Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant revision surgery in Turkey

Breast implant revision is a surgical procedure performed to change, remove or correct previously placed breast implants.

Some patients consider revision surgery because their aesthetic preferences have changed. Others experience changes in breast shape, implant position or complications that require medical assessment.

Breast implant revision can involve replacing existing implants, removing them, adjusting the implant pocket, treating certain implant-related complications or combining revision with a breast lift.

At EsteTurkey Group in Istanbul, each revision procedure is planned according to the patient's previous surgery, current implant condition, breast tissue, skin quality and desired result.

Unlike primary breast augmentation, revision surgery must also account for existing scar tissue and changes caused by previous operations.

Why do patients consider breast implant revision?

There are several reasons why patients may consider revision surgery:

Wanting larger or smaller implants

Changing the appearance or projection of the breasts

Breast implants that have shifted position

Changes in breast shape over time

Breast sagging after previous augmentation

Suspected implant rupture

Capsular contracture

Breast asymmetry

Implant removal without replacement

Discomfort or other concerns requiring medical assessment

Not every change in breast appearance requires surgery.

The first step is understanding whether the concern is related to the implant, surrounding breast tissue or both.

Breast implant replacement

Breast implant replacement involves removing existing implants and placing new ones.

Some patients want to maintain a similar breast volume but replace their implants because of an identified complication or another clinical reason.

Others prefer to change the size, profile or shape of their implants.

The surgical plan depends on the existing implant pocket, condition of the surrounding tissue and the patient's desired result.

Replacing implants does not automatically mean that the same surgical pocket or technique will be appropriate.

Your surgeon will assess whether adjustments are required to support the new implants.

Can I change my breast implant size?

Yes, breast implant revision can be performed to change implant size.

Some patients would like larger implants for additional fullness, while others prefer smaller implants and a more subtle appearance.

However, implant size changes must be considered in relation to the existing breast tissue and skin.

For example, replacing large implants with significantly smaller ones may leave excess skin or change the breast position.

In these cases, a breast lift may be recommended alongside implant replacement.

Similarly, increasing implant size is limited by the patient's anatomy and tissue characteristics.

The most appropriate implant dimensions are determined during consultation.

Breast implant removal without replacement

Some patients choose to have their breast implants removed without inserting new implants.

This is known as breast implant removal or explant surgery.

Reasons may include changing aesthetic preferences, implant-related complications or a desire to return to a smaller breast volume.

After implant removal, the appearance of the breasts depends on the amount of remaining natural tissue, skin elasticity, implant size and duration of implantation.

Some patients are comfortable with the resulting breast shape, while others may benefit from a breast lift to address excess skin or sagging.

Implant removal does not automatically require a breast lift.

Do I need a breast lift after implant removal?

Not necessarily.

The need for a breast lift depends on the amount of natural breast tissue, existing skin elasticity and the degree of sagging after implant removal.

Patients with smaller implants and good skin elasticity may not require additional lifting.

However, patients who have had larger implants or developed significant skin laxity may experience a lower or less full breast shape after removal.

A breast lift can remove excess skin and reshape the remaining tissue when appropriate.

The surgeon will assess whether implant removal alone or implant removal with mastopexy is more suitable.

What is capsular contracture?

When a breast implant is placed, the body naturally forms a layer of scar tissue around it. This is known as the implant capsule.

Capsular contracture occurs when this scar tissue becomes excessively tight around the implant.

It may cause the breast to feel unusually firm, change shape or become uncomfortable or painful.

The severity varies between patients.

Some cases may require monitoring, while others may need surgical treatment.

The appropriate approach depends on the severity of the contracture, symptoms, implant condition and previous surgical history.

How is capsular contracture treated?

Treatment depends on the individual case.

When surgery is indicated, options may include removing or releasing part of the capsule, removing the implant, replacing the implant or changing the implant pocket.

The extent of capsule removal depends on the condition of the tissue and the reason for revision.

Complete capsule removal is not automatically necessary or appropriate in every case.

Your surgeon will explain the available options and associated risks after reviewing your medical history and examination findings.

Do breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years?

Not automatically.

Breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, but there is no universal rule requiring every implant to be replaced after exactly ten years.

Some patients retain their implants for many years without needing immediate replacement.

However, the likelihood of implant-related complications and additional surgery increases over time.

Patients should follow recommended implant monitoring and seek assessment if they notice changes in breast shape, firmness, pain or other symptoms.

Revision surgery is recommended according to clinical findings and individual circumstances.

Can breast implant revision correct asymmetry?

Breast implant revision may improve certain differences in breast size, shape or implant position.

Asymmetry can develop because of changes in the natural breast tissue, implant displacement, capsular contracture or differences in healing.

Depending on the cause, treatment may involve changing implant dimensions, adjusting the implant pocket or combining revision with a breast lift.

However, natural differences in chest anatomy and breast tissue can remain.

Perfect symmetry cannot be guaranteed.

Can breast implant revision be combined with a breast lift?

Yes, in selected patients.

Breast lift may be considered when the breast tissue has descended, excess skin is present or the patient wants a change in breast shape alongside implant replacement or removal.

However, combining implant revision with a lift increases the complexity of the procedure.

The surgeon must carefully assess skin quality, blood supply, previous incisions and the amount of reshaping required.

In some patients, separate surgical stages may be safer or provide a more predictable approach.

What are the scars after breast implant revision?

Scar placement depends on the surgical technique.

In some cases, the surgeon can use an existing incision to access and remove the implant.

However, additional incisions may be necessary if extensive capsule treatment, pocket adjustment or breast lifting is required.

When a breast lift is performed, additional scars may be located around the areola, vertically down the breast or along the lower breast fold.

Breast implant revision recovery: what should you expect?

Recovery depends on the extent of revision surgery.

A relatively straightforward implant exchange may involve a different recovery process from surgery requiring extensive capsule treatment, implant pocket reconstruction or breast lift.

Swelling, bruising, tenderness and tightness are common during early recovery.

A supportive postoperative bra is generally recommended according to your surgeon's instructions.

Heavy lifting, strenuous upper-body exercise and activities that place excessive pressure on the breasts should be avoided during early healing.

Your surgeon will provide instructions based on the specific procedure performed.

Your breast implant revision journey in Istanbul

Your treatment begins with a review of your previous breast surgery and current concerns.

Before travelling, we may request information about your existing implants, previous surgical reports and any relevant imaging results.

After arriving in Istanbul, you undergo an in-person consultation and pre-operative tests.

The surgeon assesses your breast tissue, implant position, skin quality and previous surgical history before confirming the final plan.

Surgery is normally performed the following day.

After your hospital stay, you continue recovering at your hotel with postoperative support and scheduled surgeon follow-ups.

Our team coordinates your accommodation, VIP transfers, postoperative medications and required support garments according to your treatment package.

Your recommended stay in Istanbul depends on the extent of revision surgery.

Our team remains available after you return home for continued postoperative communication.

Breast implant revision before and after

Before-and-after photographs can help demonstrate different types of revision surgery.

However, it is important to distinguish between patients who underwent implant replacement, implant removal, capsule treatment or revision with breast lift.

Each procedure addresses a different concern.

When reviewing results, consider the patient's previous implant size, starting breast shape and the extent of revision performed.

How much does breast implant revision cost in Turkey?

The cost of breast implant revision depends on the reason for surgery and the procedures required.

A straightforward implant exchange may have different surgical requirements from implant removal with capsule treatment or implant revision combined with a breast lift.

The cost may also depend on the selected replacement implants and the complexity of previous surgical changes.

At EsteTurkey Group, your medical history, photographs and available implant information are reviewed before an individual surgical recommendation and quotation are provided.

What is included in your treatment plan?

Your international patient package typically includes:

Your planned breast implant revision surgery

Replacement implants, if included in your quotation

Pre-operative tests

Hospital care

Hotel accommodation

VIP airport, hospital and hotel transfers

Postoperative medications

Required support bra and dressings

Daily nurse visits during hotel recovery

Scheduled surgeon follow-ups

English-speaking patient coordination

Continued communication after returning home

Flights are not included.

Additional investigations or treatment requirements will be explained according to your individual case.

Your exact inclusions and recommended stay will be confirmed in your quotation.

Start with an individual breast implant revision assessment

If you are considering breast implant revision, the first step is understanding your previous surgery and what you would like to change.

Send us clear photographs from the front and both sides, together with your medical history, previous surgery date and any information you have about your existing implants.

If you have an implant card, previous operative report or recent ultrasound or MRI results, these may also be helpful.

Our medical team can review your information and determine which revision options may be appropriate.