Also known as a Secondary Breast Augmentation, Revision Breast Augmentation involves correcting and altering the results of Breast Augmentation surgery. This may include:

• Breast Implant Revision, including removal or replacement
• Fat Transfer to the Breasts
• Breast Scar Revision
• Capsulectomy

There are several reasons why a patient may require a Revision Breast Augmentation, including:

• Inferior results from a previous Breast Augmentation procedure
• Complications, such as capsular contracture, breast implant movement or rupture
• Breast asymmetry arising from uneven fat distribution following Fat Transfer to the Breasts
• PIP breast implants which require replacement, due to an associated higher risk of rupture and complications

Consultant Breast Surgeons may recommend combining Breast Implant Revision with Breast Lift, also known as Mastopexy, to enhance the position of the breasts.

Revision Breast Augmentation is performed under general anaesthetic, and depending on the exact procedure being carried out, takes 1-2 hours to complete.

Revision Breast Lift corrects or alters the results of a primary Breast Lift, or Mastopexy procedure.

Patients may seek a Revision Mastopexy for a number of reasons:

• Poor results from initial Breast Lift surgery such as breast asymmetry
• Atypical Breast Lift scarring which may be uncomfortable or limit mobility
• Changes in breast position
• Excess loose skin due to weight loss or pregnancy

In some cases, a Consultant Breast Surgeon may suggest combining Revision Breast Lift with breast implants, a procedure known as Augmented Mastopexy to enhance the final results.

Breast Lift Revision is carried out under general anaesthetic and typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on the exact surgical techniques used.

Revision Breast Reduction is a surgical procedure which corrects or alters the results of a previous Breast Reduction procedure.

There are several reasons patients may choose to undergo a Revision Breast Reduction:

• Unsatisfactory results from a primary Breast Reduction
• Regrowth of breast tissue as a rare effect of the breast condition Gigantomastia
• Problematic Breast Reduction scarring causing discomfort
• Nipple malposition

Especially in cases of dramatic Breast Reduction, the blood vessels and nerves within the breast tissue may already have been significantly modified. It is essential that a Breast Reduction Revision is performed by a Consultant Breast Surgeon with significant experience in secondary Breast Reduction to preserve the function of the breasts.

Revision Breast Reduction is performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes 3-4 hours to complete depending on the extent of the surgery.

You will meet your Consultant Breast Surgeon for up to two consultations at our specialist Chelsea based Clinic to discuss your Revision Breast Surgery, including your concerns and desired results. Consultations typically last 30-60 minutes, and your surgeon will discuss your bespoke treatment plan and the results you can expect to achieve.

It is important that you bring any information you have about your initial breast procedure so your surgeon can understand the techniques that were used, and any errors which may have arisen.

It is a good idea to write down any questions you have for your surgeon ahead of your consultation to ensure you feel fully prepared and can get the most from your appointment.  If you do have any questions following your consultations, your personal patient advisor will be able to support you.

Your surgeon will also take measurements and photos for your medical records, and will assess your general physical and mental health to ensure you are suitable for a general anaesthetic surgery.

If your surgeon decides that you are suitable for Revision Breast Surgery, they will send your surgical plan through to your patient advisor, who will contact you to discuss the plan, pricing and available dates. You will then have a two-week cooling-off period to allow you to consider whether you wish to proceed with your Breast Surgery Revision at Cadogan Clinic. During this time, you can ask any questions you may have and consider the plan your surgeon has written for you.

If you decide to go ahead with your Revision Breast Surgery, you will next visit Cadogan Clinic on the day of your procedure.

Your surgeon will give you comprehensive pre-operative instructions to follow to prepare for surgery. These will be personalised to you, but typically include:

• You will need to complete your pre-operative paperwork to allow your surgeon, anaesthetist and nurses to review your medical and psychological records and advise of any changes you need to make in your lifestyle during the run-up to your Revision Breast Surgery
• You will be asked to stop smoking or vaping for at least six weeks before your Breast Revision Surgery. This is vital to ensure your recovery is smooth and your body can heal properly. You may need to consider this when choosing a surgery date
• You will also be asked to cut down on your alcohol consumption as this can also negatively impact the healing and recovery process
• Please do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, or any herbal supplements, as these can all increase the risk of bleeding during your surgery, which may lead to complications. Your medical team will advise on the length of time depending on any medication you are taking and any underlying health concerns
• You will need to organise a chaperone to come and collect you after your Revision Breast Surgery. They should be a friend or family member who can either drive you or accompany you in a taxi, and they will need to stay with you for the first night of your recovery
• You will be asked to remove any jewellery, gel or acrylic nails and metal-tipped hair extensions to prepare for your Breast Revision Surgery.
• In the six hours before you arrive at the Clinic, do not eat any solid food or consume any juice or milk (including tea or coffee). You may have small amounts of clear liquids such as water, or black tea or coffee up to two hours before you arrive at the Clinic. 

Our pre-operative team will be available during the run-up to your Revision Breast Surgery to answer any questions you have about your preparation. If your pre-operative preparation instructions are not adhered to, your procedure may not be able to proceed.

You will be asked to arrive at the Clinic an hour before your surgery time on the day of your Revision Breast Surgery. Your surgeon, anaesthetist and our specialist nurses will answer any final questions you may have, and will prepare you for your procedure, including any marking the surgeon may need to do.

When you are taken into the operating theatre, your anaesthetist will administer your general anaesthetic so you are asleep throughout the Revision Breast Surgery. All procedures at Cadogan Clinic are done using TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia), which allows for a faster initial recovery by minimising post-operative nausea and increasing patient comfort.

You will then undergo your Revision Breast Surgery, in line with the surgical plan you have agreed with your surgeon. When the surgery is complete, your surgeon will put a post-operative bra on you, and you will be taken to our recovery ward. You will wake up from the anaesthetic and our nurses will monitor your heart rate, temperature and blood pressure. 

When you are awake and comfortable, you will be taken into a private room in our ambulatory ward. You will have something to eat and drink, and a nurse will talk you through any medication and immediate recovery steps you need to take once you are discharged. When you are ready, the nurses will ask your chaperone to come; you will be discharged, and you will leave the hospital.

Recovery following Breast Revision Surgery will depend on the exact procedure performed and the extent of the surgery. It is normal to experience some pain and discomfort during the first few days after your Revision Breast Surgery, such as a feeling of pressure or tightness, but most patients find this is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. You will be up and moving within 24 hours and able to shower normally within three days.

Throughout your recovery, you will have access to our specialist surgical nurses’ recovery phone line, which is available 24 hours a day to access support and ask any questions.

After Revision Breast Surgery, most patients are able to return to their usual routines after around a week, with initial healing (including bruising and swelling subsiding) taking 2-3 weeks. You will be asked to wear a surgical bra or a sports bra for the first few weeks of recovery, both during the day and at night. This will support your breasts, help to reduce swelling and maintain your results whilst the area settles.

One week after your Revision Breast Surgery, you will have an in-person appointment with our specialist surgical nurses so they can assess your incisions and make sure you are healing well. They will answer any questions you may have about your recovery and make sure you know how to look after your dressings and incisions effectively at home.

Six weeks after your Breast Revision procedure, you will meet with your surgeon again so they can discuss your recovery and results, discuss how you feel your Breast Reduction went and answer any questions about your ongoing journey from that point. 

After six weeks, your structured care plan will be concluded, but if you have any further questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact the team and speak with one of our specialist nurses.