Removing old breast implants and inserting new ones to fix complications, update your look, or simply start fresh..
Brisbane Breast Implant Revision Surgery
Breast implants are not lifelong devices. Most women who have undergone breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) will, at some point, need to consider having their implants removed or replaced. This may be driven by a complication that has developed over time, a change in personal goals, or simply the natural lifespan of the implant itself.
Breast implant removal and replacement — also referred to as implant revision surgery or revision breast augmentation — combines the removal of existing implants with the insertion of new ones. It is a more tailored approach than removal alone, giving patients the opportunity to address any concerns with their current implants while also updating their result. Some patients choose to change implant size, shape, or profile. Others are looking to correct a complication such as capsular contracture or implant rupture. Some want to simply replace ageing implants to maintain the result they love.
The reasons patients seek this procedure include:
Dr Perron takes a personalised approach to every revision case. Each patient’s history, current implant details, tissue quality, and goals are carefully assessed before a surgical plan is formed. He understands that breast implant revision involves a great deal of trust, and he is committed to providing honest, thorough information so that every patient can make a well-informed decision.
Every revision case is different. Dr Perron will walk you through what’s available at your consultation and help you figure out what makes sense for your situation..
Most patients coming in for revision want to update their result or sort out a problem while keeping implants. During surgery, the old implants come out, any capsule tissue is checked and dealt with as needed, and new implants go in. This is also a good time to change the size, shape, or profile if your goals have shifted.
After a breast implant is placed, the body naturally forms a fibrous layer of scar tissue around it, known as a capsule. In most cases, this capsule is thin and soft and causes no concern. In some cases, the capsule can thicken and harden, a condition called capsular contracture. When this occurs, the capsule may need to be partially or fully removed (capsulectomy) as part of the revision procedure. There are several types of capsulectomy:
Partial capsulectomy: Only the thickened or problematic portion of the capsule is removed.
Total capsulectomy: The entire capsule is excised from around the implant pocket.
En bloc removal: The implant and its surrounding capsule are removed together as a single, intact unit. This approach is typically reserved for cases of confirmed or suspected BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma), or in specific cases of ruptured silicone implants where containing the silicone is a priority. Dr Perron will advise whether this approach is clinically indicated in your case.
When implants are removed and replaced, particularly when a patient is downsizing significantly, the breast skin and tissue may have stretched and lost elasticity over the years. In these cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be recommended at the same time as the removal and replacement to achieve a firmer, more youthful breast position and shape. Dr Perron will assess whether this combination is appropriate for you during your consultation.
Preparing well for revision breast surgery is important. Before proceeding, Dr Perron will want to review your implant history where possible. If you have your original implant identification card or any documentation from your initial surgery, it is helpful to bring this to your consultation. This allows Dr Perron to identify your current implant brand, type, size, and surface texture, which is particularly relevant in assessing any risk related to textured implants.
You will also be asked to arrange an ultrasound or MRI of both breasts prior to your consultation or surgery, to assess the condition of your current implants and rule out rupture or fluid accumulation. Your GP can arrange this referral for you.
At your consultation, Dr Perron will look at your breasts, go through your scans, and talk through what’s been bothering you. He’ll cover which surgical approach fits your situation, what to expect from the outcome, and any risks worth knowing about. There’s plenty of time to ask questions before you decide anything..
As with all surgery, patients who smoke will be strongly advised to stop well in advance of the procedure, as smoking impairs wound healing and increases anaesthetic risks. Any medications, supplements, or blood thinners that may affect surgery will also be discussed at your consultation.
Breast implant removal and replacement is performed under a general anaesthetic. The procedure typically takes between one and three hours, depending on the complexity of the case and whether a capsulectomy or combined breast lift is being performed at the same time.
Dr Perron will make incisions in or near the original scar sites where possible, minimising the addition of new scarring. The existing implants are carefully removed, and the capsule is assessed. Where capsular tissue needs to be addressed, Dr Perron will perform the appropriate type of capsulectomy for your situation. The implant pocket may also be modified or refined as part of the procedure.
Once the existing implants and any necessary capsular tissue have been removed, the new implants are placed. At this stage, decisions about size, shape, profile, and placement that were made with Dr Perron during your consultation are carried through into the surgery. If a breast lift is being performed simultaneously, the additional skin removal and tissue reshaping will be completed before the wounds are closed.
Drains may be used to manage fluid accumulation after surgery, and a supportive surgical bra will be applied before you move to the recovery area.
Recovery after breast implant revision surgery is generally similar to recovery after your original augmentation, though this can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, particularly if a capsulectomy or breast lift was performed at the same time.
Plan on one to two weeks off work for most people, though office workers often get back sooner than those in physically demanding jobs. You’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first couple of days..
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal in the days and weeks following surgery. These symptoms are manageable with prescribed pain relief and will gradually settle. Dr Perron will advise you on how to sleep comfortably, how to care for your incisions, and how to wear your compression bra during recovery.
Drains, if inserted, are typically removed within the first week or two. Your compression bra will need to be worn as directed, usually for several weeks, to support healing and help your new implants settle into position.
Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and overhead arm movements should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks after surgery. Light walking is encouraged from early in the recovery period. Dr Perron will guide you through a gradual return to full activity as your healing progresses.
Initial results will be visible once the swelling begins to subside, typically within the first few weeks. However, it takes several months for the implants to fully settle and for the final result to become apparent.
Some women with breast implants report a range of systemic symptoms they attribute to their implants. These can include fatigue, joint pain, cognitive difficulties, and other non-specific complaints. This collection of symptoms is commonly referred to as breast implant illness (BII). While BII is not currently a formally recognised medical diagnosis, the experiences of patients who report these symptoms are taken seriously. Some women who have their implants removed report an improvement in symptoms, though this is not guaranteed in every case. Dr Perron will discuss this topic openly and honestly with you during your consultation if it is a concern.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of immune cell cancer that can develop in association with breast implants. It is not a breast cancer, but rather a cancer of the immune system that arises in the scar tissue or fluid around the implant. To date, cases have been associated exclusively with textured implants, with higher-surface-area texture carrying a greater risk.
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) have monitored and provided guidance on BIA-ALCL for a number of years. The most common presenting symptom is a sudden, unexplained swelling of the breast, typically occurring several years after implant placement.
Most cases of BIA-ALCL can be treated effectively with surgery (removal of the implant and capsule) when detected early. If you have textured implants and notice any new or unexplained swelling, changes in breast shape, a lump, or persistent pain, you should seek prompt medical review.
Dr Perron will discuss the relevant considerations for your specific implants and help you understand what monitoring is recommended and when intervention may be appropriate.
All surgical procedures carry risks, and breast implant removal and replacement is no exception. General risks associated with surgery and anaesthesia include infection, bleeding, haematoma formation, poor wound healing, changes in sensation, and scarring. Risks specific to this procedure include:
Dr Perron will take you through all relevant risks in detail during your consultation and explain the steps taken to minimise them. Not every patient is a suitable candidate for every surgical approach, and this will be assessed on an individual basis.
Please be advised that all procedures carry risks. We encourage patients to consult with their regular GP and a Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before considering surgery. Find more information here.
Choosing a qualified, experienced specialist plastic surgeon for breast implant revision is one of the most important decisions in this process. Revision surgery carries a different level of complexity compared to primary augmentation. The presence of existing scar tissue, implant pockets that may need modification, and the potential need for capsulectomy all require careful surgical judgment and technical skill.
Dr Justin Perron is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon holding the Fellowship of The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS, Plastics), the highest surgical credential in Australia for this field. He is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) under registration number MED0000959827, verifiable at the AHPRA online register.
Dr Perron completed his specialist plastic and reconstructive surgery training across Queensland and Western Australia, gaining broad clinical experience at major hospitals from Townsville to Brisbane, Redcliffe, Caboolture, the Gold Coast, and Perth. This extensive training across a wide variety of cases has built a strong foundation in the full spectrum of breast surgery, including complex revision cases.
He is a proud member of the following professional bodies, all of which require demonstrated surgical qualifications and ongoing commitment to patient safety:
Dr Perron presents at surgical conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting an active commitment to advancing his knowledge and contributing to the profession. He keeps current with evolving guidance from the TGA, ASPS, and ASAPS regarding breast implant safety.
He operates from his private consulting rooms at Herstellen Clinic in Spring Hill, Brisbane, and holds surgical privileges at Wesley Hospital, St Andrews War Memorial Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital, and Spring Hill Specialist Day Hospital.
Herstellen Clinic 490 Boundary Street Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD 4000 Phone: 07 3861 8800
Every patient who consults with Dr Perron receives an honest, unhurried assessment and a surgical plan that is tailored to their individual anatomy, history, and goals. He believes that well-informed patients make the best decisions, and he takes the time to make sure you understand all of your options before proceeding.
There is no single rule that applies to everyone. If you are experiencing symptoms such as hardening of the breast, pain, visible changes in implant position, sudden swelling, or a noticeable change in shape, you should seek a review with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon. Even without symptoms, if your implants are approaching or have exceeded 10 to 15 years in place, scheduling a review and ultrasound is a sensible step. Dr Perron will assess your specific situation and advise you on the most appropriate course of action.
This is a common misconception. There is no fixed mandatory replacement schedule for breast implants. The general guidance is that implants should be reviewed at around ten years, particularly if you have not had a recent imaging assessment. If your implants are functioning well, there is no evidence of rupture, and you are happy with the result, replacement may not be necessary. However, all implants will eventually require attention, and regular monitoring is important. Dr Perron can guide you on the appropriate interval for review based on your implant type and history.
A partial capsulectomy removes only part of the scar tissue capsule surrounding the implant. A total capsulectomy removes the entire capsule. En bloc removal refers to the excision of the implant and its capsule together as one intact unit. En bloc removal is technically demanding and is generally reserved for confirmed or suspected BIA-ALCL or specific cases involving ruptured implants. Dr Perron will advise which approach is appropriate for your circumstances.
Yes. Removal and replacement surgery is an opportunity to update your implant size, shape, or profile. Many patients use this procedure to reduce their implant size as their preferences change over time, while others choose to increase or maintain their current size. Dr Perron will take you through the options available and help you make a decision that is aligned with your goals and anatomy.
This depends on how much the breast tissue has changed since your original augmentation and what size implants you are replacing your current ones with. If you are downsizing significantly or if your breast tissue has lost elasticity due to ageing, weight changes, or pregnancy, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be recommended alongside the removal and replacement to achieve the best possible result. Dr Perron will assess your breast tissue, skin laxity, and nipple position during your consultation and advise whether a lift is recommended.
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used by some women to describe a range of systemic symptoms they associate with their breast implants, including fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and other complaints. BII is not a formally recognised medical diagnosis at this time, and the research into its mechanisms and treatment is ongoing. Some women report improvement in symptoms following explantation, though this is not universal. If you have concerns about BII, Dr Perron will discuss your symptoms with you honestly and help you understand the current state of evidence so you can make a well-informed decision.
BIA-ALCL is a rare cancer of the immune system that has been associated specifically with textured breast implants. It is not breast cancer. The most common sign is a sudden swelling of the breast occurring years after implantation. When detected early, it is generally treatable with surgery. If you have textured implants and notice new, unexplained swelling, pain, or changes in your breast, you should seek prompt medical review. The TGA and ASPS provide guidance on this topic, and Dr Perron is well-informed on current evidence and recommendations.
The procedure typically takes between one and three hours under a general anaesthetic. The exact duration depends on the complexity of the case, whether a capsulectomy is needed, and whether a breast lift is being performed at the same time.
Most patients take one to two weeks away from work. Desk-based work can often be resumed sooner. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and overhead arm movements should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks. Swelling and tenderness are normal in the initial weeks and will gradually settle. Your new implants will take several months to fully settle into position before the final result becomes apparent.
In some cases, where surgery is deemed medically necessary (for example, for documented capsular contracture, implant rupture, or BIA-ALCL), Medicare item numbers may apply, which can also affect private health insurance contributions. Purely aesthetic revision surgery is not covered by Medicare. Dr Perron’s team will advise you on the Medicare and insurance position relevant to your specific situation during the consultation process.
The cost of breast implant removal and replacement depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, whether capsulectomy is required, whether a breast lift is being performed at the same time, and the type of new implants selected. An accurate and fully itemised quote will be provided following your consultation with Dr Perron. Costs are comprised of surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, hospital or day facility fees, and implant costs.
Figures listed are Surgeon’s fees only. Other fees may include anaesthetic fees, hospital fees, compression garment fees, implant costs, and assistant fees. All patients are different and require different treatment approaches. An accurate individualised quote will be provided after an in-depth consultation with Dr Perron.
Yes. Before and after images from Dr Perron’s patients are available in his gallery. Please note that individual patient outcomes will vary. Results shown are specific to each patient and are not a guarantee of outcome. All procedures carry risks, and expected results will be discussed with you personally during your consultation.
If you are considering breast implant removal and replacement in Brisbane, the first step is a personal consultation with Dr Perron. During this appointment, he will review your implant history and imaging, examine your breasts, discuss your goals, and outline the most appropriate options for your situation.
To book your consultation, contact Herstellen Clinic on 07 3861 8800 or use the enquiry form on this website.
Herstellen Clinic 490 Boundary Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane QLD 4000
Disclaimer: Please be advised that all procedures carry risks. We encourage patients to consult with their regular GP and a Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before considering surgery. Find more information here.
Page written in accordance with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines for the advertising of regulated health services. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Specific results are not guaranteed.
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490 Boundary Street
Spring Hill QLD 4000
