Revisional breast surgery is nearly always more surgically challenging than primary breast surgery, largely due to the presence of scar tissue, tissue stretching and anatomical changes caused by the previous implants, in the case of breast augmentation.
Whatever your reason for pursuing secondary breast revision, the most critical factor in your success is the choice of surgeon. Second breast revision is reconstructive and like all breast surgery, should be performed by a qualified plastic and cosmetic surgeon who is a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr Milovic is proficient in secondary breast surgery and other cosmetic surgery revision. For these and other related reasons, the costs of a revisional breast surgery procedure are typically higher than for primary breast augmentation or other breast surgery.
There are a number of reasons why revisional breast surgery may become necessary. These include implant deflation, breast implants that have shifted position, a silicone implant shell leak, symmastia, rippling, capsular contracture and changes to breast tissue caused by weight loss or breastfeeding.
There are a several revisional surgical techniques that can be performed and Dr Milovic will discuss these in detail with you prior to any revisional breast surgery.
Risks of Surgery
All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilizes advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Excessive bleeding
- Pain/discomfort
- Nerve damage
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Complications relating to anaesthesia
- Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Death
- Breast asymmetry
- Blood clots
- Long-term changes in breast shape
- Numbness in the breasts and/or nipples that may be temporary or permanent
- The possibility of an additional surgery
- Changes in breast sensation
- Thrombosed veins
- Tissue necrosis
- Skin rippling
- Permanent, irreversible changes in breast appearance
- Inability to breastfeed
- Skin discoloration
- Capsular contracture
- Implant failure
- Poor healing
- A “looseness” of skin that can be recurrent
- BIA-ALCL – Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma or other rare cancers that can affect the capsule surrounding the breast implant
Before 
After Frequently Asked Questions
Is it right for me?
As a highly qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Vlad Milovic will determine whether you are a good candidate for revisional breast surgery. You should be a non-smoker (or prepared to give up smoking at least six weeks prior to and after your surgery), be mentally and physically healthy and understand the revisional breast surgical procedure in order to qualify. Dr Milovic will discuss all options with you prior to making your decision about revisional breast surgery.
Will I need anaesthesia?
Revisional breast surgery is generally done under general anaesthesia.
Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but it does have some risks. Ask Dr Milovic and your Anaesthetist for more information. You can be assured that Dr Milovic will engage the services of a qualified Anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation or general anaesthesia.
Dr Milovic and/or your Anaesthetist will ask you about your general health, all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Please make sure you have an up-to-date list before the surgery.
Will I have scarring?
There will always be scarring after any surgical procedure and there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome. It is difficult to predict the way that a scar will heal. If scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Milovic will provide you with a scar treatment plan to possibly expedite the healing of your scars. There are several treatment options, including silicone gel and laser.
Where will the surgery take place?
Depending upon your general health and the extent of the procedure, revisional breast surgery is typically performed with a one-to-three day hospital stay. Dr Milovic will only perform revisional breast surgery in accredited operating facilities.
What is the recovery period after Revisional Breast surgery?
You may be in pain for a few days after surgery. These symptoms are common and pain medication should help to reduce the discomfort. Discolouration and swelling of the breasts are to be expected for a few weeks after surgery. Dr Milovic recommends that you take at least two weeks off post-surgery, and avoid physical activity that requires lifting or raising the arms. Gentle stretching can prove to be beneficial and exercise, such as walking, can commence within seven days. Most patients return to work after two weeks, unless their occupation involves strenuous movements; in this case, a period of at least three to four weeks is usually recommended. Healing after revisional breast surgery typically takes a little longer than that of your original breast surgery. You will be given post-surgery instructions to follow. If you have any doubts, please speak to Dr Milovic.
How long will the results last after Revisional Breast surgery?
Your new breast size and shape should remain reasonably stable unless you become pregnant or lose a significant amount of weight. Implant deflation can occur as a result of trauma to the chest area, or it can occur for no apparent reason. Also, in time, the effects of ageing and gravity may have an impact on the shape and size of most women’s breasts.
Prior to your revisional breast surgery, Dr Milovic will discuss these limitations along with your goals and expectations.
Can my nipples lose sensitivity?
There is the possibility that there will be some loss of sensitivity to the nipples, although this effect is usually temporary. You should understand and discuss these limitations with Dr Milovic before electing to have revisional breast surgery.