Breast Revision in Sydney

Women who have concerns about their breast appearance — whether those stem from genes or a prior surgery — may contact Sydney Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Ellis Choy on 02 8962 9388 for a consultation. 

Do I need a revision surgery? Will a second surgery fix my concerns or just add new complications?

Breast implant surgery has become commonplace in today’s world. However, as with any surgical procedure, there may be complications for some patients. There may also be occasions where the results don’t satisfy their initial hopes. And then there is natural trajectory, as the weight of breasts ultimately leads to a lowered position. The shape and size of breasts can be altered by breast revision surgery, often involving breast implant replacement.

Surgical techniques and materials have been greatly refined over the years. However, prospective patients should also understand that breast implants, although supportive and strong, will not last forever, and a breast augmentation revision surgery will possibly need to be performed at some later stage.

Patients of Dr Ellis Choy can expect to be treated with a confidential and caring approach. Dr Choy understands the importance of communication, and the consultation is an opportunity to establish your surgical goals. The importance of a consultation with an experienced specialist plastic surgeon cannot be overstated, as there are many factors that should be considered prior to breast implant replacement surgery, including:

• Shape and size of your breasts
• Shape and size you desire
• Your current breast implant type
• Skin and breast tissue quality
• Suitable placement of nipples and areolas

In situations where your breast skin has lost elasticity, a breast lift may be part of your breast revision surgery. It’s important during consultation to provide Dr Choy with your medical history, including allergies, ongoing medications, previous surgeries, mammogram results and family history. The consultation will assist you in making important decisions, such as:

• Saline or silicone implants
• The implant shape and feel: teardrop or round, smooth or textured
• Utilising the previous implant scar or creating a new incision
• Implant placement: above or below the muscle or positioned in a neosubpectoral pocket

Once Dr Choy fully understands your circumstances and your desires, he will be able to accurately determine the surgery cost.

Breast Revision Surgery’s Unique Challenges

Breast revision surgeries do pose many unique challenges that breast augmentation surgeries do not. For example, your specialist plastic surgeon will need to remove the previous implant — a crucial and necessary step not found in a breast augmentation procedure — and will need to address any issues left by the original implant (for example, scar tissue). Also, the previous implant will have stretched breast tissues and possibly caused other anatomical changes which must be dealt with.

All these factors will affect the placement of the new implant and the final appearance of the breast post surgery. As a result, your surgeon will need to have very specific knowledge and training to properly prepare the breast for the new implant and design a surgical plan. Breast revision surgeries should ideally be performed by a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, like Dr Choy, who has significant training on and ample experience with the techniques involved.

Further — to provide his clients improved safety and transparency — Dr Choy voluntarily participates in the Australian Breast Device Registry (www.abdr.org.au). Since its establishment, this national registry collects and maintains all important data and records on breast implant procedures performed nationwide, allowing for ongoing medical research that ensures the long-term interests women everywhere who may have the surgery.

Breast Revision Surgery’s Risks

All surgeries have risks. These risks include infection, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis and allergic or other reactions to anaesthesia. Breast surgeries share these risks, in addition to the risk of capsular contracture (internal scarring) as a result of implant placement and the possibility of later implant rupture. Like the risks from surgeries in general, the risks from breast surgeries are lowered (but not eliminated) when performed by a qualified and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon. 

Dr Choy will be there for you all the way during consultation, surgery and recovery, but there are several ways you can assist in the operation’s ultimate success. Aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs can increase the potential for bleeding and may need to be halted for a time. If you smoke, stop smoking for around six weeks prior to surgery to promote healing, and also reduce alcohol consumption during this time. It’s also important to remain hydrated before and after the operation; this will aid recovery. Make sure you have a family member or friend available to drive you home after the operation. It’s ideal if they stay with you for a couple of days during recovery.

The Results Breast Revision Surgery May Achieve

A breast revision surgery can reduce or resolve concerns that have developed from a woman’s original breast implants, whether from natural body changes or implant or surgical problems. The benefits may include improved skin tone, elevated position, improved breast shape, size and feel, and better breast projection. Keep in mind that results can vary significantly from patient to patient.

Women will have the same incidence of rupture as with new implants. Wherever possible, Dr Choy will use the original incision locations during surgery to minimise scarring. This is not always an option, however, so women must be prepared for additional scarring. 

Choosing Dr Choy for Breast Revision Surgery

Dr Ellis Choy is known for his keen attention, sensitivity and empathy which foster a productive patient rapport. He studied at the University of Sydney, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and has earned accreditations from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons as well as the Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons, Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These credentials demonstrate Dr Choy’s long-standing desire to master his craft.

Dr Choy, in both his training and practice, has been recognised for his talents as a surgeon in numerous areas including general surgery, breast augmentation and revision surgeries, reconstructive surgery of the face, breast and body as well as skin oncology. 

Women in the Sydney area or localities who harbour concerns about a prior breast surgery may schedule an appointment with Dr Choy. They may call the surgeon’s practice on 02 8962 9388 or book their consultation online if they prefer. 

*The information about breast revision was reviewed by Dr. Ellis Choy. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here.

Click here to view our breast revision before and after photos

Making an Informed Decision

Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.

General Risks and Complications

There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.

Specific Risks and Complications

In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For breast revision surgery, these may include:

• Breast surgery risks and complications, such as changes in nipple or breast sensation, breastfeeding challenges, chronic breast pain, and asymmetry in breast shape or nipple placement
• Breast implant risks and complications, such as capsular contracture, implant rupture or leak, implant rippling or wrinkling, implant displacement, breast implant illness (BII) and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
• Secondary surgery risks and complications, such as issues with scar tissue, anatomical changes in the surgical area, compromised blood supply, and more complex procedural needs

Next Steps

Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.