1. Diagnose before naming a procedure
A revision consultation should first define the problem. Procedure names come later. Scar, implant position, tissue deficiency, laxity, support, perfusion, and anatomy can produce similar visible complaints but require different solutions.
2. Previous surgery is part of the anatomy
Operative reports, implant records, pathology, prior photographs, and the sequence of earlier operations can materially change planning.
3. Tissue quality sets limits
Scar burden, blood supply, thin tissue, radiation, infection, smoking exposure, and prior wound-healing problems can narrow what is reasonable.
4. Restraint is a surgical decision
Sometimes the right recommendation is to wait, stage treatment, use a smaller correction, or decline another operation. Revision surgery is not improved by treating every imperfection as an indication for reoperation.
