Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant removal or exchange restores comfort, health, and confidence by adjusting or replacing previous implants to better suit your current needs and goals.

Procedure Overview

Over time, personal preferences, lifestyle changes, or medical reasons may lead some women to consider removing or replacing their breast implants. Whether it’s due to a change in aesthetic goals, a desire for a different size or shape, or to address complications such as capsular contracture, implant exchange and removal procedures are designed to support your long-term wellbeing and body confidence.

Implants may be removed completely, exchanged for a different type or size, or combined with a breast lift to restore youthful contour after removal. The focus is on achieving a natural, balanced appearance while ensuring safety and comfort. With modern surgical approaches, results can look harmonious whether implants are replaced or not, allowing you to move forward with confidence.

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What to expect

  • Dr. de Chalain will review your medical history, examine your breasts, and discuss your reasons for implant removal or exchange. You’ll talk through whether you’d like to replace your implants, downsize or upsize, or return to a natural breast shape, and whether additional procedures like a lift may enhance your result.

    Current guidelines suggest that if you have had breast implants in place for ten or more years, they should be checked with an ultrasound or MRI to rule out risks such as implant rupture, capsular contracture and breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a very rare form of cancer associated with the tissue capsule that naturally forms around a breast implant).

  • These procedures are performed under general anaesthetic, so you’ll need to fast beforehand. You may also be asked to stop certain medications or supplements. You will be provided with clear pre-operative guidelines to prepare you for surgery and recovery.

  • The procedure generally takes one to two hours. Incisions are usually made along your previous scar lines where possible. The implants are carefully removed, and if replacement is planned, new implants are inserted. If required, scar tissue (capsule) around the implant may also be removed to create a healthier foundation for your result.

  • You’ll have dressings and a supportive garment in place when you wake. Most patients return home the same day. Some discomfort, swelling, and tightness in the chest area are normal, and your care team will provide pain relief and instructions for comfort.

  • Swelling and bruising gradually improve over the first couple of weeks. Light activity can usually be resumed after several days, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for four to six weeks. Recovery is often a little quicker than initial augmentation, though this varies depending on whether implants were replaced or removed entirely.

  • You’ll attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and check on the appearance and comfort of your breasts. If you’ve had implants exchanged, your surgeon will ensure they’re settling well; if removed, follow-ups will focus on how the tissue is healing and whether further refinement, such as a lift, may be desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Many patients choose to replace their implants due to changes in personal preference, aging of the implant, or changes in breast shape over time. Others may opt for removal if they no longer want implants or are experiencing complications. A consultation can help determine the best option based on your goals, implant age, and breast tissue.

  • Breast implants are not lifetime devices. While some last decades without issue, many people choose or need to replace them after 10–20 years. Replacement may be recommended earlier if there are concerns such as capsular contracture, rupture, or visible changes.

  • Implant removal involves taking out the existing implants and, if necessary, the surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy). Depending on your goals, your surgeon may also perform additional procedures such as a breast lift to reshape the breast after removal.

  • Implant replacement typically involves removing the old implants and inserting new ones in the same or a different pocket. This can also be an opportunity to change the size, shape, or type of implant to better suit your preferences or body.

  • This depends on factors such as implant size, how long they were in place, and your natural breast tissue. Some patients’ breasts bounce back well, while others may benefit from a lift or fat transfer to maintain shape and volume after removal.

  • Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around an implant tightens, causing hardness, discomfort, or distortion. In these cases, the surgeon may remove both the implant and the capsule (en bloc or total capsulectomy) before replacement or complete removal.

  • Yes. Many patients choose to combine removal with a breast lift or fat grafting to restore volume and shape. This can create a more natural result and minimize the appearance of deflation.

  • Most patients can return to light activity within a week, with full recovery over 4–6 weeks. If additional procedures like a lift are done, recovery may be slightly longer. Dr. de Chalain will provide personalized aftercare instructions.

  • In many cases the original incision site can be used to minimize additional scarring. If other procedures are performed, such as a lift, additional incisions may be required—but these are placed strategically to heal as discreetly as possible.

  • While research is ongoing, some patients report symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain that they attribute to their implants. Many of these individuals experience symptom improvement after removal, though outcomes can vary. This is a personal decision, and Dr. de Chalain can provide expert and sensitive consultation as you navigate your options.

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