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If you are no longer satisfied with your implants or need treatment for an implant-related concern, breast implant removal and exchange surgery restores comfort while supporting your aesthetic goals.
Dr. Katarina Zivec, a specialist female plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, provides compassionate, expert-led care for women ready to make this transition.
Her approach to breast implant removal procedures focuses not only on aesthetics but also on comfort, balance, and long-term well-being.
If you’re exploring breast implant removal in Abu Dhabi or considering an implant exchange, this page covers everything you need to know.
What is Breast Implant Removal or Exchange?
Breast implant removal surgery removes existing breast implants. Some women choose implant removal because of physical discomfort, implant aging, lifestyle changes, or cosmetic concerns. Others may decide to replace their implants through implant exchange surgery to achieve a different shape, size, or feel.
Depending on your concerns and desired outcome, your treatment plan may include:
- Complete removal of breast implants
- Replacement with newer implants of a different size or type
- Removal of scar tissue surrounding the implant (capsulectomy)
- Breast reshaping or breast lift procedures to improve contour
- Correction of uneven implant position or breast asymmetry
Every patient has unique goals, which is why Dr. Katarina carefully customizes each treatment approach to suit the individual’s anatomy, lifestyle, and expectations.
What are the reasons for Breast Implant Removal?
Why may women consider breast implant removal surgery or revision procedures? There are many reasons; it can be aesthetic or medical.
Common reasons include:
Implant rupture : An implant rupture can occur due to aging, trauma, or natural wear over time. Silicone implant ruptures may not always cause obvious symptoms, making regular monitoring important.
Capsular contracture : When the scar tissue around the breast implant tightens and hardens, it can lead to capsular contracture. This may cause discomfort, changes in breast shape, or visible distortion.
Cosmetic dissatisfaction : Some women may simply wish to change the size or appearance of their implants as their preferences evolve.
Lifestyle changes : Changes in fitness, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or aging may influence the desire to remove or replace an implant.
Implant Implant aging : Older implants may eventually require monitoring or replacement due to natural wear and tear.
For women experiencing breast implant complications, early consultation and evaluation can help determine the most suitable next step.
Breast Implant Exchange vs Removal
The goal of breast revision surgery is not the same for all women. Some prefer to remove implants, while others exchange them for newer implants matching their desired aesthetic goals. Breast implant replacement or removal is tailored to each patient’s goals, including achieving great comfort, a refreshed appearance, or a change in implant type.
Implant Removal | Implant Exchange Surgery |
Implants are removed permanently | Existing implants are replaced |
May include breast lift or reshaping | Allows change in size or implant type |
Focuses on natural breast restoration | Maintains or enhances breast volume |
Suitable for patients wanting implant-free breasts | Suitable for patients wanting updated results |
During your consultation, Dr. Katarina will discuss your goals, skin quality, breast tissue, and expectations to help determine the best surgical plan.
For patients seeking breast implant exchange in Abu Dhabi, the procedure can often improve both appearance and comfort while updating older implants with newer technology.
Who is a good candidate?
A detailed breast implant consultation is the best way to determine whether implant removal or exchange surgery is right for you.
You may consider breast implant removal or replacement if you:
- Have existing implants that are causing physical discomfort or concern
- Have been diagnosed with implant rupture, capsular contracture, or another implant complication
- Feel your current implants no longer match your body image or lifestyle
- Are in good general health with no active infections or uncontrolled medical conditions
- Realistic expectations about the surgery
- Have completed your family, or are not planning to become pregnant soon
- Non-smoker or willing to stop smoking ahead of surgery
- Have maintained a relatively stable weight
Dr. Katarina believes that every patient should feel informed, heard, and comfortable throughout the process.
How is the procedure performed?
Every implant revision surgery begins well before the operating room. Here’s what the process looks like from start to finish:
- Consultation and Planning : Dr. Katarina reviews your medical history, assesses your current implants, and discusses your goals in depth. Imaging may be used to evaluate implant integrity. Together, you’ll decide on the type of implant revision surgery that best fits your needs.
- Anesthesia : Breast implant exchange or removal is performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited surgical facility.
- Implant removal process : During the implant removal process, implants are carefully removed through incisions, often along the scar lines of previous surgery.
- Implant replacement options : If patients prefer implant exchange, new implants are carefully placed through precise measurements. The results ensure symmetry, natural enhancement and desired profile. Some of the options include:
- Silicone implants
- Different implant profiles
- Smaller or larger implant sizes
- More natural-feeling implant materials
- Breast reshaping techniques : If significant volume loss is anticipated after implant removal, Dr Katarina recommends a breast lift (mastopexy) to restore a lifted, natural-looking shape. Also, an addition of fat transfer can help to improve the final result.
Recovery after Implant Removal or Exchange
Breast implant recovery varies among patients, depending on the complexity of the procedure and whether additional reshaping techniques are performed.
Typical recovery timeline:
- Days 1–3: Mild to moderate discomfort, managed with prescribed medication.
- Week 1–2: Swelling begins to subside. Most patients are mobile within a few days.
- Week 2–4: Resume light activities. Avoid any activities that raise your heart rate.
- Months 1–3: The majority of swelling resolves. Final results begin to emerge as tissues settle.
Monitor healing and outcome with regular follow-up appointments.
Healing & aftercare
Patients receive detailed aftercare instructions to support proper healing and optimal results.
Follow these tips for quick healing and recovery:
- Wear a surgical support bra
- Avoid heavy physical activities
- Attend all the follow-up visits
- Monitor your incisions carefully
Dr. Katarina and her team remain closely involved throughout the recovery timeline to ensure patients feel supported and informed.
Risks and recovery considerations
Like all surgical procedures, breast implant revision procedures carry some risks. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and following proper aftercare instructions are important for minimizing complications.
Breast implant complications and risks include:
- Swelling and bruising for a short period
- Scarring – mostly minimal and well concealed
- Breast shape and skin laxity changes
- Infection (rare when addressed promptly)
- Recurrence of capsular contracture in exchange procedures
- Asymmetry or contour irregularities (rare with experienced surgeons)
- Complications related to anesthesia
Dr. Katarina prioritizes patient safety, detailed surgical planning, and realistic expectations to help achieve smooth recovery and natural-looking outcomes.
Results and long-term expectations
Many women experience improved comfort, confidence, and satisfaction after implant removal or exchange surgery.
- Natural breast restoration – Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how natural their breasts look post-removal, especially when a lift is incorporated.
- Improved physical comfort – Relief from back, shoulder, or neck tension associated with large implants.
- Breast reshaping after implant removal – With or without a lift, the breast contour typically softens and settles over 3–6 months.
- Long-term satisfaction – Women who felt their implants no longer fit their lives consistently report high satisfaction rates after removal.
Why choose Dr. Katarina Zivec for Breast Implant Removal Abu Dhabi?
Dr. Katarina Zivec is widely trusted for her thoughtful, patient-centered approach to breast implant removal Abu Dhabi procedures and breast revision surgery.
What sets her apart:
- 20+ years of specialist experience in breast and body plastic surgery
- Renowned female surgeon, comfortable discussing your breast concerns
- Focused on patient-first philosophy, grounded in realistic procedures.
- Advanced surgical techniques, including precision capsulectomy, implant revision, and combined lift procedures
- Dr. Katarina is known for her honesty and transparent communication.
Many women feel more comfortable discussing sensitive concerns with a female surgeon who understands both the emotional and physical aspects of breast surgery.
For women considering breast implant exchange Abu Dhabi, Dr. Katarina focuses on creating balanced, elegant results that feel authentic and harmonious with the body.
Begin your next chapter with confidence
Whether you are considering implant removal, replacement, or a more natural breast contour, Dr. Katarina offers personalized care designed around your goals, comfort, and long-term well-being.
Book your consultation today and explore your options with a trusted female plastic surgeon in Abu Dhabi.
FAQs
- Reasons vary widely, from implant rupture or capsular contracture to a simple change in personal preference, lifestyle, or aesthetic goals.
- Removal means taking the implants out entirely, with no replacement. Implant exchange involves replacing the existing implants with new ones, often a different size, shape, or type.
- Yes, especially if implants have been in place for many years. The degree of change depends on your skin’s elasticity and the size of your implants. Dr. Katarina recommends a combined breast lift to restore youthful look and natural contour.
Most patients return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks. Full recovery, including resolution of swelling and final aesthetic results, typically takes 2–3 months.
Yes, in many cases, new implants can be placed during the same procedure as implant removal.
Common signs include breast firmness, pain, shape changes, swelling, implant rupture, or asymmetry.
Incisions are typically placed carefully to minimize visible scarring, often using previous surgical scar locations.
Yes, many women report improved physical comfort, easier movement, and greater confidence after implant removal surgery.