Breast implant replacement is a procedure aimed at replacing or updating existing breast implants. This procedure may be recommended for reasons such as changes in breast size or shape, the desire to correct complications after a previous augmentation, such as capsular contracture, or simply to update implants with the latest advancements in materials and technology. Implant replacement can also be performed in case of implant damage or aging.
The procedure typically involves the removal of old implants and, if necessary, their replacement with new ones, allowing for the achievement of the desired aesthetic result and improved patient comfort.
Usually, replacement is carried out through submammary access. With submammary access, the surgeon makes a small incision about 2-3 cm in size at the level of the 5th-6th rib (under the breast where it meets the ribs), through which they remove the old implant and insert the new one. If you wish to undergo the surgery in Korea, you will need to choose one of the accredited manufacturers: MENTOR, MOTIVA, SEBBIN, and GCA. Each of them has its own size charts, different fillers, and profiles. Only a plastic surgeon can help you select the suitable implant. The most expensive, modern, and natural implant is considered to be MOTIVA, imported from Costa Rica, and it comes with a 120-year guarantee, while the most popular is the mid-range MENTOR implant, manufactured in the USA.
You can watch our videos on implant replacement YouTube.
Short surgery information
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Surgery Time: 2-3 hours
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Type of Anesthesia: General anesthesia
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Hospitalization: 3-4 hours
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Return to Normal Life: 5-7 days
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Clinic Visits: 3-4 times
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Stitches Removal: 14 days
Why do women consider implant replacement?
Patients may consider breast implant replacement for several reasons:
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Change in preferences: Desire to change the size or shape of the breasts due to changes in personal preferences or life circumstances.
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Complications with existing implants: Issues such as capsular contracture, leakage, or implant damage.
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Natural body changes: Changes due to aging, pregnancy, or weight fluctuations can impact the appearance of the breasts and may require correction.
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Technological advancements: The desire to benefit from more modern implants with improved characteristics and durability.
Candidates for surgery
Candidates for breast implant replacement typically include patients who have previously undergone breast augmentation and are now dissatisfied with the size, shape, or appearance of their implants. Suitable candidates are those who are physically healthy, have stable weight, have realistic expectations from the surgery, and do not smoke. This type of surgery is also suitable for those who are concerned about the condition or integrity of their implants.
Why South Korea?
South Korea annually performs the highest number of cosmetic procedures and surgeries in the world. Local doctors are considered the most educated and competitive globally, as only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons here. Korea’s medical equipment and technology are on par with the USA and Germany, placing it in the top three countries with the best-equipped clinics.
All implant replacement surgeries are performed in accredited clinics with permission to treat foreign patients and have in-house anesthesiologists. All surgeons performing surgeries on our patients have 15 to 30 years of experience specializing in breast surgery and soft tissue operations, and they do not perform more than two surgeries a day. Fill out the form to calculate the cost of your treatment, conduct a preliminary consultation, and prepare a plan for your trip to South Korea for breast surgery.
How to prepare for breast implant surgery in South Korea
Preparing for breast implant surgery is essential to ensure a successful procedure and a smooth recovery. Here are some important steps to take before the surgery:
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Fasting: Refrain from eating or drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Additionally, take a shower before heading to the clinic.
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Medications: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including Advil or Motrin), and other medications that may increase the risk of excessive bleeding for two weeks before the surgery. Tylenol should be avoided only for three days before the operation.
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Smoking: Quit smoking, including shisha and e-cigarettes. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and can slow down tissue healing. Some surgeons may refuse to perform surgery on smokers due to the higher risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers, even in designated smoking areas.
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Medical history: Review your medical history and be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses, as well as any recent medications you’ve taken. It’s essential not to hide this information from your surgeon and coordinators.
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Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the surgeon. During this consultation, the doctor will examine the intended surgical area, including the position of the nipples/areolas.
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Medical records: If possible, bring or send the results of mammography or breast biopsy. If this is not feasible, the necessary tests will be conducted in Korea.
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Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic and assist you after the surgery. Driving on the day of breast augmentation surgery is strictly prohibited.
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Prepare essentials: Keep essential items near your bed, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone, for use during your recovery.
Surgery process
Before the surgery begins, during the final consultation, the surgeon outlines the surgical design and discusses it with the client. They address any questions or concerns that the patient may have had during the sleepless night before the operation.
The patient is then asked to visit the restroom, confirm the timing of their last intake of water and food, and is escorted to the operating room. A catheter is inserted into the patient’s arm, through which medications used before anesthesia are administered. The operation area is disinfected, and the patient’s arms and legs are secured with straps to minimize movement during sleep.
Blood pressure is monitored, an anesthesiologist attaches a mask to the patient’s face, checks vital signs, and administers anesthesia intravenously.
Once the medication takes effect and the patient is asleep, the surgeon begins the operation. A incision is made under the breast with a scalpel. Depending on the design, the condition of the breast, and the surgical plan, the surgeon may remove old implants and replace them with new ones, performing a lift if necessary.
After completing the surgery and suturing, the breast is wiped dry, a bandage is applied for protection and suture position fixation, and the patient is awakened. They are then assisted to the recovery room for rest and recuperation.
What to expect after implant replacement surgery
After the surgery, a translator or medical nurses will wake you up and assist you to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment as the anesthesia is still effective.
In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may experience chills. This discomfort will quickly pass, and a warm mattress is placed on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There is minimal pain on the first day, as it is alleviated by pain relievers and medications used during the surgery. However, you may feel swelling or discomfort in the breast or even the abdomen, which is normal as the body begins the healing process.
The most significant discomfort is caused by the bandage, which may make it difficult to take deep breaths and may feel tight in some areas. If you experience this, do not hesitate to ask the coordinator if the bandage can be slightly loosened in your case.
You will remain at the clinic for several hours after the operation. A catheter will be in your arm, and medications will be administered intravenously. After the IV is removed and you feel well, you can prepare for discharge, change clothes, pick up prescribed medications, and receive postoperative instructions.
By evening, pain may increase, so be sure to place several pillows around your body to prevent chest trauma during sleep. Take the medications prescribed by the surgeon; they contain pain relievers. If you experience dull pain or swelling in the breast area, it is normal. Your main task at this stage is to be patient and wait for a few days.
Over the next three days, swelling will increase. Do not be alarmed and continue to follow the rehabilitation rules. After the possible removal of the drain (depending on the patient’s case, this can be on the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd day), you can start taking short walks. The more you walk, the faster the swelling will decrease, and your body will recover. Try to spend at least 30 minutes outside every day.
Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today!
You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.
Recovery process after breast implant replacement
Immediate post-procedure: After the procedure, your breasts will be covered with gauze and a surgical support bra. You can leave the clinic within 3-5 hours if you’re feeling well.
Days 1-2: You may experience discomfort in your breasts during these initial days. Wearing the surgical support bra and compression bandages minimizes discomfort and protects the incisions from infection.
Days 3-7: Special exercises will be recommended to achieve a natural result and prevent complications. Most patients can return to work and normal life but should avoid bending, lifting, and strenuous physical activities. You can take showers while avoiding the surgical areas.
Days 7-14: Suture removal (if necessary) and a medical examination of the surgical area. Postoperative procedures such as laser treatment for swelling and wound care.
Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Continue avoiding intense workouts and physical exercises. You can start taking baths from the beginning of the third week.
Days 21-30: The breasts start to take on their natural shape and position. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical exercises. Activities like golf, tennis, or horseback riding are also restricted.
Days 31-60: Implants settle, and you can see 80-90% of the final results.
Days 60-90: You can begin exercising without restrictions, sleep on your stomach and side, and wear underwire bras.
Days 90-180: The final results of the surgery are achieved. You can swim in the sea, sunbathe, and consume alcohol without limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Different surgeons and clinics may use different terms for the same procedure. Natural breast implantation is essentially regular breast augmentation using breast implants.
Korea is the global capital of plastic surgery, and Korean plastic surgeons are familiar with all techniques worldwide. In each case, surgeons recommend using various techniques that suit the patient's needs. Techniques like 5B and seamless mammaplasty are used in South Korea when appropriate.
Seamless mammaplasty refers to regular breast augmentation, where a special medical adhesive is used instead of sutures to secure external tissues. Note that not all cases allow for adhesive use as its tissue fixation level is lower than that of sutures. Moreover, thicker non-absorbable medical threads are always used for internal tissue fixation, making truly seamless mammaplasty essentially impossible.
Yes, it can be combined with surgeries that don't require lying on your stomach (e.g., lipofilling or buttock implants, liposuction). Breast augmentation can be combined with various facial and jaw surgeries, but excessive combinations are not recommended, as recovery will be more complex.
If you have thin skin, initial ptosis, plan to breastfeed, and want a permanent result with firm breasts, we strongly recommend implants. Lipofilling cannot achieve all of these results.
Typically, such a side effect arises due to the patient's failure to follow postoperative rules. Listen to your surgeon and coordinator's recommendations, and everything will be fine!
The most modern implants, such as MOTIVA, have a warranty period of about 120 years, so there's no need to replace them. Old-style implants should be replaced every 10-15 years.
When the implant is placed beneath the muscle, there are no restrictions on breastfeeding.
Yes, we often perform such surgeries.
Before & After











Step 1: Fill out the QUESTIONNAIRE
First and foremost, you need to fill out a form. This will help us and the surgeons better understand your expectations and review your medical history. In the form, be sure to provide your personal information, details about any previous surgeries, and your current health condition. Unfortunately, patients with HIV infection are not eligible for plastic surgeries in Korea.
Step 2: Attach photos
Attaching photos of the areas of your body or face that you would like to have corrected is a crucial step. This allows us to make a preliminary cost estimate and direct you to a specialist who can address your concerns.
Step 3: Submit and wait for confirmation
After submitting the form and photos, your application will be reviewed, and we will contact you to confirm details and schedule a consultation.
Step 4: Prepare for the consultation
Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask the coordinator and surgeon during the consultation. We recommend bringing a phone with notes or a notepad to help you stay organized and obtain all the information you need. Additionally, you can always ask any questions you have in a personal chat created for discussing the details of your trip.