Breast Implant Removal or Replacement

Breast silicone implants are preferred by millions of women for aesthetic or reconstructive purposes. However, over time, the implant may need to be removed or replaced due to lifestyle changes, medical complications or implant life expiry.

Main Reasons for Removal or Replacement of a Breast Implant

• Medical Conditions:
  • Capsular contracture (hard tissue formation around the implant),
  • Implant rupture or leakage,
  • Infection or chronic pain.
• Aesthetic Preferences:
  • Want a more natural look,
  • Reduce or increase the implant size,
  • Transition to new technology implants (e.g., ‘Teardrop Implants ’).
• Lifestyle Changes:
  • Body changes after pregnancy,
  • Fitness goals (large implants make it difficult to do sports).

Removal or Replacement?

• Removal:
  • Advantages: Return to natural appearance, reduced risk of long-term complications.
  • Disadvantages: Sagging skin or loss of volume.
• Replacement:
  • Advantages,: Preservation of the desired appearance, maintenance of tissue support.
  • Disadvantages: New surgical risks and cost.

Expert Opinion:

‘65% of patients request replacement after 10-15 years of implant life.’

— Dr. Emre Gönenç Baygöl, Plastic Surgeon

You may be interested: How to Choose the Size of the Breast Implant?

Surgical Options After Removal of Implant

Several surgical options are available after removal of the silicone breast implant.

1. Breast Lift (Mastopexy): It is a procedure performed to give the breasts a more upright and aesthetic appearance after the implant is removed.
2. Fat Injection (Lipofilling): It is the injection of fat taken from another part of the body into the breasts to add volume.
3. New Implant Insertion: Placement of a new and different implant after the removal of the old implant.
4. Breast Reconstruction: Reconstruction of breast tissue by various methods (for example, using muscle-skin flaps).

Operation and Recovery

• Preoperative
  • Detailed examination and imaging (implant integrity check with MRI),
  • Quitting smoking and blood thinners.
• After Surgery:
  • 1-2 weeks rest,
  • Use of compression bras,
  • Avoid heavy lifting and exercise.

The healing process may be shorter with implant removal and longer with replacement due to tissue adaptation.

Risks and Cost

Risks

• Infection, scar tissue, loss of sensation,
• Compatibility problems with new implant.

2025 Cost of Breast Implant Removal in Turkey

Breast extension surgery in Turkey costs around $2,500 on average, but this may vary depending on the city, clinic.

Please contact to get price information from Estheticland Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)