Procedures
Revision Breast Surgery
Not every breast surgical outcome is exactly as hoped. Whether the result of cancer surgery, reconstruction, or a previous aesthetic procedure, there are circumstances where further surgery is needed or wanted to improve, correct, or refine an earlier result. This is revision breast surgery, and it is a recognised and important part of the care we provide at Breast & Surgical Oncology at The Poche Centre.
Revision surgery may be planned from the outset as part of a staged treatment approach, or it may be sought months or years after an original procedure when a patient is unhappy with an outcome, has developed a complication, or when the breast has changed over time with age, weight change, or the effects of radiotherapy.
Whatever has brought you to consider revision breast surgery, our team approaches every consultation with honesty and without judgment. We will assess your situation carefully, explain clearly what is achievable, and recommend the approach most likely to produce a meaningful improvement for you.
Conditions Covered in this Section
Improvement of Symmetry After Breast Cancer Surgery
Asymmetry between the two breasts is one of the most common and least discussed consequences of breast cancer treatment. Surgery, radiotherapy, and the passage of time can all alter the size, shape, and position of the treated breast relative to the natural side in ways that become more apparent as initial swelling and healing resolve.
Where asymmetry is causing distress or practical difficulty, symmetrisation surgery on either breast can restore a more balanced and natural appearance. This may involve a reduction, lift, or augmentation of the natural breast to better match the treated side, or refinement of the treated breast itself. Symmetrisation surgery performed to correct the effects of breast cancer treatment is Medicare-rebatable and is available at any point after primary treatment is complete.
Removal of Breast Implants
There are several reasons a patient may wish to have breast implants removed. These include implant-related complications such as capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture or deflation, implant malposition or rippling, chronic pain or discomfort, or simply a change in personal preference regarding implants.
Implant removal can be performed alone (explantation) or combined with replacement of the implant with a new device, conversion to autologous reconstruction, or revision of the pocket and surrounding tissue to improve the result. Where significant capsular contracture is present, a capsulectomy (removal of the hardened scar tissue capsule) is performed alongside explantation.
The most appropriate approach depends on your individual circumstances, your reasons for seeking removal, and your goals for the appearance of the breast after the procedure. Your surgeon will discuss all options at consultation and advise on what is achievable for your anatomy.
Breast Reconstruction Revision Surgery
Breast reconstruction is often a staged process, and revision procedures are a normal and expected part of achieving the best final result. Common reasons for reconstruction revision include refining the shape, size, or position of a reconstructed breast, correcting implant-related complications including malposition or capsular contracture, addressing contour irregularities or asymmetry between the reconstructed and natural breast, improving the appearance of the reconstruction following the effects of radiotherapy, and fat transfer (lipofilling) to smooth and soften the reconstructed breast.
Revision of autologous reconstruction may involve refinement of the flap, liposuction or fat transfer to improve contour, or in some cases conversion from an implant-based reconstruction to an autologous approach where implant complications have occurred.
Our surgeons take a patient-centred approach to reconstruction revision, taking the time to understand what is bothering you about your current result and what outcome you are hoping to achieve. Not every concern requires further surgery, and we will always give you an honest assessment of whether revision is likely to produce a meaningful improvement and what the realistic expectations are.