When Your Results Have Shifted

Breast implants don't always age the way patients expect, and sometimes results that once felt right start to feel less so, whether that's due to a physical complication, a shift in your aesthetic preferences, or simply the passage of time. There's no need to live with results that no longer suit you. Our Chevy Chase team specializes in helping patients navigate exactly this kind of transition, whatever is prompting the need for a change.

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What Is Breast Implant Revision?

Revision surgery is really an umbrella term covering several different possible corrections, and no two revision patients typically need the same thing. For some, it means exchanging implants for a different size or style. For others, it's about correcting a physical shift, such as implants that have dropped, rotated, or moved closer together than intended. Still others are dealing with capsular contracture, visible rippling, or simply want their implants removed altogether. Your provider's first job during a revision consultation is figuring out exactly which of these situations applies to you.

The Benefits of Breast Implant Revision

  • Resolves Physical Complications: Issues like rupture, malposition, and capsular contracture can be directly addressed through revision surgery.
  • Allows You to Age Alongside Your Results: As your body and preferences change over the years, revision allows your implants to keep pace with you.
  • Fine-Tunes Symmetry: Even subtle asymmetry that's developed since your original surgery can often be corrected.
  • Proactively Addresses Implant Lifespan: Rather than waiting for a problem to develop, some patients choose revision simply because their implants have reached an age where replacement makes sense.
  • Offers a True Second Chance: For patients who've felt disappointed since their first surgery, revision provides a genuine opportunity to finally get the outcome they wanted.
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Are You a Candidate for Breast Implant Revision?

Revision makes sense for a fairly wide range of situations, but a few signs are especially common among our patients. You may be a good candidate if:

  • You've noticed physical changes, like rippling, hardening, or implants that seem to have shifted position
  • Your original implant size or style no longer matches how you want to look or feel
  • It's been over a decade since your last surgery, and you're due for a general evaluation
  • You're generally healthy and understand that revision surgery, like any surgery, carries its own recovery process

During your consultation at our Chevy Chase office, our team will take a close look at your current implants and history to pinpoint exactly what's going on and what your options are.

The Breast Implant Revision Process What to Expect

Initial Consultation

Your provider will evaluate your current implants, discuss your concerns, and review your surgical history to determine the cause of your dissatisfaction or complication.

Personalized Surgical Plan

Based on your evaluation, your provider will recommend a specific approach, whether that involves replacing implants, adjusting position, or addressing scar tissue.

Procedure Day

Revision surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, with duration varying depending on the complexity of your specific case.

Initial Healing Phase

You'll receive detailed aftercare instructions to support proper healing following your procedure.

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Dr. Chang & Dr. Jenny

Meet Our Plastic Surgeons

Every patient at Congressional Plastic Surgery is cared for by board-certified surgeons who bring decades of combined training and expertise to every procedure we offer.

Dr. Christopher Chang is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with training from Harvard College, NYU School of Medicine, and Yale-New Haven Hospital, along with a fellowship in advanced craniofacial surgery from Johns Hopkins Hospital. He founded Congressional Plastic Surgery in 2015 and continues to perform a high volume of surgical and aesthetic procedures.

Dr. Hillary Jenny is a board-eligible plastic surgeon who trained at MIT and earned her MD and MPH from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She completed her residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and a fellowship in aesthetic surgery in Beverly Hills, bringing specialized expertise in natural, individualized results.

Results and Recovery

Revision recovery tracks fairly closely with what you experienced after your original augmentation. However, cases involving significant scar tissue removal or capsular contracture correction can involve a longer healing process.

Most patients are back to lighter activities within a week or two, with swelling gradually resolving over the following weeks as your final results take shape.

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Why Choose Congressional Plastic Surgery in Chevy Chase?

  • Expert Revision Surgeon You Can Trust: Dr. Christopher Chang brings extensive experience correcting complications and improving upon previous breast surgery, delivering results that finally meet your expectations.
  • A Thorough, Individualized Evaluation: Our Chevy Chase team takes the time to fully understand what went wrong or what you're hoping to change before recommending a surgical approach.
  • Convenient Chevy Chase Location: Our office offers easy access for patients throughout Maryland and the greater Washington, DC, area seeking expert revision surgery.
  • Backed by Established Expertise: With Dr. Chang's double board certification and years of clinical experience, our team brings the same precision to revision surgery as we do to every procedure we perform.

Breast Implant Revision Frequently Asked Questions

My implants feel hard on one side but not the other. Is that capsular contracture?

Hardening on one side is a common sign of capsular contracture, though your provider will need to examine you directly to confirm and determine the appropriate treatment.

Can revision surgery fix implants that have rotated, or just ones that have dropped?

Yes, rotation can typically be corrected during revision, often by adjusting the surgical pocket to help keep the implant properly oriented going forward.

Do I need a revision if I'm not experiencing pain, just aesthetic changes?

Pain isn't required to justify revision. Many patients pursue it purely for aesthetic reasons, such as wanting a different size or addressing visible changes over time.

How do you determine whether to go through my original incision or a new one?

This depends on your original scar location and the specific correction needed. Your provider will discuss the best approach for your anatomy during your consultation.

If I had my original surgery elsewhere, does that complicate my revision here?

Not necessarily. Your provider will simply want a thorough understanding of your surgical history and current implants, regardless of where your original procedure took place.

Is it common to go smaller during a revision, or do most patients size up?

Both directions are common. Some patients want to scale back for comfort or a more natural look, while others still want additional volume; it really depends on individual goals.

Testimonials What Our Patient Say

5 out of 5 stars

I'm already loving my results

"I went to Dr. Chang to correct the damage done to my breasts from pregnancy and breastfeeding. He went above and beyond to make me comfortable and to explain exactly what the p...

"I went to Dr. Chang to correct the damage done to my breasts from pregnancy and breastfeeding. He went above and beyond to make me comfortable and to explain exactly what the procedures (lift + implants) would entail. He was extremely responsive and truly understood the look that I was trying to achieve—full, natural for my frame, and with minimal scarring. I'm only two days out from surgery, and I'm already loving my results. I am so glad that I chose Dr. Chang to restore my chest to its pre-baby appearance. I actually think they are going to be better than they ever were before I had kids!"

Emily L.
5 out of 5 stars

A huge thank you to Dr. Chang and Kelly!!!

"I had a consultation with two other surgeons before I met Dr. Chang. I always wanted a breast augmentation done, but didn't want to rush, so I took my time finding the best doc...

"I had a consultation with two other surgeons before I met Dr. Chang. I always wanted a breast augmentation done, but didn't want to rush, so I took my time finding the best doctor in this area. Some doctors will put in whatever cc’s you ask for just to please you, and that's exactly what my second doctor wanted to do. I am very petite, and the size I thought I wanted would have been too extreme for my figure. Dr. Chang and his nurse, Kelly, not only made me feel extremely comfortable, but they also listened to what I wanted and explained every single step. Dr. Chang has his 24-hour recovery program, which definitely helped me tremendously. I got my surgery on Thursday and was back to my normal routine by Saturday. If you do what he says, you will see the results. I thought my boobs were going to be up extremely high the first week, but mine looked perfect, and now that they have dropped a bit, no one can tell I got a boob job... I mean, my boobs definitely went from 32A to 32DD, but because I healed so quickly and my boobs were not up to my chin, they just looked like my real boobs. It still looks so natural, and I love it! I knew Dr. Chang was my doctor after my first consultation, and I booked my surgery after a week. I am extremely happy with the results and thankful for Dr. Chang and his crew! His nurse, Kelly, was absolutely fantastic throughout the whole process, calling to check on me after my surgery and answering all of my questions! A huge thank you to Dr. Chang and Kelly!!!"

Jennifer L.
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff.

"Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff. After breastfeeding my second baby eighteen years ago, my confidence hit an all-time low because my breasts sagged badly. I no longer felt sexy ...

"Thank you, Dr. Chang and staff. After breastfeeding my second baby eighteen years ago, my confidence hit an all-time low because my breasts sagged badly. I no longer felt sexy and became very self-conscious about my appearance and would only wear conservative, non sexy clothing. I wasn't able to express myself through fashion as gravity often stepped in, causing wardrobe malfunctions as my breasts would often find themselves out of the bra. After years of contemplating breast augmentation and removing the bags under my eyes, I finally got the courage to do something about it, and that's when my friend referred me to Dr. Christopher Chang. As this was a big decision for me, I was very anxious, but Dr. Chang made me feel at ease with the decision I was about to make. In doing so, he carried out a detailed assessment and enquired about my reasoning for wanting the surgery (making clear his ethical stance). At the end of my consultation, I felt I was making an informed decision and that Dr. Chang was the person I would trust to carry out the procedure. He educated me on the pros and cons and on any possible risks involved. The office offered excellent pre- and post-surgery care and guidance. On the day of my surgery, I was greeted by a very pleasant Dr. Chang, who went over the final details of my procedure, which was reassuring. Following my procedure, Dr. Chang kept in frequent contact to check on my progress/recovery and, if I had a question, returned my calls immediately. This made my recovery after the procedure manageable. åWhen I first saw my 'identical twins', I almost dropped; the babies looked so beautiful and perfect. My confidence hit the roof; I felt like 21 again"

Maura B.
5 out of 5 stars

You have definitely boosted my confidence!

"I want to give Dr. Chang and his staff a shout-out for the amazing work they have done for me. I was first referred to Dr. Chang by a good friend of mine, as he was highly reco...

"I want to give Dr. Chang and his staff a shout-out for the amazing work they have done for me. I was first referred to Dr. Chang by a good friend of mine, as he was highly recommended. I had been considering having a breast augmentation for several years, so when I heard they were hosting a meet-and-greet with the doctors at their Fairfax office, I knew I had to attend. After meeting with Dr. Chang and the staff, I knew I was ready to set up an official consultation! At the consultation, both Dr. Chang and his nurse were a wealth of knowledge. They both made me feel extremely comfortable, and I felt confident in their hands. When I decided to proceed, I came in for my pre-op appointment, where I then tried on different implant sizes to determine what would be the best fit for my body. We decided that 275 ccs would be perfect for me since I am petite. The day of surgery, I was a little nervous but also very excited. Everyone at the hospital was very attentive and had remarkable bedside manners. When I came out of surgery, I had no pain and no discomfort. I felt slight pressure, which was to be expected, but overall, I was surprisingly very comfortable. After surgery, I began my “24-hour recovery”. A few hours after being home and resting, Dr. Chang called to check up on me, which I thought, “wow, what a thoughtful doctor!” The very next day, I went out to lunch with my friend and walked around the mosaic without any discomfort. I never once had to take any pain medicine, as I didn’t feel it was needed. The healing process took no time at all, and I was back to work within a few days. I am so in love with my results, and my confidence has skyrocketed! My new breasts look and feel so natural, and they are exactly what I was hoping for! I am very pleased with my experience from start to finish and am absolutely thrilled. Thank you so much, Dr. Chang. You have definitely boosted my confidence!"

Kathrine G.
5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing!

"Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing! Three years ago, I considered getting a breast augmentation; however, 1 week before surgery, I canceled because I was entirely too nervous....

"Dr. Chang and his staff are amazing! Three years ago, I considered getting a breast augmentation; however, 1 week before surgery, I canceled because I was entirely too nervous. Here I am now, approximately 1 month post op, and couldn't be happier. When I went in for my consultation with Dr. Chang, I felt extremely comfortable. He was very realistic, precise, and generally concerned/wanted the best for me. He and his staff are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also friendly and easy to talk to. On the day of my surgery, both Dr. Chang and his nurse called me to check how I was doing. I was offered the opportunity to be on the 24-hour recovery program, and I don't regret a single painful minute of it. I highly recommend Dr. Chang and his staff. The people are wonderful, and the office is well maintained."

Avril G.
5 out of 5 stars

The office staff is friendly, caring, and efficient.

"Four weeks ago, I had abdominoplasty and breast augmentation procedures with Dr. Chang. I am over the moon with the amazing natural and subtle results of his artistry. He is a ...

"Four weeks ago, I had abdominoplasty and breast augmentation procedures with Dr. Chang. I am over the moon with the amazing natural and subtle results of his artistry. He is a gifted surgeon. He made the entire process from pre-op to recovery a very positive experience. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Chang. I unequivocally would recommend him for any cosmetic procedures you may be considering. He has a wonderful bedside manner, very engaging and informative, always. He makes you feel you are his only patient, never rushed or hurried. His upbeat and positive outlook is so refreshing. It’s truly a pleasure to be his patient. Nurse Kelly is such an asset to the team. She thoroughly prepares you for each step of the surgical process. Her expertise is very helpful and appreciated. The office staff is friendly, caring, and efficient. I wholeheartedly endorse the practice of Dr. Dufresne and Dr. Chang!!"

June P.
5 out of 5 stars

I cannot wait to go ahead with the surgery with Dr. Chang.

"I had a consultation with Dr. Chang on Friday, March 11, 2016, for a breast augmentation. Dr. Chang was very attentive and heard out all of my questions and concerns. He asked ...

"I had a consultation with Dr. Chang on Friday, March 11, 2016, for a breast augmentation. Dr. Chang was very attentive and heard out all of my questions and concerns. He asked what I wanted my breasts to look like post-surgery, which made me very comfortable. After analyzing my measurements, we discussed the size of implants to be used. Dr. Chang explained the no-touch technique he uses, which reduces some of the risks associated with the surgery. He also said I would be a candidate for the 24 hr recovery process, which is very appealing to me, given my busy schedule. I am confident that Dr. Chang will help me achieve the look that I've been dreaming of for years. This is my fourth consultation, and I've finally found the doctor I trust to perform this surgery. All of my worries have been put to rest, and I cannot wait to go ahead with the surgery with Dr. Chang."

Maurey F.
5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable!

"I am very happy with my breast implant. Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable! He looks out for what is best for his client. Office staff is very helpful with follow-ups....

"I am very happy with my breast implant. Dr. Chang is AWESOME and very knowledgeable! He looks out for what is best for his client. Office staff is very helpful with follow-ups. Yes, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Chang. I can’t thank you enough for what he has done for me."

V T.
5 out of 5 stars

Thank you, Dr. Chang!

"I've been looking into getting a breast augmentation for years now. Like all others, I really made sure to do my research. Once I found Dr. Chang and met with him for my first ...

"I've been looking into getting a breast augmentation for years now. Like all others, I really made sure to do my research. Once I found Dr. Chang and met with him for my first consultation, I knew immediately he was the surgeon I wanted to do my procedure with! He was very easy to talk to and straight to the point with things. If you had any questions, he/his staff were happy to answer them. His staff was extremely professional, and I felt comfortable around them. Dr. Chang wants the best for you, especially if you are looking for a "natural look." He recommended what he thought would look best on me, and we compromised with his recommendations and my expectations. I was really nervous a day or two before the surgery, thinking maybe it wouldn't turn out to be what I wanted to look like. But I think everyone goes through this. The day of the procedure was calming - everyone was a pleasure to speak to, and after waking up from the surgery, I felt a little delusional (from the anesthesia, of course) but shortly after felt okay! Maybe it's because I have a higher pain tolerance, or Dr. Chang is THAT good (or both!), but I didn't need many drugs besides some ibuprofen for slight pain. I'm about one week post-op and am super happy with the results so far. Any unsure thoughts I had previously have been proved wrong, and I am ecstatic about that! I would 100000% recommend Dr. Chang—you are in great hands with him. I can't wait to see what my breasts look like when they fully heal and settle. Definitely one of the best decisions I've made for myself :) Thank you, Dr. Chang!"

Ashley P.
5 out of 5 stars

I would not hesitate to go to Dr. Chang.

"I had breast implant and lift revision surgery with Dr. Chang. The entire experience was so positive. The office staff couldn't have been more helpful each time I called for ap...

"I had breast implant and lift revision surgery with Dr. Chang. The entire experience was so positive. The office staff couldn't have been more helpful each time I called for appointments and/or questions. Dr. Chang made me comfortable right from the start. His nurse, Kelly, was very informative and comforting, and helped me with a few of my decisions. Dr. Chang took the time to understand my concerns and to understand completely what my expectations were. I had things about my first surgery that I was not pleased with, and he made a point to make sure these issues were corrected. In the end, I am 100% satisfied with my results. I couldn't be happier. I am glad for the relationship I have formed with this practice. If I ever have a need for their services in the future, I would not hesitate to go to Dr. Chang."

Leigh D.
5 out of 5 stars

I will absolutely recommend people to you :)

"Dr. Chang, I really just want to thank you so much. Everything looks great from what I can see, and you and your staff were excellent. I do apologize for being so grumpy about ...

"Dr. Chang, I really just want to thank you so much. Everything looks great from what I can see, and you and your staff were excellent. I do apologize for being so grumpy about the IV afterward, but the pain mess finally kicked in, and I’m feeling much better now. :) Please tell all the nurses they were so helpful, and I really appreciate them. Being so patient with me! You are excellent, and I am so happy I chose to do this with you. Again, I really appreciate all your attention to detail and care. I will absolutely recommend people to you :)"

Female (21, breast augmentation)
5 out of 5 stars

You’re the best!

I hope you’re doing ok... I love my new breasts, Dr.... You’re the best....

Female (36, breast augmentation)

Ready to Start?

Schedule a consultation at our Vienna, VA or Chevy Chase, MD office. We'll take it from there.

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