For patients in South Africa

Breast implant replacement in Turkey from South Africa

Breast implant replacement removes your existing implants and puts in new ones. People choose it to change size or shape, to deal with a problem such as rupture or hardening, or simply to refresh results after many years. This page explains the operation and what South African patients should plan before travelling to İzmir.

Who it may suit

• you want to replace implants because of age, wear or personal preference
• you want a different size, shape or profile
• you have had a problem such as rupture, capsular contracture or implants that have moved
• you are unhappy with how your current implants look
• you are in good general health and do not smoke, or can stop before surgery
• you have realistic expectations

A surgeon reviews your medical history, current implants, photographs and goals first. If a straight swap is unlikely to give a good result, you will be told honestly, and adding a breast lift or another corrective step may be suggested.

What to send before you book

Replacement depends on what is already there, so the surgeon needs as much information as you can find:

• your original operation notes and implant card, if you have them, showing brand, size and placement
• any recent scan reports from South Africa
• clear photographs and a short description of what concerns you

Your time in İzmir

On arrival you have health checks, blood tests and a face-to-face meeting with the surgeon, who assesses your existing implants before the plan is confirmed. 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, tightness and bruising are normal, and a surgical bra is worn continuously
• Days 4–7: any drains usually come out and light activity becomes easier; most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days
• Weeks 2–6: the new implants settle and routines return gradually; no heavy lifting or upper-body exercise until the surgeon agrees
• Months 3–6: the breasts soften, the implants reach their final position and remaining swelling resolves

Risks

Like any operation, replacement carries risks: swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, fluid collection (seroma), slow wound healing and changes in nipple or breast sensation. Less commonly there can be bleeding, infection, blood clots, capsular contracture, implant rupture or displacement, asymmetry, or the need for further corrective surgery. The surgeon explains your own risk profile 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
• Take the new implant brand, size and placement home with your operation notes

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. Give your GP a copy of your new implant details. 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. If you would rather not have implants at all, see implant removal. Full procedure details are on the implant replacement page.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed your existing implants, promise a size or result, or operate if your health makes it unsafe. If replacement alone will not solve the problem, we will say so.

Frequently asked questions

Why would I need my breast implants replaced?

Common reasons are ageing or worn implants, wanting a different size or shape, or problems such as rupture, capsular contracture or implants that have moved.

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.

Can implant replacement be combined with a breast lift?

Yes, it can be combined with a lift or capsule correction if the surgeon thinks that will give a better result.

What records should I send?

Send your original operation notes and implant card if you have them, any recent scan reports, and clear photographs.

How long does the operation take?

Implant replacement usually takes around two hours.

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