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Breast implants are not designed to last forever. Although they don’t have an official expiry date, they can wear down over time, increasing the risk of issues like implant rupture, rippling, or changes in shape. Many women also choose to replace their implants for aesthetic reasons, such as altering size, switching implant types, or updating older implants.
If you’re considering breast implant replacement, understanding the cost is an important part of planning. At Centre for Surgery, we offer transparent pricing that covers all aspects of your care—from your initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups. The cost includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia, the type of implants chosen, hospital facilities, and comprehensive aftercare.
Breast implant replacement, also known as Breast Re-Augmentation, can be more complex than the initial surgery, especially if complications from previous procedures need to be addressed. This specialised level of care is reflected in the overall price.
We offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more affordable, including interest-free payment plans through Chrysalis Finance. Our team will guide you through the available options during your consultation.
Centre for Surgery is home to expert breast surgeons with extensive experience in implant replacement and revision procedures. We’re committed to delivering natural-looking results with the highest standards of safety and care. If you’re ready to explore breast implant replacement, contact Centre for Surgery to book a consultation. We’re here to answer your questions, discuss your goals, and help you feel confident in your decision.
What Is Breast Implant Replacement?
Breast implant replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing your existing breast implants and inserting new ones. This procedure can be performed for a variety of reasons, both medical and cosmetic.
Some patients choose to replace their implants due to complications with their current ones, such as implant rupture, leakage, or visible rippling under the skin. These issues can affect both the appearance and the comfort of the breasts, making replacement necessary. In other cases, patients may wish to change the look of their breasts by opting for implants of a different size, shape, or material to better suit their personal preferences or evolving aesthetic goals.
RELATED: How Do I Know When My Breast Implants Need Replacing?
Additionally, breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. Over time, the natural ageing process, changes in body weight, pregnancy, or the breakdown of implant materials can lead to a change in how the implants look or feel. As a result, many women decide to replace their implants to maintain their desired appearance and ensure their continued comfort and safety.
How Much is Breast Implant Replacement Surgery at Centre for Surgery?
The cost of breast implant replacement surgery is generally similar to that of your initial breast augmentation. At Centre for Surgery, prices for implant replacement start from £4,000. However, the total cost can vary depending on your individual requirements. For example, if you need a capsulectomy—a procedure to remove scar tissue (capsular contracture) that has formed around the implants—prices start from £7,000.
Several factors influence the final cost, including the complexity of the surgery, the type of implants you choose, and whether additional procedures are needed to achieve your desired results.
Flexible Financing Options Available
To make breast implant replacement more accessible, Centre for Surgery offers a range of financing options. This includes interest-free financing for up to 12 months, allowing you to spread the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments.
What’s Included in the Cost?
Our pricing is transparent and all-inclusive, covering every aspect of your surgical journey. The quoted price includes:
- Hospital and theatre fees for the use of our state-of-the-art surgical facilities
- Surgeon’s fees reflecting the expertise of our specialist breast surgeons
- Anaesthetist and anaesthesia costs for safe, comfortable care during your procedure
- The cost of new implants, based on your chosen type and size
- Comprehensive aftercare, including follow-up appointments with both your surgeon and dedicated nursing team to monitor your recovery
Benefits of Breast Implant Replacement
Breast implant replacement offers a range of benefits, not only addressing issues with existing implants but also providing an opportunity to enhance the overall appearance and feel of the breasts. Whether the procedure is carried out for medical reasons or personal preferences, it can deliver transformative results that improve both physical comfort and aesthetic satisfaction.
One of the most significant advantages of breast implant replacement is the ability to correct complications associated with older implants. Over time, implants can become deflated due to rupture, which affects both the volume and shape of the breasts. Replacing the damaged implants restores fullness to the chest, bringing back a more youthful, balanced appearance. This can be particularly reassuring for individuals who have experienced a loss of confidence due to changes in their breast implants.
Another key benefit is the opportunity to modify the size of the implants. Many women find that their aesthetic preferences evolve over time. Breast implant replacement allows for adjustments in size—whether increasing for a fuller look or reducing for a more natural silhouette. This flexibility ensures that the results continue to align with the patient’s current lifestyle and body goals.
For those experiencing capsular contracture, a condition where scar tissue forms tightly around the implant causing hardness and discomfort, implant replacement offers an effective solution. During the procedure, the surgeon can perform a capsulectomy to remove the problematic scar tissue. This not only relieves discomfort but also improves the natural look and feel of the breasts, enhancing both comfort and aesthetics.
In cases where saline implants have led to visible rippling on the skin, replacement with silicone implants can significantly improve the appearance. Silicone implants tend to provide a smoother, more natural look while maintaining the desired volume. This switch can dramatically enhance the texture and contour of the breasts, reducing any unevenness caused by the rippling effect.
RELATED: Silicone vs Saline Breast Implants
Implant replacement allows for improvements in the overall shape and position of the breasts. Over time, factors such as ageing, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can affect breast tissue and implant positioning. Replacement surgery provides an opportunity to correct any sagging, asymmetry, or changes in contour, resulting in a more refined, symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Is Breast Implant Replacement Cheaper Than Initial Breast Augmentation?
Breast implant replacement surgery is generally similar in cost to your initial breast augmentation. However, the price can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. If there are complications, such as capsular contracture—a condition where scar tissue forms tightly around the implant—additional surgery, known as a capsulectomy, will be required to remove the scar tissue. This can increase the overall cost as it adds to the surgical time and complexity.
While straightforward implant replacements without complications may be comparable in price to the first surgery, revision procedures often require more surgical expertise, especially if corrective work is needed to address previous issues.
Since breast implant replacement is a highly individualised procedure, costs can vary based on your specific needs, the type of implants selected, and whether additional procedures are necessary. A detailed price breakdown will be provided after an in-person consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons. During this consultation, your surgeon will assess your current implants, discuss your goals, and create a tailored surgical plan that reflects the exact costs involved.
Am I Suitable for Breast Implant Replacement?
Breast implant replacement is a suitable procedure for individuals who are dissatisfied with their current implants, whether due to medical complications or aesthetic concerns. This surgery can address a range of issues, from implant rupture and capsular contracture to changes in personal preferences regarding breast size, shape, or type of implant. If you’re considering having your implants exchanged, there are several factors that determine whether you’re an ideal candidate.
RELATED: How Often Should Breast Implants Be Replaced?
The best candidates for breast implant replacement are those who are in good overall health, both physically and mentally. This means being free from any medical conditions that could increase the risks associated with surgery or affect the healing process. A stable and healthy immune system supports a smoother recovery, reducing the chances of complications post-surgery.
Maintaining a stable, healthy weight is also important. Candidates should ideally have a BMI below 30, as excessive weight can increase surgical risks and may affect the final aesthetic outcome. Significant weight fluctuations after surgery can also impact the appearance of the breasts, so it’s recommended that patients be at or near their target weight before undergoing the procedure.
It’s essential that candidates are fully healed from their initial breast augmentation. This allows the tissues to recover adequately before another surgery is performed, reducing the risk of complications and ensuring the best possible results. In most cases, surgeons recommend waiting several months, or even longer, depending on the circumstances of the initial surgery.
Another key factor is having realistic expectations about the results. While breast implant replacement can significantly improve the appearance of the breasts and correct complications, it’s important to understand the limitations of the procedure. Each individual’s results will vary based on factors such as skin elasticity, breast tissue quality, and the condition of the existing implants.
Candidates should have a clear understanding of why they want the procedure. Whether the goal is to correct medical issues like implant rupture or capsular contracture, adjust the size or shape of the breasts, or switch to a different type of implant, having well-defined objectives helps ensure satisfaction with the final outcome.
The Breast Implant Replacement Procedure
Breast implant replacement is a surgical procedure performed under general anaesthetic, ensuring you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout. The process involves carefully removing and replacing your existing implants with new ones to achieve your desired aesthetic outcome or address any complications.
The surgeon begins by making an incision, typically in the same location as your original breast augmentation scar. This is often along the breast crease (inframammary fold), but it can also be beneath the nipple (periareolar) or in the armpit (transaxillary), depending on the initial surgical approach and your specific needs. Using the existing scar helps minimise additional scarring, allowing for a more discreet result.
Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully removes the old implants. If necessary, they will also address any issues, such as capsular contracture, by performing a capsulectomy, which involves removing the scar tissue that has formed around the implant. After the removal, the surgeon prepares the breast pocket for the new implants, ensuring they are positioned correctly to achieve a natural and symmetrical look.
The new implants are then inserted, either above or below the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals. After ensuring the implants are properly positioned, the surgeon closes the incisions with sutures, often using dissolvable stitches to minimise discomfort during recovery. Finally, the area is dressed with surgical bandages to support the healing process.
Types of Incisions for Breast Implant Replacement
The type of incision used for implant replacement often mirrors that of your original augmentation to reduce additional scarring. The most common incision sites include:
- Inframammary Incision: Located along the natural crease under the breast, this is the most common approach, offering excellent access for implant removal and replacement while keeping scars discreet.
- Periareolar Incision: Made around the edge of the areola, this method provides good access, especially when addressing implant position or performing additional adjustments to the breast tissue.
- Transaxillary Incision: Placed in the natural folds of the underarm, this technique avoids scarring on the breast itself, though it may offer less direct access for complex revisions.
If the position of the new implant differs from the original placement, an additional incision may be required to create or modify the implant pocket. This ensures the implants sit correctly for the most natural and symmetrical appearance.
Recovery After Implant Exchange
Recovering from breast implant replacement surgery is quite similar to the recovery experience following your initial breast augmentation. While the procedure may involve additional steps, such as removing scar tissue or repositioning implants, most patients find the recovery timeline to be familiar and manageable.
In the first few days after surgery, it’s common to experience side effects such as soreness, swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness around the chest area. These symptoms are a natural part of the healing process as your body adjusts to the new implants. Discomfort is usually well-managed with prescribed pain relief, and the intensity of these symptoms tends to lessen significantly within the first two weeks.
During this initial recovery phase, you must rest and avoid strenuous activities. Keeping your upper body movements gentle will help minimise swelling and reduce the risk of complications. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions carefully, including wearing any recommended supportive bras to help stabilise your implants and promote proper healing.
Most patients feel well enough to return to work within 7 to 10 days, provided their job does not involve heavy lifting or physically demanding tasks. Light activities can generally be resumed after 2 to 4 weeks, but you should still avoid exercises or movements that place strain on the chest muscles.
For more vigorous activities, such as intense exercise, heavy lifting, or high-impact sports, waiting until you are fully healed is essential. This typically takes around six weeks, though some patients may require slightly more time depending on the complexity of their surgery and individual healing rates.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery, check the healing of your incisions, and ensure your implants are settling properly. These check-ups are an important part of the recovery process, allowing any concerns to be addressed promptly.
What Procedures Can Be Combined with Breast Implant Replacement?
Breast implant replacement is often performed alongside other cosmetic procedures to enhance the overall aesthetic outcome. Combining surgeries can help address multiple concerns in a single operation, offering more comprehensive results and reducing the need for separate recovery periods. Here are two of the most commonly combined procedures with breast implant replacement:
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure designed to lift, reshape, and firm the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. Over time, factors such as ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and gravity can cause the breasts to sag or lose their youthful shape. When combined with breast implant replacement, a breast lift can significantly enhance the overall appearance of the breasts.
This combination is ideal for patients who are not only looking to replace their implants but also wish to achieve a perkier, more youthful contour. While implants add volume, the breast lift addresses issues like drooping nipples and stretched skin, ensuring the new implants sit higher and more naturally on the chest. The result is fuller, firmer breasts with improved shape, position, and projection.
Fat Transfer (Hybrid Breast Augmentation)
Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, involves removing fat from other areas of the body—such as the abdomen, thighs, or flanks—through liposuction. The harvested fat is then purified and carefully injected into the breasts to add volume and enhance shape. When combined with breast implant replacement, this approach is often referred to as hybrid breast augmentation.
Hybrid breast augmentation allows for a customised, natural-looking enhancement. The implants provide the primary volume and structure, while the fat transfer smooths out contours, improves symmetry, and softens the edges of the implants for a more seamless, natural feel. This combination is particularly beneficial for patients seeking subtle fullness in areas where implants alone may not achieve the desired effect, such as the upper pole of the breast.
In addition to enhancing the breasts, fat transfer offers the added benefit of body contouring in the donor areas, creating a more sculpted silhouette overall.
Breast Implant Replacement Cost FAQs
How Much Does Breast Implant Replacement Cost in the UK?
At Centre for Surgery, the starting price for breast implant replacement is from £4,000. The final cost can vary depending on factors such as the type of implants chosen, the complexity of the procedure, and whether any additional surgeries, like scar tissue removal, are required.
Does Private Medical Insurance Cover the Cost of Breast Implant Replacement?
In most cases, UK private medical insurance does not cover the cost of breast implant replacement because it is typically viewed as a cosmetic procedure. However, if the replacement is required due to medical complications, some insurance providers may consider partial coverage, though this is rare. It’s always best to check directly with your insurance provider to confirm.
Do I Have to Pay for Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
Yes, breast implant replacement is a procedure you will need to pay for. The cost is usually similar to what you paid for your original breast augmentation, although this can vary depending on the specifics of your situation. If the surgery is more complex, such as when additional procedures like a capsulectomy are needed, the price may be higher.
How Long Should I Wait Before Having Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
It’s essential to allow your body sufficient time to heal from your initial breast augmentation before considering a replacement. This ensures that your implants have fully settled into position and any swelling has subsided. Generally, you should wait at least six months after your original surgery before undergoing breast implant replacement, although this can vary depending on individual circumstances.
Will I Need to Replace My Breast Implants Again in the Future?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, even though they don’t have an official expiration date. Many people choose to have their implants replaced after 10 to 15 years. This is often due to natural wear and tear, increasing the risk of issues such as implant rupture or rippling over time. Additionally, some patients opt for replacement to change the size or shape of their breasts as their personal preferences evolve. Regular check-ups with your surgeon can help monitor the condition of your implants over time.
What Are the Risks of Breast Implant Replacement Surgery?
The risks of breast implant replacement are similar to those associated with your initial augmentation. Potential complications include changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry between the breasts, haematoma (a collection of blood under the skin), capsular contracture (tightening of scar tissue around the implant), implant rotation, and implant rupture. Aesthetic concerns such as rippling, wrinkling, or being able to feel or see the edge of the implant can also occur in some cases.
Why Choose Centre for Surgery for Breast Implant Replacement?
When it comes to breast implant replacement, choosing the right clinic is crucial to ensure you receive the highest standard of care, expertise, and results. At Centre for Surgery, we are proud to be a leading plastic surgery clinic in London, specialising in breast procedures, including complex implant replacements and revisions. Our commitment to patient safety, personalised care, and exceptional surgical outcomes sets us apart.
Our team of specialist breast surgeons have extensive experience in performing breast implant replacement procedures, managing everything from straightforward implant exchanges to complex revision cases involving capsular contracture, implant malposition, and asymmetry. We use the latest surgical techniques and premium-quality implants to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results tailored to your individual goals.
At Centre for Surgery, patient care goes beyond the operating theatre. We provide comprehensive support throughout your surgical journey—from your initial consultation to post-operative aftercare. Our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic offers a discreet, comfortable environment equipped with the latest medical technology to ensure your safety and comfort at every stage.
For more information about who we are and what we stand for, visit our About Us page. You can also get to know our expert team by exploring the Meet the Team section.
Patient Testimonials
“After years of discomfort from my original implants, I finally decided to have them replaced at Centre for Surgery. The care I received was outstanding. My surgeon listened to my concerns, and the results are beyond what I hoped for. I feel confident and comfortable again!” — Jessica M.
“I had my breast implant replacement at the Baker Street clinic, and the experience was flawless from start to finish. The team was professional, friendly, and supportive throughout my recovery. I couldn’t be happier with the results.” — Sophie L.
“Choosing Centre for Surgery for my implant replacement was the best decision I’ve made. The consultation was thorough, and I felt well-informed about the procedure and my options. The aftercare has been exceptional, and my results look natural and beautiful.” — Emily R.
Flexible Finance Options
We understand that breast implant replacement is a significant investment, which is why we offer flexible finance options, including 0% APR with Chrysalis Finance. This allows you to spread the cost of your procedure with manageable monthly payments, making high-quality care accessible to more patients.
Book Your Consultation Today
Ready to take the next step? Contact us to book your consultation with one of our expert breast surgeons. We’re here to answer your questions, discuss your goals, and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
📞 Phone: 0207 993 4849
📧 Email: contact@centreforsurgery.com
📍 Address: 95-97 Baker Street, London W1U 6RN
Baker Street Clinic Information
For more insights into breast surgery, visit our plastic surgery blog and browse our clinic FAQs to find answers to common questions about our procedures.
At Centre for Surgery, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve beautiful, natural-looking results in a safe and supportive environment. Your journey to renewed confidence starts here.
