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Breast Surgery
Implant Change

Breast Implant Change / Removal / Revision

Breast Implant Change & Removal – At a Glance

Aspect	Details / What to Expect
Procedure	Breast implant change / removal / revision
Duration	60–120 minutes (varies by complexity)
Anaesthesia	General
Hospital Stay	Day clinic or overnight depending on case
Return to Daily Activities	~3–5 days
Return to Work (light)	~5–7 days
Support Garments	~4–6 weeks
Scars	Revision may use existing scars when possible

Aesthetic treatment results collage showing different procedures

Woman relaxing by the pool with a natural body shape

Breast Implant Change

What This Procedure Covers

Breast implant change or removal surgery is often performed for reasons such as:

Desire to replace current implants (size, shape, profile)
Implant rupture or capsular contracture
Implant‑related pain or discomfort
Cosmetic dissatisfaction (shape, symmetry changes over time)
Health considerations (e.g., BII / Breast Implant Illness concerns)
Conversion to explantation + mastopexy (breast lift) if sagging has occurred

This surgery can be customised to patient goals — whether that’s upgrading implants, downsizing, or removing them altogether.

Young woman in a bikini on the beach showing natural body proportions

Surgical Considerations

Implant Exchange
- Old implants removed
- New implants inserted (option to change size, fill, texture)
- Pocket may be adjusted for optimal new implant setting
Implant Removal Only (Explantation)
- Implants removed
- Capsular tissue may be partially or fully removed if indicated
- Often combined with a breast lift (mastopexy) for contour
Capsulectomy / Capsulotomy
- Partial or complete removal of the capsule (scar tissue surrounding implant)
- Helps improve contour, reduce tightness, and address contracture
Combined Procedures
- Explantation + lift for sagging skin
- Exchange + fat grafting for softer contour
- Revision symmetry procedures on opposite breast if needed

Your surgeon will recommend the ideal technique based on your anatomy, implant history, skin quality, and goals.

Patient testimony
“I just cannot believe the results. I keep staring at them every day, asking myself how this is possible. Beyond any expectations I ever had!”
- B.C. (46)

Woman lying on her back sunbathing with a relaxed and natural appearance

Reasons Patients Choose Revision Surgery

Update to a different implant size or projection
Change from saline to silicone gel or vice versa
Correct asymmetry or implant malposition
Resolve capsular contracture (tight scar tissue around implant)
Replace old implants (age‑related changes, rupture risk)
Convert to a natural shape via explantation + lift
Address discomfort or aesthetic concerns

Post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) recovery room at Ocean Clinic Marbella

Recovery & Aftercare

Typical Post-Op Timeline

Wear a support bra for ~4–6 weeks
Mild swelling and tenderness for the first 3–7 days
Avoid heavy lifting and high‑impact exercise for 4–6 weeks
Follow‑up visits to monitor healing and symmetry
Pain is usually minimal and controlled with routine analgesics

Recovery can vary if combined procedures (e.g., lift or fat grafting) are performed.

Risks & Considerations

As with all surgical procedures, breast implant change/removal carries some risk::

Bleeding / hematoma
Infection
Scarring / visibility of scars
Asymmetry
Sensitivity changes
Capsular tissue reactions
Contour irregularities

Discussion of risks and expectations is a key part of the consultation process.

Frequently Asked Questions Breast Implant Change & Removal

Patients choose removal for comfort, cosmetic change, implant age, health concerns, or to switch to a different implant type or size.

Yes — in an implant exchange surgery, the old implant is removed and a new implant of your chosen size/shape is placed.

Capsular contracture happens when scar tissue tightens around the implant, causing firmness or shape changes. Revision surgery removes or releases the capsule.

Often, yes. If sagging has occurred after removal, a breast lift (mastopexy) can restore contour and position for a flattering result.

Most patients resume light activities in about 3–5 days; full activity restrictions are usually lifted by 4–6 weeks. Combined procedures may extend recovery.