately visible, silicone ruptures often produce few symptoms and may only be detected through imaging such as MRI. Breast revision surgery allows for safe removal of the implant and surrounding tissue when necessary, followed by replacement or implant removal based on the patient’s goals.
A Personalized Approach to Complex Revision Cases
Breast revision surgery is technically more complex than primary augmentation due to scar tissue, altered anatomy, and implant history. These cases require a surgeon who can anticipate challenges and plan for long-term stability. Dr. Casper is frequently consulted by patients seeking correction after unsatisfactory surgery performed elsewhere, including difficult revision cases that demand advanced surgical judgment.
Each revision begins with a comprehensive consultation focused on understanding what has changed, what concerns remain, and what outcome feels appropriate moving forward. Surgical decisions are guided by anatomy, safety, and durability rather than a standardized approach.
The Breasts You Wanted, at Last
Breast revision surgery offers the opportunity to correct complications, restore comfort, and refine results after a prior procedure. Dr. Casper brings over three decades of specialized breast surgery experience to complex revision cases, combining surgical precision with thoughtful planning. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Huntington Memorial Hospital, Dr. Casper is uniquely qualified to manage revision surgery safely and effectively. If you are unhappy with the results of a previous breast surgery, scheduling a consultation is the first step toward achieving the breasts you wanted from the start.