Breast Implant Replacement Surgery in London

Breast Implant Replacement Surgery, also known as Breast Implant Revision, is a type of breast implant surgery that involves removing existing breast implants and replacing them with a new set. This surgery may be suitable for patients who have experienced surgical complications such as capsular contraction or lateralisation. It can, however, also be suitable for patients who wish to change the size or shape of their breast following an initial breast augmentation. It can be 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 London is typically between £5800 and £6400. There are a number of factors that may affect the price, for example, the complexity of the case, the type of implants chosen to replace the existing implants, or whether it is combined with any other procedures. The price can only be determined after the consultation with a specialist in one of Medbelle's London consultation clinics. 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 is a hugely important stage in a patient's journey. It provides the space for the surgeon to properly explain the realistic expectations for patients choosing to have breast implant replacement surgery in London. The surgeon will use their expertise to create a unique and personalised plan for each patient, which will be discussed during the consultation. It will include conversations about surgical techniques, the incisions, the type of implants available, and much more.

It is always in the surgeon's interest to fulfil a patient's wants and needs as much as possible; it is their job to marry the patient's expectations with what is realistic. They will always prioritise a patient's health above all. Sometimes this may mean that the surgeon will suggest a plan for surgery that differs from what a patient initially expected, or what they had read about online, or heard from a friend. Just know that the surgeon will always have a patient's best interests at heart.

Patients should remember that achieving great results from surgery is not only contingent on a surgeon's ability or experience. It is also the patient's responsibility to properly convey what they are hoping to achieve and communicate clearly at every stage of the process. Patients should never be afraid to ask for more information or clarity; there are no silly questions in a consultation.

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

It can be challenging to make the right decision when choosing which surgeon or hospital you entrust with your journey. Learning about surgical techniques and the risk of surgery can be overwhelming, but we are here to make that journey simple, transparent and stress-free. When you sign-up with Medbelle, you will be contacted by one of our Patient Care Advisers; 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.

The first step is a call with one of our Patient Care Advisers. This is an opportunity for you to explain why you would like breast implant replacement surgery. You will hear more about the procedure and prices and learn about our London locations 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.

In some cases, the breasts may appear to be dropping due to complications associated with the implants. If the implants are dropping downwards and pulling on the breast tissue, for example, then a replacement of the implants may resolve the problem.

However, if the drooping is due to excess skin, or weakness of the breast tissue and fibrous ligaments, then other procedures may be more suitable. Your surgeon will discuss these procedures, such as breast uplift surgery, during your consultation.

If you are considering having breast implant replacement surgery, you should first know that every surgery is associated with some level of risk. However, choosing an experienced BAAPS/BAPRAS member surgeon reduced the risk of any complications developing.

Informing yourself properly about breast implant replacement preparation and aftercare and following the advice of your Medbelle surgeon will also help your recovery run as smoothly as possible.

Aside from preexisting medical conditions, there are indeed some factors that you can control which will decrease the chance of a surgical complication.

Smoking and nicotine use

Medbelle surgeons strongly advise that you stop smoking or using any other nicotine products 6 weeks before your surgery. You should continue to abstain from nicotine or smoking for at least 6 weeks after the procedure as well.

Nicotine, which is found in cigarettes and other tobacco products, including many e-cigarettes, naturally reduces blood flow. It is known as a vasoconstrictor.

Limiting the blood flow of any tissue during surgery increases the likelihood of complications like tissue necrosis and infection. It can even increase the time it takes you to recover from a breast implant replacement procedure.

Find out more about why Medbelle surgeons recommend stopping smoking for surgery.

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.bapras.org.uk/public/patient-information/surgery-guides/breast-enlargement British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic 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.