Breast revision surgery · New York and New Jersey

Breast Revision Surgery

Breast revision is a second operation to improve the result of an earlier breast surgery: an augmentation, a lift, a reduction, or a reconstruction. Breast surgery is a large part of Dr. Steven Ovadia's practice, and that includes revising surgery first done by another surgeon. He is a board certified plastic surgeon with offices in New York City and New Jersey.

Request a consultationFind your first surgery
Breast surgerya large part of Dr. Ovadia's practice, cosmetic and reconstructive
Any first surgeryaugmentation, lift, reduction, or reconstruction
Another surgeon's workyour first surgery does not need to have been done here
Planned around youwhat was done before, and what you want now

Overview

What breast revision is

A revision is any operation done to improve or correct the result of an earlier breast surgery. It can be small, such as improving a scar, or it can mean redoing a large part of the first operation. The first surgery may have been cosmetic, or it may have been a reconstruction after breast cancer.

Needing a revision does not always mean that something was done wrong. People heal differently, and breasts change with time, weight, pregnancy, and radiation. What matters at your consultation is where you are now and what can be improved.

Why people have it

The two sides do not match

One breast is larger, sits higher, or has a different shape than the other, or the nipples sit at different heights.

The shape is not what you hoped for

The breasts look flat, boxy, or heavy at the bottom, or an implant sits too high, too low, or too far to the side.

The size is not right

You are larger or smaller than you wanted to be, or what you want has changed since your first surgery.

The scars

A scar is wide, raised, or pulled, or there is extra skin or fullness at the end of a scar.

Things have changed with time

Weight change, pregnancy, and the years since surgery all change the breasts. A result that looked right at first may not look the same now.

A problem after the first surgery

A breast with an implant has become firm or painful, an implant has shifted, or an area did not heal the way it was expected to.

Breast surgery in this practice

Breast surgery is a large part of what Dr. Ovadia does

Dr. Ovadia performs cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery, and he revises breast surgery that was first done by other surgeons.

A revision calls on the same operations as first-time breast surgery, often more than one of them at once: a lift together with an implant exchange, or fat grafting together with a change to the other breast. Dr. Ovadia uses the same and similar techniques across reconstructive and cosmetic breast surgery, and he draws on all of them when planning a revision.

Breast reconstruction

After mastectomy

With implants or with your own tissue, including DIEP flap reconstruction, and nipple reconstruction.

Breast reconstruction

Oncoplastic surgery

After lumpectomy

Reshaping the breast with lift and reduction techniques, and matching the other side.

Breast reconstruction

Breast reduction

Smaller and lighter

For breasts whose size causes symptoms, and for patients who want to be smaller.

Breast reduction

Breast lift

Higher and firmer

Raising the breast and nipple and removing extra skin, alone or together with implants.

Breast lift

Breast augmentation

Implants

Silicone gel or saline implants, over or under the muscle. Dr. Ovadia uses only smooth implants.

Breast augmentation

Implant exchange

For implants you already have

Capsular contracture, a change in size, moving the implant to a new plane, and removal with fat grafting.

Breast implant exchange

Your first surgery does not need to have been done here. It does not matter whether your first operation was with another surgeon, in another city, or many years ago.

By first surgery

What can be revised

What a revision involves depends on the surgery that came first. These are the concerns patients most often come in with, and what a revision can involve for each.

After breast augmentation

Surgery with implants

Most revision after an augmentation involves the implants themselves or the pocket they sit in.

Dr. Ovadia uses only smooth implants.

Breast implant exchange

What patients notice

  • A breast that has become firm, tight, or painful
  • An implant that sits too high, too low, or too far to the side
  • Rippling that can be seen or felt
  • A size you would like to change
  • Breasts that have dropped around the implants
  • An implant that moves when you tighten your chest

What a revision can involve

  • New implants of a different size or type
  • Removing or releasing the scar tissue around an implant
  • Reshaping the pocket, or moving the implant to a new plane
  • Adding a breast lift
  • Removing the implants, with or without fat grafting

After a breast lift

Mastopexy

The breasts keep changing after a lift. A lift done years ago may no longer sit where it did, and sometimes the two sides settle differently.

Breast lift

What patients notice

  • Breasts that have dropped again
  • The lower part of the breast has stretched, so the nipple sits high
  • Nipples or areolas that differ in height, size, or shape
  • An areola that has widened
  • Scars that are wide or raised
  • Less fullness in the upper breast than you hoped for

What a revision can involve

  • A second lift, using the scars you already have when possible
  • Adjusting the position or size of the areola
  • Scar revision
  • An implant or fat grafting to add volume

After a breast reduction

Reduction mammaplasty

A second operation after a breast reduction is planned around how the first one was done. The report from your first operation is especially useful here.

Breast reduction

What patients notice

  • Breasts that are still larger than you would like
  • One breast larger or shaped differently than the other
  • A shape that is flat, boxy, or heavy at the bottom
  • Extra skin or fullness at the end of a scar, toward the side of the chest
  • Scars that are wide or raised
  • Breasts that are smaller than you wanted

What a revision can involve

  • A second reduction
  • Reshaping or lifting the breast
  • Liposuction for fullness at the side of the chest
  • Scar revision
  • An implant or fat grafting to add volume back

After breast reconstruction

After mastectomy or lumpectomy

Breast reconstruction is often done in more than one stage, and for many patients a revision is part of getting to the final result.

Dr. Ovadia revises reconstruction done with implants and reconstruction done with your own tissue, including reconstruction first done by another surgeon.

Breast reconstruction

What patients notice

  • An implant that is firm, sits too high, or has shifted
  • Rippling, or an implant edge that shows through thin skin
  • Two breasts that do not match in size, shape, or position
  • Dents, hollows, or an uneven contour
  • A breast that changed after radiation
  • A breast that changed shape after a lumpectomy

What a revision can involve

  • A new implant, with treatment of the scar tissue around it
  • Fat grafting to fill in contour and add cover over an implant
  • Changing from implants to your own tissue
  • A lift, a reduction, or an implant in the other breast for symmetry
  • Reshaping a breast after lumpectomy
  • Nipple reconstruction

These lists are not complete, and most revisions combine more than one step. If your first surgery or your concern is not listed here, Dr. Ovadia can still see you. He examines you and explains what he recommends and why.

Planning a revision

What is different about a second operation

A revision starts from the result of another operation. Planning it means understanding what was done the first time, how the breast has healed since, and what you want to be different.

Your records help

Bring what you have from your first surgery: the operative report, your implant card, and photographs from before surgery. If you do not have them, Dr. Ovadia can still plan your surgery.

Timing

Swelling takes months to go down, and scars keep changing for a year or more. In most cases it is best to let the first surgery settle before deciding on a revision. Some problems should be seen sooner, and Dr. Ovadia will tell you which.

Scars and blood supply

Earlier surgery leaves scar tissue and changes the blood supply of the breast. A revision is planned around what was done before, which is one reason the records matter.

A clear goal

The goal of revision is a real improvement. No two breasts are exactly alike, before or after any surgery. Dr. Ovadia tells you plainly what he expects surgery can and cannot change.

One operation or more

Many revisions are done in a single operation. Some are better done in stages, a few months apart. Dr. Ovadia goes over which he recommends for you and why.

Nicotine

Nicotine slows healing, and that matters more in a breast that has had surgery before. Dr. Ovadia goes over this with you when planning your operation.

Real results

Breast revision before and after

These are Dr. Ovadia's own patients. Each case notes what the first surgery was and how far out from the revision the "after" photo was taken, because the breasts take months to settle.

Before-and-after photographs

This section contains before and after photographs of real surgical procedures.

You must be 18 years or older to view this content.

Recovery

What to expect after surgery

It depends on what was done

A scar revision or a small adjustment is a short recovery. A second lift or reduction, work on an implant pocket, or revision of a reconstruction means more healing. Dr. Ovadia tells you what to expect for your operation.

Swelling is normal and expected

The breasts are swollen at first, and new implants can sit high and feel firm. Over the following weeks and months the swelling goes down and the shape settles.

The surgical bra is important

You wear a surgical bra after surgery. The compression helps prevent and minimize swelling and supports the breasts while they heal.

Drains

A drain may be placed, depending on the operation. If you have drains, you are shown how to care for them, and they are removed in the office.

Incisions

Incisions generally heal well. Healing can be slower where there has been earlier surgery or radiation, and Dr. Ovadia follows those areas closely.

Walking starts early

Short walks begin right after surgery. Lifting, reaching overhead, and exercise come back in steps, as Dr. Ovadia advises.

Call the office right away if one breast becomes much more swollen, firm, or painful than the other, or if you notice spreading redness, warmth, or a fever. These are best taken care of early.

A general timeline

Day of surgeryWhen planning your operation, Dr. Ovadia goes over where it is done, the anesthesia, and going home afterward.
First few daysRest, short walks, and the surgical bra. Tightness and soreness are at their most and then ease.
First few weeksSwelling improves. Work and exercise come back gradually, as Dr. Ovadia advises.
About 3 monthsMuch of the swelling has gone down and the shape is close to settled.
Over the first yearThe shape is settled and the scars continue to fade.

This is a general guide. Everyone heals differently. During your recovery, Dr. Ovadia will review your timeline with you.

Cost and insurance

Cost and insurance coverage

Revision of surgery that was done for cosmetic reasons, such as a breast augmentation or a cosmetic breast lift, is unlikely to be covered by insurance. The cost depends on what is done at surgery, and we go over it with you after your consultation.

A revision may be covered by insurance when there is a medical reason for it and it is a covered benefit of your policy. Federal law requires most health plans that cover mastectomy to cover all stages of breast reconstruction, including surgery on the other breast for symmetry.

Common criteria for insurance coverage

Breast revision surgery

  • Revision of a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy
  • Surgery on the other breast for symmetry after reconstruction
  • A medical problem with an implant, such as severe capsular contracture or a ruptured silicone gel implant
  • Breasts that still cause symptoms after a breast reduction, when the plan's criteria for breast reduction are met

Every plan sets its own criteria. Coverage is not guaranteed.

If you have questions about possible insurance coverage for surgery, call or email us and we will go over it with you.

Call (212) 222-4628Email us

Your surgeon

Board certified and double fellowship-trained

Dr. Ovadia is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. After his plastic surgery training he completed two fellowships: gender-affirming surgery at Johns Hopkins, and craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery at UT Austin / Dell Children's Hospital.

Breast surgery is a large part of his practice: breast reconstruction after mastectomy and lumpectomy, breast reduction, breast lift, breast augmentation, and implant exchange. He revises breast surgery first done by other surgeons. His published research includes a review of technique in breast reduction and a study of the risk factors for capsular contracture after breast implant surgery. He sees patients in New York City and in Jersey City and Millburn, New Jersey.

Board certifiedAmerican Board of Plastic Surgery
Two fellowshipsJohns Hopkins and UT Austin / Dell Children's Hospital
Three officesNew York City, Jersey City, and Millburn, New Jersey

Questions

Common questions about breast revision

What is breast revision surgery?

Breast revision is a second operation to improve the result of an earlier breast surgery. It can follow a breast augmentation, a breast lift, a breast reduction, or a breast reconstruction. What is done depends on the first operation and on what you would like to change.

My first surgery was done by another surgeon. Can Dr. Ovadia do my revision?

Yes. Breast surgery is a large part of Dr. Ovadia's practice, and he revises breast surgery that was first done by other surgeons. It helps to bring what you have from your first surgery: the operative report, your implant card, and photographs from before surgery. If you do not have them, he can still plan your surgery.

Do I have to go back to my first surgeon for a revision?

No. Some patients return to their first surgeon, and others choose to see a different surgeon for a second opinion or for the revision itself. Either is reasonable. You are welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ovadia wherever your first surgery was done.

How long should I wait before having a revision?

In most cases, until the first surgery has settled. Swelling takes months to go down and scars keep changing for a year or more, so an early result is not the final one. Some problems should be seen sooner, such as a breast that becomes firm or painful or changes suddenly. Dr. Ovadia examines you and tells you when the time is right.

Is a revision harder than a first operation?

It can be. Earlier surgery leaves scar tissue and changes the blood supply of the breast, and the plan has to take both into account. This is why Dr. Ovadia asks about your first operation in detail and examines you before he recommends anything.

Can a breast reduction be done a second time?

For many patients, yes. A second reduction is planned around how the first one was done, so the report from your first operation is helpful. Dr. Ovadia examines you and tells you what is realistic.

Can a breast reconstruction be revised?

Yes. Reconstruction is often done in stages, and many patients have a revision to improve shape, contour, or symmetry. That can mean a new implant, fat grafting, changing from implants to your own tissue, or surgery on the other breast so that the two match. Dr. Ovadia also revises reconstruction first done by another surgeon.

Will I have new scars?

Whenever possible, Dr. Ovadia uses the scars you already have, and a revision can sometimes improve them. Some operations, such as adding a breast lift, add scars. He shows you where they would be before surgery.

Will my breasts match exactly after a revision?

No two breasts are exactly alike, before or after any surgery. The goal of revision is a real improvement in shape and symmetry. Dr. Ovadia tells you plainly what he expects surgery can and cannot change.

Is breast revision covered by insurance?

Revision of surgery that was done for cosmetic reasons is unlikely to be covered by insurance. Revision of a breast reconstruction after a mastectomy may be covered, including surgery on the other breast for symmetry. Some plans cover surgery for a medical problem with an implant. Each plan sets its own criteria, and coverage is not guaranteed. If you have questions about possible insurance coverage for surgery, call or email us and we will go over it with you.

Can I have a consultation without coming to the office?

Yes. Phone and video consultations are available, in addition to in-person visits in New York City, Jersey City, and Millburn, New Jersey.

Next step

Start with a consultation

Dr. Ovadia will examine you, go over your first surgery and what you want to change, and explain what he recommends. If you have the report from your first operation, your implant card, or photographs from before surgery, bring them with you.

Call (212) 222-4628Send a message

225 Broadway, Suite 3100, New York, NY
377 Jersey Ave, Suite 440, Jersey City, NJ
90 Millburn Ave, Suite 206, Millburn, NJ
Phone and video consultations available · info@ovadiaps.com