Mr Christopher West, plastic surgeon Book a consultation
Mr Christopher West in a blue suit and striped tie outside a stone building.

Capsulectomy and implant exchange

Replaces breast implants and removes some or all of the capsule around them.

Book a consultation Questions and answers

The operation

Modern breast implants are durable and last for many years. Despite this, there are a number of reasons why women may choose to change or replace their implants. Some women may wish to change the shape and size of their breasts. For others the implants may rupture or form a tight capsule of scar tissue, which can distort the implant and cause pain. When implants are exchanged Mr West will remove some or all of the capsule around the implants.

At your consultation, Mr West will discuss your concerns and what you hope to achieve from surgery. Following an examination of your chest, Mr West can suggest a plan for your surgery. This could include a number of different procedures including exchanging the implants, fat grafting and a breast lift.

In theatre
2 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Downtime
2 weeks
Exercise
4 to 6 weeks
Price
From £7,495
Suited to
Patients wishing to change their implants.
How it works
The implants and some or all of the surrounding capsule are removed, then new implants are put in.
The result
Improvements in size, shape and feel can be achieved.
Mr West and the theatre team at work over a patient under a blue drape.

Step by step

From the first consultation to your recovery.

  1. Your consultation

    Book a consultation online or call the team. Consultations are in York and Leeds, with virtual consultations for patients travelling from further afield.

  2. The day of surgery

    You will meet the consultant anaesthetist, who will discuss the anaesthetic with you.

    Mr West will draw markings on your chest to plan the procedure and the incisions. Usually the scar from previous surgery will be used. Once in theatre and asleep, Mr West will make small cuts in the crease under your breast to find your implants and the capsule surrounding them. Part of the capsule will be removed and a new pocket for the replacement implants created. When the new implants have been inserted Mr West will check to ensure he is happy with the size and shape of the breasts.

    The incision is closed with absorbable sutures and covered with Steri-Strips (thin plasters) and a small dressing. A support garment is put on to provide comfort and support as the wounds heal.

  3. Recovery

    Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will make sure all aftercare is explained and follow-up appointments are arranged before you leave.

What patients say

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Frequently asked questions

The questions patients ask most often. Anything specific to one patient is covered at the consultation.

How are breast implants selected?

Mr West only uses implants from manufacturers he trusts, backed up with years of follow-up data on safety and durability. At your consultation Mr West will assess your breasts, your chest dimensions and your body shape. He will discuss your aims from enlargement surgery and how best to achieve this. Mr West will then discuss the size and shape of implants to get the right one for you.

Do you need to know the size of my current implants?

Yes. To make sure we get the correct replacement implants we need to know the size of your current ones. The surgeon/hospital that put them in should be able to provide you with this information.

Can I have my implants removed and not replaced?

Yes. However, due to the reduction in volume it is likely that your breasts will look empty and drop. A breast lift (mastopexy) might help in this situation.

What are the follow-up or aftercare procedures?

The initial review and wound check is usually 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. A further review appointment is usually made 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is fine after 2 weeks and it is important to keep your shoulders moving. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

Do implants last forever?

Breast implants are very durable and manufactured to exceptionally high standards. However, they eventually will need replacing due to a variety of different reasons. You should therefore consider the need for and cost of further surgery in the future.

Can I still breastfeed after breast enlargement?

Yes. There is no reason why breast enlargement surgery or exchange of implants should prevent you from breastfeeding.

When can I shower?

Your dressings are showerproof and therefore it is fine to shower the day after surgery. Mr West recommends dabbing your dressings dry with a towel after your shower. Baths should be avoided until the dressings have been removed.

Book a consultation

A consultation with Mr West covers the anatomy, what surgery can realistically achieve and the risks involved. A fixed written quote follows afterwards.

Surgery is only planned after this assessment, with time to reflect before any decision. Virtual consultations are available for patients travelling from further afield.

Book a consultation
A patient is welcomed at the reception desk of the Coppergate Clinic in York.