For patients in South Africa

Breast implant removal in Turkey from South Africa

Breast implant removal takes existing implants out, either for a medical reason or because you no longer want them. It can be done on its own or together with a breast lift to improve shape afterwards. This page explains the operation and what South African patients should plan before travelling to İzmir.

Who it may suit

• you want your implants out for personal or medical reasons
• you have problems such as capsular contracture, rupture, discomfort or implants that have moved
• you would prefer a natural look without implants
• you are considering removal together with a breast lift
• you are in good general health and do not smoke, or can stop before surgery
• you have realistic expectations

A surgeon reviews your history, current implants, photographs and goals before anything is booked. If removal alone is unlikely to give the result you want, you will be told, and combining it with a breast lift may be recommended. If you want new implants instead, see implant replacement.

Removal with or without a lift

After removal the breast has less volume and the skin may be loose. The surgeon decides from your photographs and examination whether removal alone is reasonable or a lift would give a better shape.

What to send before you book

• your original operation notes and implant card, if you have them
• any recent scan reports from South Africa
• clear photographs and a short note on why you want the implants removed

Your time in İzmir

On arrival you have health checks, blood tests and a face-to-face meeting with the surgeon, who assesses your implants and breast tissue. Surgery is performed by board-certified plastic surgeons and usually takes around two hours. You then recover at Mandarin Grove, the recovery retreat near İzmir, with nursing support, dressing changes and planned checks.

• Days 1–3: rest with your upper body raised; mild swelling, bruising and tightness are expected, and a surgical bra is worn continuously
• Days 4–7: any drains usually come out; most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days
• Weeks 2–6: the breasts settle into their new shape; no heavy lifting or upper-body exercise until the surgeon agrees
• Months 3–6: the breasts soften and adapt to their natural contour; if a lift was done, the shape keeps improving through this period

Risks

Risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, fluid collection (seroma), slow wound healing, changes in nipple or breast sensation, scarring and asymmetry. Less commonly there can be bleeding, infection, blood clots, or the need for further corrective surgery, particularly if a lot of loose skin remains after removal. The surgeon explains your own risks before you agree.

Planning the trip from South Africa

Direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir. South African passport holders need an e-Visa before travelling; the e-Visa guide explains how to apply.

• Book a changeable return ticket; the surgeon decides when you can fly
• Wear your surgical bra on the flight and let others lift your luggage
• Choose an aisle seat, walk regularly and drink water

Medical schemes generally do not cover planned treatment abroad, and travel insurance usually excludes it; check both in writing before booking. Pricing is transparent and given in writing after review; the cost depends mainly on the technique, anything combined and the length of stay.

Follow-up at home

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. Take your operation notes home so your GP has a record that the implants were removed. Under our treatment guarantee, complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are treated in İzmir at no charge for that treatment; flights and accommodation are your own cost. See also our clinic facts and complaints process.

For an overview of every breast operation, read our breast surgery guide for South African patients. Full procedure details are on the implant removal page.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, promise how your breasts will look, or operate if your health makes it unsafe. If a lift is likely to be needed, we will tell you before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Why do people have breast implants removed?

Some have problems such as capsular contracture, rupture, discomfort or implants that have moved; others simply no longer want implants.

Will I need a breast lift after removal?

Not always. If removal alone is unlikely to give a good shape, the surgeon may recommend combining it with a lift. This is decided from your photographs and examination.

How long do I need to stay in Turkey?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days. Because the flight home to South Africa is long, the surgeon may ask you to stay a little longer.

How long does the operation take?

Implant removal usually takes around two hours.

Where do I recover?

You recover at Mandarin Grove, the recovery retreat near İzmir, with nursing support and planned checks until the surgeon clears you to fly.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.