Treatments / Breast / Breast implant replacement
Implant revision
Breast Implant Replacement and Removal in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London
Replacing or removing breast implants
Breast implant replacement and removal with Mr Siva Kumar, for capsular contracture, rupture, ageing implants or a change in size.
At a glance
About implant revision
When implants need attention
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but they do not need replacing at a set time if you have no problems. Revision surgery is usually considered for hardening around the implant (capsular contracture), rupture, a change in position or shape, or because you would like a different size.
Depending on your situation, options include exchanging the implants, removing the scar capsule (capsulectomy), removing the implants with or without a breast uplift, or replacing lost volume with your own fat.
Mr Kumar will examine you, may arrange a scan, and explain what each option is likely to achieve. With your consent, new implants are recorded on the national Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry.
Implant revision can help with
- Hard, painful or misshapen breasts (capsular contracture)
- A ruptured or leaking implant
- Implants that have moved or ripple
- Wanting larger, smaller or no implants
- Concerns about older or textured implants
What it won’t do
- Guarantee capsular contracture will not return
- Recreate exactly how your breasts looked before implants
Options
Your options
The right operation depends on why you are considering surgery and how your breasts have changed.
Implant exchange
The old implants are removed and new ones placed, often with removal of some or all of the scar capsule.
- Best for: implants that need replacing, or a change of size
Capsulectomy
The hardened scar capsule is removed, partly or completely, before new implants are placed or the breasts are left implant-free.
- Best for: firm, tight or painful breasts
Removal, with or without uplift
The implants are removed. A breast uplift or fat transfer can be added to improve shape and volume.
- Best for: people who no longer want implants
Watch & read
Everything you need to know, in one place
Patient guide
Breast implant replacement and removal: your patient guide
A detailed booklet written by Mr Kumar. It explains the procedure in depth, how to prepare, every risk and complication, and how to look after yourself afterwards.
Opens as a booklet you can flick through. Your copy is also given to you at consultation.
Your journey
Your step-by-step journey
Your journey starts the moment you get in touch. From your first enquiry to your final check-up, you deal with the same small team, and you will always feel listened to, informed and never rushed.
Get in touch
Call, email or send an enquiry. Our team replies promptly and personally, and finds a time and clinic that suit you.
There is no pressure and no sales script. Tell us a little about what prompted you to get in touch, and we will make sure your consultation is with the right person for you.
Consultation
An unhurried, face-to-face appointment with Mr Kumar himself, who will be your surgeon from start to finish.
He listens to what you would like to change, examines you, explains every option, including non-surgical ones and doing nothing, and gives you an honest view of the likely result.
Time to decide
You receive a written plan, a clear quote and your patient guide, then take as long as you need.
A second consultation is included before surgery, and there is a cooling-off period of at least two weeks. Bring someone with you, ask anything, and change your mind at any point.
Day of treatment
Surgery takes one and a half to three hours under general anaesthetic. Many people go home the same day; some stay one night, particularly after a capsulectomy.
He will see you beforehand to go through the plan and answer last-minute questions, and you will have clear instructions and a number to call once you go home.
Aftercare and follow-up
Reviews at each stage of your recovery, with support 24 hours a day whenever you need it.
Follow-up appointments are included in your package price, and continue until you have healed and are happy with how things have settled. You wear a supportive bra day and night for about six weeks.
Recovery
Healing, step by step
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is a typical recovery, and Mr Kumar will give you a personal plan.
Tightness, swelling and soreness. Take regular pain relief.
Light activities only. Drains, if used, are usually removed within a few days.
Return to desk work.
Return to exercise and heavier lifting.
Swelling settles and the final shape appears.
Safety
Risks and staying safe
All surgery carries some risk. Mr Kumar will go through these with you in detail, and the patient guide covers them in full, so you can make an informed decision.
Possible risks
- Bleeding, or a collection of blood (haematoma)
- Infection
- Capsular contracture coming back
- Asymmetry or a change in shape
- Rippling or visible implant edges
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Loose or deflated-looking breasts after removal
- Wound healing problems and scarring
- Need for further surgery
Lowering your risk
- Tell Mr Kumar about any lumps, swelling or fluid around an implant
- Keep a record of your implants, including the make and size
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners
- Stop smoking and vaping well before and after surgery
- Follow your aftercare plan and attend every follow-up
- Call us at any time if something does not feel right
Fees
FeesPrice on consultation
Self-pay consultations £250.
One package price. No hidden surprises.
If you go ahead, you receive a single package price covering your whole journey, so you know exactly what you are paying before you commit. It usually includes:
- Your surgeon’s fee
- Anaesthetist’s fee
- Hospital and theatre fees
- Follow-up consultations
- Aftercare, with 24/7 support
- A clear written quote
FAQs
Your questions, answered
Do implants need replacing every 10 years?
No. There is no need to change implants at a fixed time if they are not causing problems. Mr Kumar will advise if anything needs attention.
What is BIA-ALCL?
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a rare type of lymphoma linked mainly to textured implants. Implants do not need removing if you have no symptoms, but any new swelling or lump should be checked.
Can I have my implants removed without replacing them?
Yes. Your breasts may look smaller and looser afterwards, so a breast uplift or fat transfer can be done at the same time or later.
Is revision surgery covered by insurance?
Usually not for cosmetic reasons, though some policies cover problems such as rupture. Check with your insurer.
Thinking about breast implant replacement?
Start with an unhurried consultation with Mr Siva Kumar at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks or Oxted. Self-pay consultations cost £250.