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Breast implant revision.
Understand your next step.

Have your breasts changed, or do you want to discuss your implants? Start with an assessment of your symptoms, previous surgery and the change you want.

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Illustrative photograph of a woman reviewing her previous care with a clinician.
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What is implant revision?

A side-view drawing distinguishes the implant, capsule and breast tissue.

Revision is further surgery after breast implants. It may replace an implant, adjust its pocket or reshape the breast. Removing implants without replacing them is another option to discuss.

The plan depends on why you are seeking care. A change in appearance, a damaged implant and painful scar tissue need different assessments; revision is not simply a repeat of the first operation.

What has changed for you?

Two simplified capsule diagrams compare soft scar tissue with a tightened capsule.

Firmness or discomfort

Scar tissue around the implant can tighten, causing firmness, pain or a change in shape. This is called capsular contracture. An examination helps establish the cause.

A side view shows an implant in its pocket beneath breast tissue.

Implant or shape changes

Rupture, movement, visible rippling or changes after pregnancy and weight loss may prompt a review. A silicone rupture can also be silent and found on imaging.

A schematic shows an implant being removed from its existing pocket.

Different preferences now

You may prefer another size or no longer want implants. Discuss how your existing skin and tissue affect the likely appearance after a change.

Start with your history and an examination.

An implant record card represents device details and previous operation records.
  1. 01

    Bring any records you have

    Your implant card, operation report and previous scans help identify the device and its position. If records are missing, tell the surgeon when and where your operation took place.

  2. 02

    Explain the concern

    Describe when a change began and whether there is pain, swelling, a lump or a change in size. Discuss your preferred appearance and any wider health symptoms.

  3. 03

    Check before choosing surgery

    The surgeon examines the breasts and reviews your health, medicines and healing risks. Ultrasound, MRI or other investigations may be needed depending on the findings.

Replacement, removal or reshaping?

An existing implant and a new implant are shown as the device replacement decision.

Replace the implants

A new implant may change size, filling or shape. The pocket may also need adjustment. Discuss the exact device and its future care.

Compare implant options
The implant is shown outside the breast after removal from its pocket.

Remove without replacement

Explant surgery removes the device. Breast volume and shape will change; loose skin, dents or asymmetry may remain. Tissue and capsule management are planned individually.

Arrows represent changes in breast shape and position during a lift.

Add a lift or tissue reshaping

A lift may help with loose skin and breast position after a size change or removal. It adds scars and recovery needs and may be done at a separate stage.

Explore breast lift

What happens to the capsule?

A thin soft capsule is compared with thicker scar tissue squeezing an implant.

The capsule is scar tissue your body forms around an implant. A soft capsule is expected and does not automatically need removing. When it causes a problem, the surgeon may release it or remove part or all of it.

Capsulotomy means opening or releasing the capsule. Capsulectomy means removing capsule tissue. The amount removed depends on the findings and the risks of separating it from surrounding structures.

  1. 01

    What does “en bloc” mean?

    This describes removal with a margin of surrounding tissue for suspected or confirmed implant-associated cancer after appropriate investigation. It is not a routine requirement for every implant removal.

Plan around your health and previous surgery.

A checklist represents an individual surgical and recovery plan.
  1. 01

    Check what can be improved

    Old scars, thin tissue and the original implant pocket can limit the changes possible. Discuss comfort, appearance and which goals matter most to you.

  2. 02

    Consider healing and timing

    Review nicotine use, medicines, medical conditions and weight changes. If an infection or another concern needs treatment first, the revision may need to be staged.

  3. 03

    Prepare for recovery

    Ask which surgeon and facility will provide the operation and follow-up. Arrange time away from physical tasks, transport and help at home.

OUR PROCEDURE

Before, during and after revision.

STEP 01

Confirm the findings and plan

  • Review tests and consent

    Discuss the examination, any scan results, implant choice and whether capsule surgery, pocket repair or a lift is proposed. Agree what would happen if unexpected findings arise.

  • Prepare for surgery

    Follow your individual medicine, nicotine and fasting instructions. Confirm the anaesthetic, recovery arrangements and contact details for aftercare.

A device record represents the information needed before revision.
STEP 02

Treat the agreed concern

  • Access and revision

    Under the planned anaesthetic, the surgeon accesses the implant. An existing incision may be used, extended or changed according to the work needed.

  • Complete the planned changes

    The implant, capsule, pocket and breast tissue are treated as agreed. Incisions are closed and dressed. Tissue or fluid may be sent for testing when indicated.

A diagram separates the implant from the capsule and surrounding tissue.
STEP 03

Support the tissues as they heal

  • Dressings and support

    You may have a support garment and temporary drains. Get clear instructions for wound care, medicines, washing and any drain checks.

  • Follow-up

    Attend the planned appointments and discuss any test results. The team will guide your return to work, lifting and exercise.

A support bra represents postoperative care.

Recovery depends on the revision.

A supportive garment represents care during healing.
  1. 01

    Allow for swelling and soreness

    These can continue for several weeks. A straightforward exchange and a revision involving capsule surgery or lifting can have different recovery needs.

  2. 02

    Protect the incisions

    Avoid strain and friction while the wounds heal. Follow advice on sleep position, reaching and lifting, and arrange help with childcare or heavy tasks.

  3. 03

    Review changes gradually

    The breasts can take months to soften and settle. Scars remain, and one operation may not resolve every shape or comfort concern.

Understand the possible complications.

Healing and sensation

Bleeding, infection, fluid collections, wound problems, skin loss, scars and temporary or lasting numbness can occur. Previous surgery can make tissue handling more complex.

Shape or implant problems

Asymmetry, persistent pain, loose skin or contour changes can remain. With replacement, capsule tightening, rupture or implant movement can recur and require further surgery.

General surgical risks

Blood clots and anaesthetic, heart or lung complications are serious risks. More extensive capsule surgery has additional risks that should be discussed before consent.

Keep a plan for future breast care.

A device card represents keeping records of the revision.
  1. 01

    Keep the updated records

    Retain the operation details, test results and any new implant card. If implants remain, discuss future checks; they are not lifetime devices.

  2. 02

    Continue breast screening

    Keep to screening appropriate for your age and risk, and tell the imaging team about implants and prior surgery. Implant-integrity scans do not replace cancer screening.

  3. 03

    Report new symptoms

    A new lump, persistent swelling or a shape change deserves reassessment. Rare implant-associated cancers and reported wider symptoms need appropriate medical investigation.

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MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND YOUR CARE

Meet our care team.

FAQs

Your questions, answered.

Ask us on WhatsApp
01Do implants need replacing after ten years?

There is no single replacement date for everyone. Implants are not lifetime devices; symptoms, their condition, device advice and your preferences guide the decision.

02Can I remove implants without getting new ones?

Yes, removal without replacement is an option to discuss. The final volume and skin shape depend on your own tissue and previous surgery. A lift may be considered separately.

03Must the whole capsule be removed?

Not always. The capsule’s condition, the reason for surgery and the risks of removal guide the approach. Ask what is planned and why.

04Is en bloc removal better for everyone?

No. En bloc describes a cancer-related operation with a margin of surrounding tissue. It is not the same as every complete capsulectomy and is not a standard requirement for routine removal.

05Will removing implants cure breast implant illness?

Some people report improvement in symptoms after removal, but relief cannot be guaranteed. Symptoms such as fatigue or joint pain also need assessment for other possible causes.

06Can I change the size or position?

It may be possible, but your tissue, skin and old pocket affect the choices. Pocket repair, a different implant or a lift may be discussed, sometimes in stages.

07What if I have lost my implant card?

Bring any available operation notes or scans and details of the original clinic. The team can discuss how to gather more information and which checks are useful.

08Will revision be easier than my first surgery?

Not necessarily. It depends on the changes required, capsule and tissue condition, and previous scars. Plan recovery around this operation rather than your earlier experience.

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Discuss your concerns.
Plan your next step.

Arrange a review of your implants, symptoms and the options available to you.

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Illustrative photograph of a clinician explaining an implant sample during consultation.

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Patient story

Video from Layers Clinics on YouTube. Individual experiences and results vary.