Many women who have had breast implants in the past may require maintenance or revisional surgery.
Call us in confidence on 0131 346 0020 to discuss the options
We have extensive experience in revision or redo breast augmentation surgery.
Revision or secondary breast augmentation can range from being a simple procedure to being a very complex one. There are a multitude of factors involved, and we explore some of these on this page.
Find out more about our Revision Breast Implant procedures below…
Revision or secondary breast augmentation can range from being a simple procedure to being a very complex one. There are a many factors involved, and we explore some of these in the text below.
Why do breast implants have to be replaced/ revised?
A. One of the most common reasons for revision is up-sizing – patient requesting larger breast implants.
B. Capsular contracture (abnormal scar tissue around an implant) resulting in hardening of the breasts and adverse changes in their shape.
C. Being able to feel/ see the edge of an implant, visible ripples, folds or creases (seen or felt) can all be indications for revision.
D. A shift in the position of implants from their original location (implant malposition) resulting in a wide gap/ poor cleavage, high riding implants or bottoming out (abnormal low lying position) with lack of support.
E. Droopiness of the native breast tissue resulting in the so-called “double-bubble” appearance.
F. Breast asymmetry (noticeable difference in size, shape or position)
G. Other indications for revision may include, unsatisfactory scars and/ or disproportionately large nipples.
The above indications for revision breast surgery may be related to the implant, the initial surgical technique or to problems with the breast tissue surrounding the implant. These might include a change in the volume of the breast tissue and/ or loss of skin elasticity. Factors contributing to this include ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight variation, sun damage and smoking.
Please take the time to read more about the process below…
Depending on the patient, revision surgery may involve one or a combination of the following procedures:
A. Removal of the old implants and replacement with “like-for-like” or different size, type or shape implant.
B. Removal of thickened contracted scar tissue lining the implant pocket (capsulectomy).
C. Modification of the existing implant pocket to allow for the insertion of a much larger implant and/ or reducing the gap between the implants (capsulotomy).
D. Modification of the existing implant pocket to correct bottoming out which results from a descent of the breast crease and lack of support.
E. Breast implant pocket switch from above to below the muscle to address rippling and recurrent capsular contracture.
F. Breast uplift/ reshaping (mastopexy) to correct droopiness.
We use a sizing kit (see image below) to help you decide what implant size is best for you. The sizing kit gives you and us an idea of what you are looking for. It can be useful to bring some of your own tops to see how you look with certain implant sizes. We also have access to 3D imaging which can give you a visual representation of what you might look like with different implants.
The type of implants (round/ anatomical or teardrop) and where we place them (above/ below the chest muscle/ dual plane) will be explained to you in full.
If your breasts have become droopy, then you may be more suited to a breast enlargement combined with breast uplift (Augmentation Mastopexy). This will depend on several factors such as the position of your nipples relative to your breast crease, what size implant you wish to have and whether you have had previous pregnancies/ weight loss.
If you are unsure about whether you may require a lift you can try our cosmetic surgery selector tool.
Breast implants do not need to be replaced after a set period. However, they can cause problems over time and may need to be removed or swapped for technical (implant rupture/ tight scar tissue) or cosmetic (change in breast shape over time/ after pregnancy/ weight loss) reasons. It is, therefore, crucial to be fully aware that you may require further breast surgery in the future.
If you are looking for a very modest increase of one cup size or so, then fat transfer to your breasts may be an option. Fat transfer is a well-established plastic surgery procedure that has been used in breast cancer patients for many years. Fat is removed from your tummy or thighs using liposuction. The fat is then prepared to remove blood and oil and is then injected into the breasts. Some of the injected fat will be lost over the first few months. The advantage of fat transfer is that you are not putting anything “foreign” or unnatural into your body. The main disadvantage is that only a modest enlargement can be achieved and the increase in volume is not as reliable as using implants.
Natural: Only uses your body’s tissues
No Implants: Avoids the risks associated with implants such as implant rupture and capsular contracture.
Can recontour the body: The liposuction that is used to harvest fat can reshape the body.
Avoids noticeable scarring: Only tiny incisions are used through which fat is harvested and injected.
A limited degree of augmentation.
Reabsorption of fat: Even in the best of hands, some of the transferred fat will be resorbed by the body. There is a chance that a large percentage of the transferred fat will be resorbed with the result falling below expectations and the need for multiple treatments.
Not effective in correcting droopiness
More expensive. Fat transfer augmentation involves two procedures (liposuction plus breast augmentation) and is usually more expensive than breast augmentation using implants. Additional cost will be incurred should a repeat treatment prove necessary.
Remember:
You may not have sufficient fat to transfer to your breasts.
You may be perfectly happy with your figure and not wish to have it changed.
You may have sufficient fat for one transfer. What if you need a repeat treatment?
Women thinking about revision breast surgery will have some idea of what the procedure is like. There are similarities to the original process, but there can also be some significant differences depending on the complexity of the revision procedure. A simple exchange of implants for implants of comparable shape/ size can be quite straightforward as no major work is required on existing implant pockets. The surgical procedure can be reasonably quick. On the other hand, if the surgery is involved, the operation will take longer, and the recovery would be more protracted. Examples of complex revisional surgery include correction of capsular contracture, implant malposition and breast uplift.
Revision breast implant surgery is an operation of varying complexity, and a has a degree of unpredictability. There is no guarantee of a satisfactory outcome, and further surgery may sometimes be necessary. All operations carry associated risks including those of the anaesthetic and infection. All complications and long term problems that follow the primary breast implant procedure can happen following revisional surgery. See pages on breast augmentation and breast lift.
You may be up and about in 2 days, but it will be a few weeks before you are entirely up to speed.
Your mood may fluctuate after surgery – this is normal. A small amount of blood staining on the inside of your dressings is typical during the first few days.
Discomfort/ Pain
Some pain is typical in the first few days after surgery especially if your implants have been placed under the muscle. You may experience some numbness of your nipples and incision areas. You may experience temporary soreness, tightness, swelling and bruising as well as some discomfort in the incision area. Your breasts may be sensitive to stimulation for a few weeks.
Bruising/ swelling
Your breast will feel tight and swollen for several days and bruising is not uncommon.
Appearance
Most of the discolouration and swelling will subside in 4-6 weeks.
Scars may be red and angry looking for 6 months. In time, these usually soften and fade.
Your final breast shape will not become apparent until 6 months.
Quaba Revision Breast Implant Aftercare…
If you have had revision breast implant surgery with us or are considering it – please find some detailed instructions and advice on aftercare following revision breast augmentation.
We cannot give a firm price until full assessment due to the potential complexity of revision breast augmentation.
Breast augmentation with Exchange of implants from £5000
Revision Breast augmentation combined with Breast lift from £7800
Removal of breast implants from £4500
En bloc removal of implants from £6000
Consultation £150
All-inclusive costs for one year following surgery
Integrity and attention to detail are our key elements for the provision of successful cosmetic surgery
Your care is led by Consultant Plastic Surgeons and is Hospital-Based.
Call us in confidence on 0131 342 0020 to discuss the options
What our patients have to say…
Feedback is from external review sites such as Google and RealSelf
Breast implants – Top Surgeon Highly Recommended
Excellent from start to finish. Listened to everything that I had to say. Any questions I had to ask even after surgery I got a very prompt response. The results I have achieved are amazing. Highly recommended.
Breast augmentation – Recommend
His work as a surgeon fantastic,
,manner and explained ever step from the start to the finish ..
I was very well informed and took time to explain everything.
Can’t say anything bad about my experience . Recommend anyone that has any worries to go with Omar as he will make sure u understand.. what’s going to happen .
Breast augmentation – Fantastic Experience
Omar was an absolute pleasure to work with. From day 1 at my first consultation he made me feel at ease, and was very keen to ensure he gave me the result that I wanted. He talked me through all my options and explained the potential risks. He offered me a free second consultation to discuss further questions that I might have. On the day of surgery he came to see me before and after the surgery and was very reassuring. I found Omar to be very friendly and open, and most of all he listened to what I wanted my end result to look like. I am very happy with my whole experience and would thoroughly recommend him to anyone else.
Breast augmentation – Top quality surgeon
After having a consultation with another surgeon from a well known clinic I left feeling like the surgeon had no interest in my personal needs. I went to see Omar Quaba after doing a fair bit of research into his work.
On seeing him I was extremely nervous and self conscious of my body. Omar was very sympathetic and arranged for me to see a psychologist in order to make sure I was doing it for the right reasons. This would have cost £150 but Omar paid for it himself. This was a general conversation going over how I felt and why I was having the procedure done. It was a good experience.
After this, I returned to Omar to discuss the procedure and dates. I only paid for one consultation and everything after was free.
I felt like I had no chest at all and I wanted to feel more feminine. I wanted a fuller more natural look. I think I was a 34AA at the time but I never got measured as I was too self conscious. Omar took my dimensions and gave me options for implant size. I wasn’t entirely sure of what I wanted so I gave an indication of two sizes and Omar said he would go for what he thought looked best on the day. I had 240cc and I ended with a full C cup. Omar was very good at understanding my needs. I tried on some implants in his office with the assistance of a nurse to give me an indication of size, this was very helpful. There was no rush for me to make a decision.
On arriving to the hospital I was taken into a lovely clean private room. The staff were nice and very attentive. I was given an indication of timing for surgery and relaxed in the room for an hour or two. After surgery I woke up feeling tired but completely normal and excited. Staff were in and out giving me medication and making sure I was ok, I didn’t feel any pain. As I was staying overnight I was given lunch and dinner, this was good quality food which you would expect from a restaurant rather than a hospital. I couldn’t rate this experience highly enough.
Since then I have been extremely happy with my results. I had the procedure one year ago and I have had no problems at all. Naturally there is a healing process which every patient goes through such as tenderness, swelling and sleeping in the correct position for a while but my stitches came out fine and the results look great. I didn’t want anyone at work knowing which I thought may be an issue but surprisingly this wasn’t a problem because I wore loose tops and nobody noticed.
I highly recommend Omar Quaba. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and one year on I am still very happy with my results.
Breast implants – Great Experience
A very positive experience. Mr Omar Quaba was realistic and aimed with precision towards achieving the closest reality possibly for my expectations. Explained everything to me and kept me informed about everything related to my surgeries. Offered support throughout the decision making, and the healing process.
Breast Augmentation – Highly Recommend
I would highly recommend Mr Omar Quaba to anyone thinking of getting any cosmetic procedures. He fully explains everything you need to know from the beginning and takes into consideration your individual needs. I felt completely at ease throughout the process and I trusted him fully to make the best decisions about my procedure to ensure I got the best results.
Breast augmentation – Great Experience
Very professional and results were exactly as I had asked for! The consultations were helpful and informative. The care in the hospital was great and I would definitely recommend to friends or anyone.
Breast lift with implants – Amazing experience
Mr Omar Quaba was brilliant from start to finish with my procedure. I experienced a very professional and honest journey and had full trust in him as a surgeon for my complex procedure.
My results have turned out amazing and I can’t believe the difference from my before and after pictures which he kindly sent me over.
I Would highly recommend to anyone and can’t be thankful enough for making me feel a lot better within myself.
Breast augmentation – Outstanding results
Tremendous.
Mr Quaba (Omar) took time to understand what I was looking to achieve and guided me on what would be the best results for my physique and body shape.
I am athletic and wanted a really natural result and Mr Quaba genuinely exceeded my expectations. Thoroughly professional, down to earth and understanding of your requirements.
Breast augmentation – 5 star
I was more than happy with Dr Omar Quaba from my first consultation till my 6-month post opp. Dr Quaba is very professional and makes you feel very comfortable, there is no pressure what so ever. Every option is spoken about even the option of not needing to have the surgery done which makes you know he cares about each individual patient not just the business he is receiving. The results i have are more than what i imagined and have made me much happier. I would recommend Dr Quaba to anyone who is thinking of having surgery.
Breast augmentation – Very happy
After spending a lot of time researching I decided to book a consultation with Quaba Plastic Surgery. During my consultation, Dr Quaba explained all the risks involved with the surgery and made sure I fully understood these. I did not feel pressured at any point to go ahead with booking the breast augmentation. Dr Quaba was very knowledgeable and honest. On the morning of my operation, I met with Dr Quaba and the anaesthetist, I was given the opportunity to raise any questions or concerns. I felt very anxious but Dr Quaba made me feel at ease. I’m extremely pleased with the care and treatment I received during my stay in hospital. I just attended my 6 month check-up with Dr Omar and I’m very happy with my results.
Breast augmentation – Wish I’d done it earlier
The service I received from Dr O Quaba was excellent, from initial consultation to post-op aftercare.
He understood exactly what I wanted and 6 months on I am delighted with the natural result he created.
Highly recommend!
Breast augmentation – Great experience and great results
I was extremely happy with my experience with Dr Omar Quaba from my initial consultation, my procedure and follow up. He is professional, reassuring and kept me very informed throughout. I felt very comfortable with him and would thoroughly recommend him. I got a great result as well and am so so happy.
Breast implants – Trusting experience
Dr O Quaba was Very helpful when giving advice to what type and size of implant would be best for me and my lifestyle as a busy Mum and full-time fitness lecturer/instructor. He was Friendly, understanding and approachable. Dr O Quaba was happy to answer all questions and explained every query I had to give me full understanding before, on the day of surgery and during my post op aftercare.
Breast implant revision – Fantastic, couldn’t be happier
Fantastic. I am so happy I went to Mr A Quaba. Would highly recommend him. After 2 failed breast augmentation’s Mr Quaba had a lot of work to do inside my breast’s and he’s done a fantastic job. I am so happy with the results I can’t thank him enough. I was so worried after my 2nd operation that I would never have the result he has given me. He’s done more than fix my breast he’s also given me my confidence back. He’s a lovely man with a huge heart.
Quaba appear regularly in Tatler Magazine’s list of best surgeons for facelift surgery.
Latest Quaba & Industry News…
Resumption of services
Current Service Provision (updated 28th June 2021) - Regrettably [...]
Textured breast implants and cancer
Textured breast implants and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma [...]
Best for facelifts Tatler 2019
Best facelift surgeons in the UK - Tatler Cosmetic [...]