Understand the key differences between removing your breast implants (explant) and revising them to keep volume. See who each option may suit, costs in Australia, scarring, risks and typical recovery. Use the links and checklists to prepare for a safe, informed consultation and next steps.
Personal preference to be implant‑free, rupture, pain, BIA‑ALCL investigation, infection, or breast implant illness concerns.
Size change, asymmetry, malposition (bottoming out, symmastia), rippling, capsular contracture, animation deformity.
Medicare/private health may contribute when medically necessary with a valid GP referral and eligible item number.
Send a confidential enquiry for guidance on suitability, costs and recovery for your situation.
Ask for help nowProcedure overview, risks and planning considerations.
Pocket repair, exchange and shape refinement options.
Second opinions, poor outcomes and next steps.
Get tailored guidance on removal vs revision for you.
Removal eliminates the implant and its maintenance. Revision keeps implants but corrects problems such as pocket stretch, contracture or size/shape. Explore the quick facts below, then dive deeper into costs, cover, recovery and surgeon choice.
Implants are removed; capsule may be partially or totally removed where indicated. A lift can restore shape if desired or recommended.
Addresses size, position or contour; often includes pocket repair and implant exchange to improve shape or symmetry.
A mastopexy can reshape the breast after removal or alongside revision to improve position and support.
Arrive prepared: confirm surgeon credentials, know the risks, and understand recovery/aftercare before you book.
Ask questions before you bookUse this table to quickly compare goals, surgery details, scarring, costs, recovery and coverage considerations. Your surgeon will tailor advice to your anatomy, implant history and preferences.
Regulations require a GP or specialist referral and a cooling‑off period for cosmetic surgery. This pathway helps you prepare decisions and paperwork the right way.
Obtain a GP or non‑cosmetic specialist referral stating your history and concerns. See GP referral requirements.
Meet a Specialist Plastic Surgeon to review goals, examination findings, implant history, and the pros/cons of removal vs revision.
At least two pre‑op consultations are required, with a minimum seven‑day cooling‑off period after informed consent. See informed consent.
Receive written costs, item numbers (if applicable), hospital details and a clear recovery plan. Confirm aftercare and revision policies in writing.
Revision and explant procedures require judgement and experience. Prioritise surgeon qualifications, hospital standards and transparent aftercare before you book.
Use these blocks to self‑assess and arrive prepared for your consultations. If you’re unsure, request a second opinion before deciding.
Removal may fit if you want to be implant‑free, have rupture, pain, infection, BIA‑ALCL investigation or BII concerns. Revision may fit if you still want volume but need pocket repair, size change or symmetry improvement.
Removal without lift often has a shorter downtime. Adding capsulectomy and/or lift extends recovery. Revision with exchange commonly requires 1–2 weeks to resume light work and 4–6 weeks before strenuous exercise.
Arrive with a checklist to understand risks, alternatives and aftercare before you commit.
Short, direct answers to common questions about breast implant removal vs breast implant revision in Australia.
Removal takes out your implants and sometimes the capsule, with the option of a lift for shape. Revision keeps implants but corrects issues such as size, pocket, position or contour, often with an implant exchange.
If you want to be implant‑free or have a medical indication (e.g., rupture or BIA‑ALCL investigation), removal is usually discussed. If you like your general look and want problems corrected, revision may suit. A consultation will align your goals with clinical findings.
It depends on your tissue and skin support. Many patients benefit from a lift or fat transfer for shape. Your surgeon will show realistic options and expected scars.
Many return to desk work in 3–7 days after simple removal and 1–2 weeks after revision or lift. Strenuous activity is typically avoided for 4–6 weeks.
Yes, if medically necessary (e.g., rupture, severe contracture, infection, BIA‑ALCL investigation) with an eligible MBS item number and GP referral. Cosmetic changes alone are generally not covered.
See the Breast Surgery hub, Breast Implant Removal, Breast Implant Revision and our Cosmetic Surgery Comparisons.
Send a confidential enquiry about breast implant removal vs breast implant revision, including suitability, costs, Medicare/private cover and recovery timeframes. We’ll help you prepare for a safe, well‑informed consultation.
Rupture, pain, contracture, symmetry, size change, BIA‑ALCL investigation, BII concerns.
Support across major cities and regions, with guidance on surgeon choice and compliance.