Price of breast implant replacement combined with a breast lift in Switzerland

After many years, breast implants may need to be replaced: rupture, capsular contracture, an implant that has become too heavy, or simply a wish for a different volume. In the meantime, the breasts have often changed with pregnancies, weight and age, and have sometimes dropped around the implants. Replacing the implants without treating this ptosis would give a disappointing result. Combining implant replacement with a lift reshapes the breasts while renewing the implants. It is a complex revision whose price depends on many steps. For the procedure itself, see our page on implant replacement and breast lift.

The price includes removal of the old implants, treatment of the capsule, possibly a pocket change, the new implants, the lift and follow-up. It is higher than a simple implant replacement and a first augmentation. The new implants may be supplied under the warranty in the event of a covered rupture; the surgical costs are often paid by the patient. The lift is generally cosmetic.

A revision combining replacement and lift involves several steps, each adding time: removal of the implants, treatment of the capsule, sometimes a change of plane, for example from in front of to behind the muscle, placement of the new implants, and a lift with repositioning of the areola and removal of skin. A fat transfer can soften the contours.

Many patients choose implants smaller than their previous ones when they are replaced. A lighter implant puts less weight on the tissues, which limits renewed sagging of the breasts and helps the lift hold. The price of the implant changes little with its size, but this choice can improve the durability of the result, and thus avoid another costly revision.

For a revision combining implant replacement, partial capsulectomy and a vertical lift, the price differences between cities and cantons are shown below, with Geneva as the baseline.

In the event of rupture, the manufacturer's warranty may supply the new implants and sometimes contribute to the costs, depending on its terms and the age of the implants. Painful capsular contracture or a complication may justify a coverage claim for the replacement. The lift, however, generally remains cosmetic. The bill may therefore combine several payers; a detailed quote is essential.

Some surgeons prefer to perform the replacement and lift together; others, in cases of significant ptosis, first remove the implants, then perform the lift with new implants a few months later. Two stages cost more overall, but sometimes allow a more precise result.

Check each planned step, the model and size of the new implants, the capsule, the pocket, the type of lift, imaging, the overnight stay and the warranties. Revisions require particular experience; photos of results from comparable revisions are the best indicator.

A woman whose old implants are intact but whose breasts have dropped: replacement and lift, at her own expense. A woman with a rupture: implants supplied under the warranty, lift at her own expense. A woman with significant capsular contracture and ptosis: capsulectomy, pocket change and lift, high budget.

Medical bra, scar care, two to three weeks off work and follow-up of the new implants.

Over the years, several factors alter augmented breasts: the weight of the implant gradually stretches the skin, pregnancies and breastfeeding change the volume of the gland, and weight fluctuations and age reduce firmness. The result is often a gland that slides down in front of an implant that has stayed in place, or the whole breast sagging. A simple implant replacement does not correct this change: that is why a lift is often necessary, and it accounts for a significant part of the quote.

A revision combining replacement and lift often takes three hours or more, longer if the pocket is changed or a total capsulectomy is performed. One night in the clinic is usual. Recovery takes two to three weeks before returning to office work, and six weeks before sport. The medical bra is worn day and night for several weeks.

In slim women, a fat transfer around the new implants softens the contours and hides the edges. It adds liposuction and an extra charge. See hybrid breast augmentation.

The implant card, the report from the first operation and recent imaging make planning, warranty claims and drawing up an accurate quote easier. Without these documents, additional tests may be needed.

Before comparing prices, it helps to understand the procedure well: our page Implant replacement and breast lift in Switzerland explains it.

Other prices to consult

• Breast fat transfer and liposuction: prices in Switzerland
• Facelift and facial fat transfer: prices in Switzerland
• Hybrid breast augmentation: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Combined procedures in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

What you need to know before signing a quote.

Before you commit

Is a revision more difficult than a first placement? Yes, the tissues have already been operated on.

Is a mammogram needed in addition to the MRI? Depending on age and guidelines.

Can the volume be increased? Yes, but a moderate volume holds better with a lift.

Does the weight of the implant make the breasts sag? Yes, over time, especially with large volumes.

Is the areola raised? Yes, during the lift.

Is a pocket change common? It is offered in certain situations, such as capsular contracture.

Is a drain necessary? Often after a capsulectomy.

Is the operation performed under general anaesthesia? Yes.

Why have a lift when replacing implants? Because the breasts have often dropped around the old implants.

Does this programme cost more than a simple replacement? Yes, the lift adds time and steps.

Are the new implants charged? Yes, unless they are supplied under a warranty.

Can smaller implants be chosen? Yes, this is common and often recommended.

Can the implant pocket be changed? Yes, which lengthens the operation.

Does the capsule have to be removed? Depending on its condition and the situation.

Is an MRI necessary? Often, to check the implants.

Can part of it be reimbursed? Replacement due to a medical complication sometimes; a cosmetic lift rarely.

How long does the operation take? Often three hours or more.

Do I need to stay overnight in the clinic? Generally one night.

Is the surgical bra provided? Often.

How many weeks off work? Two to three in general.

When can I resume sport? After about six weeks.

Are there more scars? Those from the lift are added to the old scar.

Can the lift be done later? Sometimes, in two stages.

Is a hybrid approach possible? Yes, with fat around the new implants.

Does the warranty cover the cost of the operation? Rarely in full.

Does the cost differ by city? A little; see our tables.

Can payment be spread out? Depending on the clinic.

Is a deposit required? Often.

Is the first appointment charged? Generally, yes.

Are the records from the previous operation useful? Yes, very.

Is the implant card necessary? Yes, for the warranty.

Is a very low price reliable? Revisions are complex; check the surgeon's experience.

Are travel costs covered? No.

Should the quote itemise each step? Yes: implants, capsule, pocket, lift.

Does the quote expire? After a few months.

Are complications charged? Depending on the surgeon's terms and the warranty.

Does the result last? Yes, with follow-up of the new implants.

Do smaller implants age better? Often, as they put less weight on the tissues.

Can the breasts be lifted without implants? Yes, this is explantation with a lift.

Is follow-up of the new implants charged? After the first year, often.

Who should perform this revision? A plastic surgeon experienced in breast revisions.

Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to a surgeon experienced in breast revisions and pass on their quote.