Breast implant replacement

Oct 24, 2025 | Blog

Breast implant replacement

Introduction

Breast implant replacement (sometimes called breast implant revision) is a surgical procedure where old breast implants are removed and replaced with new breast implants. It is relatively common procedure performed by plastic surgeons. Many women choose to replace their implants, sometimes even before they are worn out.

Why may breast implants need to be replaced?

The main key signs and considerations for breast implant replacement include:

  • Age of the implants (they typically last between 10–15 years). Regular check-ups with your plastic surgeon are essential for monitoring their condition over time​
  • Rupture or leak (saline or silicone)- if you notice changes like asymmetry, rippling, wrinkling, or shifts in implant position, you may need a replacement. Implant rupture or leakage can also cause noticeable changes in shape and size, especially with saline implants
  • Capsular contracture or discomfort- breast pain or discomfort can signal an issue with your implants. This includes persistent pain and the development of hard, tight scar tissue known as capsular contracture
  • Desire to change size, shape, or type of breast implant-the personal preferences may change over time, and you may eventually want a different size or type of implants.
  • Cosmetic reasons or personal preference- some women choose to later replace their implants based on their current lifestyle or aesthetic goals
  • Concerns about BIA-ALCL- Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants, particularly those with a textured surface

What are the breast implant replacement options?

  • Replacing with different size- many women choose to change their implant size after several years. Statistics show that around 20% of women opt for larger implants during replacement surgery-they may desire a fuller look or feel that their previous size is no longer suitable. Decreasing size on the other hand, can stem from lifestyle changes, health concerns, or personal preference. Over time, some might find larger implants uncomfortable or impractical
  • Replacing implants with a newer generation of implants-some patients opt for a newer generation of breast implants, such as Motiva Ergonomix breast implants
  • Combining with a breast lift for better contour- over time, breast tissue can change due to weight fluctuations or aging. Breast lift helps accommodate different sizes or styles effectively
  • Removing implants altogether with or without the capsule

Breast implant replacement procedure

Breast implant replacement surgery can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours and is performed under a general anaesthesia. The more complicated the procedure, the longer it will take. For example, a breast implant replacement that also includes a capsulectomy and a breast lift will take longer than a simple implant replacement.

Once anaesthesia is administered, Dr Mackenzie makes the incision necessary to remove and replace the breast implants. This process can be simple if the new implant is similar in size and shape to the old implant. In these cases, the new implants will be placed in the same place in the breast. In this case, the incision will be placed in the same position as the incision from the previous breast enlargement. The existing implants will be removed, leaving the capsule in place and the new implants will be placed in the same location.

A complex implant replacement will last longer. It could involve both the implants and capsule removal; implant being placed in a different position and breast lift being performed. The full recovery may take up to 6 weeks then.

Benefits of implant replacement

Breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime. The main benefits of having them replaced are:

  • Ability to adjust the size and style of the implants- modern trends often lean towards more natural shapes and sizes
  • Addressing complications which may arise with time such as implant rupture
  • Revised medical technologies have led to the development of more durable and natural-feeling implants. Women can benefit from advancements, such as cohesive gel implants, which reduce the risk of complications and provide a more aesthetically pleasing result
  • Implant replacement a chance to address age-related changes in the breast tissue and skin-during implant replacement surgeons have the opportunity to perform additional procedures, such as breast lifts, to enhance overall breast aesthetics and improve symmetry and firmness, contributing to a rejuvenated appearance.

Considerations

Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to understand the options and tailor the approach to individual needs and goals.