Breast Implant Removal vs. Breast Implant Replacement

Breast implants are used in many types of surgical procedures to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. Surgeries involving breast implants are among the most popular procedures in the UK, with thousands performed each year.

Although breast implant surgery is highly safe and transformative, patients may opt to either have their breast implants removed or replaced in the years following their initial surgery for multiple reasons.

Breast Implant Removal or Breast Implant Replacement are the two options which are available in these instances. Understanding the differences between these two simple and effective procedures and the results they can achieve is crucial in determining which is the best option to address your personal concerns.

Cadogan Clinic has brought together a team of the UK’s leading Consultant Breast Surgeons who are all highly experienced in Breast Implant Removal and Breast Implant Replacement, and can offer expert advice on which is the most suitable procedure.

What is Breast Implant Removal?

Breast Implant Removal, also known as Breast Implant Explantation, is a simple surgical procedure which involves the removal of breast implants and addressing any pre-existing or subsequent concerns to restore the natural size and shape of the breasts.

During a Breast Implant Removal procedure, an incision is made along the fold underneath the breast, usually in the same place as the incision from the original procedure, to minimise scarring. The breast implant is then removed, along with the surrounding capsule of tissue which has formed around the implant. The incision is then closed to complete the procedure.

Many patients choose to combine Breast Implant Removal with a Breast Lift (also known as a Mastopexy). Especially for patients who are concerned about sagging breasts as a result of overly large breast implants, or natural ageing, this combined approach is highly effective.

Breast Implant Removal is performed under general anaesthetic and only takes around 60 minutes to complete.

What is Breast Implant Replacement?

Breast Implant Replacement, or Breast Implant Exchange, is a surgical procedure which involves removing existing breast implants and replacing them with new ones.

During a Breast Implant Replacement surgery, an incision is made under the fold of the breast, in the same place as the initial incision. The existing breast implants and surrounding tissue (known as the capsule) are removed, and new implants are placed in the breast pocket.

If Breast Implant Replacement is being performed to address any complications with the existing breast implants, additional reconstruction may be required to prevent further problems with the new breast implants.

Patients may choose the same type of breast implants that they had initially, or they may opt for a different size and/or shape.

Breast Implant Replacement is a straightforward and effective procedure, performed under general anaesthetic and usually takes up to 90 minutes to complete.

Breast Implant Removal or Replacement: Which is Right for Me?

The right Breast Implant Removal or Replacement procedure will depend on your concerns and the results you wish to achieve.

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your concerns and desired outcomes before examining your breasts and recommending a treatment plan.

Concerns Treated with Breast Implant Removal

Breast Implant Removal is suited to patients who wish to address:

Capsular contracture – In some cases, the capsule of tissue which forms around the breast implant can harden and become uncomfortable.
Breast implant rupture – Although rare, breast implants can rupture, requiring removal
Breast implant movement – The breast implant moving can lead to discomfort, and concerns such as symmastia
Changes in aesthetic preference – Some patients may wish to remove their breast implants because they no longer like how they look

Concerns Treated with Breast Implant Replacement

Breast Implant Replacement is typically recommended to patients who wish to address:

Changes in aesthetic preference – Patients may wish to change the size or shape of their breast implants to achieve a different aesthetic
Recommendation from surgeon or manufacturer – Although breast implants do not have a definite life span, some patients may have replacement recommended, usually after 10-15 years
PIP Implants – In 2010, it was identified that PIP breast implants had an increased chance of rupturing due to the use of unsafe non-medical silicone. To prevent complications, patients were recommended to have their implants replaced with a safer alternative. Please be aware that Cadogan Clinic has never used PIP implants

Your surgeon is likely to recommend several treatment options for you to consider following your consultation. They will outline the various benefits of each procedure to allow you to make an informed decision.

Signs of Breast Implant Problems

One of the reasons patients choose Breast Implant Removal or Replacement is due to problems arising with their breast implants. Whilst rare, these can occur for a number of reasons, mostly due to the age of the implants, which are typically beyond the surgeon’s control.

Ahead of any initial breast implant surgery, your surgeon will discuss potential breast implant problems and the signs you should be aware of following your surgery:

Capsular Contracture

When breast implants are inserted, a layer of tissue forms around the implant, known as the capsule. In some cases, this tissue can harden and tighten, squeezing the breast implant, known as a capsular contracture of breast implant. This can result in the breast feeling firm, changing shape, and feeling painful.

Breast Implant Rupture

Although modern breast implants are extremely durable, in some instances, they can split (known as a rupture), causing silicone to leak within the capsule. This can cause the breast to change shape or capsular contracture to develop.

Breast Implant Movement

Although breast implants do move a certain amount during recovery while they settle into their final position, it is not normal for them to move significantly or suddenly. Overly large implants, the stretching of the skin, and injury can all risk implants moving, which may result in discomfort and the shape of the breasts changing.

Choosing an experienced and trustworthy Consultant Breast Surgeon is the best way to reduce the risk of breast implant complications arising.

Breast Implant Removal vs. Breast Implant Replacement: Differences in Results

Breast Implant Removal and Breast Implant Replacement each address slightly different breast concerns, and the results they achieve vary.

Breast Implant Removal Results

Breast Implant Removal involves taking out breast implants and restoring the breasts’ natural appearance.

Breast Implant Removal results include:

Restoring the natural size of the breasts
Restoring the breasts’ natural shape. In some cases, this may involve removing excess skin with a combined Breast Lift
Concerns caused by any breast implant problems are addressed and resolved

Breast Implant Replacement Results

Breast Implant Replacement involves removing existing breast implants and inserting new breast implants to maintain or change the shape and size of the breasts.

Breast Implant Replacement results include:

Maintaining the results of a previous breast implant surgery, whilst extending the lifespan of the implants
Altering the size and shape of breast implants in line with the patient’s updated preferences
Addressing concerns arising from the existing breast implants

Whether a patient opts for Breast Implant Removal or Replacement will depend on their individual concerns and the results they wish to achieve. In some cases, a surgeon may recommend removing breast implants, without immediate replacement, to address a concern or complication, and performing a new breast implant surgery as a separate procedure.

Breast Implant Removal vs Breast Implant Replacement: Differences in Recovery

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement recovery times will depend on the type and extent of the procedure you choose, as well as certain personal health factors. Your surgeon will discuss the recovery period during your initial consultation, allowing you to prepare ahead of your procedure.

Recovery following Breast Implant Removal or Breast Implant Replacement is usually straightforward, and most patients are able to return to their usual daily activities within a couple of weeks.

Cadogan Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive recovery and aftercare services for all Breast Implant Removal and Replacement patients. The recovery package following any surgical procedure at Cadogan Clinic involves:

Two follow-up appointments, one 7-10 days after your procedure, with our nurses, and the other 6 weeks after your procedure with your surgeon, to monitor your recovery and results
24-hour access to our specialist nurses’ recovery line, allowing you to ask any questions or raise any concerns swiftly
Extensive recovery and aftercare advice and instructions provided by your surgeon, which are tailored to your specific needs
Any surgical garments or post-surgery medication will be provided by your medical team on your surgery day

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

Swelling and bruising – It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising, which usually resolves within 10-14 days
Medication – Any post-operative medication will be provided following your surgery by your medical team
Exercise – You should avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least four weeks to protect your incisions
Full recovery – You can expect to be fully recovered within 4-5 weeks

Breast Implant Replacement Recovery

Swelling and bruising – As Breast Implant Replacement tends to be a more extensive procedure, any swelling and bruising may last for around three weeks
Garments – Your surgeon will ask you to wear a surgical bra to protect your incisions and support your new breast implants for up to six weeks
Medication – Your surgical team will provide any necessary post-operative medication you require
Exercise – After Breast Implant Replacement, you should avoid exercise and strenuous activity for up to six weeks
Full recovery – You can expect full recovery within six weeks of your procedure

Words From Our Founder

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Breast Implant Removal and Breast Implant Replacement are very similar procedures, however they address different concerns and achieve different results. It is essential to discuss your concerns with an experienced Consultant Breast Surgeon who can diagnose any issues and provide an effective treatment plan.

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Frequently Asked Questions

Do breast implants need to be replaced?

Breast implants do not have a defined lifespan, and many patients will have their breast implants for many years with no problems. However, in some cases, breast implant manufacturers or breast surgeons may recommend removing or replacing breast implants after 10-15 years to prevent complications from arising.

Breast implant technology has continued to evolve and develop in the last few decades. Most patients now find that their breast implants are lasting longer than ever and have fewer associated concerns.

What are the signs that your breast implant needs replacing?

Although there are a number of reasons breast implants may need replacing, the key signs of breast implant problems are:

Changes in breast shape
Changes in breast texture or firmness
Breast pain

If any of these concerns arise, it is essential to speak with a qualified and experienced surgeon who can assess and diagnose the underlying issue and recommend a suitable treatment plan.

Can you replace just one breast implant?

Yes, if only one breast implant is causing concerns, it is possible to just replace that one, rather than both. In some cases, a surgeon may recommend replacing both if they feel there is a risk of the other causing concerns in the future.

What happens if you don’t replace breast implants?

If your breast implants aren’t causing any concerns, not replacing them after a certain amount of time is unlikely to cause any immediate problems.

However, if you are experiencing signs of breast implant problems, and these aren’t treated, they can worsen, increasing discomfort and potentially making treatment more challenging.

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