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Breast Implant Replacement

Breast Implant Replacement

Mr Nakul Patel offers a highly personalised approach to breast implant replacement in Leicester, Nottingham, and across the East Midlands, carefully assessing your current implants, breast anatomy, and goals to achieve a natural, balanced, and long-lasting result.

Book a Consultation View Procedure
2 to 3 Hours
Procedure Time
1 Night
Hospital Stay
1 to 2 Weeks
Time Off Work
After 1 to 2 Weeks
Driving
6 Weeks
Support Bra
3 to 6 Weeks
Exercise
Overview

A natural, balanced, long-lasting result

Breast implant replacement, also known as implant exchange or revision breast surgery, is a procedure performed to remove and replace existing breast implants. Women seek this procedure for many reasons: because implants do not last indefinitely and may eventually need replacing, because of changes in breast shape or feel over time, because of capsular contracture, implant rupture, or aesthetic concerns, or simply because preferences and goals have changed. This procedure is often more complex than the original breast augmentation and requires careful planning to optimise both safety and outcomes.

Mr Nakul Patel during a patient consultation
The Procedure

What Is Breast Implant Replacement?

The aim is to restore a soft, natural contour while addressing any underlying issues, achieving a result that looks and feels harmonious with your frame.

Breast implant replacement is an operation to remove existing implants and replace them with new ones. In many cases, this also involves addressing the surrounding capsule, the layer of fibrous scar tissue that forms around every implant as a natural response by the body. Over time, this capsule can thicken, tighten, or distort the breast, a condition known as capsular contracture.

Unlike primary breast augmentation, implant replacement is often technically more demanding. Previous surgery, changes in the breast tissue, skin laxity, and the condition of the capsule can all affect both the technical approach and the final result. For this reason, careful planning is essential. During the procedure, Mr Patel may remove and replace the implants using the same or different size, shape or type; release or remove the capsule to restore softness and correct distortion; adjust the implant position, for example changing from above to below the muscle, or vice versa; or combine the procedure with a breast lift (mastopexy) if the breasts have drooped over time.

The aim is to restore a soft, natural contour while addressing any underlying issues such as firmness, distortion, asymmetry, or implant-related concerns, and to achieve a result that looks and feels harmonious with your frame.

★★★★★
“It's the best thing I've done for myself.”
Patient · Nottingham
Benefits

What Implant Replacement Can Achieve

In appropriately selected patients, implant replacement can offer both aesthetic and functional improvements. Mr Patel will discuss these in relation to your individual anatomy and expectations.

Relief From Discomfort or Tightness

Capsular contracture can cause significant discomfort and breast firmness; replacement with capsulectomy can substantially improve this.

Removal of Ruptured or Ageing Implants

Addresses safety concerns and removes implants that may be leaking silicone gel or have developed intracapsular rupture.

Improved Softness and Feel

Modern implants with updated gel profiles often feel softer and more natural than older implants.

Mr Patel will discuss these potential benefits in the context of your specific starting size, breast characteristics and goals.

Suitability

Are You Suitable for Breast Implant Replacement?

Careful assessment is essential to determine whether implant replacement is appropriate and what approach is safest. Mr Patel will review your implant history, assess your breast anatomy and skin quality, and discuss your goals in detail.

  • Have existing breast implants and wish to change their size, shape, or type
  • Are experiencing firmness, distortion, or discomfort due to capsular contracture
  • Have a suspected or confirmed implant rupture
  • Are unhappy with the appearance, position or feel of your current implants
  • Have developed asymmetry or implant malposition over time
  • Are in good general health and at a stable weight
  • Do not smoke, or are willing and able to stop all nicotine before and after surgery
  • You are actively smoking or using nicotine products and are not yet ready to stop
  • Medical conditions are not yet optimally controlled
  • You have unrealistic expectations about achievable outcomes
  • You are planning significant weight changes or pregnancy in the near future

Observation: if your implants are not causing symptoms, continued monitoring with regular self-examination and appropriate imaging may be appropriate.

Implant removal without replacement: if you no longer wish to have implants, removal without replacement is a valid option.

Non-surgical management: in mild cases, supportive bras and symptom management may be appropriate while monitoring the situation.

Techniques

Types of Breast Implant Replacement

There is no single approach that suits every patient. The procedure is tailored based on your existing implants, the condition of the capsule, your breast anatomy, and your desired outcome.

Technique Best For Key Features Scars Outcome Goals
Exchange Only Minimal capsule; good tissue Straightforward replacement; lower complexity Existing scars reused Refresh size or shape
Exchange + Capsulotomy Mild capsule tightness Capsule released; pocket expanded Existing scars reused Improved softness
Exchange + Capsulectomy Significant contracture or rupture Capsule partially or fully removed Existing scars reused Correct firmness and distortion
Change of Plane Visibility, rippling or animation Implant repositioned to new plane Existing scars reused Improved contour
Exchange + Lift Droop combined with implant concerns Lift added to replacement Additional lift scars Restore position and shape

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★★★★★
“Just perfect. He is a highly skilled surgeon with a perfect presentation.”
Verified Patient, RealSelf
Your Journey

From First Consultation to Recovery

Sixteen steps, four phases, one continuous path: click any step to read Mr Patel's full guidance.

Phase 1 of 4

Consultation

1
Key Milestone

First Consultation

Your consultation focuses on understanding your previous surgery, your current concerns, and your goals for implant replacement. Mr Patel will take a thorough history of your original augmentation, including the implant type, size, position, and age, and will carefully examine the breasts, assess skin quality and the feel of the capsule, and review any relevant imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Measurements and clinical photographs are taken to support planning. Mr Patel will discuss the range of options available, including what approach is safest and most appropriate in your situation, the likely outcome, and any limitations. You are encouraged to ask questions about implant choice, scar position, the need for capsulectomy, and long-term considerations.

Patient Consultation

Cooling-Off Period

Time built in after your first visit to reflect on implant type, pocket position and capsule management before deciding.

Following the first consultation, a cooling-off period is built into Mr Patel's practice to allow you adequate time to reflect and make a fully considered decision. This is especially important for revision surgery, which can involve complex decisions about implant type, pocket position, and the extent of capsule management.

Second Consultation

Confirming implant type, size, pocket position and the approach to the capsule, with outcomes, recovery and risks reviewed in full.

The second consultation allows you to confirm the surgical plan, including the implant type, size, pocket position, and approach to the capsule. Expected outcomes, recovery, and risks will all be reviewed. There is no pressure to proceed, and further appointments can be arranged if needed.

Phase 2 of 4

Preparing for Surgery

Medicines & Supplements

Certain painkillers, blood thinners and supplements may need to be paused before your surgery.

  • Provide a complete list of all medications, over-the-counter treatments, herbal products, and supplements.
  • Blood-thinning medicines and certain painkillers may need to be paused before surgery.
  • Some supplements can affect clotting and may be stopped 1 to 2 weeks before surgery.

Smoking & Nicotine

Stopping all nicotine use at least 4 to 6 weeks beforehand, and avoiding it throughout recovery, meaningfully lowers your risk of complications.

Smoking and nicotine significantly increase the risk of wound healing complications, infection and implant-related problems. Mr Patel strongly advises stopping all nicotine use at least 4 to 6 weeks before surgery and continuing to avoid it throughout recovery.

Weight & BMI

A stable, healthy weight supports a safer anaesthetic and fewer wound complications.

A stable, healthy weight helps reduce anaesthetic risk and wound complications. If your BMI is significantly above 30, Mr Patel may recommend weight optimisation before surgery.

General Preparation

Balanced meals, good hydration, gentle activity and support arranged at home: the small things that add up beforehand.

  • Maintain a balanced diet, good hydration and gentle regular activity in the weeks before surgery.
  • Arrange practical support at home for the first 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Prepare comfortable, loose front-opening clothing and a support bra for after surgery.
  • Contact the team if you develop any new illness close to your surgery date.
Phase 3 of 4

Hospital Journey

Admission

Meeting the nursing team, reconfirming consent with Mr Patel, surgical markings, and a briefing from your anaesthetist.

On arrival at the hospital, you will be welcomed by the nursing team and shown to your room. Mr Patel will visit you to reconfirm consent, check the implant choices, and perform any surgical markings. Your anaesthetist will also review your history and discuss the anaesthetic plan.

Going to Theatre

Operating time varies with complexity, from a straightforward exchange around 1.5 hours to a longer procedure for more complex cases.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic. Operating time varies depending on the complexity of the case: a straightforward exchange may take around 1.5 hours, while a more complex case involving capsulectomy, change of plane, or a combined lift may take considerably longer.

10
Key Milestone

The Operation

The procedure follows a carefully planned sequence tailored to your anatomy and the agreed approach. Typically, this includes:

  1. Removing the existing implants through existing scars where possible.
  2. Addressing the capsule as planned: release, partial or complete removal.
  3. Inserting the new implants and adjusting their position as needed.
  4. Closing the wounds in layers with dissolvable sutures, before a supportive bra is applied.
Operating Theatre

Recovery & Discharge

Closely monitored while you wake, then home the same day or after one night with clear aftercare instructions.

You will wake in the recovery area and return to the ward once comfortable. Your chest will feel firm, swollen and tender. You will be given appropriate pain relief, and before discharge you will receive written aftercare instructions, advice on your bra and dressings, medication, and contact details for any urgent concerns. Most patients go home the same day or after one night in hospital.

Phase 4 of 4

Recovery After Breast Implant Replacement

Recovery varies depending on the complexity of surgery. A straightforward implant exchange may have a similar recovery to the original augmentation, while a more complex revision, particularly with capsulectomy or change of plane, may require a longer recovery period.

12
Key Milestone

Week 1: Early Recovery

  • Expect swelling, bruising, tightness and discomfort across the chest.
  • Keep your support bra on day and night; avoid lifting or sudden arm movements.
  • Gentle walking from the first day or two helps reduce the risk of blood clots.

Weeks 2 to 3: Regaining Comfort

Tenderness settles as most return to light work within 1 to 2 weeks, continuing the support bra throughout.

  • Pain and bruising begin to settle; many patients return to light or desk-based work after 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Continue wearing the support bra; avoid strenuous upper-body activity.

3 to 6 Weeks: Returning to Normal Activities

Gradual reintroduction of exercise, lower-body first, with upper-body training following around 6 weeks.

  • Most patients resume normal day-to-day activities, with gradual reintroduction of exercise.
  • Lower-body exercise can typically start around 4 weeks, with upper-body training around 6 weeks.

3 to 6 Months: Settling Phase

Swelling continues to soften as the new implants settle and scars begin to fade.

  • Swelling continues to improve and breast shape softens as the new implants settle.
  • Scars continue to improve and fade.
16
Key Milestone

12 to 18 Months: Final Outcome

  • The final breast shape and implant position stabilise.
  • Scars reach their mature appearance but remain permanent.
★★★★★
“I have always found Mr Patel to be highly professional and an extremely competent consultant in every way.”
Anthony S.
Scar Care

Mr Patel's Approach to Scar Optimisation

Mr Patel uses careful surgical technique and meticulous wound closure to optimise scar quality.

During Surgery

Where possible, existing scars are reused to avoid creating new marks.

Early Healing

Micropore tape or specialised dressings are typically used in the early stages.

Longer-Term Care

Silicone gel or strips are used as healing progresses, alongside gentle massage and sun protection.

Informed Consent

Risks & Complications

Breast implant replacement is a well-established procedure but carries potential risks, often slightly higher than those of primary augmentation because of the additional complexity of working with previously operated tissue. Mr Patel will discuss all risks in detail to allow you to make a fully informed decision.

  • Pain, bruising & swelling: normal in the first 1 to 2 weeks
  • Tightness & firmness of the chest, which gradually settles
  • Temporary changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Delayed wound healing or infection: may require antibiotics or further treatment
  • Bleeding or haematoma: sometimes requiring return to theatre
  • Capsular contracture with the new implants
  • Implant malposition, rotation, rippling or palpability
  • Asymmetry in breast size, shape or implant position
  • Seroma: a fluid collection requiring draining
  • Need for revision or further procedures
  • Dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome
  • Implant rupture or failure: requiring further surgery
  • BIA-ALCL: breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, very rare, mainly associated with textured implants
  • BIA-SCC: breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma, extremely rare
  • DVT / PE: blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Chronic or long-term breast or chest pain
  • Anaesthetic complications
Future Screening

Breast implants do not stop you having mammograms, ultrasound or other breast imaging. You should always inform radiology teams about your implants so that appropriate imaging techniques can be used. Mr Patel recommends following current national guidance on implant monitoring, which will be discussed as part of your consultation and aftercare planning.

Mr Patel takes a careful, personalised approach to risk reduction, including thorough pre-operative assessment, meticulous surgical technique, appropriate measures to reduce blood-clot risk, and close postoperative follow-up.

Explore Further

You May Also Be Interested In

Breast Augmentation

Adds fullness and volume to the breasts using implants or your own fat.

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Breast Implant Removal

Removes existing implants, addressing the capsule to restore a natural, comfortable contour.

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Breast Uplift

Lifts and reshapes the breast, ideal if droop or skin laxity is also present.

Learn More →

Breast Implant Removal and Uplift

Combines implant removal with a lift for a natural, supported shape.

Learn More →
Questions

Frequently Asked

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Common reasons for replacement include capsular contracture, implant rupture or leakage, changes in shape or position over time, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with the size or feel of existing implants. Some patients simply wish to update their implants with a newer design or adjust the size to reflect changes in their preferences or lifestyle.

Breast implants have been shown to last on average between ten and twenty years without complications, though this varies. Regular monitoring is recommended regardless of how you feel, as some changes, particularly intracapsular rupture, can be difficult to detect without imaging. Mr Patel will advise on appropriate monitoring as part of your aftercare planning.

In straightforward cases, a like-for-like implant exchange can be a relatively similar procedure to the original augmentation. However, implant replacement is often more technically demanding than primary surgery because of changes in the breast tissue, skin laxity, and the condition of the capsule. Mr Patel will assess your individual situation and explain what approach is most appropriate for your case.

Yes. Implant replacement is a common opportunity to adjust size, shape, or implant type. Going significantly larger may require the pocket to be adjusted, and going smaller may leave excess skin. Mr Patel will use measurements and, where appropriate, sizers during your consultation to help you understand what different sizes are likely to look like based on your anatomy.

Not necessarily. A thin, soft capsule that is not causing any problems can often be left in place during a straightforward exchange. Where the capsule is thick, contracted, or associated with a ruptured implant, partial or complete capsulectomy is usually recommended. Mr Patel will assess your capsule carefully and explain his approach before surgery.

Yes. If the breasts have drooped over time, a mastopexy can be combined with implant replacement to restore both shape and position. Whether this is appropriate depends on the degree of droop, your skin quality, and your overall goals. Mr Patel will discuss whether a combined procedure is the right option for you.

In cases where there has been an infection around an implant, it may occasionally be necessary to remove the implants and allow the tissues to recover fully before a replacement is inserted. This staged approach, with a gap of around three months between procedures, allows the body to recover in the best possible way before new implants are placed. Mr Patel will advise on whether this applies to your situation.

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Your Journey...

Book a private consultation with Mr Nakul Patel to discuss your goals and explore your options in a warm, confidential setting.

Book a Consultation
Call 07846 717919
Email pa@nakulpatel.com