Breast Revision Surgery in Melbourne, Victoria
Breast revision surgery refers to a secondary procedure performed after an initial breast surgery. Over time, some individuals may seek revisional surgery due to changes in breast shape, concerns about implant positioning, preferences regarding appearance, or other medical or functional factors.
This may apply to those who have previously undergone Breast Augmentation, a Breast Lift (Mastopexy), fat transfer to the breast, or Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty). While not all patients require revisional surgery, it is a recognised possibility following any breast procedure.
During a consultation, Dr Carmen Munteanu will assess your individual concerns, review your surgical history, and discuss whether a revision procedure may be appropriate in your circumstances.
What is Breast Revision Surgery?
Breast Revision surgery is a secondary Breast Surgery that can alter the aesthetic result of primary breast surgery, replace an implant, or alleviate a complication.
Dr Carmen Munteanu, Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon, performs breast revision surgery to help women achieve their desired breast size and shape.
Sometimes revisional surgery is something that is expected following a breast reduction or reconstructive procedure. In such cases, you would have been advised of this during the planning stages of your surgery.
Unfortunately, sometimes revisional surgery may also be required to alter the results of a previous surgery where something went wrong, leaving the patient with an unsatisfactory result.
Regardless of your reasons behind seeking a revision breast surgery, it is important to discern whether further surgery is necessary to alter the breast placement or rectify and possibly replace aged or undesired implants.
Revisional breast surgery is a complex procedure that requires highly detailed knowledge of the procedure that was previously performed. Dr Carmen’s experience in breast surgery of all varieties gives her extensive knowledge to help you achieve the desired results.
Why choose Breast Revision surgery?
Dr Carmen Munteanu performs revision surgery for concerns such as:
- Breast Implant Removal – removing aged or undesired implants
- Breast Implant Removal and Replacement – replace the old implant with a modern one or size change
- Ruptured Breast Implant – remove, rectify, and possibly replace an implant
- Asymmetry – breasts that appear uneven or lopsided
- Bottoming out – the nipple is positioned too high on the breast as the implant has dropped
- Capsular contracture – a complication resulting in hardening of the implant pocket
- Double bubble – a crease across the lower part of the augmented breast
- Rippling or wrinkling – creasing skin texture usually on top of the breast
- Symmastia – implants too close together crossing the midline
Why Visit Dr Carmen for Breast Revision Surgery?
Dr Carmen Munteanu is a highly qualified Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery, including procedures involving the breast. Her surgical approach is based on clinical experience, careful planning and a thorough understanding of each patient’s history and goals.
As a female surgeon, she offers a supportive and empathetic environment, taking the time to understand and address individual concerns. Dr Carmen has a strong focus on providing continuity of care from initial consultation through to post-operative review and her experience in breast-related procedures enables her to tailor revision surgery plans to the unique needs of each patient.
Planning for Breast Revision Surgery
During your pre-operative consultation, Dr Carmen Munteanu will review your medical history and discuss the outcomes of your previous breast surgery. She takes a thoughtful and compassionate approach to understanding each patient’s individual situation, assessing whether revision surgery is part of a staged surgical plan or required to address an issue from a prior procedure.
Clear and detailed information about any previous surgeries, including reports, implant details, and recovery notes, is essential. This allows Dr Carmen to assess the condition of the breast tissue and surrounding structures and to develop a personalised surgical approach. Her focus is on achieving the most appropriate outcome based on your goals, anatomy, and clinical considerations.
Changing Your Implant Type or Brand
Over time, some patients choose to revisit their Breast Augmentation results for a variety of reasons. This may include concerns about the age or condition of their current implants, a desire to adjust the implant size, or an interest in exploring newer implant materials or designs. If your implants have been in place for a number of years, or if you have any concerns, it may be worth discussing your options during a consultation.
Removal Vs Replacement of Breast Implants
Over time, some individuals with breast implants may choose to undergo further surgery, either to remove their implants or to replace them.
Implant removal involves taking out the existing implants without inserting new ones. This may be preferred by those who no longer wish to have implants or who experience concerns such as changes in lifestyle, personal preference, or certain clinical recommendations. In some cases, additional procedures such as a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) may be performed alongside removal to alter the shape of the breast.
Replacement, on the other hand, refers to the removal of the current implants followed by the insertion of new implants. This may be done to update the implant type, adjust the size or shape, or address specific complications or cosmetic concerns.
During your consultation, Dr Carmen Munteanu will assess your goals, anatomy, and surgical history to help determine whether removal or replacement is most suitable for your circumstances.
Reasons Women Exchange Their Implants
- Wanting to change breast size (larger or smaller)
- Changing type of implant (fill, brand, projection, round vs teardrop)
- Ageing implants – read the lifetime warranty information of a breast implant
- Treating a complication like capsular contracture, rotation or a double-bubble
- Revision augmentation to alleviate pronounced breast asymmetry
- Wanting to try new, modern options including Motiva implants
- Wanting a breast lift to treat ptosis (drooping breasts) after pregnancy or ageing
- Concerns related to sensitivities or allergies
How Can You Check On Your Existing Breast Implants?
- Attend all follow-up visits after surgery including your Annual reviews
- Be sure to schedule these into your diary and keep your surgeon up to date on changes to your contact information (phone, email address)
- Also, stay vigilant about any changes to your breast shape or sensitivity. The same recommendations are for all women even those who do NOT have breast implants
- Alert your surgeon immediately if you have any changes to your breast appearance and/or other concerns
Assessing Your Implant Status:
- Discuss review time frames with your Plastic Surgeon and be sure you attend your surgery reviews
- You may be asked to get a scan(s) at certain points in time, such as MRIs or Ultrasounds
- You can also ask to get your implant surgery details registered on the breast prosthesis database if available in your region
Annual Breast Review By Your Plastic Surgeon
- We recommend your reviews be done with your original Surgeon in your local area, if available.
- This can be an issue if you have overseas breast surgery with an unknown doctor.
- Avoid having surgery overseas because breast surgery patients tend to lack adequate follow-up care and reviews or revision options of their breast augmentation results when they have surgery in overseas facilities.
When should Implants be Replaced?
The recommended time frame for replacing implants can vary from patient to patient. Typically, you should consider replacing them at the 9-10 year mark; although not every woman does.
Some women have had their implants in place for decades, with no concerns. However, there are varying medical opinions about time frames for replacing your implants. As a general guideline, risks of implant deterioration increase as the implants age, so keep this in mind.
- Nothing lasts forever and that includes breast prosthesis.
- Some patients keep their implants in place for decades.
- However, most manufacturers recommend a 10-year life (breast prosthesis).
- Research suggests older, ageing breast implants have higher risks of a future complication.
- Sometimes new models of implants become available in Australia, this sometimes leads to women changing their older implants for a newer style, model or texture.
Breast Reduction Revision
Some women are unfortunate that their breasts may continue to grow after having a breast reduction. While the instances of this are relatively low compared with the amount of breast reductions performed every year, it can happen.
Revision Breast Reduction Procedure
Revision breast reduction surgery is tailored to address changes or concerns following a previous breast reduction procedure. Dr Carmen Munteanu, Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, develops a personalised surgical plan for each patient, taking into account their individual anatomy, goals, and medical history. The focus of this procedure is on reducing the volume of breast tissue while repositioning the breast and nipple–areola complex to alter proportions and comfort.
The preservation of sensation and the viability of the nipple–areola complex are important aspects of the surgical plan. For many patients, this procedure can result in a firmer and more lifted breast shape. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic in an accredited facility. Patients may need to stay overnight in hospital, depending on individual needs.
In certain cases, breast reduction may be performed alongside other procedures. This may include liposuction to address adjacent areas such as the outer chest or underarm, or fat transfer techniques to support the soft tissue and provide a more comprehensive result. Where the breast volume is predominantly due to fatty tissue and there is limited excess skin, liposuction alone may be considered as a treatment approach.
Dr Carmen often utilises a reliable approach informed by established surgical methods, including those developed by internationally recognised surgeons such as Dr Elizabeth Hall-Findlay . This technique helps maintain consistent blood and nerve supply to the nipple–areola complex. Dr Carmen prioritises her patients based on needs but safety is always prevalent in all her choices.
Risks and Complications of Breast Revision Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, breast revision surgery carries potential risks and complications. These can vary depending on the individual’s medical history, the complexity of the revision required, and the techniques used during surgery. During your consultation, Dr Carmen Munteanu will explain the potential risks in detail and address any specific concerns you may have.
General surgical risks may include;
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Delayed wound healing
- Reactions to anaesthesia
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Asymmetry
- Implant-related issues (such as rupture or capsular contracture, if implants are involved)
- Further revision procedures
- Poor scarring
It is important to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to support your recovery and reduce the likelihood of complications. Patients should maintain open communication with the surgical team and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and outcomes over time.
For detailed information about the risks and potential complications of breast revision surgery please visit the risks of surgery page.
How much does Breast Revision Surgery cost?
All surgery is individually designed to suit the patient and the particular problem. In the fee structure, a number of details will be considered, such as; the type of breast revision surgery you are undertaking, the extent of your surgery, the risks associated, the possible complications, the possible necessity for revisional surgery.
The fees will also vary from one hospital to another, and although we only work in accredited facilities, the fee structure can be quite different. The length of your stay can add to the expenses. However, one night should be sufficient for this type of operation.
At your initial consultation you will be given a detailed quote which will include;
- The surgeon’s fee,
- Anaesthetic fee
- Assistant’s fee
- Hospital fees, including theatre and day stay/overnight fee.
The fees are inclusive of all postoperative care for the first 6 weeks or however long it takes for the complete healing to occur, if there is a delayed healing circumstance.
Medicare
A Medicare rebate may be available depending on your circumstances for undertaking breast revision surgery.
With a doctor’s referral, you can receive a Medicare rebate for your initial and subsequent consultations.
A Medicare rebate may be available for the procedure if you are eligible. If so, it will make a difference if you are privately insured. Private Health insurance might pay more of the hospital and theatre expenses. They can sometimes contribute to the expenses for dressings and garments.
If you have the relevant private health insurance you not only receive the Medicare rebate for your procedure, you will receive an extra rebate from your health fund.
It’s important to not that you will still have out of pocket costs.
