Breast Aesthetics
Breast Implant Revision in Istanbul
Breast implant revision corrects problems with existing implants, such as capsular contracture, rupture, malposition or changes in the breast over time. It is often more complex than a first operation and calls for careful planning.
Quick facts
- Procedure
- Implant revision or removal
- Anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
- Typical procedure time
- 2–4 hours
- Hospital stay
- 1 night
- Recommended stay in Istanbul
- 10–12 days
- Initial recovery
- 2–3 weeks
- Return to work
- 2–3 weeks (desk-based)
- Exercise
- Walking immediately; strenuous after 6 weeks
- Final results
- 6–12 months
- Follow-up
- Before departure, then remote
Typical ranges only — your specialist will advise on your individual plan. Results vary between individuals.
What is Breast Implant Revision?
Revision surgery addresses problems with existing implants, which may include capsular contracture, implant rupture, bottoming-out or lateral displacement, rippling, a change of size or a combination of implant and tissue changes. The operation may involve capsulectomy, pocket repair, implant replacement, adding a lift, or implant removal without replacement.
Some women seek revision or removal because of concerns about BIA-ALCL or symptoms described as breast implant illness. These should be assessed carefully: late swelling should be investigated before surgery, and the expected outcomes of removal should be discussed honestly, including that improvement in systemic symptoms is not predictable.
Who may be suitable?
- Women with firmness, distortion or pain from capsular contracture
- Those with suspected or confirmed implant rupture
- Women with implants that have moved or bottomed-out
- Those with visible rippling or edges
- Women wishing to change size or have implants removed
- Those with concerns about BIA-ALCL or breast implant illness who wish to discuss options
What can this procedure address?
- Capsular contracture
- Implant rupture
- Implant malposition
- Rippling and visibility
- Changes after pregnancy or ageing
- Desire to remove implants
Consultation & assessment
Start with a confidential online assessment, sending photographs securely with your implant details (implant card if available), previous operation notes and recent imaging such as ultrasound or MRI.
Surgery is confirmed after an in-person examination in Istanbul, where your surgeon assesses implants and tissue, may arrange imaging, and discusses options including capsulectomy, replacement, lift or removal. Expectations for recovery and results should be discussed openly.
How the procedure is performed
The surgeon usually accesses the implant through an existing scar where possible. The capsule may be removed partially or fully (capsulectomy), particularly with contracture, rupture or suspected BIA-ALCL, where the capsule is sent for analysis.
The pocket may be repaired, a new pocket created, a new implant placed, a lift added, or the implants removed. Some surgeons use mesh or matrix materials to support tissue in certain cases.
Anaesthesia
Revision surgery is performed under general anaesthesia by a qualified anaesthetist, typically with an overnight stay.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
Soreness and swelling; drains may be used.
Week 1
Discomfort eases; wound checks.
Weeks 2–3
Return to desk-based work.
Week 6
Gradual return to exercise as advised.
3–6 months
Implants and tissue settle.
12 months
Scars mature and final shape emerges.
What to expect during the first week
- Wear your surgical bra continuously
- Sleep on your back, propped up
- Avoid lifting and overhead reaching
- Follow drain and wound care instructions
- Report fever, redness or sudden swelling promptly
When can I fly?
Most women fly after around 10–12 days and a surgeon's review. Take steps to reduce blood clot risk during the flight.
When can I return to work?
Desk-based work is often possible after 2–3 weeks.
When can I exercise?
Walking from the first day; strenuous and upper-body exercise usually after around 6 weeks, as your surgeon advises.
Scars
Existing scars are often reused and may be revised at the same time, but additional scars may be needed, especially if a lift is added. Scars usually fade over 12–18 months but remain permanent.
Results
Revision can improve shape, softness and position, though results depend on tissue quality after previous surgery. Results vary between individuals. Consented before and after photographs are reviewed during consultation.
Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after
How long do results last?
New implants, if placed, are not lifetime devices and may need further surgery in future. Capsular contracture can recur.
Potential risks and complications
All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.
- Bleeding, haematoma and infection
- Recurrence of capsular contracture
- Implant malposition, rippling or visibility
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Asymmetry and the need for further revision
- Deflated or sagging appearance after implant removal
- Seroma (fluid collection)
- Risks of anaesthesia and blood clots
Choosing a surgeon
- Specialist plastic surgery training and registration verifiable through the Turkish Medical Association and relevant societies
- Significant experience in revision breast surgery and capsulectomy
- Consented before and after photographs of revision cases
- Privileges at an accredited private hospital with pathology services
- A clear aftercare plan and provision of new implant documentation
Breast Implant Revision in Istanbul
A stay of around 10–12 days in Istanbul is typical for revision surgery. This allows time for review of your previous records and imaging, surgery, drain removal if needed, and wound checks before flying.
Women travel to Istanbul for experienced surgeons and modern private hospitals. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.
Cost depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity, implants, pathology, hospital stay and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment. Choose based on medical quality, not price alone.
Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.
Your hospital
Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities
International patient journey
- 1
Confidential Enquiry
Tell us what you would like to change or understand. You can securely send photographs, your medical history or existing reports — or simply start with a conversation.
- 2
Medical Assessment
A patient coordinator reviews your information and directs your case to an appropriate specialist for an initial medical assessment, often by video consultation.
- 3
Specialist Recommendation
A physician assesses your case before any operation is recommended. Sometimes the right advice is a different approach, a staged plan — or no treatment at all.
- 4
Personalised Treatment Plan
You receive a written plan setting out the proposed treatment, hospital, doctor, recommended stay in Istanbul and the estimated recovery process.
- 5
Travel to Istanbul
Transfers, accommodation and appointments are coordinated before you arrive. You meet your surgeon in person, and pre-operative tests are completed before surgery is confirmed.
- 6
Treatment & Aftercare
Treatment takes place in a private hospital, followed by post-operative checks in Istanbul, a written recovery plan and structured remote follow-up when you return home.
Aftercare when you return home
- Continue your support bra as advised
- Keep remote follow-up appointments
- Store new implant documentation safely
- Seek review for swelling or shape change
- Tell breast screening services about your implants so displacement views can be used on mammography
Breast Implant Revision: frequently asked questions
How long should I stay in Istanbul after implant revision?
Usually around 10–12 days, allowing for surgery, any drain removal and wound checks. Your surgeon will confirm timing based on the complexity of your revision.
When can I fly home?
Often after 10–12 days and a surgeon's review.
What is capsular contracture?
It is tightening of the scar tissue around an implant, which can cause firmness, distortion or pain.
Can I have my implants removed without replacement?
Yes. Some women choose explantation, sometimes because of concerns about breast implant illness or simply a wish to be implant-free. The breasts may look deflated or loose afterwards, so a lift or fat transfer may be considered. Improvement in systemic symptoms after removal is reported by some women but cannot be predicted.
How much does implant revision cost in Turkey?
Cost depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment.
Can I see before and after photos?
Consented before and after photographs are reviewed during consultation. Results vary between individuals.
Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Suitability for any procedure can only be determined following assessment by a qualified physician.
From the Women’s Journal
Further reading
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Private & confidential
Get a Confidential Medical Opinion
Share your goals for breast implant revision and any relevant medical history. A patient coordinator will review your enquiry and arrange a specialist assessment.