- Breast Implant Replacement with expert breast surgeons
- Helping you choose the best option ensuring care, sensitivity and discretion are given to such a big decision
- The Private Clinic are a well-known provider of breast implant replacement surgery
- 0% Finance Available
What’s on this page
- About this Treatment
- Before & Afters
- What to Expect
- FAQs
- Our Clinics
- Things to Consider
- Patient Stories
- Why the Private Clinic
- Meet the Surgeons
- Related Blogs & News
Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic of Harley Street, London.
Last Reviewed July 10th 2024
Related Cosmetic Surgery
Breast Implant Replacement
You may feel it is time to replace your current breast implants and you may have decided that you want to increase or decrease the size of your implants. There are many reasons why you may decide to replace her implants, and we’re here to help you choose the best option.
Many women feel after a number of years of having breast implants that they would like to replace them. Breast Reaugmentation surgery involves removing the existing implants and replacing them with implants of the same, or different size.
Reasons for replacement may include medical reasons such as capsular contracture, ruptured implants, concerns about the integrity of your implants and implants that have sunk below the natural breast crease (bottoming out).
There are also cosmetic reasons such as wishing to increase or decrease the size of the implant. As your body ages and after childbirth, implants that were once a perfect fit may no longer suit your body shape.
At The Private Clinic, our leading UK consultant plastic surgeons are here to guide you in making the best choice in breast implant removal and replacement surgery (breast redo’s) and mastopexy procedures.
We have clinics across the UK in London, Birmingham, and Northampton.
Why would patients have their Breast Implants removed?
- Patients are not happy with the size, position or shape or their implants.
- Lifestyle changes have affected the appearance of their implants including pregnancy and weight fluctuations.
- Patients implants have dropped too low on the chest (bottoming out).
- Patients are experiencing capsular contracture causing the implants to feel hard and look misshapen.
- Patients implants moved or rotated creating an uneven appearance.
- Patients implants have settled too far apart creating a large gap between the breasts (lateral displacement).
- Patients implants were made by PIP or are concerned that they may be made by PIP and want them replaced.
- Patients may be having another procedure and want their implants updated at the same time.
- Patients just don’t want an implant anymore.
If you are interested in breast implant removal only, but concerned about the shape and size of your breasts after surgery then our Breast Auto Augmentation may be the ideal solution. This advanced breast surgery procedure involves a specialised uplift technique that uses your natural breast tissue to replicate the effect of an implant to help retain the shape and lifted appearance of the breast.
See our Auto Augmentation page for more information.
PIP Breast Implant Removal
Many women choose to have breast reaugmentation surgery as their current implants were made by PIP and they want them replaced.
The Private Clinic is a well-known provider of breast implant replacement surgery. We have a reputation as a trusted cosmetics provider following the PIP breast implant scandal that affected many of our competitors. The Private Clinic was one of very few clinics to have never used PIP products.
Breast implant replacement continues to be one of our most commonly performed procedures. Our breast surgeons ensure care, sensitivity and discretion are given to such a big decision.
Breast Implant Replacement, Breast Reaugmentation surgery at a glance
Procedure Time
1 – 2 hours
Anaesthetic Type
General Anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
Day case
Driving
1 week
Washing
1 week
Up & Mobile
1 day
Sexual Activity
4 – 6 weeks
Back to work
1 – 2 weeks
Exercise
4 – 6 weeks
Travel
6 weeks
Recovery Time
6 weeks
Final Results
6 – 12 months
Support Garments
Surgical Bra to be worn for 6 weeks
Sleeping
Sleeping elevated on back for 2 weeks
What surgical options are available for breast implant replacement?
Breast Implant Replacement or Breast Reaugmentation – Your original implants are removed but are then replaced by new implants which can be the same size, smaller(breast implant downsizing), bigger or a different shape such as teardrop.
Breast Capsulectomy – Capsular contracture can cause pain and distortion in the appearance of your bust. A capsulectomy procedure removes the capsule which is the lining around your implant and then you can either have the original implant removed or replaced.
Enbloc – An enbloc procedure is when the implant and the capsule are removed at the same time with the implant still inside the intact scar tissue capsule. It can be difficult to guarantee that a total enbloc is possible as in some cases the capsule tissue is very thin or tightly attached to the chest wall, in which case a breast capsulectomy may be performed instead. Your breast surgeon will be able to discuss your options with you in more detail at a consultation.
Breast Implant Removal with Uplift (Mastopexy) – This combined procedure may be recommended if your surgeon feels your breast tissue has stretched. The procedure will ensure that after the implant is removed your nipple is lifted back up to its natural position.
In some cases, you may decide to have your implants removed and not replaced.
Breast Implant Removal / Breast Explant – Your breast implants are removed and no further surgery is performed. For suitable patients, this procedure can be performed under Local Anaesthetic for a quicker recovery.
Breast Auto-Augmentation – A breast auto augmentation is a great option for patients who wish to remove their implants but still wish to retain volume. Your surgeon will use your existing breast tissue to reshape the breast giving you fullness in the upper bust along with an uplifted appearance.
Toula’s Patient Story
Patient Toula found herself feeling unhappy with the size of her breast implants following surgery at another clinic. She decided to have a Breast Reaugmentation with Mr Navid Jallali at The Private Clinic in Harley Street.
“I was very conscious of how big I felt, I never wore outfits that would accentuate them but I now find myself buying clothes that I maybe wouldn’t have before!”
Read Toula’s patient story here.
Ask us a question
Breast Implant Replacement Before & After Photos.
Our expert surgeons and medical staff offer leading breast surgery procedures.
Take a look at the Before and After photos to see how we can help.
Implant size: 480cc Implant profile: Extra High Profile
Implant placement: Subglandular / Over Time of after photo: 6 weeks
Implant size: 560cc & 445cc Implant profile: Extra High Profile Time of after photo: 6 weeks
Implant size: 390cc Implant profile: High Profile Time of after photo: 6 weeks
What to Expect
The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of women placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert breast surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.
The Consultation
Your implant exchange procedure will begin with a consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons at a clinic of your choice.
At your consultation, you will be able to discuss your concerns and find out what your options are to see which approach will be most suitable for you.
When it comes to replacing an implant, you will need to consider different breast implant shapes and sizes and what look you wish to achieve with your new implants.
Your surgeon will then:
- Review your medical history
- Examine your breasts
- Recommend an implant type, size, and position
- Discuss your expectations from the surgery
- Detail the risks and complications of implant replacement surgery
- Go through the aftercare and recovery process
You will then be allocated a dedicated patient coordinator who will be your point of contact if you wish to proceed with the procedure.
During your journey, you may decide to have several consultations with your plastic surgeon and their nursing team before deciding to go ahead with surgery.
Pre-Operative Appointment
In the interests of patient safety, all our patients are assessed against our patient selection criteria.
Following your breast implant reaugmentation consultation your medical history will be reviewed and the pre-operative nurse will choose which pre-operative tests to carry out which are going to be most appropriate for you.
Most breast implant replacement pre-operative assessments include a blood test, MRSA swabs, urine test and a blood pressure test.
They will also advise you of any precautions you need to take in the days or weeks leading up to your breast implant replacement procedure and advise on any medication that you should stop taking before the procedure.
Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
On the day of your operation, the medical team will ensure you are comfortable. Your breast implant replacement procedure is performed under general anaesthetic and will take 1-2 hours.
You will be given an admission time which usually involves you arriving an hour before the agreed start time of surgery.
Once admitted:
- The nursing team will record your blood pressure and prep you for surgery.
- You will meet with the surgeon who will go through the procedure again and answer any questions.
- Pre-operative photos will be taken.
- Your chest will be marked up ready for surgery.
The Procedure
- General anaesthetic will be administered by the anesthesiologist.
- Your breast surgeon will use your existing scars to remove your old implant.
- A capsulectomy or enbloc may be performed depending on the condition of implants, capsules, and the preference of the patient.
- Your new implants will be placed into the breast pocket.
- The incision will then be closed with dissolvable stitches and covered with tape.
- A surgical bra will then also be placed onto the patient which will need to be worn during your recovery period.
- You will then be taken to recover in a recovery room for 1-3 hours.
Once the surgeon and nursing team are happy that you are safe to return home, you will be discharged and allowed to leave accompanied by a family member or friend.
After your breast implant replacement procedure
A member of our nursing team will usually call you the day following your procedure to ensure you are feeling comfortable and recovering well.
You will have been given details of our dedicated on-call nursing team who can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you have any worries or concerns during your recovery time.
Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for 6 weeks and ideally, you should have 1-2 weeks off work to recover.
A series of follow-up appointments will be scheduled which includes a 1-week check-up appointment with a nurse and then your 6-week post-operative appointment with your surgeon.
At 6 weeks, you should be back to your everyday activities and your surgeon will be able to advise you on anything you are unsure of and answer any questions.
The Private Clinic have collaborated with Chrysalis Finance to offer 0% finance for our patients.*
*Acceptance is subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
You do not need to see your original surgeon but we suggest that you try and get hold of details such as the size and type of your current implants and any other relevant information as this will help your new surgeon create an appropriate treatment plan for you.
If you want your implants removed because you feel they have ruptured or you have developed a capsular contracture then we would advise that you see your original plastic surgeon as they will have all the information about your implants to enable them to decide on the best course of action.
An enbloc is when the implant and capsule are removed in one piece with the implant still within the balloon of the capsule. At The Private Clinic, we have surgeons who will remove the old capsule via en bloc capsulectomy when it is safe and appropriate for the patient.
There are some instances where an enbloc is not possible. This is when the capsule is too thin or delicate to be removed in one piece or if the capsule is adhering to vital tissues. In these instances, surgeons can work to remove as much as the capsule as possible with the implant and then carefully remove any remaining scar tissue from the breast pocket. In some cases, however, removal of the capsule could cause damage to vital tissues; for example, if scar tissue is tightly attached to the rib cage, removing the tissue could risk injuring the lungs. In these cases, portions of the capsule will remain in place but we will take precautions to allow proper healing including sterilising the remaining capsules.
For more information about enbloc procedures, please state this ahead of booking your procedure to ensure that you are given a consultation with a breast surgeon who specialises in offering this service.
If you are having your implants replaced then this is most commonly done as one procedure. However, if you are having the implants removed due to a medical reason then your surgeon may remove the implants and perform the replacement as a separate surgical procedure once any infection has cleared which can take up to 3 months.
The details of how your procedure will be performed will be discussed at your consultation where you will be able to ask any additional questions to ensure that you are fully informed before deciding to go ahead with your procedure.
The length of time you should wait before undergoing removal or replacement surgery will depend on your reasons for surgery. If you are experiencing complications or issues such as a ruptured implant or capsular contraction then this can be performed as soon as possible to relieve you of any pain or discomfort.
If you are not experiencing any complications but are just not happy with the appearance of your implants then we do remind patients that it can take longer than a few weeks to see the true results from breast enlargement surgery. Swelling will start to subside over 4-6 weeks and after this stage, implants will begin to settle. The final results from a breast augmentation may take up to 6 months to evolve. Overall, we do recommend that patients wait 6 months before making a decision on revision surgery.
Breast Implant Replacement is Available in these Clinics
Things to Consider
Our advice on what to consider when deciding to have a breast implant replacement or breast reaugmentation procedure:
1. When choosing a clinic, you should always do your research, and only go to an established, reputable clinic.
The Private Clinic has been in the cosmetic surgery industry for over 40 years. We are here to answer all of your questions and give you peace of mind.
2. When choosing a surgeon, make sure you know who you’ll be seeing. Their expertise, qualifications and patient satisfaction rate are important factors to take into consideration.
At The Private Clinic, we only source the most experienced and specialised surgeons. Find out more about our plastic surgeons here.
3. Price should never be the deciding factor when choosing where to have your treatment. Safety should be your number one priority and feeling confident that they will look after you – not only before, but also after your procedure
4. When it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Always find out what implants are going to be used and what your clinic’s reputation is.
Our surgeons use the highest quality CE Mark and FDA approved implants to ensure the very best results and safety standards.
Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape.
Patient Stories
Outstanding care, patient satisfaction and results mean everything to The Private Clinic Team
“I was always very conscious of how my breasts looked, I definitely feel more comfortable and confident now.”
Breast Implant Replacement – Toula
Why Choose The Private Clinic
- The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of women placing their trust in us each year.
- Top UK specialised best breast surgeons with decades of experience.
- Dedicated care with your expert breast surgeon and nursing team, and a 24 hour help line.
- We have state of the art hospital facilities.
- All of the breast options are discussed not just one type of implant. So you will be happy with your shape.
- 5 Star Trustpilot Rating
Meet our Surgeons
We have a dedicated Plastic Surgeon and medical team who will be with you throughout your journey.
At The Private Clinic breast implant replacement /reaugmentation surgery is performed by some of the UK’s top consultant plastic surgeons who have decades of experience.
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
