Contact number: 020 7806 4060
What is Breast Implant Exchange?
Breast implant exchange involves removing your current implants and inserting new implants to suit your needs and goals. This implant exchange procedure can be tailored to:
- Adjust your breast size or implant size
- Improve breast shape or breast appearance
- Address complications like implant rupture, scar tissue, or capsular contracture
- Replace saline implants or silicone implants that are aged or damaged
The amount of breast tissue removed during the procedure depends on the condition of the old implants and surrounding tissue. In some cases, a breast lift, fat grafting, or fat transfer may also be considered to improve contour or correct implant malposition.
You’ll have an initial consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals, assess the condition of your implant pocket, and review the desired outcome—whether that’s larger or smaller implants, a more youthful appearance, or simply removing the implants entirely.
Breast Implant Exchange at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
We offer expert-led implant replacement surgery in a safe, private hospital environment in North West London. Our goal is to make your experience as comfortable and informed as possible.
Why patients choose us:
- Experienced Plastic Surgeons: Specialists in breast implant exchange surgery, implant removal, and complex revision cases
- Personalised Surgical Planning: Your surgeon will help you decide whether to replace implants, adjust their size and shape, or pursue breast reconstruction
- High-Quality Facilities: Modern operating theatres and attentive nursing care in NW8
- Accessible Location: Easily reachable from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and wider London
Every case is different. Whether you had your original augmentation 10 years ago or more recently, our team is here to help you make the right decision for your aesthetic preferences, health, and comfort.
Consultants who perform breast implant exchange
How much does private Breast Implant Exchange cost?
Guide price from £6,000*
The cost of Breast Implant Exchange Surgery is from £6,000 (guide price) at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide price for related costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. This will vary depending on your surgical needs. This guide price does not include the cost of consultation, diagnostics or the surgeon or anaesthetist free.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breast Implant Exchange
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is based in St John’s Wood (NW8), near landmarks like Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We’re easy to reach from nearby areas:
By Tube:
St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189
By Car:
Convenient access via Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road from NW3 and NW6
Breast implant exchange may be performed for a range of reasons:
- To address capsular contracture or implant rupture
- To upgrade to new implants for improved comfort or appearance
- To correct implant malposition or changes in breast tissue
- To change implant size or correct changes from weight fluctuations
- To respond to medical concerns or personal preferences over time
Some patients choose to combine breast implant exchange surgery with a breast lift, especially if there is excess skin, implant deflation, or sagging. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate surgical plan to achieve your desired results.
The recovery period is similar to your original procedure. Most patients return to light activities within one to two weeks. You’ll be advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several weeks, and you’ll attend follow up appointments to monitor healing progress.
Any new implants will continue to settle over time, and your surgeon will provide guidance on how to support your recovery and reduce the risk of additional scarring or complications.
Preparation for a breast implant exchange is crucial for a successful outcome. This includes consultations with your surgeon to discuss your goals, evaluate your current implants, and decide on the new implants. A comprehensive medical evaluation and possibly mammograms or breast scans will be performed to assess your breast health.
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, we recommend focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking can significantly impact your recovery process. We’ll schedule a pre-operative assessment to review your overall health and confirm your readiness for surgery. This assessment may include blood tests and a review of any medications you’re currently taking. It’s essential to disclose all medications, including over-the-counter supplements, as some may need to be paused before your surgery.
Our plastic surgeons utilise the latest techniques and technology to perform breast implant exchange surgery. The procedure involves carefully removing the old implants, assessing the breast capsule, and making any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired outcome. The new implants are then precisely placed to enhance the shape, size, and symmetry of your breasts.
Throughout the surgery, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our state-of-the-art operating rooms are equipped with advanced monitoring systems, allowing our team to closely observe your vital signs and ensure the procedure goes smoothly. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the complexity of the case, but you can rest assured that our team is committed to achieving the best possible results for you.
Medically reviewed by Mrs Jacqueline Lewis - FRCS(Glasg) FRCS(Plast) on 25/04/2024