Revision Breast Surgery

Revision breast surgery addresses concerns, complications or aesthetic changes following previous breast surgery, offering a pathway to improved comfort, appearance and confidence.

Varies
Procedure time
General
Anaesthetic
Day Case / Overnight Stay
Hospital stay
2–3 Weeks
Return to work
6–8 Weeks
Exercise recovery
What is Revision Breast Surgery?

Understanding Revision Breast Surgery Surgery

Revision breast surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to improve the outcome of previous breast surgery. Patients may seek revision surgery for a variety of reasons, including dissatisfaction with the size or shape of their current implants, the development of complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, or concerns about implant position.

Previous implants may also require attention simply as a result of the natural ageing process or changes in personal preference. In all cases, revision surgery requires careful assessment of the previous procedure, existing anatomy and the patient’s current goals.

A thorough consultation is essential prior to any revision procedure. Your surgical history will be reviewed, the current result examined, your concerns discussed and the options available explained to you.

Revision surgery requires experience, careful planning and a thorough understanding of previous procedures. The goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for the patient's individual situation.
Mr Petros Yiannoullou
Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon
Is Revision Breast Surgery right for you?

Typical Reasons Women Choose Revision Breast Surgery

Revision breast surgery may be appropriate for patients who have concerns following a previous breast procedure, whether performed at this clinic or elsewhere.

Patients often choose Revision Breast Surgery for:
Dissatisfaction with the size or appearance of existing implants
Complications such as capsular contracture or implant rupture
Implant displacement or positional changes
Desire to change implant size, profile or type
Previous breast surgery performed elsewhere requiring revision
Concerns arising from natural changes over time
What results can Revision Breast Surgery achieve?

The Benefits of Revision Breast Surgery Surgery

Revision breast surgery provides an opportunity to address concerns from a previous procedure, whether related to aesthetics, comfort or complications.

Addresses both functional concerns and aesthetic goals
Opportunity to update implant size or type
Resolution of complications such as capsular contracture
Improved breast shape, symmetry and position
Tailored approach based on individual surgical history
Experienced surgical team with specialist knowledge of revision cases
What happens during surgery?

Your Revision Breast Surgery Procedure

The nature of revision breast surgery varies considerably depending on the reason for revision and what was performed previously. Procedures may include implant exchange, implant removal, capsulectomy, correction of implant position, or a combination of these alongside additional techniques such as uplift.

Surgery is typically performed under general anaesthetic. Duration varies depending on the complexity of the procedure. The planned approach, expected outcomes and recovery will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

Revision surgery is often more complex than the first operation. Careful planning and experience are what deliver a safe, improved result.
Mr Ashley Topps
Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon

Your Treatment Journey

From your initial consultation through to surgery and aftercare, our team will guide you through every stage of your treatment.
01

Complimentary Consultation

Katie answers your initial questions and explains the process at ART Breast Clinic.
02

Surgeon Consultation

A full hour with your surgeon. Multiple consultations before surgery are encouraged.
03

Surgery

Your procedure is performed under general anaesthetic, typically taking 60 to 90 minutes.
04

Recovery

Most patients return home the same day and gradually resume normal activities.
05

Follow Up

Nurse follow up at 1 week and as required. Surgeon follow up at 6 to 8 weeks.
Recovery

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery following revision breast surgery depends on the extent of the procedure undertaken. In straightforward cases, recovery is similar to that of primary breast surgery. More complex revisions may involve a longer recovery period.

Most patients return to light activities within one to two weeks, with a return to strenuous exercise and physical work at six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific recovery guidance based on the procedure performed.

Week 1–2

Rest and take any prescribed medication. Wear your supportive bra day and night as instructed.

Weeks 2–6

Patients can return to light exercise. Avoid lifting or strenuous exercise.

Week 6+

Full exercise and physical activity can typically be resumed.

6 Months+

Swelling fully settles and your final results become clearly visible.

Aftercare Support

Your care doesn't end in theatre. We provide a structured aftercare programme to support a smooth, comfortable recovery.
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24-hour post-operative nursing support
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Follow-up appointments included
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2 years of aftercare
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Scar management advice provided
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Scar management advice provided
Important Information

Risks & Considerations

Revision breast surgery carries all the risks associated with primary breast procedures, and in some cases additional risks due to the presence of existing scar tissue or previous surgical changes. These include infection, bleeding, wound healing issues, changes in sensation, asymmetry and the potential need for further revision.

All relevant risks will be discussed in detail prior to surgery.

Scarring

All incisions leave a permanent scar. Typically placed in discreet locations, scars fade significantly over 12 to 18 months with proper care.

Changes in sensation

Temporary or, sometimes, permanent changes to nipple or breast sensation can occur following surgery.

Implant complications

Includes capsular contracture, rupture, displacement or rippling. Most are manageable with further treatment if required.

Infection

A small risk with any surgery. Minimised through strict sterile technique and appropriate antibiotic cover.

Anaesthetic risks

General anaesthetic carries its own risks, discussed in full with your anaesthetist prior to surgery.

Asymmetry

Perfect symmetry is not always achievable. Minor differences in size, shape or position can occur.
Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

This varies depending on the reason for revision. In most cases surgeons recommend waiting at least six to twelve months after primary surgery before considering revision, to allow full healing and for results to settle. Emergency revisions for complications may be required sooner.

Yes. The team is experienced in revision cases, including those originally performed elsewhere. A thorough assessment of your surgical history will be carried out prior to any revision procedure.

Where possible, revision surgery uses existing incisions to minimise additional scarring. In some cases new incisions may be necessary. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around an implant tightens and hardens. Treatment typically involves removal of the capsule alongside implant exchange or removal.

Yes. Implant exchange is one of the most common reasons for revision breast surgery. Your anatomy will be assessed and the implant options appropriate for your desired outcome discussed.

As with primary breast surgery, revision results are long-lasting but not permanent. Further changes may occur over time due to ageing, weight fluctuations or implant lifespan.

Revision surgery can be more complex due to the presence of existing scar tissue and the need to work within the constraints of previous surgery. Experience in revision cases is therefore important.

Implant removal without replacement is a straightforward option that many patients choose. We can advise on whether additional procedures such as an uplift may be beneficial at the same time.

The ART Breast Difference

Why Patients Choose Us

We are a specialist breast surgery clinic — every patient, every procedure, every outcome matters to us.
01

Specialist Expertise

Our surgeons are Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeons with extensive experience in cosmetic breast procedures. Our entire clinical focus is the breast — nothing else.
02

Personalised Care

From your first consultation through to recovery, you will receive individualised attention from a small, dedicated team who know you by name — not by number.
03

Honesty & Transparency

We will always give you a frank, realistic assessment of what surgery can and cannot achieve. No pressure, no hard sell — just the information you need to make a confident decision.
Patient Reviews

What our patients say

I highly recommend Mr Topps. I had implant removal, new implants and an uplift, and could not have been happier with my experience at ART Breast.
Verified patient · Google
Individual results vary and are not guaranteed.
Take the First Step

Book Your Consultation

Begin with a private, no-obligation consultation with our team. We take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and help you make an informed, confident decision. Surgeon consultations are £95.