Revision & Refinement Surgeries

Flap reconstruction uses your own tissue—often from the belly, back, thigh, or buttock—to rebuild the breast after mastectomy. While many women are happy with their results, sometimes additional fine-tuning is needed. That’s where flap revision surgery comes in.

Revision surgery is not a “failure”—it’s simply the next step in creating the most comfortable, balanced, and natural look possible.

Why Flap Revisions Are Done

Every body heals differently, and over time, changes can affect how the reconstructed breast looks or feels. Some common reasons for flap revision include:

• Shaping and symmetry: Adjusting the breast mound so it looks more even with the other breast.

• Contour refinements: Smoothing out areas that feel bulky, hollow, or uneven.

• Scar revision: Improving the appearance of scars on the breast or donor site (abdomen, back, thigh, etc.).

• Fat grafting needs: Adding fat from another part of the body to soften edges, improve fullness, or correct indentations.

• Nipple and areola reconstruction: Creating or refining a nipple/areola for a more natural appearance.

• Comfort concerns: Addressing tightness, pulling, or asymmetry that causes discomfort.

What Flap Revision Surgery Involves

Revision procedures are usually smaller and less complex than the original flap reconstruction. Depending on your needs, a surgeon may:

• Re-shape the breast mound: Remove or shift tissue for better contour.

• Use liposuction: Slim down areas where the flap feels bulky.

• Do fat grafting (lipofilling): Transfer fat from your abdomen, thighs, or flanks to fill in hollows or smooth the breast.

• Improve scars: Revise or reposition scars on the breast or donor site.

• Reconstruct a nipple/areola: With skin flaps, tattooing, or both.

• Adjust the opposite breast: Lift, reduce, or enlarge the other side for balance.

Recovery and Healing

• Shorter recovery: Revision surgeries usually have quicker healing times compared to the original flap surgery.

• Outpatient or short stay: Many procedures can be done as outpatient, meaning you go home the same day.

• Mild discomfort: Some swelling, bruising, and soreness are normal but generally less intense than the first surgery.

• Return to activity: Most women return to light activities within 1–2 weeks.

Why Women Choose Flap Revision

• To feel more comfortable in clothing (especially fitted tops or swimsuits).

• To achieve a more natural breast shape.

• To correct areas that feel too flat, firm, or heavy.

• To create better balance between both breasts.

• To refine scars and restore confidence in how their body looks.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Often elective: Revisions are often optional, chosen for comfort or appearance rather than urgent medical reasons.

• May need more than one step: Some refinements—like fat grafting—may take more than one session for best results.

• Insurance coverage: Many insurance plans cover breast reconstruction revisions (including symmetry procedures) thanks to federal law in the U.S.

• Healing changes over time: Even after revision, results may continue to shift as your body ages or weight changes.

A Personal Choice

Flap revision is not about “fixing mistakes.” It’s about refinement—making the good results you already have feel even better for you. It’s also about honoring your body’s healing process and helping you feel more at ease in your skin. For many women, revision brings closure—a chance to soften, refine, and truly complete their reconstruction journey.