Replacement and removal of implants
About the procedure
What is breast implant replacement?
This is a type of breast surgery that includes removing old breast implants and replacing them with new ones. There are several reasons why this procedure can be done.
In the first place, these are complications from a previous procedure, such as capsular contracture or rupture of the implant.
Other common causes are cosmetic – for example, changing the size and / or shape of the breasts, restoring symmetry or simply changing preferences.
If you have PIP implants, this may also be a reason to undergo a replacement procedure.
This procedure can be done either alone or in combination with others such as breast lift or mastopexy.
What does the operation include?
The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia. The duration is between 1 and 2 hours and depends on the size and shape of the new breast implants, the chosen surgical technique and whether the operation is combined with other procedures.
Incisions are made in place of the original scars. If the new implant is similar in size and shape to the previous one, then the existing capsule will be sufficient and the operation will be shorter. If the new implant is different, this will complicate the operation because the capsule will need to be adjusted.
After placing the new implant, your surgeon will suture the breast along the existing scar line using a technique that leaves minimal scarring.
How Do We Work
Our process is designed to make your breast augmentation journey smooth, informed, and successful:
Contact us
Online consultation
Book the procedure
Travel to the clinic
Procedure
Hospital stay
Take your after care plan
Flight home
By partnering with experienced cosmetic surgeons and providing comprehensive support, we help you achieve the best possible results with confidence and peace of mind.
Get a free price quote customized to your treatment goals and travel preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is suitable for this procedure?
This procedure is suitable for you if:
- You are not happy with the size, shape or position of your implants;
- Your implants have shifted;
- Your implants have become hard to the touch and deformed (this condition is called ‘capsular contracture’);
- Your implants have started to move or rotate;
- Your implants have moved and there is a gap in place;
- Your implants are made of PIP and you want to replace them;
- You have another procedure that you want and can be combined with implant replacement.
What are the risks of this operation?
In general, breast implant replacement is a safe procedure, but it carries the risks of each operation:
- swelling and formation of hematoma;
- temporary tingling in the area of the incision
- infection
- poor healing of scars
- nausea and bleeding
- fat necrosis or embolism
Specific risks for this procedure are:
- implant rupture
- ALCL
During your consultation, you will be able to discuss in detail the likelihood and frequency of these risks with your surgeon.
How long will I have to abstain from exercise and be absent from work?
Usually the recovery from this operation is quite fast. It is important to return to normal life gradually.
You should be able to return to work within two weeks and resume your workouts in 4 to 6 weeks.
However, we advise you to return to heavy physical activity gradually, starting with low-intensity activities.
When is the final result of the operation visible?
What the final result will be visible somewhere in 6-7 weeks after the operation. However, the improvement of this result lasts more than 3 months.
Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to get the most out of your outcome during your consultation.
What is capsular contracture?
Because the breast implant is a foreign body, it is recognized as such by the human body and these results in the formation of a capsule of fibrous tissue around the entire implant. This process is normal and expected.
However, this process is different for different people. There are people who generally develop more scars and it is possible for them to form excessively hard or bulky tissue around the implant. This tissue can coalesce with muscle tissue and cause it to contract. This is called a capsular contracture and can cause problems with the appearance of the breast implant by deforming it. Such a contracture is one of the reasons for replacing the implants, because during the operation the deformed capsule is removed and thus a new, strong capsule can be formed around the new implant and in this way to restore the initially desired aesthetics.
What are the PIP implants and why should they be removed or replaced?
PIP implants are cheap breast implants that contain silicone, which is potentially health-threatening. In addition to being harmful, they are also more susceptible to splitting or tearing. Although they are officially banned and not used by any good clinic, PIP implants are still found today.
What are the symptoms of a ruptured implant?
Symptoms that your implant has ruptured may include:
- Swelling or lump around the breast
- Changes in the shape of the breast
- Redness, pain or burning sensation
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
The diagnosis of a ruptured implant is confirmed by a computer tomography. Torn implants must be removed or replaced immediately.
What is the cost of breast reconstruction?
Prices are formed individually after an online consultation and depending on the patient’s personal needs. Once we know what you want, you will receive our offer within 24 hours. You also can check our PRICE LIST.
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