What is the cost of breast implant removal in Turkey?
The average price of breast implant removal in Turkey in Istanbul is £2,600, the minimum price is £1,900 and the maximum price is £2,900. In the UK, the same breast implant removal costs £4,000 to £6,000. The final price is set after examination, depending on the procedure chosen.
| Procedures | Price in Turkey | Price in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Breast implant removal | £1,900 - £2,900 | £4,000 - £6,000 |
If your surgery may be covered by your medical insurance, check what your policy provides for your situation with your GP or insurer. Breast implant removal is usually treated as cosmetic surgery in the UK, so it is normally paid for privately.
What is breast implant removal?
Also known as revision of breast augmentation, reverse implant surgery or breast explantation, breast implant removal in Turkey is a surgical procedure to take out breast implants.
The process varies from patient to patient, but the length of hospital stay is agreed with the surgeon according to the procedure carried out. In Turkey, patients are asked to wear compression garments after cosmetic surgery to reduce swelling and support the breast while it heals. There are also certain risks associated with breast implant removal.
A growing number of women choose not to replace their breast implants, or to replace them with smaller implants (and/or using fat). Many factors come into play in such a decision, including age, health and lifestyle.
An implant is not put in for life, but apart from complications, no recommendation sets a time limit for removing or changing it[1]. Yet more and more women choose not to have new implants placed and opt for other procedures instead. Here are the three main reasons for that choice.
Reasons for removing breast implants
Medical issues
Reaction to the implant or to the surgery. Some women need their implants removed very soon after they were placed, for health reasons. Implants can become infected or cause other problems.
- Calcium deposits. If calcium deposits build up in the breast, implant removal may be discussed.
- Breast cancer. In patients diagnosed with breast cancer, it is sometimes necessary to remove the implants in order to remove the tumour.
- Rupture. Sometimes implants rupture or leak, which makes their removal necessary.
Some people may also request revision or removal of breast implants in Turkey because they did not entrust their procedure to a good doctor and ran into avoidable complications. That is why it is advisable to choose a Turkish plastic surgeon who is certified in their specialty and experienced in the procedure you want, and to ask questions during the consultation.
Lifestyle issues
Sometimes having larger breasts interferes unexpectedly with daily life, for example by causing discomfort during exercise. This category also includes people who received their implants and realised they wanted them bigger or smaller than what they had done, and who now need to replace them.
More options
Originally, saline or silicone implants were the only option available to people who wanted larger breasts. Today, breast lifting and breast augmentation using your own fat are other options. Some patients want their implants removed so that they can choose one of these procedures.
What should you expect in Turkey?
The decision to no longer have implants cannot be taken without understanding the associated risks and expectations. When implants are placed, scar tissue forms, called a capsule. If the implants are not replaced, the capsule can also be removed.
Saline implants can be deflated before being removed. Turkish surgeons often use the same incision site to remove the implants as the one used to place them, which minimises scarring. The duration depends on what is removed, implant alone or implant and capsule, and it should be treated like any other surgical procedure.
Risks linked to breast implant removal surgery
The risks linked to breast augmentation revision surgery are similar to those of breast implant surgery itself and may include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Loss of sensation in the nipples
- Complications linked to anaesthesia
- Sagging at the site
- Loose skin
- Emotional and psychological issues
Depending on your age and your state of health, skin that has been stretched by the implants may not tighten fully, leading to sagging or loose skin. This problem can be solved by a breast lift; sometimes the surgeon performs a breast lift at the same time as the implant removal to resolve this problem immediately. If you have any doubts, talk to your surgeon.
The pocket where the implant was placed will close over time, but it is important to follow post-operative instructions exactly to avoid any infection or the risk of the pocket filling with fluid. A compression garment is recommended.
Should the capsule be removed at the same time as the breast implant?
Capsulectomy, the removal of the scar tissue formed around the implant, is decided according to the condition of the capsule. In an American series of 248 patients operated on for symptoms attributed to their implants, 23% of capsules were inflammatory, more often with a silicone or textured implant[2].
In the same series, complications of removal with capsulectomy remained rare: one pneumothorax (0.4%), three haematomas requiring evacuation (1%) and two deep vein thromboses (0.8%)[2].
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of breast implant removal in Turkey?
Breast implant removal costs £1,900 to £2,900 in Turkey, compared with £4,000 to £6,000 in the UK. The final quote depends on the examination in consultation: removal alone, with the capsule, or with an associated breast lift.
How much does breast implant replacement in Turkey cost?
Removing your breast implants and placing new ones costs £2,100 to £3,200 in Turkey. The price varies depending on the type of new implant chosen and on whether the capsule formed around the old implant also needs to be removed.
Is breast implant removal covered by the NHS?
In the UK, removal of breast implants is generally treated as cosmetic surgery and is not routinely available on the NHS. Some patients may qualify for reconstructive surgery on the NHS, for example after breast cancer treatment. If you are considering removal, check what your situation allows with your GP[3].
Can lipofilling be combined with breast implant removal?
Yes, lipofilling, that is a transfer of your own fat, can compensate for part of the volume lost, sometimes during the same procedure. The surgeon decides according to the fat available and the condition of the skin.
How can you tell if a breast implant has ruptured?
A rupture can go unnoticed. For silicone implants, an American review advises an MRI or ultrasound 5 to 6 years after placement, then every 2 to 3 years[1]. This follow-up can be done in the UK, once you are back.
What is the link between breast implants and BIA-ALCL lymphoma?
The ANSM recognises a clearly established link between breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and having a breast implant[4]. Swelling of one breast only should prompt a consultation for an ultrasound to look for fluid collection[1].
How long should you stay in Turkey for implant removal?
The length of stay is agreed with the surgeon according to the procedure: it should cover the consultation, the operation and a check-up before the return flight. The practical steps are detailed in the guide to medical tourism in Turkey.
Does removing your implants make the symptoms attributed to them disappear?
Not guaranteed. In 125 women explanted for symptoms attributed to their implants, the proportion of symptomatic women fell on average from 55.8% at 18 months. The authors point out that the evidence remains inconclusive[5].
Sources & References
- Schrager S, Lyon SM, Poore SO. Breast Implants: Common Questions and Answers. American Family Physician. 2021. Read the source
- Katsnelson JY, Spaniol JR, Buinewicz JC, Ramsey FV, Buinewicz BR. Outcomes of Implant Removal and Capsulectomy for Breast Implant Illness in 248 Patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2021. Read the source
- Assurance Maladie. Implants mammaires : prise en charge. ameli.fr. 2026. Read the source
- Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM). Les implants mammaires : informations générales. 2023. Read the source
- Kafury-Goeta P, García V, Villegas A, Sánchez NB, Reina F. Clinical Outcomes in Women with Breast Implant Illness After Removal Surgery: Experience from a Latin American Center. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2025. Read the source
