Service
Breast implant replacement (re-augmentation)
Implant replacement (re-augmentation) takes out the existing implants and places new ones — of the same or a different size and shape. It is done because of the age of the implants, a change in what you want, a change in the breast after pregnancy or weight loss, or because of capsular contracture.
What concerns does it address?
With capsulectomy
Around every implant the body forms a covering of scar tissue (a capsule). When it tightens, the breast becomes harder, painful or changes shape — this is most likely capsular contracture. Along with the replacement, the capsule is then removed too (capsulectomy).
With a lift
When the skin of the breast has stretched, a lift is done along with the implant replacement, so that the new implant sits in the right place.
What changes, what does not, and how do we decide?
Replacement is not one operation but a choice between several, and the choice is made at the examination based on three things: how old the implants are, where they are placed and what has happened to the breast in the meantime.
Placement. If the implants were under the gland and capsular contracture has developed, the new implant is as a rule moved under the muscle — leaving it in the same conditions means a greater likelihood that the capsule will tighten again. This operation is more demanding, because a firm capsule fuses with the gland and muscle, but it gives a more natural look, a more stable position of the implant and easier breast examinations later.
One side or both. Contracture is more often on one side, but it is rarely worth operating on only one breast — two breasts with an implant in a different layer do not look the same. That is why both are most often done, and the old implants are kept only if they are recent and intact and the patient expressly wants this.
Age of the implant. An implant with a known origin, documentation and registration is replaced when it is damaged, when the recommended period has expired or when the breast has changed. Manufacturer's warranty, expert assessment of a damaged implant and an implant without documentation (always replaced) → Breast implants
A breast that has become loose. If the breast has dropped with the years, with weight loss or after childbirth, a new implant does not lift it but adds to its load — a replacement with a lift is done. A larger implant is never the solution for a sagging breast.
For patients who are satisfied, without symptoms and with implants under the muscle, we do not suggest replacement simply because of the age of the implants — regular follow-up visits are enough. How often implants are checked is described on the Breast implants page.
We also see patients who were operated on elsewhere
Bring any documentation about your implants to the examination, if you have it — type, size, date of placement.
When is the procedure not suitable?
An advertised "lifetime warranty" on new implants is not in itself a reason for an operation: if you have no symptoms, follow-up visits are enough. With an active infection around the implant, the implant is removed first, the breast heals, and a new one is placed later.
General reasons for postponing a procedure (pregnancy, breastfeeding, inflammation, a clotting disorder, smoking): When is a procedure postponed?
Anaesthesia
Before a procedure under general or regional anaesthesia, you are seen by the anaesthetist, who works full time at the clinic; the same doctor is also present during the procedure. The anaesthetic assessment and the anaesthesia for larger operations are included in the price of the procedure. What happens before, during and after anaesthesia is described on the Anaesthesia page.
Risks
Occasional — a collection of fluid, repeat capsular contracture, a change in the sensation of the nipple.
Expected, and rare but serious → Risks and complications: what is the course of healing, and what is a complication?
Price
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Re-augmentation (implant replacement) | €5,000–5,500 |
| Re-augmentation and breast lift | €5,500–6,500 |
| Re-augmentation with capsulectomy | €6,500–7,000 |
Specialist and team
Specialty: plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
When the procedure is done under sedation or general anaesthesia, the anaesthesia is led by a specialist in anaesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care who works full time at the clinic.
In the operating theatre, the surgeon is assisted by head nurse Martina Šereg, with the help of nurses Kristina Jurešić and Mateja Tomorad, and in recovery the care assistant Mirjana Kovačić is with you. Martina also looks after preparation, scheduling and contact after the procedure.
Who will operate is decided at the examination, based on the findings and the type of procedure. You know the name of the surgeon before the procedure and meet them at the examination.
What happens at the examination?
The first examination lasts 30 to 45 minutes on average. The surgeon examines the area you are concerned about, asks about illnesses, medicines, allergies and previous operations, and talks with you about what you expect. If the procedure is appropriate and likely to help, you receive a plan: which procedure is proposed, under which anaesthesia, what recovery looks like and what is included in the price. If the procedure is not needed or would not give you what you expect, you will hear that at the examination too.
What if the result is not as agreed?
The result of a procedure is assessed at a follow-up visit, once the swelling has gone down and the scar has matured, not in the first weeks. If it differs from what was agreed at the examination, the same surgeon carries out the correction.
→ Poliklinika Barbel's correction policy
In the same visit
- Breast lift — when the skin of the breast has stretched, a lift is done along with the replacement, so that the new implant sits in the right place.
- Areola and nipple correction — areola correction is often done along with implant replacement, in the same procedure.
Frequently asked questions
I have had implants for ten years or more — do I have to replace them? Not necessarily. For older generations of implants, replacement is recommended after about ten years, but at a time that suits you and with more frequent follow-up visits.
Is the same incision used? As a rule yes, through the old scar — under the breast or around the areola. If a lift is done along with the replacement, the lift incisions are added.
Can I change the size? Yes, within the limits of what the breast can take — this is measured at the examination. After several years with implants, most women know exactly what they want, and even better what they do not want.
How much does the result depend on care after the procedure? The larger the procedure, the more it depends on it, but it always does. Healing takes weeks and months and happens almost entirely at home, so the instructions you receive when you go home, about the wound, physical activity and the scar, are part of the procedure, not a recommendation.
Who is with me if I stay overnight in the clinic after the procedure? You stay overnight when the doctor judges it necessary and this is agreed with you. You then spend the night in a room in the recovery unit, which has a bed, a television and a bathroom. A nurse is with you all night and a doctor is on call. The overnight stay and night care are included in the price of the procedure.
→ How long do you stay in the clinic after surgery?
Medical review: doctors of Poliklinika Barbel · October 2026.