Breast implants are not permanent. Over time, circumstances change – your body, your life and your relationship with your implants may all evolve. Whether you’re experiencing a complication, concerned about ageing implants or simply feel that your original result no longer reflects how you want to feel, there’s a range of options available to you.
Breast implant management is a broad term for any surgical intervention relating to existing implants. Procedures include removal, replacement, correction of complications, or a combination. There is no single solution – only the approach that is right for you. In some cases, additional procedures such as a breast uplift or fat transfer are carried out at the same time to optimise the result.
Women seek implant management for a wide range of reasons. Some of the most common include:
I am experienced in managing implants placed by other surgeons and am comfortable seeing patients who had their original surgery elsewhere. I will work with you to understand your situation fully before recommending any course of action. Many of my patients also value the perspective a female surgeon brings to decisions so closely connected to body image and identity.
I ask all my patients to stop smoking – or using any nicotine products – from 4 weeks before procedures until 6 weeks after to avoid compromised wound healing and anaesthesia risks.
We’ll discuss your concerns, lifestyle and goals, assess your anatomy and decide together whether surgery is right for you and what outcome would best support your comfort and wellbeing. Where relevant, imaging (such as ultrasound or MRI) may be recommended to assess implant integrity before surgery. I’ll explain all the options clearly – including what happens to the capsule (the scar tissue that forms around the implant), whether a simultaneous uplift or fat transfer would be advisable, and what the results of each approach are likely to look like. The decision on how to proceed is entirely yours.
Breast implant management procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and typically take 1 to 3 hours depending on complexity, usually as a day case. The surgery is usually carried out through your existing incision site to minimise additional scarring.
Options include simple implant removal, removal with capsulectomy (removal of surrounding scar tissue) or removal and simultaneous replacement. In some cases, a simultaneous breast uplift or fat transfer is recommended to address any change in breast shape or volume following implant removal.
You will wear a supportive surgical bra for 4 to 6 weeks. Most patients return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks and exercise at 4 to 6 weeks. I provide personalised guidance on rest, wound care and nutrition, and follow-up appointments are included as part of your care.
Where possible, surgery is performed through your existing incision site, meaning there will be no additional scarring in most cases. Any new scarring will evolve and fade over 12 to 24 months and I’ll give you a clear idea what to expect based on your specific procedure at your consultation.
No surgical outcome can be guaranteed, and I will always be transparent about what surgery involves. Possible risks include:
Complex implant management requires careful surgical judgement. As a Consultant Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon at Guy's & St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, I’m well-placed to manage situations where previous surgery has created challenging anatomy.
I encourage you to ask questions at every stage. Being fully informed is an essential part of making a decision you feel confident in.
The goal of breast implant management is always to leave you feeling more comfortable and more confident – whether that means a natural-looking replacement, a restored breast shape after removal or simply relief from a complication that has been affecting you.
Results vary depending on the procedure; I will give you a realistic picture of what to expect in your consultation.
If you’re considering breast implant management, the most important first step is to understand your options.
For a clear picture of what to expect from each stage, explore the guides I’ve put together, including more details on preparing for surgery and the recovery process.
When you’re ready to start the conversation, I would be glad to meet with you.
Absolutely. I see many patients whose implants were placed by another surgeon – sometimes years ago, sometimes overseas. Whatever records you have are helpful, but don't let a lack of paperwork stop you getting in touch. The starting point is simply a conversation about what's changed and what your options might be.
You don't have to replace them. The appearance afterwards depends on your natural tissue, skin quality and implant size – I'll give you a realistic picture before you decide. Some patients combine removal with an uplift or fat transfer; others prefer simply to have them out. The decision is yours.
You can shower from the day after surgery. I know this surprises some people, who expect to be told to avoid water for weeks. I'll give you specific guidance on how to manage your wounds and dressings. (Swimming and bathing are however off limits until your wounds are fully healed.)
Costs vary significantly depending on the nature and complexity of the procedure – simple removal differs considerably from replacement with uplift. Your quote will include the surgical fee, anaesthetic fee and hospital costs, as well as pre-operative assessment and post-operative consultations.
