Breast Implant Replacement in Istanbul

What is Breast Implant Replacement?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Replacement may be considered for suspected or confirmed rupture, older implants, a wish to change size, shape or surface type, or as part of long-term implant care. Rupture of a modern silicone gel implant is often silent, with no change in feel or appearance, so it is frequently identified on ultrasound or MRI rather than by symptoms.

Replacement may be relatively straightforward if the capsule is soft and the implant sits well. If there is capsular contracture, malposition or stretched tissue, a broader revision, capsulectomy or lift may be advised instead. Some women with older textured implants ask about exchanging them for smooth implants because of the association between textured surfaces and BIA-ALCL; current guidance in many countries does not recommend removing implants without symptoms, but this is a reasonable topic to discuss with your surgeon. Your new implants should be recorded with full device documentation, an implant card and, where available, a device registry.

Who may be suitable?

• Women with ruptured or leaking implants
• Those with older implants who would like an exchange
• Women wishing to change implant size or type
• Those with implants without device documentation who want known devices
• Women in good health and ideally non-smokers

What can this procedure address?

• Implant rupture
• Ageing implants
• Desire for size change
• Uncertainty about implant type

Consultation & assessment

Start with a confidential online assessment, sending photographs securely with implant details, previous operation notes and imaging.

Surgery is confirmed after an in-person examination in Istanbul, where your surgeon assesses implants and capsules, discusses new implant options and explains risks and recovery.

How the procedure is performed

The surgeon usually reuses the original incision to remove the old implant and inspect the capsule. A partial or full capsulectomy may be performed if needed.

A new implant is placed, sometimes in a different pocket, and the incision is closed in layers.

Anaesthesia

Implant replacement is performed under general anaesthesia by a qualified anaesthetist, often as a day case or with one night in hospital.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 1–3

   Tightness and swelling; rest with short walks.

2. Week 1

   Discomfort eases; wound check before travel.

3. Weeks 2–3

   Return to desk-based work.

4. Week 6

   Gradual return to exercise as advised.

5. 3–6 months

   Implants settle into their final position.

What to expect during the first week

• Wear your surgical bra continuously
• Sleep on your back, propped up
• Avoid lifting and overhead reaching
• Walk gently several times daily
• Report fever, redness or sudden swelling promptly

Scars

The original incision is usually reused, and the scar may be tidied at the same time, so new scarring is often minimal. Scars typically fade over several months.

Results

New implants can restore shape and address rupture or size concerns. 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 are not lifetime devices and may need future surgery. Keep your new implant card.

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
• Capsular contracture
• Implant rupture or malposition
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Asymmetry and the need for further surgery
• BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma associated mainly with textured implants
• Risks of anaesthesia and blood clots

Choosing a surgeon

• Specialist plastic surgery training and registration verifiable through the Turkish Medical Association and relevant societies
• Experience in implant exchange and revision surgery
• Consented before and after photographs
• Privileges at an accredited private hospital
• A clear aftercare plan and new implant documentation

Our specialists

Breast Implant Replacement in Istanbul

A stay of around 7–10 days in Istanbul is typical for implant replacement, allowing for an in-person consultation, any pre-operative imaging, surgery and a review before you fly home.

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, implants, complexity 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

Aftercare when you return home

• Continue your support bra as advised
• Keep remote follow-up appointments
• Store your new implant card safely
• Seek review for swelling or shape change

Our aftercare pathway