Revision Breast Surgery FAQ

Yes. International patients who had primary surgery elsewhere are the typical revision case. Bring whatever documentation you have — operative notes, implant card, before/after photos, current concerns. We can plan revision without the original surgeon's involvement.

For aesthetic revisions (size, shape, position), wait 6–12 months minimum after primary surgery — tissue needs to settle and the final result needs to be visible. For capsular contracture or symptomatic complications, wait until symptoms are stable but don't postpone indefinitely. For BIA-ALCL concerns, evaluate immediately.

Operative notes from primary surgery (or as much detail as you have), implant card or implant details (manufacturer, size, profile, surface, lot number), before-and-after photos from primary surgery, photos of your current state, and a clear written summary of what bothers you most about the current result.

Yes — explant without lift is a valid choice. Whether you'll need a lift depends on your skin envelope, original implant size, and your priorities. Some patients accept some sagging in exchange for no implants and minimal scarring; others want the lift to address the skin laxity. Both decisions are reasonable.

En bloc capsulectomy means removing the implant together with its surrounding scar capsule as a single intact unit. It's medically necessary in some specific cases (such as confirmed BIA-ALCL or significant capsular contracture). For most other indications it's a patient preference rather than medical necessity. Dr. Erdal will explain whether en bloc is indicated for your specific case.

Capsulectomy plus implant exchange in one operation is the standard approach. New implants are typically placed in a different plane (e.g., subglandular → subfascial or submuscular) or with a different surface to reduce recurrence risk. The capsule is fully removed.

Yes. Size change is one of the most common revision indications. Going smaller is usually straightforward; going larger may require pocket adjustment depending on tissue cover. Asymmetric changes (e.g., +50 cc on one side) are also possible.

Malposition means the implant has moved out of the proper pocket — bottoming out (too low), lateral displacement (toward the armpit), symmastia (too close to midline), or double bubble (visible fold below the implant). Correction involves internal capsulorrhaphy (suturing the capsule from inside) to reconstruct the proper pocket boundary.

For most revisions, recovery is similar to or slightly faster than primary augmentation — 1–2 weeks before returning to desk work, 4–6 weeks before resuming exercise. Capsulectomy with implant exchange is closer to primary recovery; pocket revision and explant are often shorter. Specific timelines depend on the procedure.

Revision typically costs more than primary augmentation because operating time is longer, planning is more complex, and outcomes require more experienced surgeons. Specific quotes are provided after consultation. The cost includes implants if used, hospital fees, anaesthesia, and post-operative care.

Usually no — Dr. Erdal uses your existing incision whenever possible. New scars are added only when necessary (e.g., adding a lift component). For inframammary or peri-areolar primary incisions, the original scar is reopened and re-closed at the same line, so total scar length remains the same.

Yes. The case studies section presents detailed clinical narratives of recent revision cases — diagnostic findings, surgical plan, intra-operative decisions, and final outcome. Each case is presented as a complete patient journey rather than thumbnail-style photos.