Breast Implant Revision San Diego
Actual Patient
Over time, women who have previously undergone breast augmentation may wish to refine, replace, or remove their implants to better align with their current aesthetic goals or physical needs. Common reasons for revision include changes in breast shape or size, implant aging or malposition, capsular contracture, or a simple desire for a different aesthetic appearance.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon and recognized expert in corrective breast surgery, Dr. Vincent Marin frequently performs breast implant revision procedures to improve implant-related concerns, restore symmetry, and achieve a result that feels balanced and beautiful.
Depending on each patient’s unique goals, revision surgery may involve implant replacement, removal, or reshaping—often performed in combination with a breast lift to enhance contour and create a rejuvenated, natural look.
What to expect for your
Breast Implant Revision
Length
1 – 4 hours
Anesthesia
General or local with sedation
in/outpatient
Outpatient
Duration of Results
Results depend on skin elasticity and quality. Possible implant replacement only entails a minor procedure.
rISKS
Infection, asymmetry, implant failure, capsular contracture, incomplete correction
rECOVERY
Back to work: 1- 2 week
Strenuous activities: 3 – 4 weeks
SIDE EFFECTS
Temporary swelling, bruising, and mild pain
Final APPEARANCE
2 – 3 months for implants to completely descend into the final position
Your New Look After Revision
Breast implant revision surgery offers women the opportunity to achieve results that restore natural, balanced, and symmetric breasts. With meticulous surgical planning and advanced techniques, our outcomes are designed to be long-lasting and refined—especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle and careful adherence to Dr. Marin’s postoperative guidance.
If you’re considering breast implant revision surgery, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Vincent Marin. He will listen to you, assess your current implants, and create a tailored treatment plan to help you achieve your goals.
Reasons for Implant Revision Surgery
Change/Improve Implant Type and Size
Despite extensive consideration before the initial breast lift or augmentation surgery, some women still feel that their current implant size and shape are not right for them. Others may choose to change their implants from saline to a softer, more natural silicone option.
Our surgeon can easily correct this by replacing the implant with your desired shape, size, and type.
Implant Malposition
While implants are designed to stay in a position beneath the breast and centered on the nipples, implants can migrate towards other areas of the breast for several different reasons. Implants can “bottom out” and fall below the breast crease. Additionally, too much skin elasticity can result in excessive stretching that causes the implant to appear misplaced due to excess skin accommodation.
During surgery, Dr. Marin corrects these issues by tightening sections of the breast skin or capsule that may appear too loose or too large before replacing and repositioning the implants.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms a capsule around the implant, leaving many women to experience a change in the shape and position of the implant that can eventually progress to pain and discomfort in the breast or chest. During surgery, Dr. Marin removes the entire capsule and then replaces and possibly relocates the implant to prevent future contractures. Implant massage and displacement exercises can be helpful after surgery.
Implant Rupture
Breast implants are medical devices that are vulnerable to physical stress and wear, leading to implant rupture or displacement. Ruptures are highly dependent on the type of implant used in the initial procedure:
- Saline Implant Rupture: Typically empties within days after rupture, when the body absorbs the saline (saltwater). This is often described as a “flat tire.”
- Silicone Implant Rupture: The rupture remains largely confined within the breast capsule, so the external appearance of your breast may or may not look different. Frequently, a silicone rupture is termed a “silent rupture” since it is almost impossible to diagnose without further imaging.
Before & During the Surgery
Before & During the Surgery
Anesthesia
Small capsule modifications or correction of an implant rupture may be performed under local anesthesia. However, Dr. Marin highly recommends performing these surgeries with general anesthesia instead, especially for a capsular contracture correction or more involved revisions, as unexpected complications may arise during revision surgery.
Your Team
Dr. Marin’s team will be supported by a Scripps Memorial La Jolla board-certified anesthesiologist, a highly trained and experienced scrub tech, and a registered nurse.
Surgery Time
Breast augmentation revision usually lasts between 1 – 4 hours. Any changes made to one breast will frequently require additional surgery on the unaffected breast to ensure the contour of both implants matches. Drain tubes may be temporarily kept in place to prevent the build-up of blood and other fluids around the implant.
Revision surgery is an outpatient procedure, and you can return home once cleared by Dr. Marin.
Recovery & Scars
Following your breast implant revision, you can expect swelling and mild bruising over the first few days as your body begins to heal. Discomfort is typically well managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Marin, and most patients are able to shower within two to three days or as directed at their initial postoperative visit.
Final results will gradually refine over the course of two to three months as swelling resolves and the tissues settle into their new contours.
To ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery, it’s important to follow all postoperative instructions carefully:
- Avoid lifting your arms above shoulder level or extending them fully for the first several days.
- Refrain from baths, swimming, or submerging your breasts in water for one to two weeks.
- Sleep on your back with your head and upper body elevated to minimize swelling and protect your results.
- Continue wearing your surgical support bra as directed, typically for four to six weeks.
- Most patients can resume light activities, such as driving or household tasks, after one to two weeks, and return to work within a week depending on their occupation.
- Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and unrestricted activity should be postponed for at least six weeks.
While incisions will initially appear firm and pink, they will gradually soften and fade with time. Scar maturation continues for up to one year, after which scars typically become faint and discreet. Dr. Marin will help educate you on the most effective scar management options in the early recovery period.
Cost & Financing
Breast implant revision surgery in San Diego ranges from $4,500 – $15,000 depending upon the extent of the revision needed. This is due to the scope of the revision needed, specific surgical techniques, and medical expenses such as anesthesia and operating room fees.
Marin Aesthetics accepts cash, bank checks, and all major credit cards. Insurance providers will only cover surgical costs if the procedure is deemed to be medically necessary.
Marin Aesthetics also offers medical financing to help our patients manage the anticipated surgical costs.
Couldn’t be any happier with my breasts!! Best surgeon! I am very pleased with my results.. Both me and my sister got surgery the same day.. We have already recommended a friend who is also pleased with her results! Not to mention the staff is very welcoming as well as Dr. Vincent Marin 🙂
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