Breast Implant Removal & Replacement

What is Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Expert breast implant removal and replacement in Antalya.

Breast Implant Removal surgery, also known as explantation, is surgery to remove unwanted breast implants. Common reasons for considering Breast Implant Removal include a change in personal aesthetic preferences, implant complications such as rupture or capsular contracture, or health concerns related to breast implants, including pain and discomfort.

In Breast Implant Removal Surgery, the implants are removed and not replaced. However, many patients choose to combine their explantation procedure with other breast procedures such as Breast Uplift (Mastopexy) to enhance the final result.

What is Breast Implant Replacement?

Breast Implant Replacement, or Breast Implant Exchange, is a similar surgical procedure, which involves removing old breast implants and replacing them with new implants. Motivations for Breast Implant Replacement Surgery include changes in preference regarding implant size and shape, a need for a change in implant to reflect underlying changes in body size and shape, or the replacement of old implants due to age or complications.

Breast implants can also be replaced as part of another procedure such as a Breast Lift, most commonly in cases where there is Ptosis or sagging of the breast tissue over time and the aim is to reposition the breasts in a more youthful and lifted position, or there is breast asymmetry.

The removal was smooth, and the replacement feels so natural now.

Anna K.

I’m grateful for the care and the results exceeded my expectations.

Mark T.

★★★★★

★★★★★

Why Do People Need to Replace Their Breast Implants?

In Antalya, we specialize in breast implant removal and replacement, focusing on safe, personalized care for our British patients.

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement is designed to address a number of functional and medical concerns and can also deliver aesthetic improvements:

Medical reasons:

• To address complications such as capsular contracture, implant rupture, movement or leakage.

• To replace ageing or damaged implants to maintain comfort and breast integrity.

• To correct asymmetry or deformity caused by previous surgery or trauma.

• To restore breast shape following removal for medical or reconstructive reasons.

Aesthetic reasons:

• To update implant size, shape, or type for improved proportion and natural appearance.

• To refine breast contour in line with personal preference or body changes over time.

• To maintain or restore a balanced, symmetrical appearance that aligns with individual body shape.

The Benefits of Breast Implant Replacement

• Correcting complications - If a breast implant has ruptured or has developed capsular contraction, your surgeon will remove and/or replace your breast implants for overall safety and aesthetic satisfaction, if the implant has moved

• Safety and comfort - If your surgeon or the manufacturer of your original breast implants has recommended replacing them, it is best to adhere to these guidelines for your safety and comfort.

• Adjusted size and/or shape - If your bodily proportions have changed since your implants were first inserted, you may wish to remove breast implants or replace your implants to better match your new frame.

• Enhance a combined procedure - If you are undergoing an alternative breast procedure such as a Mastopexy (Breast Lift) you may wish to replace your implants to give you the best results.

• Improved confidence and quality of life – For patients who find that the effects of their breast implants are impacting their confidence, Breast Implant Removal or Replacement can improve quality of life, making choosing clothing and participating in activities such as exercise more enjoyable

• Long-lasting, natural results – Altan Tekin Clinic who are committed to providing the highest quality patient care and results. Through thorough consultation and rigorous surgical standards, they will ensure you achieve your desired outcomes.

What is Involved in Breast Implant Removal & Replacement

Removal of breast implants is a very fast, straightforward procedure in which an incision is made along the existing scar line, typically under the breast but sometimes around the areolar or in the armpit, to remove breast implants. The surgeon carefully removes the implants before closing up the incision site with new sutures to prevent fresh scarring. In some cases, the surgeon will also remove any scar tissue surrounding the implant, in a procedure called a Capsulectomy.

• Breast Implant Replacement surgery follows the same protocol but involves the replacement of the old implants with new implants. If the new implant is a similar size and shape to the planned replacement, then they will preserve the existing capsule (the area in which the implant sits), and the overall surgery will be very quick, often taking less than an hour. If the new implants differ from the originals, your surgeon will perform a Capsulectomy, where part of the breast tissue that has healed around the breast implants is altered or removed to ensure the new implants sit comfortably and are in the correct position.

  Breast Implant Removal and Replacement surgery are both carried out under general anaesthetic. The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, however this can be longer if another surgical procedure is involved.

Who is Suitable for Breast Implant Removal and Replacement?

Your surgeon will examine your breasts and discuss any concerns you may have about your current breast implants. They will discuss your expectations of surgery and ensure you understand the results that are possible for you.

Your surgeon may also ask you to have a mammogram or ultrasound scan of your breasts to check for any damage to your current implants. If your original surgery was performed by a different surgeon, you will need to obtain the information about your current implants so your surgical team can verify your breast implant information on the central register.

They will also assess your general physical and mental health to make sure you are suitable for a general anaesthetic procedure, this may include your weight, and any medical and mental conditions you have.

You must be over 18 to undergo Breast Implant Removal or Replacement surgery.

The Cost of Breast Implant Replacement

Breast Implant Removal and Replacement costs vary based on your personal concerns and the exact nature of your procedure.

What is Capsular Contracture?

A breast implant introduces foreign material to the human body, which our body recognises and organically forms a fibrous tissue capsule around to protect the body. This occurs with every breast implant surgery and is a completely normal and expected part of the healing process.

The capsule formation process will be slightly different from person to person, however. In those who form more scar tissue (who 'scar easily'), the breasts develop an excessively hard or high volume of tissue around the breast, which may form with the muscular tissue and cause it to contract.

This is called capsular contracture, and can cause problems with the appearance of the breast implant, deforming the size, shape and proportions of the breast. The contractions themselves can also be uncomfortable for the individual. Breast Implant Replacement can remove the capsule (a capsulectomy) and a new implant inserted, which encourages a new, healthy capsule to be formed and the aesthetic appearance restored.

PIP Breast Implants

Implant replacement has become increasingly popular in light of concerns raised around the quality of implants after the PIP controversy in 2010, when disreputable providers utilised poor-quality materials in a bid to cut costs.

Altan Tekin Clinic operates according to the highest healthcare standards and remains one of the very few facilities to have never used low-quality PIP products.

As such, we are a trusted source for anyone needing implant replacement with a safe, high-quality alternative. We have built a world-leading reputation for the removal and replacement of implants carried out by lower-end cosmetic clinics, and we strongly recommend that you contact us if you are experiencing any irritation or inflammation in your chest area and think you may have been exposed to PIP implants in the past.

If you have previously had breast implant surgery at the Altan Tekin Clinic, you can rest assured that your implants are of the highest quality and are not PIP implants.

Breast Implant Replacement Recovery & Aftercare

Given the straightforward nature of the procedure, Breast Implant Removal recovery is fairly short, and side effects are limited.

As your anaesthetic or sedation wears off post Breast Implant Removal, you will wake up in our recovery facilities at the Clinic. You may feel slightly drowsy, but this often wears off within a few hours. During your initialrecovery time, you will eat and hydrate. At that point, you will be allowed to leave the Clinic by our nursing staff.

You will not be able to drive yourself home post Breast Implant Removal. You should arrange for someone to pick you up and drive you home themselves, or accompany you in a taxi. In addition, you will need to ask someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.

It is common to feel a little pain and discomfort in the first few days of Breast Implant Removal recovery. This will subside within a few days. Our 24/7 on-call service is open to all patients for any questions they may have at this time.

After about 1 week following your surgery, you will be asked to come in for a post-operative appointment to come back and see our nursing staff at the Clinic. At this point, your incision sites will be reviewed, and your preliminary healing will be assessed.

After 6 weeks, your surgeon will personally review your progress – again at the Clinic - and make sure you are recovering from Breast Implant Removal as expected. In addition, they will remove any stitches and advise you on the need for further dressings.

One of the major benefits of day case surgery and the anaesthetic used at the Altan Tekin Clinic (TIVA) is that Breast Implant Removal recovery is typically very swift, and patients can be back at work and active very shortly after the procedure. Whilst the extent of such activity should be gradually phased in, you should be back at work within a week or two and exercising within four to six weeks.

We always advise that you return to low impact activities first like walking and cycling before you are able to reintroduce more strenuous activity such as lifting heavy weights and doing intense aerobic activities.

Final results are typically first seen six or so weeks after your procedure, with ongoing improvements beyond this point likely as the healing process fully completes over the next 3 months or so.

Throughout the recovery period you will have full access to our 24/7 on call nursing service, and full access to the Clinic and our post-operative facilities.

Our aim is to make you feel as comfortable as possible during the entirety of your recovery period.

FAQs

What is implant removal?

It’s the surgical process of taking out old breast implants safely.

Is replacement necessary?

How long is recovery?

Are there risks involved?

Why choose Antalya?

Not always, but many choose replacement for shape or size changes.

Recovery usually takes a few weeks; you’ll need rest and follow-up visits.

As with any surgery, risks exist but we prioritize your safety and care.

Our clinic offers expert care with personalized attention for British patients.

What are PIP implants, and why should they be removed or replaced?

PIP implants were silicone breast implants that contained a silicone gel that was not approved for use in surgery and had potential health risks. They were also found to be up to six times as likely to rupture as high-quality, approved implants.
PIP implants were largely used by cosmetic surgery providers who were looking ot reduce their costs due to the fact that they were the cheapest on the market. Around 50,000 women in the UK received these implants.

Even though no link was ever discovered to link PIP implants to serious health concerns, understandably, many patients who had received the PIP implants in their surgeries wanted them to be removed or replaced.

During the height of the crisis, Altan Tekin Clinic was at the forefront of assisting patients in replacing their breast implants. As we never used PIP products and enjoy a reputation as one of the leading specialist plastic and cosmetic clinics in the country we continue to see PIP patients today.

How do I know if I have a ruptured implant that needs to be replaced?

Signs of a ruptured implant include:

• swelling or a lump around the breast

• a change in the shape of the breast

• redness, pain or a burning sensation

If you have any of these symptoms of a ruptured implant you should seek immediate medical advice. Typically you will require a scan to confirm you have ruptured implants.

Ruptured implants need to be removed or replaced as soon as they have been diagnosed.

Are breast implants difficult to remove or replace?

Breast Implant Replacement surgery is relatively straightforward surgery.

Most implants can be removed quite easily, even under local anaesthesia. Polyurethane covered implants (Polytech) can be more difficult to extract, if one wants to remove all the foam covering.

Surgery time is commonly no more than an hour or two.

When do breast implants need replacing?

Breast implants do not have an expiration date. It is not the case that implants should be replaced every 10 years. Breast implants only need to be replaced if they break or rupture. If implants are looking good and feeling good there is no reason to change them.

Breast Implants only need to be replaced in the very rare case whereby they break or rupture. When a saline breast implant ruptures, it can result in a dramatic change in the appearance of the breast, which will effectively deflate, changing its size and shape. In the rare event of a silicone implant rupture, any leaks tend to stay inside the implant, so a silicone breast implant rupture is not always obvious. However a leaking silicone implant may cause pain, tenderness, numbness, swelling, burning or changes in sensation.

Implants can also be replaced for personal reasons, including wanting to change the shape or size of the implants, breasts change due to weight loss or gain, age or having children.

What happens if you don’t replace breast implants that need removing?

If you think you require Breast Implant Removal then we recommend you get in touch with your surgeon to discuss this immediately.

Implants that require removal or replacing must be removed addressed swiftly, particularly in the case of ruptured implants or capsular contracture.

Where can I get my implants checked or removed?

All of our breast surgeons perform Breast Implant Removal surgery at the Altan Tekin Clinic. Breast Implant Removal is straightforward surgery and takes no longer than one hour to complete. If you have any concerns and would like your breast implants checked for potential ruptures, please get in touch with our surgeons who can arrange an ultrasound or MRI scan for you.

Why is Altan Tekin Clinic so well known for Breast Implant Replacement?

The Altan Tekin Clinic has become a well-known provider of implant replacement services as our reputation as a trusted cosmetics provider was enhanced following the PIP scandal that implicated so many of our competitors.

As one of the few Clinics in the country not to use PIP products and insist on higher quality products, we were at the forefront of the replacement drive. It remains one of our most commonly performed surgical procedures at the Clinic to this day.

What happens to your breasts when you remove implants?

When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the skin and tissue should retract to how they were before your initial breast implant surgery, meaning that in all likelihood no additional procedure will be required to restore your previous look. However sometimes breasts can appear saggy, droopy or misshapen after Breast Implant Removal. If this is the case, then you may want to consider a breast lift (mastopexy), which can be performed at the same time as implant removal.

Can you have breast implants removed and replaced at the same time?

Yes, you can have breast implants removed and replaced at the same time. However if you have an infection your surgeon will ask you to wait for this to clear up before putting in any new implants. This may take in the region of three months.

Will I feel better after Breast Implant Removal?

If you are suffering pain associated with capsular contracture, removing implants can provide almost instant pain relief. If large or over-sized implants are causing you neck or back pain, then removing these will help to alleviate this pain. If you are experiencing any symptoms of a silicone implant leak, removal will help to resolve this. Your surgeon will discuss how you will feel post Breast Implant Removal or Replacement during your consultation.

What breast implants are used in the Türkiye?

Yes, implants can be removed and not replaced. A person may decide to have their implants removed and not replaced due to natural body changes or personal preference. Occasionally implants may be removed for health reasons, such as capsular contracture.

Can breast implants be removed and not replaced?

There are two types of implants, silicone and saline. Saline implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water (saline). Silicone implants are silicone shells filled with a plastic gel (silicone).

Silicone implants are the most popular as they look and feel more natural and are less likely to wrinkle, ripple or rupture.

Can you replace just one breast implant?

Will I look and feel flat chested after Breast Implant Removal Surgery?

Yes it is possible to replace just one breast implant, for example in the case of implant rupture. Great care will be taken when inserting the new implant that symmetry is maintained with the other breast.

The appearance of the breasts after Breast Implant Removal varies among patients and depends on factors such as the size of the original implants, breast tissue condition and whether other combination procedures are performed.

Since there is a risk of loss of volume and sagging breast skin you may look flat chested after Breast Implant Removal surgery. There are several surgical options such as Implant Replacement, Fat Transfer to Breast and Breast Lift that can be discussed with your surgeon to counteract this effect.

Will NHS remove ruptured breast implants?

Whether the NHS will remove breast implants which have ruptured depends on your personal circumstances. The NHS will remove breast implants that they have inserted for any reason, including rupture. They may also remove ruptured breast implants in an emergency situation. However, typically, patients who had their breast implants inserted privately, will need to seek private care in order to have them removed or replaced.

What do breasts look like after implants are removed?

The appearance of your breasts after implant removal will depend on several factors including the size and shape of the implants, any other procedures being performed alongside your Breast Implant Removal, and lifestyle factors including weight changes, ageing, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Some patients are concerned that their breasts may look smaller or deflated post breast implant removal. It is important to discuss this with your surgeon so they can suggest ways of addressing these concerns, such as performing a combined Breast Implant Removal and Uplift to enhance the shape and position of the breasts.

Reviews

Hear from our British patients about their journeys.

The team made me feel comfortable throughout my breast implant removal and replacement. The results exceeded my expectations.

Emma J.

London

Traveling to Antalya was worth it. The care and professionalism during my procedure were outstanding.

Mark T.

Manchester

★★★★★

★★★★★

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