Aesthetic Surgery
Breast Implant Replacement
Replacing breast implants
At a Glance
In Brief
Surgical replacement of breast implants
Treatment Duration
Approx. 60–120 minutes
Anaesthesia
Twilight sedation or general anaesthesia
Downtime
Usually a few days, sport after 6–8 weeks
Results
Individual, after consultation
Duration of Effect
Long-lasting, modern durable implants
Sessions
1 procedure
Price
On request
Breast implant replacement is a surgical procedure in which existing breast implants are exchanged for new ones. Medical reasons can include capsular fibrosis, a hardening of the tissue around the implant, or material fatigue. Replacement may also be desired for aesthetic reasons, when your ideas about how your breasts should look have changed.
A shifted implant, asymmetry or many years with the same implants can also be reasons for replacement. At Aesthetics Medical, implant replacement is carried out safely, with experience and a personalised approach. At our modern clinic on Utoquai in Zurich-Seefeld, you receive highly qualified treatment, with Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei accompanying you from the first consultation through to follow-up care. Together with him, you clarify which surgical technique and type of implant are suitable for you.
Surgical Procedure
This treatment is a surgical procedure performed under medical direction. Procedure, anaesthesia and aftercare are discussed in detail during your personal consultation.
Treatment Areas
Replacing breast implants may be considered for a range of medical or aesthetic reasons.
New Size or Shape
If your preferences have changed, switching to implants of a different size or shape may be an option. What your anatomy allows is clarified at the initial appointment.
Capsular Fibrosis
In capsular fibrosis, the tissue that has formed around the implant becomes hard. In this situation, replacing the implant may become necessary.
Rupture or Material Fatigue
If the shell of an implant has ruptured or the material shows signs of fatigue after many years, replacement may be advisable.
Displacement or Asymmetry
If an implant has shifted, the shape of the breast has changed or an asymmetry has developed, replacement can also be considered.
After Many Years
After many years with implants, some patients choose replacement to renew the aesthetic result.
What is breast implant replacement?
In breast implant replacement, existing breast implants are surgically removed and replaced with new ones. The surgical technique, implant type and procedure are planned beforehand, based on your starting situation, your current implants and your anatomy.
Where possible, the existing scar is used for access, usually in the fold beneath the breast. In individual cases, a new incision is necessary if there is substantial scar tissue or unusual anatomy. The aim is a scar that is as discreet as possible.
The procedure is performed under twilight sedation or general anaesthesia and takes around 60 to 120 minutes, depending on its extent. Additional measures, including a breast lift, can extend the operating time. After the operation, you wear a supportive compression bra, and regular check-ups accompany the healing process.
- Access via existing scar where possible
- Takes around 60–120 minutes
- Twilight sedation or general anaesthesia
- Can be combined with a lift if needed
- Supportive compression bra afterwards
Why breast implant replacement at Aesthetics Medical?
FMH Specialist
You are cared for by Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei, FMH specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He has more than 25 years of experience.
Using the Existing Scar
Wherever possible, the scar from the earlier operation is used for access. This is intended to keep scarring as discreet as possible.
Certified Setting
Anaesthesia takes place in a certified setting and is administered by experienced specialists. The type of anaesthesia is chosen to suit your needs.
Close Follow-Up
After the procedure, our team monitors you closely. Check-ups and advice on what to do are adapted to how your healing progresses.
Time to Decide
Your first appointment takes place in a separate consultation room on Utoquai. You make your decision about replacement only afterwards, with no obligation.
What does the procedure involve?
Consultation
In a personal consultation, Dr. med. (I) Ranieri Mazzei assesses your current situation, your existing implants, your wishes and your anatomy. Based on this, he draws up a plan with specific recommendations on surgical technique, implant type and procedure.
Preparation
Before the planned procedure, you receive clear instructions on how to prepare and on medication. Possible risks are also discussed with you beforehand.
Surgery
Under the agreed anaesthesia, the old implants are exchanged for new ones, through the previous incision where possible. The operation lasts approximately 60–120 minutes, depending on its scope.
Healing Phase
At first, you take things easy and wear a compression bra that supports the breasts. Tightness in the first few days is normal, and most patients can return to work after a few days.
Follow-Up
Follow-up appointments accompany your recovery and are arranged with you. Depending on your progress, sport like jogging or weight training can be resumed after 6–8 weeks at the earliest.
| Breast implant replacement | on request |
After the consultation, you receive a quotation tailored to your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the procedure work and how long does it take?
After consultation and planning, the existing implants are removed under anaesthesia and replaced with new ones. Where possible, access is through the existing scar, usually in the fold beneath the breast. Depending on the extent and any additional measures, including a breast lift, the operation takes around 60 to 120 minutes.
What type of anaesthesia is used for the procedure?
The procedure is performed under either twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on your needs. Anaesthesia is provided by experienced specialists in a certified setting. We discuss with you before the procedure which option is suitable.
What risks and side effects are possible?
A temporary feeling of tightness is normal in the first few days and subsides quickly. Possible risks include infection, capsular fibrosis, impaired wound healing and changes in breast shape. Thanks to our experience and modern techniques, complications are rare and can usually be treated effectively. Your individual risks and suitability are discussed in detail at the medical consultation before the procedure.
What should I consider before the procedure?
In the preliminary consultation, your starting situation, your current implants and your wishes are carefully assessed. Before the planned date, you receive clear instructions on preparation and medication. We go through any further details for your situation at the consultation.
What should I consider after the procedure?
After the procedure, you wear a supportive compression bra and our team monitors you closely. Depending on your recovery, sport like jogging or weight training should be resumed no earlier than 6 to 8 weeks afterwards. For later examinations, let your radiologist know about your implants; MRI scans and mammograms can generally be performed.
How long does recovery take after the procedure?
Healing is similar to recovery after your first breast operation and involves rest, wearing a special support bra and regular check-ups. Most patients can return to work after a few days. Sporting activities can be resumed after 6 to 8 weeks.
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When do results become visible?
How the breasts look and feel after replacement depends, among other things, on the chosen implant and careful placement. When the result can be assessed varies from person to person. We discuss your expectations and the realistic options beforehand, and review your progress at the follow-up appointments.
How long do the results last?
Modern breast implants are very durable and do not usually need to be replaced routinely. A further replacement is generally only required if changes or complications occur, or if you request it. Questions about implant durability can be clarified with us beforehand.
Is more than one procedure needed?
As a rule, one procedure is sufficient. A breast lift or other additional measures are taken into account during planning and can extend the operating time.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
Replacement may be considered if breast implants need to be exchanged for medical or aesthetic reasons. Reasons can include capsular fibrosis, implant rupture, a displaced implant, changes in shape or the wish for a different size or shape. At the first consultation, the doctor assesses whether replacement makes sense for you.
How much does the procedure cost?
The cost depends on the extent of the operation, the implant type, the technique and any additional requests. After the initial discussion, you receive a clear, transparent quotation. Aesthetic procedures are usually paid for privately, and where there are medical reasons, we discuss the options case by case.
Personal Consultation
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Every treatment starts with a conversation and a 3D analysis.