Breast Implant Replacement Gold Coast and Toowoomba
Breast Implant Replacement (Breast Implant Revision)
Breast implant replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing existing breast implants and replacing them with new ones. Also known as breast implant revision surgery, it may be performed to address complications with existing implants, to account for changes in breast tissue over time, or simply because a patient wishes to change the size or appearance of their breasts. As part of a breast revision procedure, breast implant replacement surgery can involve maintaining the results of an initial breast augmentation or making adjustments to the results with new implants.
Breast implants eventually require revision after a breast augmentation. However, they can typically last for up to 10 years or more before a breast revision procedure is necessary.
Apart from replacing the breast implants after the typical 10-year period, patients may need to undergo the procedure to address complications. These complications can include issues that have occurred with the implants specifically or changes in breast tissue.
Some patients may also desire a change in the size of their breasts after a breast augmentation and seek a breast implant replacement for aesthetic purposes.
Specialist Plastic Surgeon A/Prof Mark Magnusson can use different techniques to perform the procedure and meet every patient’s individual needs. The reasons for replacing breast implants can vary, and so can the patient’s desired results, prompting the need for personalised surgery plans.
A/Prof Magnusson has been a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon since 2000, bringing over 25 years of surgical experience to every procedure. He holds Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Plastic Surgery — the highest surgical qualification in Australia — and is an active member of the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). His academic appointment as Associate Professor further reflects his standing within the surgical community. For patients considering breast implant replacement on the Gold Coast or in Toowoomba, this depth of experience and formal accreditation means your care is in the hands of one of Queensland’s most qualified specialist plastic surgeons.
A/Prof Magnusson performs breast implant replacement surgery at accredited private hospital facilities on the Gold Coast, including Pacific Private Day Hospital in Southport, Pindara Private Hospital in Benowa, and Gold Coast Private Hospital in Southport. His Gold Coast consulting rooms are also located in Southport, making the practice easily accessible for patients across the Gold Coast, Tweed Heads, and surrounding areas.
Why a patient may consider breast implant replacement surgery:
Breast implant replacement surgery can be performed to address complications, address changes in the patient’s tissue, or make aesthetic changes.
Sometimes, replacing an implant may not be possible due to the severity of the complication that has occurred. During a consultation, Specialist Plastic Surgeon A/Prof Mark Magnusson will need to assess your condition and advise you on whether to undergo a revision with or without a replacement.
Breast Implant Replacement — At a Glance
| Surgery Duration | 1–3 hours |
| Anaesthetic | General anaesthetic |
| Hospital Stay | Day surgery or overnight stay |
| Time Off Work | 1–2 weeks |
| Time Before Driving | 1–2 weeks |
| Time Before Exercise | 6 weeks |
| Compression Garment | 6 weeks |
| Follow-Up Appointments | Yes — scheduled by A/Prof Magnusson’s team |
| Gold Coast Facilities |
Pacific Private Day Hospital, Pindara Private Hospital, Gold Coast Private Hospital |
Timelines are a guide only and will vary depending on the complexity of your individual procedure. A/Prof Magnusson will provide personalised recovery instructions at your consultation.
- Breast implant complications
Some complications that can occur with breast implants include capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant rotation, implant migration and rippling. These complications typically lead to the need for a breast implant revision, where the implants need to be removed and/or replaced.
Capsular contracture is when the natural scar tissue that forms around a breast implant hardens. The tightening of the scar tissue can put pressure on the implant, causing pain and potentially distorting the shape of the breast.
Breast implant rupture occurs when a tear or hole in the implant shell allows the filling to leak out. Silicone ruptures may not always show immediate symptoms, while saline implants deflate quickly and are more noticeable.
Anatomical (teardrop-shaped) breast implants can rotate, which can cause an altered breast shape and lead to noticeable asymmetry. Rotation is generally not a significant risk with round implants, as their circular shape remains consistent regardless of their orientation.
Breast implant migration refers to when the implants move out of their original position. The implants may move downwards, out towards the side or in towards the middle. Migration can occur for a variety of reasons, including insufficient tissue support, trauma or simply gravity.
Rippling of the implant can occur when the appearance of noticeable folds in a breast implant can be seen, or sometimes felt, through the skin. It is more common with saline implants, particularly if they are placed over the chest muscle or if a patient does not have sufficient breast tissue to cover the implant. Rippling can also occur with silicone implants. However, it is typically less noticeable.
- Other complications of an initial breast augmentation
Other complications that can occur after a breast augmentation with implants may also prompt the need for a revision procedure.
These complications can include haematoma (where bleeding occurs in the breast implant pocket), seroma (where fluid can accumulate in the area and cause swelling), and infection.
Sometimes, the breasts can move excessively with muscular contraction, particularly if they have been placed below the chest muscle (sub-muscular placement). The breast implants may move in a noticeable manner, which can sometimes cause discomfort or be visibly noticeable. Replacing the implants can adjust these results.
An initial breast augmentation may not have completely treated developmental breast conditions, such as tuberous or constricted breasts. A revision procedure may complete the process.
- Changes to breast tissue
Changes may sometimes occur in the breast tissue after an initial augmentation with implants. A revision procedure to remove or replace the implants can help address these changes. Depending on the changes, other breast procedures, such as a breast lift to address ptosis, may sometimes be combined with the revision surgery.
Patients may experience an increase or reduction in the volume of their natural breast tissue, which can affect the results of the augmentation. Due to natural changes in the breast tissue, asymmetry may also develop after a breast augmentation.
Different degrees of breast ptosis can also occur, where the skin on the breasts loses elasticity, and the breasts can naturally sit lower on the chest wall.
- Changes in aesthetic preferences
Patients may simply wish to have a breast implant replacement procedure to make changes to the aesthetics of their initial results.
Their results may not have met their expectations, or they may have had a change in preferences. For example, a patient may want to reduce or increase their breast size by selecting a different implant size.
Your Implant Options at Consultation
During your consultation, A/Prof Magnusson will discuss the implant options available to you based on your anatomy, your existing implants, and your desired outcome. The main decisions involve implant size, shape, and surface texture.
Implant Size
Many patients choose breast implant replacement as an opportunity to increase or decrease their breast size. You may wish to go larger if your original implants no longer meet your aesthetic preferences, or smaller if your lifestyle or body has changed over time. A/Prof Magnusson will help you select a size that is proportionate to your frame and consistent with your goals.
Implant Shape
Breast implants are available in two main shapes:
- Round implants provide fullness across the entire breast, particularly in the upper pole. They are a common choice for patients seeking a fuller appearance and carry a lower risk of noticeable rotation.
- Anatomical (teardrop) implants are shaped to mirror the natural breast, with more volume in the lower pole and a gradual slope towards the top. They can produce a more natural-looking result in some patients, though they require precise placement to avoid rotation.
A/Prof Magnusson will advise which shape is most appropriate for your anatomy and the results you are looking to achieve.
Implant Surface Texture
Implant surface texture is an important consideration, particularly given ongoing developments in implant safety research in Australia. Options currently available include smooth and low-surface-area (nano-textured or micro-textured) implants. A/Prof Magnusson will explain the available options, their respective characteristics, and any relevant safety considerations during your consultation.
All implants used by A/Prof Magnusson are registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and comply with current Australian guidelines.
How is breast implant replacement surgery performed?
Breast implant replacement surgery generally involves removing the breast implants that were placed during initial breast augmentation and replacing them with new implants.
Depending on the changes or aspects of the breasts that the patient wants to address, the procedure can sometimes be combined with a breast lift. A breast lift can address breast ptosis, characterised by changes in the breast tissue that can occur over time as the body naturally ages.
An alternative to replacing the breast implants with new implants is fat grafting. While it usually cannot replicate the increase in volume that a breast implant can achieve, it may sufficiently add a moderate amount of volume without requiring breast implants.
On this page, we’ll specifically discuss breast implant replacement, where new implants are inserted.
Implant removal
To remove the breast implant, an incision is usually made within the scar line of the initial augmentation. Placing the incision in the same location can help to minimise scarring.
Once the implant has been carefully removed, a capsulectomy may also be performed, particularly if capsular contracture has occurred. A capsulectomy involves removing the surrounding capsule of scar tissue that had formed around the breast implant.
In some cases, the complications that need to be addressed may be too significant for breast implant replacement to be possible. If so, the breast implants will be removed without replacement. A further surgery may then be possible at a later date.
Implant replacement
To prepare for the new breast implants, the implant pocket may need to be surgically adjusted first, usually when a different implant size will be placed.
The new implants can then be placed using the appropriate techniques and with great attention to detail regarding placement, symmetry, and other aesthetic factors.
The incision sites can then be closed, and bandages are placed to protect the incision sites. Drains may sometimes be placed to prevent a build-up of fluid around the new implant.
An optional additional step: Improving pocket stability
Support can be created with an ” internal bra ” to improve the stability of the breast implant pocket. This additional step may be recommended if the implant pocket is not stable enough to hold the breast implants in their correct position.
The “internal bra” may be created by using elements of the current capsule, with excess breast skin, a tissue scaffold or an acellular dermal matrix (ADM).
Cost of breast implant replacement surgery
Breast implant surgery requires a tailored approach to meet each patient’s needs. Therefore, you’ll need to discuss your costs during your consultation.
The cost of the procedure can be based on the:
- The complexity of the procedure
- Type of breast implants used
- Addition of steps (such as adjustments to the implant pocket or a capsulectomy)
- Addition of other procedures (such as a breast lift)
Required fees will include surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia fees and facility costs. Each of these fees can also depend on the above factors.
To get information on pricing, please contact our team to arrange your consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon A/Prof Mark Magnusson. His Gold Coast consulting rooms are located at Suite 6, Level 5, 123 Nerang Street, Southport QLD 4215, with surgery performed at accredited Gold Coast hospital facilities. Consultations are also available at his Toowoomba rooms at 8 Margaret Street East, Toowoomba QLD 4350.
Recovery after breast implant replacement surgery
Your recovery after breast implant replacement surgery will involve limiting physical activity, managing post-surgical discomfort and following instructions to prevent complications.
Within the first week, you will likely experience some pain, swelling and a sensation of tightness in the chest area. These symptoms are typical part of the body’s healing process after the procedure and will improve over the following weeks.
While you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise or activities that involve the chest muscles, you can gradually resume light activities until your recovery is complete.
During recovery, you’ll need to follow the instructions that Dr Magnusson will provide. Recovery instructions after the procedure can include to:
- Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting
- Gradually resume physical activities
- Wear a supportive bra
- Stay on top of main management (with prescribed or over-the-counter medication)
- Sleep on your back, avoiding sleeping on your stomach
- Avoid consuming alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Stay hydrated
- Follow a nourishing diet
You’ll schedule check-up appointments to monitor your recovery. Attending these appointments will ensure that any issues that may arise during recovery can be addressed.
Potential risks and complications
The risks and complications of a breast implant replacement procedure will be outlined before your surgery. Careful steps will be taken to minimise risks where possible. Following your recovery instructions and adequately preparing for the procedure will also help to avoid complications.
If complications do occur after the procedure, medical attention may be necessary and/or another surgery may be required.
Possible risks include:
- Complications that can occur with the new breast implants (capsular contracture, implant rupture, implant rotation, implant migration and rippling), prompting the need for removal
- Infection, which may require antibiotics
- Seroma (a build-up of fluid), which may require drainage
- Temporary or permanent changes in breast or nipple sensation
- Blood clots
- Reactions to general anaesthesia
- Scarring at the incision sites
- A very rare complication, BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma)
Book your consultation with Specialist Plastic Surgeon A/Prof Mark Magnusson
Please contact our team to arrange yo[ur consultation with A/Prof Mark Magnusson in Toowoomba or the Gold Coast.
Breast Implant Replacement FAQs
When should breast implants be replaced?
There is no set timeframe that applies to everyone. Breast implants may be replaced if there is a confirmed rupture, capsular contracture, implant movement, discomfort, changes in breast shape, or if imaging suggests a problem. Some patients also consider replacement for personal reasons. The appropriate timing depends on your symptoms, examination, and imaging, and it should be reviewed with the surgeon.
How do I know if my breast implant has ruptured?
A rupture is not always obvious. Possible signs can include a change in breast shape or size, new firmness, swelling, discomfort, or a change in how the breast feels. With silicone implants, a rupture can be “silent” and only detected on imaging. If you are concerned, a clinical review and appropriate imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be recommended.
Will the surgeon use old scars for the replacement procedure?
In some cases, the surgeon can use an existing scar, but it depends on where the scar is, how it has healed, and what access is needed for the procedure. Factors such as implant position, capsule findings, and whether additional steps are planned can affect the incision choice. The surgeon will explain the options and what scar placement is most appropriate for you.
How much does breast implant replacement surgery cost?
Cost varies because breast implant replacement is not the same for everyone. It depends on what needs to be done, the type of anaesthetic, and the hospital or day surgery fees. Costs can also change if additional work is needed, such as capsule surgery, and if new implants are being used. The clinic can explain the likely costs after assessment, including any out-of-pocket expenses.
Is the recovery more difficult?
Recovery varies and depends on what is done during surgery. If the procedure involves an implant exchange only, recovery may feel similar to the original operation for some patients. If additional steps are needed, such as work on the capsule or implant pocket, swelling, discomfort, and time away from normal activities may be greater. Recovery instructions and follow-up timing are explained based on the procedure being performed.