Breast Implant Replacement Surgery in Birmingham

Breast Implant Replacement Surgery is a type of implant revision surgery that involves removing existing breast implants and replacing them with a new set.

This surgery is only suitable for patients who have had breast augmentation surgery in the past and, specifically, those who might have experienced surgical complications or those who simply wish to alter the size or shape of their breasts. It can combined with a number of other procedures including a breast lift.

The procedure can take between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case. It may be performed under general or local anaesthetic. It may take up to 12 months to fully recover but patients can increase their chances of a quick and healthy recovery by following the surgeon's aftercare advice as closely as possible.

The price of breast implant replacement surgery in Birmingham and the Midlands is typically between £6300 and £6500. The final price offered can alter depending on a number of factors, such as the the complexity of the case, the type of implants chosen to replace the existing ones, or, which of Medbelle's Birmingham surgeons performs the procedure.

The price can only be determined after the consultation with a specialist. Once that price has been offered, patients can rest assured knowing that there will not be any hidden costs or surprise fees later down the line. the price will cover:

• Surgeon and anaesthetist costs
• An overnight stay (if required)
• CQC hospital costs
• Follow-up appointments and aftercare

In addition, patients who proceed to surgery following the consultation will be reimbursed for the cost of the consultation.

The consultation allows the surgeon to properly explain the realistic expectations for patients choosing to have breast implant replacement surgery in Birmingham. The surgeon will use their expertise to create a unique and personalised plan for each patient, which will be discussed during the consultation. During the consultation, the surgeon and patient will agree upon a number of variables relating to surgery, such as which implants will be used, for example.

It is always in the surgeon's interest to fulfil a patient's wants and needs as much as possible, but they will always prioritise a patient's health above all else. This may result in somewhat of a compromise between what a patient wants and what is safe it may mean that the surgeon's treatment and recovery plan differs from what patients may read online or what they may have heard from a friend. Just know that the surgeon will always have a patient’s best interests at heart.

The consultation is also important because it is the perfect opportunity for a patient to ask any unresolved questions they might have. There are no silly questions in a consultation and, ideally, a patient should leave the consultation clinic knowing exactly what to expect on their patient journey. It is also worth knowing that great results from surgery are not only contingent on a surgeon's ability or experience. It is also the patient's responsibility to communicate properly throughout the process.

The consultation will include:

• An initial discussion about what the patient hopes to achieve through surgery
• A physical examination
• An overview of the risks and complications associated with surgery
• A verbal recommended treatment plan

Learning about surgical techniques and the risk of surgery can be overwhelming, but we are here to make that journey simple and more personal. When you sign-up with Medbelle you will be contacted by a Patient Care Adviser, they will be your personal guide through the process from beginning to end. They will take care of all the appointment scheduling, keep you updated at every turn and support you with anything you need.

You will then have a call with your Patient Care Adviser so you explain why you would like breast implant replacement surgery. You will hear more about the procedure, the prices and also learn about our locations in Birmingham and surgeons. It also allows your Patient Care Adviser to determine whether you are indeed eligible for surgery.

During this call, you will have the opportunity to book a free consultation with the surgeon who is the best match for you. The surgeon consultation is free of charge but you will be asked to provide card details to secure the appointment. Your Patient Care Adviser will check in with you in the lead up to your consultation to ensure that you are prepared. You will also receive pre-consultation leaflets with useful information about what to expect moving forward.

Your Patient Care Adviser will check in with you post-consultation to see how it went. The treatment date and final price will be offered shortly after this by your Patient Care Adviser.

Modern breast implants are designed to mimic the feel of natural breasts. Silicone gel implants, especially highly-cohesive silicone gel, have a more natural feel than saline implants because the silicone gels can be designed and manufactured to feel like breast tissue, whereas the sterilised saltwater in saline implants can only ever have the texture of water.

This is something that you should discuss with your surgeon at your initial consultation. Generally speaking, most patients who have breast implants may still be able to breastfeed afterwards. This is because certain surgical techniques won’t affect the ducts within the breast. Despite this, all surgical procedures come with their risks and there is always the potential for ducts to become damaged.

It is understandable to be worried if you have PIP implants. These were the implants that were made in France with an unapproved silicone gel which made the implants more prone to leakage and rupture. If you know that you have these implants we would advise you to speak to the clinic where you had the breast implant surgery done and seek advice from your GP. You can also read more about PIP Implants too

Although the implants are more prone to rupture they have not been found to be damaging to general health. Therefore, replacing the PIP implants is often a personal choice made alongside a healthcare professional. If you do choose to keep the implants you should make yourself aware of the symptoms of a rupture. Equally, it is advised that you have an annual check-up with a doctor to ensure you are not suffering from any complications.

Your surgeon will not perform breast implant surgery if:

• There is an active infection anywhere in your body
• You have existing cancer or pre-cancer of your breast and have not received adequate treatment for these conditions
• You are currently pregnant or nursing
• You're under 18 years old
• You have a medical condition that would increase the risks of elective surgery

In these cases, surgeons do not recommend breast implant surgery. This is because it may interfere with the treatment of active infection or cancer and the safety of the pregnancy or nursing. These factors may also affect the healing process after the surgery. 

Although unlikely, there may be other factors preventing you from getting breast implants. If you have any outstanding questions about your eligibility for a breast augmentation procedure, you should speak with a surgeon and explain your situation.

Some women will not want to change the size of their breasts and may simply be unhappy with the shape or symmetry. As a result, replacement implants may not be needed. There are other surgical options available such as a breast uplift procedure. It is advised that you are clear with your surgeon about what you are hoping to achieve. Your surgeon can then provide you with advice as to whether new implants are needed or if other treatment options are possible.

Sometimes patients may be slightly unhappy with the results of implant surgery soon after the operation. This is because it takes time for the breast tissue to settle and the bruising and swelling to go down. It can take up to six months before you will be able to see the final results. Therefore, it is recommended that you wait at least six months after having implant surgery before making decisions about having a breast implant replacement procedure for cosmetic reasons.

It is also recommended that you get your implants checked by a specialist at least every 8-10 years, in case your implants do need replacing.

All of the information found on our website is sourced from highly reputable experts, government-approved authorities and is widely used by healthcare professionals.

• https://www.medbelle.com/breast-surgery/breast-implant-replacement/ Medbelle
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/breast-enlargement/ NHS
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pip-implants/ NHS
• https://baaps.org.uk/patients/procedures/1/breast_augmentation British Association Of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
• https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/patient-care/cosmetic-surgery/about-your-procedure/breast-enlargement/ Royal College of Surgeons England

Our content is written by our Medical Quality Managers and Patient Care Advisers, all of who have medical backgrounds and training. Prior to publishing, all the information is reviewed by a surgeon specialised within the relevant field.