Your Breast Implant Replacement questions answered

Your breast implants may need to be replaced after repeated intervals if necessary. This will be determined by your surgeon. There can be options to upsize, downsize or completely remove the implant if suitable or preferred.
At The Private Clinic, we are committed to offering transparent and honest advice, so we provide you all the information to know at this initial stage about replacing your breast implant.

How often do my Breast Implants need to be replaced?

Your breast implants may need to be changed every 15 years, if required. This is not because of any issues with the implant itself, but because the body around the implant can change, requiring implant replacement or otherwise, removal. If your surgeon does not identify any problem however, this is unnecessary and your implant can remain.
All of our patients are offered a free yearly review, and every 10 to 15 years, we will arrange for you to have an ultrasound scan, where we will check your implants.

Can I upsize or downsize in my next implant?

Overtime, your implant preferences may change, and you may wish you had smaller or larger implants. Your surgeon will be able to tell you your options in terms of upsizing or downsizing in your breast implant replacement. Your amount of breast tissue and chest size will both be factors in this. If your breast tissue is minimal, we advise you not to upsize too much or you are at risk of your breast tissue being distorted. Also, sometimes the implant can be too wide for your chest area, giving a fake and unnatural look.
As most breasts naturally increase with time, some patients find that 15 years down the line, that their implants are too large, and look to downsize. In terms of your downsizing options, you can go as small as you prefer before you reach the size of your natural breast tissue – in which case implant removal alone is the best option. Downsizing, however, may require you to also have an uplift or mastopexy. Your breast tissue would have likely been stretched to fit your previous larger implant, meaning excess skin will remain if you downsize to a smaller implant.

What does Breast Implant Replacement involve?

The procedure is very similar to that of breast enlargement, and your surgeon will use your scars from the initial operation to remove the old implants. It will last approximately 1-2 hours and usually is performed using general anaesthetic. As well as the implant replacement, the procedure may also involve reconstruction of the breast tissue if necessary.
Your surgeon may also decide that a capsulectomy is necessary if you have opted to increase your breast implant. This is to allow room for the implant’s larger volume.

How much does it cost to replace the implant?

The cost of replacing your implant will be similar to the cost of the initial breast implant operation. The price also depends on if any issues are present. If your breast has changed shape or you have put weight on, another procedure may be required, for example, a breast uplift.

What are my other options?

If you want to remove your implants but not replace them then there is also the option of breast implant removal without replacement.
Our surgeons are also able to offer Enbloc, Capsulectomy or a breast removal with uplift which may be recommended if your surgeon feels your breast tissue has stretched.
Alternatively, if you want to retain natural-looking and subtle breast volume, but no longer want implants, Breast Auto Augmentation can be an option. This procedure involves reshaping your existing breast tissue and relocating it to a higher position to give you an increase in fullness in the upper portion of the breast often replicating the look of an implant.

Do I need to use the same plastic surgeon for breast implant replacement as my initial operation?

We advise that you visit the same surgeon for breast implant replacement that you had for your initial breast implant operation. They will be aware of your circumstances, your case history, and details about your implants including exactly where they were positioned.
However, this is not essential, and we are aware that this is not always possible.
A new breast augmentation surgeon should be happy to discuss your case with you. But please be aware that they will ask for more information about your implants such as; implant brand, size, shape, position and any other useful or relevant procedure details so it is recommended that you try and source this information ahead of your consultation.

The Private Clinic present some of the industry’s most respected and experienced surgeons for breast implant removal and replacement. Our surgeons have perfected their techniques, and use only the highest quality FDA and CE Mark approved implants, to ensure uncompromised safety standards and ensure you the most effective results.

• Mr Davood Fallahdar, MD&Surg (Hons), FRCS (Eng), Chir Plast (Hons), MicroSurg (Hons), ORL (H&N) GMC Number: 4686602
• Mr Navid Jallali, BSc, MB ChB (Hons), MD FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 4404969
• Ms Helena Antoniadou, MBBS, MD & Surg (Hons), FRCS (Eng). GMC Number: 3700956
• Mr Maisam Fazel, MA(Cantab), MB BChir, MSEd, FRCS. GMC Number : 4767420
• Sandip Hindocha – Consultant Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon, MD, MPhil, MBChB, MRCS, MFFLM, FRCS (Plast). GMC Number: 6122218
• Ms Rieka Taghizadeh, MBChb, MRCS (Glas), FRCS (Plast), GMC Number: 4743910

Breast Re-augmentation consultations are available in London Harley Street, Birmingham, and Northampton.
For more information about breast implant replacement and removal procedures, call 03339209135 or use our breast implant removal or replacement online contact form to request a call back.