Breast Implant Replacement in Switzerland: When and How

Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. Years after an augmentation or reconstruction, many women wonder whether they should change their implants, why, when and how. Capsular contracture, rupture, displacement, breasts that have changed with pregnancies or weight, a volume that no longer suits, a safety alert: the reasons are many. Implant replacement, or revision, is a more complex procedure than the initial placement, as the capsule formed around the implant and the tissues that have changed must be managed. This page explains the reasons for replacement, the assessment, the options, the procedure, coverage and organisation in Switzerland. For the initial placement, see our page on breast augmentation.

Implants are not changed on a fixed date: they are replaced when they cause a problem or when you want to change the result. The assessment relies on clinical examination, ultrasound and often MRI. The procedure, under general anaesthesia, takes one to three hours depending on what is done: simple replacement, removal of the capsule, change of plane, combined lift. Recovery is similar to that of an augmentation. Treatment of certain complications may be covered; the rest is generally at the patient's expense. Budget guidelines on our page on breast implant replacement prices.

Implant replacement involves removing one or two breast implants in place, treating the capsule surrounding them if necessary, then placing new implants, possibly of a different volume, shape or plane. It can be combined with other procedures: breast lift, fat transfer, tissue repair. When the implants are removed without being replaced, this is called explantation.

Surgeons often speak of revision surgery. It requires good knowledge of the different types of implants, placement planes and complications, and a precise assessment of the condition of the tissues after years with the implant.

• At a regular check-up, every one to two years, even without symptoms.
• If a breast hardens, changes shape or becomes painful.
• If a breast swells, especially years after placement.
• If you feel a lump in the breast or under the arm.
• If you hear of an alert concerning your implant model.
• If you are no longer happy with the result and want to change it.

A consultation allows you to take stock, reassure yourself or plan a revision at the right time.

Not every situation justifies immediate surgery. Early, mildly bothersome capsular contracture can be monitored. A silent intracapsular rupture can be scheduled without urgency, after reflection. A textured implant without symptoms is monitored. Conversely, an infection, a haematoma, unexplained late swelling or painful capsular contracture require prompt action.

The surgeon helps you place your case between these extremes, taking into account your discomfort, your concerns and current recommendations. The decision is yours, once you are well informed.

In some situations, waiting is not a good idea. An old rupture can allow the gel to migrate out of the capsule and make its removal more difficult. Worsening capsular contracture makes the capsule thicker and more adherent. Unexplained late swelling must be investigated promptly. Without rushing every time, it is wise not to postpone a revision indefinitely once a problem has been identified.

Information about breast implants — safety alerts, lymphoma, systemic symptoms — can worry women who have them, even when everything is fine. This concern is legitimate and deserves to be heard. A clinical assessment and imaging often provide reassurance. If the worry persists despite a normal assessment, replacement or removal can be discussed, weighing the expected benefits against the risks of further surgery.

Information about breast implants circulates widely online, with sometimes alarming testimonials and contradictory recommendations. Favour reliable sources: Swissmedic for alerts, plastic surgery societies, your surgeon and your doctor. Testimonials are useful for understanding other women's experiences, but every situation is different and deserves a personalised assessment.

• Anne, 48, fifteen-year-old implants, rupture discovered on MRI: replacement with capsule removal.
• Sophie, 39, painful capsular contracture on one side: capsulectomy, new implants under the muscle on both sides.
• Claire, 52, wants less volume: smaller implants and a vertical lift.
• Nadia, 34, implants too low after two pregnancies: pocket tightening and a new fold.
• Laura, 30, a sportswoman bothered by animation deformity: implants moved in front of the muscle with fat transfer.
• Monique, 60, wants breasts without implants: explantation, lift and fat transfer.
• Julie, 45, textured implants and concern: replacement with smooth implants after discussion.
• Hélène, 55, late swelling of one breast: aspiration, reassuring analysis, revision with en bloc capsulectomy.

Manufacturers and follow-up studies show that a significant proportion of women with implants undergo further surgery within ten to fifteen years of placement, for one reason or another. This does not mean that implants wear out on a set date: many remain intact for much longer. But the risk of rupture and capsular contracture increases over the years, and the breasts themselves change.

It is therefore more accurate to speak of lifelong follow-up than of a lifespan. Regular check-ups allow implants that are fine to be kept and action to be taken at the right time when a problem arises.

• "Implants must be changed every ten years": they are changed when there is a reason.
• "Rupture is always an emergency": with current gels, it is treated without rushing.
• "All textured implants must be removed": surveillance is enough without symptoms.
• "Revision is as simple as placement": it is often more complex.
• "Replacement is always reimbursed": only some situations are covered.
• "After removal, the breasts remain empty": a lift and fat transfer can reshape them.

This classification, used for decades, helps decide whether to intervene. The discomfort felt by the patient counts as much as the grade.

The causes of capsular contracture are not fully understood. Several factors are involved: minimal bacterial contamination of the implant during placement, which maintains chronic inflammation; a haematoma after the procedure; radiotherapy; and certain characteristics of the implant and placement plane. Current techniques, with strict asepsis, no-touch insertion and the choice of plane, have reduced its frequency.

In a revision for capsular contracture, the surgeon seeks to act on these factors: removal of the abnormal capsule, a new pocket, antiseptic irrigation, a new implant and sometimes a change of plane, to reduce the risk of recurrence.

When a silicone implant ruptures, the gel may remain inside the fibrous capsule: this is called intracapsular rupture. It is the most common situation with cohesive gels, and often silent. If the capsule itself is breached, the gel can escape into neighbouring tissues, sometimes as far as the lymph nodes of the armpit: this is extracapsular rupture, which can cause nodules, inflammation or distortion.

MRI distinguishes between these two situations and allows the procedure to be planned: removal of the implant and capsule, and removal of gel from the tissues as far as possible.

Silicone implants have evolved through several generations since they appeared in the 1960s. The first had a thick shell and viscous gel. In the 1970s, thinner shells and more liquid gel were used, which encouraged gel bleed and ruptures. From the 1980s and 1990s, shells were reinforced with barrier layers, and gels became more cohesive. Current implants have a gel that keeps its shape even if the shell is cracked.

Knowing the generation of your implants helps assess the risk of rupture and the nature of any gel residues. Very old implants warrant careful checking.

From the first decades of breast augmentation, surgeons were confronted with capsular contracture, rupture and implant displacement. Revision techniques were gradually refined: capsule removal, change of plane, pocket tightening, and the use of fat and reinforcing matrices. The episodes of defective implants and associated lymphoma also led to more precise recommendations on surveillance and removal. Today, revision surgery is a discipline in its own right within plastic surgery.

Implants filled with saline, salt water, are less used in Switzerland than silicone implants, but some women have them. In the event of rupture, the implant deflates within a few days, which is clearly visible; the saline is simply absorbed by the body, without danger. Replacement is generally simpler, with no gel to remove. It is an opportunity to choose again between saline and silicone, according to your wishes and tissue coverage. These implants more often show visible rippling in slim women.

Anatomical, teardrop-shaped implants must stay correctly oriented to give a natural shape. If they rotate, the breast becomes distorted, with volume in the wrong place. Their surface was often heavily textured to stabilise them, which today raises questions in connection with the rare lymphoma. During a revision, many women switch to round implants with a smooth or microtextured surface, which are not affected by rotation and often give an equally natural result.

Women with implants placed more than twenty-five years ago often have older-generation models, which are more fragile, sometimes with no card or operative report. The risk of rupture, gel bleed and a calcified capsule is higher. MRI assessment is particularly useful. During the revision, the capsule is often removed, and any gel present in the tissues is removed as far as possible. Many of these women, at an older age, choose to have their implants removed.

When an old implant ruptures and the capsule itself is damaged, or when gel bleeds through the shell for years, small amounts of silicone can migrate into the breast tissue or towards the lymph nodes of the armpit. The body reacts by forming small nodules around the gel, called siliconomas. They are benign, sometimes palpable or tender, and visible on imaging.

During the revision, the surgeon removes accessible siliconomas. It is not always possible, or desirable, to remove all the lymph nodes affected. These residues are monitored and rarely cause problems.

Over the years, particularly around old implants, the capsule can thicken and accumulate calcium, becoming hard and irregular. These calcifications are visible on mammography and can make breast examination more difficult. They are a common indication for capsulectomy during a revision. The capsule removed is analysed in the laboratory.

The volume chosen at the first augmentation does not always match one's wishes in later years. Some women want more volume, often because they chose cautiously the first time or their breasts have emptied after pregnancies. Others, increasingly numerous, want to reduce it, for greater comfort during sport, less weight on the back, a more natural figure or a change in lifestyle.

Increasing volume requires the skin and breast base to allow it; the surgeon checks that the new implant will not put the tissues under excessive tension. Reducing volume, especially significantly, often leaves stretched skin: a lift may be necessary to avoid empty, sagging breasts.

Your relationship with your implants often changes over the years. A woman who chose a generous volume at twenty-five may want, at forty-five, more discreet, lighter breasts more in keeping with her lifestyle. Others, after pregnancies, want to regain lost volume. These changes are normal. A revision is an opportunity to think about what you want today, rather than automatically repeating the choice you made before.

In recent years, many women have asked to reduce the volume of their implants, sometimes placed twenty years earlier when large volumes were in fashion. The reasons vary: discomfort during sport, back pain, a more natural figure, breasts that have changed with age. A moderate reduction is often done by simple replacement; a significant reduction leaves stretched skin and often requires a lift.

The surgeon assesses skin elasticity and the amount of gland to propose the right strategy: replacement alone, a combined lift, or two stages to let the skin retract.

Some women want more volume at the revision, often because they chose cautiously the first time or their breasts have emptied. This is possible if the tissues allow it: a sufficiently wide breast base, elastic skin and adequate coverage. The surgeon warns against excessive volumes, which stretch the tissues and increase the risk of displacement, rippling and further revision. Fat transfer can complement an implant of reasonable volume.

A revision may also aim to change the shape of the breasts: moving from a very round, projected shape to a more natural one, or vice versa; correcting breasts that are too far apart or too close together; improving the cleavage. Choosing an implant with a different base and profile, adjusting the pocket and sometimes fat transfer make these changes possible. Showing photos of breasts you like helps the surgeon understand your expectations.

Over the years, with pregnancies, weight changes and ageing, the gland and skin may descend while the implant, especially if it is under the muscle, stays higher. The gland can then be seen sliding in front of the implant, with an areola pointing downwards: this is the waterfall effect. Conversely, the implant itself may drop below the fold, and the areola looks too high.

Depending on the situation, correction combines a lift, repositioning of the implant, a change of plane or a different implant. See our pages on breast ptosis and on implant replacement with a lift.

• Implant too low: the fold has dropped, the lower breast is too long and the areola looks too high.
• Implant too lateral: it slides towards the armpit, especially when lying down, and widens the gap between the breasts.
• Implant too medial: the two implants move closer together, sometimes to the point of forming a bridge of skin over the breastbone.
• Rotation: an anatomical implant rotates and distorts the breast.

These displacements are corrected by tightening the pocket with internal stitches, reconstructing the fold, changing plane or choosing a suitable implant, sometimes with a reinforcing matrix.

A double bubble appears as a horizontal groove visible under the breast, separating two contours. It has two main causes. Either the implant has dropped below the natural fold, which remains visible as a mark above the bottom of the implant; or the gland has slid in front of an implant that has stayed high, creating a contour above the implant. The first situation is corrected by reconstructing the fold and tightening the pocket; the second, often by a lift or a change of plane.

When the pockets of the two implants have been widened too far towards the centre, or the tissues have stretched, the implants can move so close together that the skin lifts off the breastbone and forms a bridge between the two breasts. This complication, called symmastia, is rare. It is corrected by closing the pocket towards the centre with internal stitches, often with a smaller implant and sometimes a reinforcing matrix, and sometimes by changing plane.

When the implant is placed under the pectoral muscle, contraction of the muscle can distort the breast, compress it or move it upwards and outwards. This so-called animation deformity bothers some women, particularly sportswomen who train their pectorals. It can be corrected by moving the implant in front of the muscle, provided the covering tissues are sufficient, possibly with fat transfer or a reinforcing matrix.

Pregnancies and breastfeeding often change augmented breasts: the gland grows then shrinks, the skin stretches, and the breasts may descend in front of the implants or look emptier. Some women then want a revision: a change of volume, a lift, or both. It is advisable to wait at least six months after weaning, for the breasts to stabilise, and ideally to have completed your plans for pregnancy. Pregnancy with implants requires no particular precautions.

Being pregnant with implants poses no particular problem. The breasts grow under the effect of hormones, the gland develops in front of the implant, and breastfeeding is generally possible, especially if the incision was made in the fold. Silicone does not pass into breast milk. After weaning, the gland shrinks, which can change the shape; a revision is considered, if necessary, only at least six months later.

At menopause, the gland shrinks and the skin loses elasticity. The implant, which does not change, becomes more noticeable, its edges more visible, and the breasts may look too firm at the top and slack at the bottom. Some women then choose to reduce the volume, combine a lift or fat transfer, or remove their implants. A recent mammogram is essential before any revision at this age.

Weight gain increases the volume of the gland and fat around the implant; significant weight loss reduces them and makes the implant more visible, sometimes lower. After massive weight loss, the breasts may become very slack around the implants, and a revision with a lift is often necessary. It is preferable to wait for a stable weight before planning a revision.

Sportswomen are sometimes bothered by large implants or implants placed under the muscle: breast movement when running, distortion when the pectorals contract, discomfort. A revision can reduce the volume, change the plane or both. After the procedure, the return is gradual: gentle sport after three weeks, intense sport after six weeks, pectorals later if the implant is under the muscle. A high-support sports bra is still advised.

After a revision, the return to sport follows the same stages as after an augmentation, with a little more caution if the pocket has been tightened or the implant has moved under the muscle. Walking resumes from the first few days, cycling and gentle exercise at around three weeks, running and swimming at around six weeks, upper-body weight training later. A high-support sports bra protects the result. Many women who have reduced their volume rediscover the pleasure of running without discomfort.

There is no age limit for a revision. Women aged seventy or over have old implants changed or removed, often for capsular contracture, rupture or discomfort. General health, assessed by the anaesthetist, counts for more than age. At an advanced age, many women choose to have their implants removed rather than replaced, sometimes with a simple lift.

Rippling — folds of the implant shell visible or palpable under the skin — appears mainly in slim women, with large implants placed in front of the muscle or filled with saline. It is often visible at the sides and bottom of the breast, or when leaning forward. Solutions combine moving the upper part under the muscle, an implant with a more cohesive gel, a reduction in volume, fat transfer for coverage and sometimes a reinforcing matrix.

Asymmetry after an augmentation can have several causes: capsular contracture on one side, displacement of an implant, pre-existing asymmetry of the chest or breasts, or the two sides changing differently over time. The revision analyses and treats the cause: capsulectomy on the affected side, repositioning, implants of different volumes, fat transfer or a small lift on one side. Perfect symmetry does not exist, but balance can often be clearly improved.

Women who had tuberous breasts treated with an implant alone sometimes keep an imperfect shape: a double contour, a persistently narrow base, a wide areola. A revision may combine releasing the gland, lowering the fold, reducing the areola, changing the implant and fat transfer to fill the lower breast. These corrections require the experience of a surgeon used to tuberous breasts.

Several episodes have marked the history of breast implants. In 2010, implants from a European manufacturer were found to be filled with non-compliant gel, with a higher risk of rupture; their removal was recommended. In 2019, certain implants with a heavily textured surface were withdrawn from the market because of their association with a rare lymphoma; for those already placed, the authorities recommend surveillance rather than preventive removal.

In Switzerland, Swissmedic publishes information and recommendations. If you do not know the model of your implants, look for the implant card or operative report, and consult your surgeon if in doubt.

In Switzerland, Swissmedic is the authority responsible for monitoring medical devices, including breast implants. It receives reports of serious incidents, assesses risks, and publishes information and recommendations when problems are identified with a model. Health professionals and manufacturers are required to report incidents. If you have questions about your implants, the information published by Swissmedic and your surgeon's advice are the reference sources.

Every implant placed in Switzerland is identified by its reference and batch number, recorded in the medical file and on the card given to the patient. This traceability allows you to be contacted in the event of an alert and makes warranty claims easier. During a revision, the new implants are traced in the same way. Keep these documents carefully, even years later, and pass them on to any new surgeon.

After implant-based breast reconstruction following cancer, revisions are common: capsular contracture, often encouraged by radiotherapy, displacement, asymmetry with the other breast, or the wish to change the volume. These procedures are part of the reconstruction pathway and are covered by insurance. They may combine implant replacement, capsulectomy, fat transfer to improve coverage, or switching to flap reconstruction. The breast centre coordinates these steps.

In a breast reconstruction pathway, revisions are part of the journey rather than failures. An implant placed after a mastectomy may need adjustments: a change of volume, treatment of capsular contracture encouraged by radiotherapy, fat transfer to improve coverage, symmetrisation of the other breast. The breast centre coordinates these steps, which are covered by insurance. Some women choose at some point to switch to reconstruction using their own tissue, so as no longer to depend on an implant.

After radiotherapy, for example as part of breast cancer treatment, the tissues around an implant become firmer and less well vascularised, which markedly increases the risk of capsular contracture. Revisions in this context are more delicate. Fat transfer, which improves the suppleness of irradiated tissues, a reinforcing matrix, or switching to flap reconstruction using non-irradiated tissue are solutions often discussed with the breast centre team.

Implants with a heavily textured surface were widely used for several decades, notably to stabilise anatomical implants. Their association with a rare lymphoma led to some models being withdrawn from the market. For women who have them, the current recommendation is clinical surveillance, without preventive removal in the absence of symptoms. Late swelling, a lump or distortion require prompt medical attention.

Some women nevertheless choose to have their implants changed as a precaution, for smooth or microtextured implants. This choice is discussed with the surgeon, who explains the benefits and risks of the procedure, as well as the possible value of removing the capsule.

It is useful to keep an eye on information about breast implants, without worrying at every piece of news. Reliable sources are Swissmedic, your surgeon and plastic surgery societies. If information concerns your model, make an appointment for a check-up; most of the time, an examination and imaging will be enough to take stock. Also make sure your contact details are up to date with your surgeon, so that you can be contacted in the event of an alert.

Some women describe fatigue, joint pain, difficulty concentrating or other symptoms that they attribute to their implants. Studies have not demonstrated a clear cause-and-effect link, and other causes must be looked for with the GP. These complaints deserve to be taken seriously.

When the patient wishes, the implants can be removed, often with the capsule, with or without a lift and fat transfer. It is important to approach this choice with realistic expectations: some women report an improvement, others do not.

Persistent pain around an implant can have several causes: capsular contracture, muscle tension linked to an implant under the muscle, nerve irritation, an implant that is too large, rupture or inflammation. It deserves an examination and imaging. When the cause is identified, a suitable revision — such as capsule removal, a change of plane or a reduction in volume — often brings relief. In some cases, removing the implants is the most effective solution.

Before any revision, the surgeon carries out a full assessment. They ask about the date and place of placement, the type of implants, the plane, any complications and previous procedures, your pregnancies, weight changes and what bothers you today. They examine the breasts standing and lying down, and assess softness, shape, implant position, tissue thickness, the skin, and the position of the areolas and folds.

They then request imaging: ultrasound, often MRI, and mammography depending on age. This assessment allows a suitable plan to be proposed and the necessary procedures in theatre to be anticipated.

Before a revision, a second consultation is often useful: it allows you to go over the imaging results, make a final choice between the options presented, discuss the volume and shape of the new implants, re-read the consent form and quote, and review coverage or warranty. You can bring a trusted person with you, and prepare your questions in advance.

• The age, type and plane of the implants in place.
• Their integrity, based on examination and imaging.
• The condition of the capsule: soft, thickened, calcified.
• The thickness of the tissues covering the implant.
• The position of the implants, folds and areolas.
• Skin quality and elasticity.
• Your wishes: volume, shape, possible removal.
• Your health, smoking and medical history.

These elements guide the choice between simple replacement, a more complete revision or removal.

• Photos from the front, in profile and at three-quarters, bare-chested, in daylight.
• Year and place of the procedure.
• Manufacturer, model and volume if you know them.
• Placement plane and incision approach if you know them.
• What bothers or worries you.
• Recent imaging results, if any.

During the first augmentation, the surgeon works in untouched tissue, with predictable anatomy. During a revision, they must contend with a capsule, sometimes thickened or calcified, stretched or thinned tissues, possible gel residues, an implant position to correct and sometimes several previous procedures. Planning is more complex, the procedure often longer, and the result depends partly on the condition of the tissues. That is why the surgeon's experience in revision matters particularly.

Swelling of a breast appearing years after placement, often over a few weeks, is generally due to fluid accumulating around the implant, called a late seroma. It must always be investigated: an ultrasound confirms the fluid, then aspiration allows it to be analysed in the laboratory, notably to look for implant-associated lymphoma. Most often, the analysis is reassuring. Depending on the result, a revision with capsule removal is proposed.

• The implant card: manufacturer, model, volume, batch number.
• The operative report: plane, incision approach, combined procedures.
• Reports of any revisions.
• Previous imaging.
• The contact details of the original clinic and surgeon.

If you no longer have these documents, ask the original clinic or surgeon, who must keep files for many years. This information makes planning and activating a warranty easier.

Based on the assessment, the surgeon builds a plan: keep or remove the capsule, keep or change the plane, choose the new implant, combine a lift or fat transfer, or remove the implants permanently. They often present several options, with their advantages, limitations, recovery and cost. They also explain what might change in theatre depending on what they find. Take time to understand and choose.

Knowing whether your implants are in front of or behind the muscle helps understand certain problems and plan the revision. An implant under the muscle moves when you contract your pectorals, for example by pressing your hands together in front of your chest; an implant in front of the muscle does not. The operative report specifies this. Failing that, examination and imaging allow the surgeon to determine it.

For a planned, non-urgent revision, a few weeks often pass between the first consultation, imaging, the second consultation and the procedure. If a coverage or warranty request is needed, add the reply time. For a two-stage revision with a lift, the full journey can extend over six months to a year. In the event of an acute complication, such as an infection or haematoma, surgery may be performed as an emergency.

• Are my implants intact?
• Should the capsule be removed, and why?
• Should the placement plane be changed?
• Which new implant do you recommend?
• Should a lift or fat transfer be combined?
• What are the risks in my case, particularly of recurrence?
• How many revisions do you perform each year?
• Can a manufacturer's warranty apply?

At the revision consultation, it is important to say frankly what you expect: keep the same result with new implants, change volume, regain more natural breasts, or have no implants at all. Some women do not dare mention removal, for fear that the surgeon will talk them out of it; others hesitate to ask for more volume. A good surgeon listens to your wishes without judgement, explains what is achievable with your tissues, and helps you find the most suitable solution. The clearer your expectations, the more the revision plan will match what you really want. Do not hesitate to note your priorities before the appointment and to bring a trusted person, who can help you ask all your questions and remember the explanations.

When the problem affects only one side, such as a rupture or one-sided capsular contracture, the question arises of changing one implant or both. Changing one side limits the procedure, but the remaining implant is the same age and carries the same risk, and it may be difficult to achieve perfect symmetry between a new and an old implant, especially if the model is no longer made. Changing both is often advised, but not compulsory. The surgeon helps you weigh up the two options.

Implant ranges change, and the model placed fifteen or twenty years ago is often no longer available. The surgeon then chooses a current implant of similar dimensions, or uses the revision to adapt the volume and shape to your wishes. If only one side needs changing, the unavailability of the same model is an argument for changing both implants, to maintain symmetry.

A revision does not necessarily mean new implants. Depending on your wishes and body shape, several alternatives exist: removing the implants and accepting smaller breasts; removing the implants and performing a lift to raise the remaining gland; replacing the volume with one or more fat transfer sessions; or combining these procedures. Each has its advantages and limitations, which the surgeon presents to you honestly.

Many women do not know these options exist and think they must replace their implants for life. Knowing about them allows you to choose in full knowledge.

Capsulotomy involves incising the capsule to enlarge the pocket, for example when the new implant is larger or the capsule is slightly tight. Capsulorrhaphy, conversely, involves tightening the capsule with stitches to reduce a pocket that has become too wide and correct displacement of the implant, downwards or to the sides. These procedures, less extensive than a capsulectomy, are used when the capsule is healthy.

When the capsule is thickened, contracted, calcified, contains gel or shows an abnormality, the surgeon removes it. Capsulectomy can be partial, leaving areas that are very adherent to the ribs, or total. It requires careful dissection, prolongs the procedure and increases the risk of bleeding; drains are often placed. It creates a new pocket of healthy tissue, which better accommodates the new implant.

The capsule removed is sent to the laboratory. The surgeon adapts the extent of removal to the expected benefit: total removal is not always necessary and can be avoided when the capsule is thin and supple.

En bloc capsulectomy involves removing the implant and its capsule in one piece, without opening the capsule. It is recommended when implant-associated lymphoma is suspected or confirmed, to remove all abnormal cells. Some women ask for it as a precaution during explantation, notably for textured implants or because of systemic symptoms. It is not always possible, for example when the capsule is very thin or very adherent to the ribs, and it increases the length and risks of the procedure. The surgeon discusses its value in your case.

A change of plane creates a new pocket in tissues that have never been in contact with an implant. Moving in front of the muscle can correct distortion on contraction, make recovery easier and give a more natural shape in women with sufficient tissue. Moving behind the muscle improves coverage in slim women, reduces visible rippling and is often proposed after capsular contracture in front of the muscle.

The choice depends on tissue thickness, physical activity, the reason for the revision and the surgeon's experience.

In difficult revisions, with very thin tissues, repeated displacement or recurrent capsular contracture, the surgeon may use a matrix — biological or synthetic and absorbable — placed as an internal reinforcement. It supports the implant, thickens the coverage and may reduce the risk of recurrence. It increases the cost and carries its own risks, notably infection or fluid accumulation. It is discussed case by case.

Some women choose not to replace their implants: a wish for a body without implants, repeated complications, symptoms they attribute to the implants, or changing priorities with age. Explantation is always possible, with or without capsule removal. After removal, the breasts often look empty and slack; a lift and fat transfer, at the same time or later, help regain a harmonious shape. See our page on explantation with a lift.

Explantation can be done with or without removal of the capsule. A thin, supple capsule can be left in place, which simplifies the procedure; a thickened or calcified capsule, one containing gel or one linked to a textured implant is often removed, sometimes en bloc. The surgeon generally goes through the old scar. After removal, the breasts gradually retract over several months.

If the skin is of good quality and the breasts are not very large, simple removal may be enough. If the breasts are slack, a lift is combined, at the same time or a few months later. Fat transfer can restore a little volume. The result is smaller breasts, but natural ones with no implant to monitor.

After removal of implants, especially large, old ones, the breasts often look smaller, flatter, sometimes slack, with an empty upper breast. It takes a few months for the skin to retract and the shape to stabilise. Some women are surprised by this change, others experience it as a relief. Discussing the likely result in advance, using photos of patients in a similar situation, helps you prepare. A lift and fat transfer can clearly improve the shape.

After removal of implants without replacement, there is no longer an implant to monitor. Follow-up concerns healing, the shape of the breasts and, if the capsule was left in place, the absence of fluid accumulation in the old pocket. Breast cancer screening continues normally, without specific views. Tell the radiologist that you previously had implants, as residues of capsule or gel may sometimes appear on imaging.

Women who have chosen to have their implants removed often describe a feeling of freedom: no more implant check-ups, no more worry about alerts, lighter breasts. Some need to get used to smaller breasts. Breast cancer screening becomes simpler again, without specific views. A lift or fat transfer can improve the shape if necessary.

The choice of new implant takes into account the experience of the first: a volume too large or too small, an unsuitable shape, a problem linked to the surface. The surgeon measures the breast base and tissue thickness again, as they may have changed. Smooth or microtextured surfaces are favoured today. A round, moderate-profile implant suits many situations; an anatomical shape is discussed in particular cases.

It is also an opportunity to return to a more reasonable volume if the first was excessive, which reduces strain on the tissues and the risk of further revision.

When the breasts have descended, or the volume is reduced, a lift is often combined with implant replacement. It raises the areola, removes excess skin and reshapes the gland around the new implant. This combination is more complex than a lift or augmentation alone, with more scars and a slightly higher risk of healing problems. It can be done in one or two stages, depending on the condition of the tissues. See our page on the breast lift.

When a lift needs to be combined with implant replacement, two strategies exist. In one stage, the surgeon changes the implant and performs the lift during the same procedure: a single anaesthetic and a single recovery, but a more complex procedure, with tension on the tissues that slightly increases the risk of healing problems and makes the result less predictable. In two stages, they first remove or change the implant, then perform the lift a few months later, once the tissues have stabilised.

The second strategy is often preferred when the volume is greatly reduced, the skin is very thin or the patient smokes. See our page on implant replacement with a lift.

Fat transfer often complements a revision: it thickens the coverage of the new implant, hides visible edges, improves the cleavage, or fills the breasts after volume reduction or implant removal. The fat is harvested from the abdomen, hips or thighs and injected under the skin, without touching the implant. It can be performed during the revision or a few months later. See our page on breast fat transfer.

In most cases, the revision is done in a single procedure. In some situations, a two-stage strategy is preferable: for example, first removing an infected implant and waiting for healing before placing a new one, or removing the implants and performing a lift, then assessing the need for volume a few months later. This strategy requires two procedures, but sometimes gives a safer and more predictable result.

• Gather the implant card and reports.
• Have the requested imaging done.
• Stop smoking several weeks before and after.
• Stop certain medicines and supplements on medical advice.
• Buy two support bras in the indicated size.
• Plan clothes that fasten at the front and pillows.
• Arrange help for the first few days, particularly with young children.
• If applicable, request activation of the manufacturer's warranty.

• Prepare meals in advance or arrange deliveries.
• Put everyday items within easy reach so you do not have to raise your arms.
• Plan loose clothes that fasten at the front.
• Set up a resting area with pillows to sleep propped up.
• Arrange childcare and help with shopping.
• Keep the team's number and your medicines close at hand.

A well-prepared recovery is calmer, particularly after a complex revision with capsulectomy or a lift.

Smoking increases the risk of infection, poor healing, capsular contracture and, with a combined lift, areola compromise. In a revision, the tissues have already been through surgery, which makes these risks even greater. Stopping completely for several weeks before and after the procedure, including e-cigarettes, is strongly recommended. It is also an opportunity to stop for good, for the health of your skin and breasts.

Mention all your treatments, supplements and herbal products. Those that encourage bleeding, such as aspirin or certain supplements, are often stopped a few days beforehand on medical advice; anticoagulants must never be stopped without the prescriber's advice. Diabetes, an autoimmune disease, a treatment that modulates immunity or previous radiotherapy must be mentioned, as they influence the risk of infection, capsular contracture and healing problems.

Implants do not exempt you from breast cancer screening. Mammography is performed with specific views that displace the implant to better see the gland, supplemented by ultrasound if needed. Always tell the radiology centre about your implants, their age and any revision, and bring your previous examinations. A calcified capsule can complicate interpretation; this is one of the reasons for removing it during a revision.

• Implant card and reports found.
• Recent imaging: ultrasound, MRI, mammogram depending on age.
• Reply from the insurer or warranty if a request was made.
• Quote signed, consent read.
• Smoking stopped.
• Medicines to stop according to the instructions.
• Support bras.
• Someone to take you home and help at home.

You arrive having fasted. The surgeon makes the markings with you standing: position of the new implants, the fold and, if applicable, the lift. After the general anaesthetic, they generally open through the old scar, remove the implants, treat the capsule according to the plan, irrigate the pocket, check symmetry with sterile sizers, then place the new implants. They perform any combined procedures and close, sometimes with drains.

On waking, a support bra is in place. Depending on the extent of the procedure, you go home the same evening or after one night. The old implants and the capsule are kept or sent to the laboratory and the manufacturer if necessary.

The implant removed is examined by the surgeon, who notes its appearance, any rupture and its model. If a warranty is activated, it is returned to the manufacturer, which may analyse it. In some cases, particularly if a particular complication is suspected, it may be sent for analysis or reported to Swissmedic. You can ask to take it home, according to the facility's rules and the warranty requirements.

A revision requires strict precautions to reduce the risk of infection and new capsular contracture: careful skin disinfection, antibiotics at the time of the procedure according to protocols, irrigation of the pocket with antiseptic solutions, changing gloves before handling the new implant, and insertion through a sleeve to limit contact with the skin. When the capsule is infected or suspect, samples are sent to the laboratory.

Implant replacement is performed under general anaesthesia, sometimes supplemented by a nerve block around the chest that reduces pain in the first few hours. The anaesthesia consultation assesses your health, treatments and risk of thrombosis. If you have already had several anaesthetics, mention your experiences, particularly nausea on waking, so that it can be prevented.

After a capsulectomy or a change of plane, drains are often placed to remove blood and the fluid produced by the tissues. They are connected to small bottles and removed after one to a few days, depending on the amount of fluid. The scars are covered with strips or glue, under the support bra. Showering is generally possible after the drains are removed, as instructed.

The first few days are similar to those after an augmentation: tightness in the chest, discomfort when raising the arms, fatigue. Pain is generally moderate, slightly more marked after a capsulectomy or a move under the muscle. Any drains are removed after one to a few days. Sleep on your back with your upper body raised, wear the support bra day and night, walk regularly and avoid exertion and carrying loads.

Areola sensation may be temporarily altered after a revision, especially with a lift, a significant change in volume or extensive capsulectomy. It generally returns within a few months. If your sensation was already reduced after the first procedure, a revision may sometimes improve it, sometimes alter it further. Discuss it with the surgeon if it is important to you.

Pain after a revision is generally moderate and well controlled by painkillers. It is slightly more marked after extensive capsulectomy or a move under the muscle, and less after a simple replacement or a move in front of the muscle. Many women operated on for painful capsular contracture quickly feel relief, as the chronic tension has gone. Pain that increases, especially on one side, requires calling the team.

For office work, a return is often possible after a week for a simple replacement, one to two weeks after a capsulectomy, a change of plane or a lift. Working from home allows an earlier return. Jobs that involve carrying loads, raising the arms or moving people require three to six weeks. The sick note does not mention the nature of the procedure.

Working from home often allows a return to activity from the end of the first week, sitting down, with the screen at eye level and the keyboard close to the body, to keep your elbows near your trunk. Take regular breaks to walk and do not carry loads. Fatigue in the first few weeks is normal, especially after a complex revision.

A revision shows little under clothes: the support bra is discreet under a loose top. Most women resume a normal social life after one to two weeks. Nothing obliges you to explain the nature of the procedure; the sick note does not mention it.

Driving generally resumes after one to two weeks, when you can turn the steering wheel, look over your shoulder and brake suddenly without pain, and are no longer taking medicines that cause drowsiness. The seat belt may be uncomfortable at first; a small cushion between the strap and your chest improves comfort.

In the first few weeks, sleep on your back, with your upper body slightly raised, wearing the support bra. Sleeping on your side is often possible after two to three weeks, on your front after four to six weeks, later if a displacement has been corrected, so as not to strain the tightened pocket. A pillow under your arms can relieve tension on the chest.

Short journeys are possible after a few days. For a long trip, wait for the first check-ups and ask the surgeon's advice, particularly because of the risk of thrombosis. Take the support bra, your medicines and the team's contact details. Implants pose no problem at security checks or for flying.

In the first few days, help is useful for tasks that use the arms: shopping, housework, children. Those close to you need to know the warning signs: a breast that suddenly swells, fever, redness, breathlessness. They can also help you gather the documents for your old implants before the procedure, often a tedious task.

A revision is often experienced more discreetly than a first augmentation. You have no obligation to justify your choice. Telling one or two trusted people nevertheless helps organise recovery, and their support is invaluable if the revision follows a complication or a worry.

If a friend has had implants for a long time, share a few simple tips with her: have the implants checked regularly, even without symptoms, keep the implant card, consult in the event of hardening, distortion or swelling, and do not panic at every alarming piece of news. Remind her that replacement is not compulsory on a fixed date, and that removal is also an option.

• "Were your implants damaged?" Sometimes yes, sometimes I simply wanted a change.
• "Do they need changing often?" No, only when there is a reason.
• "Did you keep the same volume?" I chose what suits me today.
• "Was it harder than the first time?" A little longer, but well tolerated.
• "Could you have had them removed?" Yes, it was an option I considered.

It is possible, provided someone takes you home and, ideally, you are not alone on the first night, especially after a capsulectomy or a lift. Put everyday items within easy reach, prepare simple meals and clothes that fasten at the front, and keep your phone with the team's number close at hand.

Carrying a child pulls on the muscles and scars and can displace a freshly placed implant, particularly after a correction of displacement. Avoid carrying children for three to four weeks, longer if the implant has been moved under the muscle or the pocket has been tightened. Arrange help in advance.

As after an augmentation, the result of a revision is not judged in the first few weeks. Swelling, implants that are still high, temporary asymmetry and pink scars change over several months. After a combined lift, the shape continues to refine for up to a year. Taking photos at regular intervals helps measure this progress and keep confidence. Also note your questions over the weeks, to ask them at check-ups and move calmly towards the final result.

A balanced diet rich in protein, fruit and vegetables promotes healing. Drink enough and limit alcohol during recovery, as it interferes with medicines and can increase swelling. If you have recently lost a lot of weight, a nutritional assessment may be useful before a revision with a lift.

After a revision, follow-up is the same as after an augmentation: check-ups in the first few weeks, then at one year, and thereafter regular examination of the implants, at least every one to two years, with imaging if in doubt. Keep the new implant card with the old one, along with the operative report and the capsule analysis. Breast cancer screening continues according to your age, with views adapted to implants.

Be alert to any change: hardening, distortion, late swelling, new pain, a lump under the arm. Consult without delay if any of these signs appear.

A regular review of your implants, ideally every year or every two years, allows their condition to be checked, the evolution of the breasts to be assessed and any wishes for change to be discussed. It is also an opportunity to check that your screening is up to date and that your file contains the right information. Note the date of the next check-up in your diary at the end of the consultation.

• Regularly look at the shape and volume of your breasts in a mirror.
• Feel them to detect hardening, a lump or a tender area.
• Check under your arms for lymph nodes.
• Note any change from what is usual, even a subtle one.
• Consult if a breast swells, hardens, changes shape or becomes painful.

This self-monitoring does not replace medical check-ups, but it helps you spot a change early and consult at the right time.

Over the years, the breasts around the implants change: the gland shrinks, the skin thins and weight varies. The implants, however, stay the same, which changes the balance between natural volume and implant. Breasts that were harmonious at thirty may look too round, too firm or, on the contrary, too low at fifty. This is not a complication but a natural evolution, which a revision can accompany if you wish.

Your GP and gynaecologist are valuable contacts for following up your implants. They examine the breasts during consultations, prescribe imaging and can refer you to a plastic surgeon if a problem arises. Tell them about your implants, their age and any revision, and send them the reports.

• A visit after one week: scar, absence of haematoma, removal of any drains.
• A check-up at around six weeks: return to sport, choice of lingerie.
• A check-up at three months: position and softness of the implants.
• A check-up at one year: final result, scheduling of regular follow-up.

These appointments are also an opportunity to ask your questions and report anything that worries you.

The result of a revision is judged after three to six months, and up to a year with a combined lift. Compare photos taken under the same conditions before and after, and look beyond appearance: softness, comfort, disappearance of pain or worry. If a detail still bothers you, talk to the surgeon; a limited touch-up is often possible.

• The new implant card, with the model and batch number.
• The old card, if you have it.
• The operative report of the revision.
• The result of the capsule or fluid analysis.
• Imaging before and after.
• The manufacturer's warranty documents.

These documents are essential for follow-up, any safety alert, a warranty or future surgery, even with another surgeon.

The scar from a revision, often the old scar reopened, generally heals well. After showering, pat it dry without rubbing. Once the skin has closed, massage it gently and apply silicone if the surgeon advises. Protect it from the sun for at least a year. An old widened or thick scar can often be improved during the revision by removing the damaged part.

Once recovery is over, life with the new implants goes on as before: sport, travel, saunas and diving are possible. Many women operated on for capsular contracture describe the relief of regaining soft, pain-free breasts. Those who have reduced the volume often appreciate lighter, more comfortable breasts. Regular follow-up of the implants remains the only constraint.

Beyond complications, how you feel matters: breasts that bother you, that you no longer recognise or that worry you deserve a consultation, even if everything seems normal on examination. An attentive surgeon takes time to understand your discomfort and present the options, including that of changing nothing. The final decision is yours.

In the first few weeks, it is common for one breast to look more swollen, higher or firmer than the other, particularly if only one side had a capsulectomy. This asymmetry generally eases within a few months, as the swelling disappears and the implants settle. Asymmetry that persists after six months can be corrected with a touch-up, sometimes fat transfer or an adjustment of the pocket.

A touch-up is sometimes needed after a revision: slight asymmetry, a widened scar, excess skin at the end of a lift scar, slight displacement. It is discussed after six months to a year, once the result has stabilised, and is often performed under local anaesthesia or as a limited procedure. Find out about the conditions of a touch-up before the procedure.

After the support period, have yourself measured, as your size has often changed, especially if the volume or shape has been modified. Underwiring is allowed once the fold scar is strong and the implant has stabilised, generally after six weeks. If the pocket has been tightened to correct a displacement, a well-fitting bra supports the result during the first few months. For sport, a high-support sports bra is still advised.

Intimate life can resume after two to three weeks, avoiding pressure on the breasts for about six weeks, longer after a correction of displacement. Areola sensation may be temporarily altered, especially with a lift. Many women relieved of capsular contracture or a worry describe greater peace of mind in their relationship with their body.

After a revision for capsular contracture, the risk of new contracture exists and is higher than after a first placement. Several measures reduce it: removal of the abnormal capsule, creation of a new pocket, often in another plane, antiseptic irrigation, a no-touch technique for inserting the implant, antibiotics, and haematoma prevention through careful haemostasis and drains. In multiple recurrences, a reinforcing matrix, fat transfer or permanent removal of the implants may be discussed.

An infection around an implant can occur shortly after the procedure or, more rarely, years later, for example after a distant infection. It shows as redness, warmth, pain, sometimes fever and discharge. A mild infection can sometimes be treated with antibiotics; often, the implant must be removed, the infection treated, and several months allowed before a new one is placed. Consult promptly if there are signs.

A significant blow to the chest, in an accident or during sport, can cause bleeding around the implant or even damage the shell. A breast that swells, becomes painful or changes shape after a blow must be examined. An ultrasound, and if necessary an MRI, allow the condition of the implant to be checked. A large haematoma may require surgery to drain it and prevent capsular contracture.

After removal of a capsule, a large area of tissue is exposed, which encourages fluid production in the pocket for a few days. The drains remove it. Sometimes fluid accumulates after they are removed: this is a seroma, which causes swelling and a feeling of heaviness. It often resolves on its own or requires aspiration. A well-fitting support bra and following the instructions limit this risk.

After a revision, especially with capsulectomy, moderate swelling is normal for a few weeks. Swelling that increases after the drains are removed, with a feeling of heaviness or sloshing, suggests fluid accumulation. It sometimes resolves on its own or requires ultrasound-guided aspiration. Report it to the surgeon. Wearing the support bra and limiting arm movements in the first few weeks reduce this risk.

• A breast that suddenly swells, tense and painful.
• Fever, spreading redness, discharge from the scar.
• Pain that increases instead of decreasing.
• After a lift, an areola that turns purplish or dark.
• Breathlessness, chest pain, a warm, swollen calf.

In the event of breathlessness or chest pain, call 144. For the other signs, contact the team without delay.

Like any procedure under general anaesthesia, a revision carries a risk of a blood clot in the leg veins, higher if the procedure is long, or with the pill, smoking, excess weight or a history of clots. Prevention combines getting up early, walking, and sometimes compression stockings and anticoagulant injections. Mention your history to the anaesthetist.

• Routine check-up: normal examination, MRI requested for sixteen-year-old implants.
• The MRI: intracapsular rupture on one side, the other intact.
• The consultation: replacement of both implants with capsule removal on the ruptured side.
• The day: an hour and a half, home in the evening.
• One week: back to office work.
• Three months: soft, symmetrical breasts, new implant card filed with the old one.

• For a year, the right breast has been hardening and changing shape, with pain during sport.
• Assessment: advanced-grade capsular contracture, implant intact.
• Procedure: total capsulectomy, move under the muscle, new smooth implants on both sides.
• First week: more pain than after the first placement, drains removed on day 2.
• Three months: soft breasts, no more pain.
• One year: no recurrence, annual check-up scheduled.

• Twenty years with implants, a wish for a body without implants.
• Consultation: explantation with a lift, fat transfer offered at the same time.
• The day: three hours, one night at the clinic.
• Six weeks: smaller but shapely breasts.
• Six months: partial resorption of the fat, satisfied with the natural result.

A revision improves the vast majority of situations: capsular contracture treated, ruptured implant replaced, volume adjusted, shape corrected. But the tissues have aged and been changed by the presence of the implant and previous procedures. Slight asymmetry, thinner skin and altered sensation may persist, and the risk of further surgery in the future remains. The most satisfied patients are those who understood these elements before deciding.

An implant complication, painful capsular contracture or a safety alert can shake confidence in your body and in surgery. A well-conducted revision, with a surgeon who takes time to explain and follow up, often helps restore this confidence. Some women choose this opportunity to simplify, with smaller implants or removal; others simply regain breasts that suit them. All these paths are legitimate.

Long-term follow-up studies of breast implants show that a significant proportion of women undergo at least one revision in the ten to fifteen years after placement, the main reasons being capsular contracture, change of volume, rupture and sagging of the breasts. They also show that revisions carry a slightly higher risk of complications than a first placement, and that some women undergo several revisions. Reasonable volumes and current techniques reduce these risks.

Plastic surgeons stress a few messages: an implant is not a lifelong device, but it should not be changed without a reason; regular follow-up is the best way to detect rupture or capsular contracture early; a revision requires a full assessment and experience; and patients should know all the options, including removal. They also point out that reasonable volumes at the first placement reduce the number of revisions over a lifetime.

Women who have had their implants changed often describe the relief of having resolved a problem that had worried them for a long time: painful capsular contracture, a rupture discovered by chance, breasts that no longer felt like their own. Many appreciate having been able to adapt the volume to their current life. The difficulties mentioned concern finding old documents, dealing with the insurer or warranty, and a recovery sometimes slightly longer than after the first placement.

The question of coverage is often a source of confusion. A cosmetic augmentation is at the patient's expense, and replacing implants for a cosmetic reason, such as a change of volume, is too. When a complication occurs, such as rupture, infection or painful capsular contracture, compulsory insurance may contribute to treating the complication, depending on the circumstances and the insurer's decision. The new implants and combined cosmetic procedures generally remain at the patient's expense.

In reconstruction after cancer, or after an augmentation performed for a covered malformation, implant replacement is covered. In all cases, ask the surgeon to send a request to your insurer and wait for a written reply before the procedure.

These trends do not replace your insurer's decision. Always ask for a written reply before the procedure, and also find out about the manufacturer's warranties.

Supplementary hospital insurance can cover a semi-private or private ward and free choice of surgeon when the revision is covered by basic insurance, for example in reconstruction. For a cosmetic revision, it generally covers nothing. Check your policy and ask for written confirmation.

If part of the revision may be covered, check the conditions of your insurance model: with a family doctor, health network or telemedicine model, you generally have to go through your primary care doctor before consulting the surgeon. Without this, the insurer may reduce or refuse reimbursement.

Implant manufacturers often offer warranties: free replacement of a ruptured implant, sometimes for life, a flat-rate contribution to surgical costs for a few years, and special conditions in the event of capsular contracture. To benefit, you need to know the model and batch number of your implants, sometimes to have registered them after placement, and the implant removed must be returned to the manufacturer. Your surgeon can make the claim. Keep the implant card carefully.

• Find the manufacturer, model and batch number of your implants.
• Check with the surgeon or manufacturer whether a warranty applies and whether registration was required.
• Have the rupture or capsular contracture confirmed by examination and imaging.
• The surgeon completes the claim and returns the implant removed to the manufacturer if requested.
• The manufacturer supplies the new implant or pays the agreed contribution.

Timescales and conditions vary between manufacturers. Deal with these steps before setting the date of the procedure.

If a complication occurs in the weeks or months after an augmentation, such as a haematoma, infection, early displacement or significant asymmetry, first contact the surgeon who performed the procedure. They know your situation and generally take charge of the revision, under conditions that should appear in the initial quote. An early revision is often performed in tissues that are still supple, without a thick capsule.

Sometimes a revision is needed within the first year after an augmentation: a poorly positioned implant, marked asymmetry, an unsuitable volume, a haematoma or an infection. In this case, first contact the surgeon who performed the procedure. For a correction of shape or volume, it is often advisable to wait six months to a year, until the tissues have stabilised. Acute complications, on the other hand, are treated without delay. The financial conditions of an early revision should appear in the initial quote.

Plastic surgeons perform implant replacement in most cantons. For a simple replacement, a surgeon close to home is often suitable. For a complex revision, such as recurrent capsular contracture, an old rupture with gel in the tissues or a correction of displacement, it may be worth consulting a surgeon who performs them regularly, often in a large city or a university hospital. In French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva and Lausanne concentrate the provision; in German-speaking Switzerland, Zurich, Basel and Bern; in Ticino, Lugano.

These differences concern cosmetic revisions at the patient's expense. Details are on our page on implant replacement prices.

For a simple replacement, a surgeon close to home is generally suitable. For a complex revision, it may be worth travelling to a very experienced surgeon. Group appointments together, ask for a first opinion based on photos and documents, plan a night nearby if necessary, and see which check-ups can be done close to home. Follow-up imaging can be carried out in your region.

Going back to the surgeon who placed the implants has advantages: they know your file, the model and the plane, and can sometimes offer special conditions in the event of an early complication. But you are free to consult another surgeon, for example if you have moved, want a different perspective or the revision is complex. In that case, ask for a copy of your file.

These indices are consistent with those on our breast augmentation page.

• Specialist title in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, verifiable on MedReg.
• Regular experience of revision surgery, including complex cases.
• A full assessment before proposing a procedure.
• Honest presentation of the options, including removal without replacement.
• Clear explanation of coverage and warranties.
• Photos of revision results at a distance from surgery.

A complex revision deserves a surgeon who performs them often; do not hesitate to ask how many revisions they perform each year.

Patients often cite the same reassuring elements: a clear imaging assessment, a surgeon who explains what they will do depending on what they find in theatre, honest presentation of all the options, a detailed quote and a number they can reach after the procedure. Knowing that the implant and capsule will be analysed and that follow-up is organised also contributes to peace of mind.

A revision requires decisions that do not arise in a first placement: how far to remove the capsule, how to manage thinned tissues, how to correct a displaced fold, how to prevent recurrent capsular contracture, when to prefer two stages. A surgeon who regularly performs revisions has developed these reflexes and knows how to adapt the procedure to what they find in theatre. Do not hesitate to ask about their experience and to see results of revisions comparable to yours.

A second opinion is particularly useful in revision surgery: the options are many, and two surgeons may propose different strategies, for example keeping or removing the capsule, changing plane or not, combining a lift. Bring your imaging, documents and questions. Compare the reasoning, not just the quotes.

To judge a surgeon's experience in revision, ask to see before-and-after photos of situations close to yours: capsular contracture, rupture, volume reduction, explantation with a lift. The photos should be taken under the same conditions and some time after the procedure, ideally after six months to a year. Be wary of photos taken just after the operation or under different conditions.

In revision surgery, two surgeons may propose different strategies for the same situation: one keeps the capsule, the other removes it; one changes plane, the other does not; one proposes a lift, the other fat transfer. Compare the reasoning, the risks explained, the results shown, the number of procedures planned and the total cost, rather than the price alone. Ask each why they do not propose the other's option.

Before the procedure, you receive written information about the planned procedure, the alternatives, the risks specific to a revision, including recurrent capsular contracture and gel residues, and recovery. It also specifies what might change in theatre depending on the condition of the capsule and tissues. Read it at home and ask your questions.

The price of the procedure is supplemented by imaging, sometimes an MRI that is not covered, support bras, medicines, any unpaid days off and travel. A contribution from the manufacturer's warranty or from insurance for the part linked to a complication may reduce the cost. Also think long term: new implants require follow-up, and another revision in the future remains possible.

A deposit is often requested when booking the date, notably because the new implants are ordered. Ask about the conditions for postponement and cancellation, and how any contribution from the warranty or insurance will be deducted. Have everything confirmed in writing.

Unless a complication requires prompt action, such as an infection or haematoma, the revision can be scheduled at a time that suits you. Avoid periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding, wait at least six months after weaning, and choose a period when you can rest and avoid exertion for a few weeks. For a silent rupture, a few months' wait generally poses no problem.

To understand sometimes complex options, it is important to consult in a language you master. In French-speaking Switzerland, everything takes place in French. In the major German-speaking cities, many surgeons see patients in French or English; in Ticino, in Italian. Ask for a written summary of the options proposed.

• 1. Identify what bothers or worries you.
• 2. Have a full assessment, with imaging.
• 3. Understand the options: replacement, capsulectomy, change of plane, lift, removal.
• 4. Check possible coverage and warranties.
• 5. Choose an experienced surgeon and the right time.

• Changing implants that are fine just because they are ten years old.
• Neglecting late swelling or distortion.
• Losing the implant card and reports.
• Choosing an even larger volume without checking the condition of the tissues.
• Greatly reducing the volume without considering a lift.
• Setting the date before receiving the insurer's or warranty reply.
• Continuing to smoke.

• A problem is noticed or a routine check-up takes place.
• Consultation and clinical assessment.
• Imaging: ultrasound, MRI, mammogram depending on age.
• Revision plan and quote, coverage or warranty request if necessary.
• Preparation: stopping smoking, organisation.
• Procedure, often as day surgery or with one night.
• Check-ups in the first year, then regular follow-up of the implants.

• It does not make implants last for ever.
• It does not eliminate all risk of new capsular contracture.
• It does not always remove all the gel from an old rupture.
• It does not restore the tissues to their original quality.
• It does not exempt you from breast cancer screening.

• Revision: further surgery on implants in place.
• Capsule: fibrous membrane formed around the implant.
• Capsular contracture: thickening and contraction of the capsule.
• Capsulectomy: removal of the capsule.
• Capsulotomy: incision of the capsule.
• Capsulorrhaphy: tightening of the capsule.
• Intracapsular rupture: gel contained within the capsule.
• Extracapsular rupture: gel outside the capsule.
• Siliconoma: nodule formed around migrated gel.
• Explantation: removal without replacement.

• Implants are changed when there is a reason, not on a fixed date.
• The assessment relies on examination and imaging, often MRI.
• A revision may include capsule removal, a change of plane, a lift or fat transfer.
• Removal without replacement is always possible.
• Coverage depends on the reason; manufacturers' warranties can help.
• Regular follow-up remains necessary after each revision.

Keeping, changing or removing your implants is a personal decision, which must take into account your health, your concerns, your aesthetic wishes and your life plans. A full assessment and the opinion of an experienced surgeon allow you to decide calmly, without rushing when the situation permits. There is no single right answer: only the answer that suits you, today.

If you have implants, the best attitude is calm vigilance: neither constant worry nor complete neglect. Keep your documents, have your implants checked regularly, consult without delay if anything changes, and remember that several options exist on the day a revision becomes necessary or desired: replacement, a change of volume, a lift, fat transfer or removal. An experienced surgeon will help you choose the one that suits you, at the time that suits you best, without any rush or outside pressure.

Breast implants that are fine can stay in place, under surveillance. Those that cause a problem, or that no longer match your wishes, can be changed or removed through well-planned revision surgery. Keep your documents, have your implants checked regularly, consult without delay if anything changes, and choose an experienced surgeon for any revision.

Once the revision has been performed and recovery is over, many women describe a fresh start: soft, comfortable breasts again, a volume suited to their current life, or the peace of mind of having resolved a worry. Regular follow-up of the new implants, or usual screening after explantation, then becomes the only constraint. Keeping your documents, attending your check-ups and consulting if anything changes allow you to enjoy the result for the long term.

Medespoir Suisse helps you review your implants, understand the options and find a plastic surgeon experienced in revision, in your region and your language. A first opinion based on photos and information about your implants helps guide the assessment.

A first opinion, based on photos, the year of placement, the type of implants if you know it and what bothers you, helps guide the assessment and tells you whether a prompt consultation is needed. It does not replace examination and imaging. Medespoir Suisse can help you obtain this first opinion and find a surgeon experienced in revision, free of charge and without obligation.

Changing breast implants is neither an obligation on a fixed date nor a trivial procedure. It is revision surgery, which requires a precise assessment, an experienced surgeon and reflection on your current wishes, which may have changed since the first procedure. Well prepared, it effectively treats complications and allows the breasts to be adapted to your body and your life today. To find out more, see our pages on breast augmentation and on explantation with a lift.

Budget

Price differences between cities and cantons, the quote breakdown and ways to save are detailed on our page Breast implant replacement: prices in Switzerland.

Related procedures

• Breast lift in Switzerland
• Breast ptosis in Switzerland
• Breast augmentation in Switzerland
• Breast reduction in Switzerland
• Breast fat transfer in Switzerland
• Gynaecomastia in Switzerland

Combined procedures

• Breast implant removal and breast lift in Switzerland
• Breast implant replacement and breast lift in Switzerland

Our guides

• Breast surgery in Switzerland
• Breast surgery guide for Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Answers to the most frequent questions about breast implant replacement in Switzerland.

When to change your implants

Should implants be changed every ten years? No. There is no fixed expiry date. Implants that are fine, without symptoms and with a normal examination, can stay in place. They are changed when a problem arises, such as capsular contracture or rupture, or when you want to change the result. The risk of complications does, however, increase over the years, hence the value of regular follow-up.

What are the main reasons for replacement? The most common are capsular contracture, rupture of the shell, the wish to change volume, sagging of the breasts around the implants, displacement of an implant, visible rippling, asymmetry, and concern linked to a safety alert or systemic symptoms. Several reasons often coexist.

My implants are twenty years old: should I change them? Not necessarily, but implants of this age deserve careful checking, as the risk of silent rupture increases over time, particularly for older generations. A clinical examination and an MRI allow their condition to be checked. If they are intact and you are happy with the result, you can decide to keep them under surveillance.

How do I know if my implant has ruptured? Rupture is often silent. It may sometimes show as a change in shape or volume, hardening, pain, small lumps or a lymph node under the arm. The reference examination to confirm it is MRI; ultrasound is also useful. Consult if you notice a change.

Is a ruptured implant dangerous? With current cohesive gels, rupture is generally not an emergency: the gel usually remains contained within the capsule. It is nevertheless recommended to have the implant removed within a reasonable time, as the gel can migrate out of the capsule over time and cause nodules or inflammation. Old implants, notably certain defective implants withdrawn from the market, warrant particular attention.

What is capsular contracture? It is the thickening and contraction of the natural capsule that surrounds every implant. The breast becomes firm, then hard, sometimes distorted, round and high, and may become painful. Surgeons classify it in grades according to severity. Advanced grades often justify implant replacement with removal of the capsule.

Can capsular contracture be treated without surgery? No, no medical treatment makes established capsular contracture disappear. Massage and certain medicines have been proposed without proven effectiveness. Bothersome capsular contracture is treated surgically, by removing the capsule and replacing the implant.

Is changing volume a valid reason? Yes, it is even one of the most common reasons. Some women want more volume, others less, often after pregnancies, a change in weight or simply over time. Reducing volume may require a lift if the skin has been stretched.

My breasts have sagged around my implants: what can be done? Over time, the gland and skin may descend in front of the implant, sometimes creating a double contour. Correction often combines a lift with replacement or repositioning of the implant. See our page on implant replacement with a lift.

What is a double bubble? It is a double contour visible under the breast, when the implant drops below the natural fold or the gland slides in front of an implant that has stayed high. Its correction depends on the cause: repositioning the fold, changing plane, a lift.

Does visible rippling justify replacement? If it bothers you, yes. Folds or ripples of an implant visible under the skin can be corrected by a change of plane, a different implant, fat transfer for coverage or, in some cases, internal reinforcement.

Can an implant move? Yes. It may drop too low, slide towards the armpit or the centre, or rotate if it is an anatomical implant. These displacements are corrected by revision, by tightening the pocket, changing plane or changing model.

Should implants be changed in the event of a safety alert? It depends on the alert. For certain defective implants, such as those of a fraudulent manufacturer withdrawn from the market in 2010, removal was recommended. For textured implants associated with the rare lymphoma, the authorities do not recommend preventive removal without symptoms, but surveillance. Follow the recommendations of Swissmedic and your surgeon.

Should textured implants be removed? No, not systematically. Lymphoma associated with these implants is rare, and the authorities do not recommend removing them preventively in a woman without symptoms. Follow-up is advised, and any late swelling of a breast requires medical attention. Some women nevertheless choose to change them as a precaution, after discussion with the surgeon.

Do systemic symptoms justify removal? Some women describe fatigue, pain or other symptoms that they attribute to their implants. The link has not been demonstrated, but these complaints must be assessed seriously, looking for other causes. If the patient wishes, removal with or without replacement can be offered, after honest information.

Can implants be kept for life? Some women keep their implants for several decades without problems. But the probability of revision surgery during a lifetime is high. Regular follow-up allows implants to be kept as long as they are fine and action to be taken at the right time.

Does a pregnancy require replacement? No. A pregnancy does not require implants to be changed. It may, however, change the breasts, and some women then want a revision to correct sagging or change the volume, generally six months after weaning.

Does menopause change the result? Often. The gland shrinks, the skin slackens, and the implant may become more noticeable or appear lower. It is a time when some women choose to reduce the volume, add a lift or remove their implants.

Can just one implant be changed? Yes, if the problem affects only one side. But it is often advisable to change both, to keep symmetry and because the other implant is the same age. The decision is made with the surgeon.

How long do new implants last? Current implants are more durable than older generations, but none lasts for ever. Their lifespan cannot be predicted exactly; regular follow-up remains necessary after each replacement.

My breasts have become hard: is it capsular contracture? Gradual hardening of one or both breasts, with a rounder, higher shape, often suggests capsular contracture. Other causes exist, such as rupture or fluid accumulation. An examination and an ultrasound can tell the difference.

Can capsular contracture appear on only one side? Yes, it is common. It then creates asymmetry of shape and firmness between the two breasts. The surgeon decides with you whether to treat one side or both.

Is a breast that swells years after placement serious? Late swelling, often due to fluid accumulating around the implant, must always be investigated by ultrasound and aspiration. Most often the cause is benign, but a rare implant-associated lymphoma must be ruled out.

Should old defective implants be removed? For the defective implants withdrawn from the market some fifteen years ago because of non-compliant gel, removal was recommended, as they rupture more often and the gel can be irritating. If you still have them, consult without delay.

Can an implant flip over? A round implant can rotate without consequence. An anatomical implant that rotates distorts the breast, with volume in the wrong place. Correction involves a revision, sometimes changing to a round implant.

Why do my implants show more with age? Over time, the gland and fat decrease and the skin thins, particularly after menopause or weight loss. The coverage of the implant becomes thinner and its edges more visible. Fat transfer, a change of plane or a smaller implant can improve the appearance.

Do implants interfere with sport as you get older? Large implants can become more bothersome over the years, particularly for running. Some women choose to reduce the volume for greater comfort. Implants placed under the muscle may also move during pectoral exercises.

Is a check-up needed even without symptoms? Yes. A regular clinical check-up, at least every one to two years, and imaging if in doubt allow silent rupture or early capsular contracture to be detected. This follow-up is in addition to usual breast cancer screening.

Can I change surgeon for the revision? Yes, you are free to choose. Bring the operative report, the implant card and your examinations. The new surgeon can also contact the original surgeon for information.

Can a revision correct a failed first result? Often yes. A poorly positioned implant, an unsuitable volume, asymmetry or an unsatisfactory shape can be improved by a well-planned revision. The possibilities depend on the condition of the tissues.

The assessment before the procedure

What examinations are needed before replacement? A clinical examination, an ultrasound and often an MRI to check the condition of the implants and look for rupture or gel outside the capsule. Depending on age, a mammogram is part of the assessment. If there is fluid around the implant, aspiration with analysis is performed.

Why an MRI? MRI is the most accurate examination for checking the integrity of a silicone implant and locating gel that has escaped from the shell or capsule. It helps the surgeon plan the procedure, particularly removal of the capsule.

Do I need to know the model of my implants? It is very useful. The implant card or operative report indicates the manufacturer, model, volume, surface and placement plane. If you no longer have them, ask the clinic or the original surgeon. Without this information, the surgeon adapts, but planning is less precise.

What if I no longer have any documents? The surgeon can often deduce the type of implant and placement plane from the examination and imaging. During the procedure, the implant removed reveals its brand and model. Still contact the original clinic, which sometimes keeps the file for many years.

Should the capsule be analysed? When the capsule is removed, it is generally sent to the laboratory, particularly in the event of thickening, fluid or textured implants, to look for any abnormality. This analysis is almost always normal.

Should I consult a surgeon other than the original one? Not necessarily. The original surgeon knows your file, which is an advantage. But you can consult another surgeon, particularly if you have moved, want a second opinion or the revision is complex. Bring all your documents.

Can the surgeon plan the procedure exactly? They draw up a precise plan, but some elements are only discovered in theatre: thickness of the capsule, exact condition of the implant, amount of gel to remove. They explain the possible options and what they will do depending on what they find.

Are saline implants changed differently? A ruptured saline implant deflates visibly, without danger, as the saline is absorbed by the body. Replacement is generally simpler, with no gel to remove. It may be an opportunity to switch to a silicone implant if you wish.

Do old implants contain a different gel? Yes. First-generation implants had a thinner shell and more liquid gel, which could bleed through the shell or spread in the event of rupture. Current implants have a reinforced shell and cohesive gel. This is a reason to check very old implants carefully.

Can the new implants be placed in the same pocket? If the pocket and capsule are healthy and the new implant has similar dimensions, it is possible. If the implant changes size, shape or plane, or if the capsule is abnormal, the surgeon modifies the pocket or creates a new one.

Does replacement improve painful capsular contracture? In the vast majority of cases, yes. Removing the thickened capsule and replacing the implant relieves pain and restores softness to the breast. Recurrence remains possible, which the surgeon explains to you.

Can replacement be done under local anaesthesia? Rarely. Implant replacement, especially with capsulectomy, is performed under general anaesthesia. Only some small touch-ups can be performed under local anaesthesia.

Does implant replacement leave new scars? Generally not; the old scar is reused and often improved. New scars appear only if a lift is combined or a different incision approach is needed.

How many replacements can be done in a lifetime? There is no fixed limit, but each procedure changes the tissues a little. After several revisions, the skin may thin and results become less predictable. Choosing reasonable volumes limits the number of revisions needed.

Should both implants be changed if only one has ruptured? It is not compulsory, but it is often advisable: the other implant is the same age and carries the same risk, and changing both keeps volume and shape symmetrical. The decision is made with the surgeon.

Is implant replacement painful in the long term? No. After recovery, the breasts become comfortable again. Pain linked to capsular contracture generally disappears after removal of the capsule.

Can a ruptured implant be kept? Some women choose not to operate immediately on a silent rupture, particularly with cohesive gels. It is nevertheless recommended to have it removed within a reasonable time, after discussion with the surgeon, to prevent the gel migrating out of the capsule.

The options

What are the options when replacing implants? Simply replacing the implant with a new one, partially or totally removing the capsule, changing the placement plane, changing the volume or shape, combining a lift or fat transfer, or removing the implants permanently. The surgeon combines these options according to your situation.

What is a capsulectomy? It is the removal of the fibrous capsule formed around the implant. It can be partial or total. It is indicated in the event of capsular contracture, rupture with gel in the capsule, a thickened or calcified capsule, or a suspected abnormality. It makes the procedure a little longer and may increase bleeding.

Must the capsule always be removed? No. A thin, supple capsule, without contracture or gel, can be left in place or simply incised to enlarge the pocket. Total removal is reserved for situations that justify it. The surgeon chooses according to the condition of the capsule and current recommendations.

What is an en bloc capsulectomy? It is the removal of the implant and its capsule in one piece, without opening the capsule. It is recommended notably in the event of suspected implant-associated lymphoma. It is not always possible or necessary; it is discussed according to the situation.

Why change the placement plane? Moving from in front of the muscle to behind it, or vice versa, can treat capsular contracture, reduce visible rippling, correct distortion when the muscle contracts or improve coverage. The new plane also offers fresh tissue, which reduces the risk of recurrent contracture.

Can volume be reduced during replacement? Yes. Switching to a smaller implant lightens the breasts and reduces strain on the tissues. If the skin has been stretched by a large implant, a lift is often necessary to avoid empty, sagging breasts.

Can volume be increased? Yes, if the skin and tissues allow it. The surgeon checks the width of the breast base and the thickness of the tissues, as too large a volume increases the risk of future complications.

Can I switch to implants of a different shape? Yes, for example from an anatomical implant to a round one, or from a textured surface to a smooth one. The surgeon adapts the pocket to the new implant, sometimes tightening it with internal stitches.

Is a lift often combined? Quite often, especially when the breasts have descended or the volume is reduced. It raises the areola and removes excess skin. See our page on implant replacement with a lift.

Can fat transfer complement the replacement? Yes, to cover the edges of the new implant, improve the cleavage or fill the breasts after volume reduction. See our page on breast fat transfer.

Can implants be removed without replacing them? Yes, this is explantation. After removal, the breasts may look empty or slack; a lift and fat transfer can restore their shape. See our page on explantation with a lift.

What is a reinforcing matrix? In some complex revisions, with very thin tissues or recurrent contracture or displacement, the surgeon may place a biological or synthetic matrix to reinforce coverage or support the implant. It increases the cost and is discussed case by case.

How long should I wait before changing a recent implant? For a correction of shape or volume after a recent augmentation, it is advisable to wait at least six months to a year, until the tissues have stabilised. A complication such as a haematoma, infection or early displacement may require earlier intervention.

Can implants be changed during pregnancy? No. Cosmetic procedures are not performed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Wait at least six months after weaning, except in a medical emergency.

Which procedures can be combined with replacement? A lift, fat transfer, tightening of the pocket, lowering or raising the fold, areola correction or liposuction of another area. The surgeon builds an overall plan according to your wishes and the condition of the tissues.

Can I gradually move from implants to natural breasts? Yes. Some women first reduce the volume of their implants, then remove them later, replacing them with fat transfer. Others remove the implants and have fat transfer at the same time or a few months later.

Is changing plane painful? Moving in front of the muscle is generally less painful. Moving behind the muscle causes more marked pain in the first few days, as with a first placement under the muscle.

The procedure and recovery

How long does implant replacement take? From one hour for a simple replacement to three hours or more with total capsulectomy, a change of plane or a combined lift. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.

Do I need to stay in hospital? Often day surgery for a simple replacement; one night may be needed with extensive capsulectomy, a combined lift or drains.

Is the old scar reused? Generally yes, most often the scar in the fold under the breast. If the original placement was through the armpit or the areola, the surgeon may prefer a fold approach to better control the capsule and the new implant.

Is recovery longer than for an augmentation? It is comparable for a simple replacement, a little longer with capsulectomy, a change of plane behind the muscle or a combined lift. A return to office work is often possible after one to two weeks.

Are drains needed? They are often used after a capsulectomy, which leaves a larger surface likely to bleed or produce fluid. They are removed after one to a few days.

How long should a support bra be worn? Generally four to six weeks, day and night at first, as after an augmentation, sometimes longer after a change of plane or correction of displacement.

When can I resume sport? Walking from the first few days, gentle sport after three weeks, intense sport after about six weeks, longer for the pectorals if the implant has been moved under the muscle.

When is the final result visible? After three to six months, once the swelling has gone and the implant has stabilised. If a lift is combined, the shape continues to change for up to a year.

Is the pain significant? It is generally moderate, comparable to that of an augmentation, slightly more marked with capsulectomy or a move under the muscle. Many women suffering from painful capsular contracture are relieved after the procedure.

Can I sleep on my front? Generally after four to six weeks. Sleep on your back at first, with your upper body slightly raised.

Risks

Are the risks higher than for a first placement? Slightly, as the tissues have been changed by the first procedure, the capsule and time. The main risks are haematoma, infection, recurrent contracture, asymmetry, changes in sensation and healing problems, particularly with a combined lift.

Can capsular contracture recur? Yes, recurrence is possible, especially if the initial causes persist. Removing the capsule, changing plane, an implant with a suitable surface and strict aseptic precautions reduce this risk.

Is capsulectomy risky? It is longer and can cause more bleeding, particularly when the capsule adheres to the ribs or muscle. Rarely, injury to the pleura can occur when removing a very adherent capsule. The surgeon adapts the extent of removal to the expected benefit.

Can gel remain in the tissues? With an old rupture, gel may have migrated into the tissues or the lymph nodes of the armpit. The surgeon removes as much as possible, but it is sometimes impossible to remove everything without damaging the tissues. These residues are generally well tolerated and monitored.

Which signs require a call? A breast that suddenly swells and becomes painful, fever, spreading redness, discharge from the scar, an areola that changes colour after a lift, or breathlessness, chest pain or a swollen calf.

Is the risk of infection higher? Slightly, particularly with capsulectomy or a reinforcing matrix. Aseptic precautions, antibiotics and sometimes drains reduce this risk. An infection around an implant may require its temporary removal.

Can sensation decrease? A change in areola sensation is possible, especially with a lift or a larger implant. It often returns within a few months.

Is the result guaranteed? No surgeon can guarantee a result. A revision improves the vast majority of situations, but slight asymmetry or an imperfection may persist, linked to the condition of the tissues after years with implants.

What should I do before the procedure? Stop smoking, have the requested examinations, stop certain medicines on medical advice, buy support bras, prepare your home and arrange help for the first few days.

Can I return to work quickly? For office work, often after a week for a simple replacement, one to two weeks with capsulectomy or a lift. Physical jobs require three to six weeks.

When can I drive? Generally after one to two weeks, when steering and the seat belt are no longer painful and you are no longer taking painkillers that cause drowsiness.

Should I tell my gynaecologist? Yes, so that they take it into account during examinations and screening. Send them the operative report, the new implant card and the capsule analysis if one was done.

Should the old implant be kept? The implant removed is often kept or sent to the manufacturer if a warranty is activated. You can ask to take it home, according to the facility's rules. In any case, note its model and condition.

Is the new implant card important? Yes. Keep it with the old one, as well as the operative report. These documents are essential for follow-up, any safety alert or future surgery.

Is implant-associated lymphoma common? No, it is rare. It mainly concerns implants with a heavily textured surface and generally shows as late swelling of a breast. Diagnosed early, it is cured in the vast majority of cases by removing the implant and the entire capsule.

What should I do if I have doubts about my implants? Consult your surgeon or a plastic surgeon, even without significant symptoms. A clinical examination and, if necessary, imaging allow the situation to be assessed and a decision made on whether to act or simply monitor.

Coverage and organisation in Switzerland

Is implant replacement reimbursed? A cosmetic augmentation and its replacement are in principle at the patient's expense. Treatment of certain complications, such as rupture, infection or painful capsular contracture, may, however, be partly covered by insurance, case by case; the new cosmetic implant generally remains at your expense. In reconstruction after cancer, replacement is covered. Ask your insurer for a written decision before the procedure.

Do manufacturers' warranties cover replacement? Some warranties provide for free replacement of the ruptured implant, sometimes a contribution to surgical costs for a certain number of years. Conditions vary; your surgeon can make the claim if you have the references of your implants.

How much does implant replacement cost? The price depends on the procedure: simple replacement, capsulectomy, change of plane, lift, fat transfer, reinforcing matrix. We express it as relative indices on our price page. Compare quotes that clearly specify each procedure.

What should the quote specify? The planned procedure, whether the capsule is removed, the placement plane, the new implants with their model and warranty, combined procedures, anaesthesia, the clinic, capsule analysis, check-ups and touch-up conditions.

Where can I have implants replaced in Switzerland? Plastic surgeons perform revision surgery in most cities: Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Zurich, Lucerne, St. Gallen, Lugano and many medium-sized towns. For complex revisions, choose a surgeon who performs them regularly.

How do I choose my surgeon? Choose a surgeon holding the specialist title in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, experienced in revision surgery, who carries out a full assessment, explains the options and their limits, and shows you results of revisions.

Can I consult in French in German-speaking Switzerland? In the major cities, many surgeons speak French or English. Mention this when booking.

Is a second opinion needed? It is useful for a complex revision, if several surgeons' proposals differ greatly, or if you are hesitating between replacement and removal. Bring your imaging and documents.

My implants were placed in another country: what should I do? Gather as much information as possible about the procedure and the implants. A surgeon in Switzerland can carry out the assessment and revision, adapting if the references are missing. Any warranties depend on the manufacturer.

Can Medespoir guide me? Yes. Tell us the year of placement, the type of implants if you know it and what bothers you, with a photo from the front and in profile. A plastic surgeon will give you a first opinion, and we will direct you to practitioners experienced in revision in your region and your language. Free and without obligation.

Tell us the year of placement, the type of implants if you know it and what bothers you, with a photo from the front and in profile. A plastic surgeon will give you a first opinion. Free and without obligation.