Decision guide

Implant exchange or removal: What should change?

Published 10 October 2026

An implant exchange gives you the opportunity to create breast volume with a new implant. Removal means that this implant is no longer in place. Which option makes sense depends on the symptoms, examination and your wishes for the future. A decision cannot be made based on the age of the implant alone.

Maybe you want smaller breasts. Maybe the shape has changed, or you no longer want implants after many years. If there is pain, hardening or new swelling, medical evaluation comes first. Only then does the aesthetic planning follow.

Three questions at the beginning

What is the reason: a personal wish, a visible change or a medical finding? Do you want to continue wearing implants? What breast shape would be acceptable to you after another procedure?

These questions can have different answers. Anyone who is generally satisfied with implants but wants a different size has a different goal than someone who would like to forego further implants. A good consultation leaves room for both wishes.

What is examined before a recommendation is made

The assessment includes breast shape, skin, tissue coverage and, if applicable, the implant capsule. Depending on the situation, imageing may be necessary. Implant passport, previous operation reports and existing examinations help to understand the initial situation.

Note how long the change has occurred and whether it occurred suddenly or gradually. The connection to exercise or a previous injury can also be important. Missing documents do not prevent consultation; bring what is available.

When a change may be an option

A change may be an option if you still want implants and a replacement is medically and aesthetically acceptable. It's not just about the new implant. The existing pocket, capsule and breast shape must be included in the planning.

A new implant alone does not necessarily correct every change in position or shape. Therefore, ask whether additional steps would be necessary and whether a later lift needs to be discussed. Additional implants also mean additional implant-related risks and check-ups.

What removal can mean

After removal, the volume and shape depend largely on your own tissue, skin and previous implants. A lift may be worth considering, but is not automatically necessary. Your own fat is also not a blanket replacement solution; Suitability, scope and limits must be assessed separately.

Discuss not only what should be removed, but also what change you can expect afterwards. An honest conversation about remaining volume and scars is more helpful than a promised ideal image.

Does the entire capsule have to be removed?

Not with every implant removal. Whether and to what extent the capsule is treated depends on the findings and the goal of the operation. The term “en bloc” refers to a specific oncological procedure and is not a general quality feature of every removal. The expert consensus states a confirmed or justified suspicion of implant-associated cancer after appropriate clarification.

Ask for the exact name of the planned procedure and its justification. Removing more tissue is not automatically a better or less risky solution.

Risks and limits

Bleeding, infection, scars, changes in sensation and an unsatisfactory shape or symmetry result are possible risks. Previous surgeries can make planning more challenging. When it comes to general complaints such as fatigue, there is no guarantee that surgery will resolve them; other causes must be taken into account.

Questions for the consultation

What cause do you suspect and what investigation is still missing?
What is realistic after removal without a replacement implant?
What should be changed in the capsule or implant pocket and why?
What risks remain with an implant exchange?
What alternatives do I have if I don't want to have surgery for the time being?

Frequently asked questions

Do implants always have to be changed after ten years?

There is no blanket recommendation to exchange implants based solely on a fixed number of years. Findings and follow-up are decisive; nevertheless, implants are not a guaranteed lifelong solution.

Is removal always associated with lift?

No. The findings and your desired result determine whether additional lift makes sense.

Can I get a second opinion?

Yes. Further assessment can help better understand a proposed plan.

Your next step

Request a consultation from NP Aesthetics Zurich. The appointment takes place in the Klinik Selnau and costs CHF 250. If you have acute symptoms, seek medical help promptly instead of waiting for a regular consultation appointment.

This article does not replace individual examination and medical advice.

Treating physicians

Consultation, surgery and follow-up appointments are carried out personally by the specialist responsible for your treatment.