Table of contents

• Revision Breast Surgery: Medical Overview
• Best Clinics in Korea for Painful Breast Implants
• Revision Breast Surgery in South Korea: What Medical Tourists Can Expect
• Costs: South Korea vs. Other Medical Destinations
• Patient Experiences: Relief and Recovery
• Conclusion
• References

Considering treatment in Korea? Everything you need to know e.g. — how to avoid scams, visas, interpreters, recovery tips — in our Medical Tourism Master Guide. Plan with confidence in minutes, not weeks!

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If you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort around your breast implants, finding out what's causing the pain—and what can be done about it—is essential. This article breaks down the causes and symptoms of painful breast implants, sheds light on [revision breast surgery](/blog/revision-breast-surgery-korea), explains the process of seeking care in South Korea as a medical tourist, reviews costs, and shares typical results reported by patients.

Pain and discomfort with breast implants can happen for several reasons, from complications with the implants themselves to broader health symptoms. Recognizing what’s going on is the first step toward improvement.

Breast Implant Illness (BII) and Other Causes of Chronic Discomfort

“Painful breast implants” describes ongoing discomfort, sometimes paired with a wide range of health issues experienced by people with implants. You’ll often hear the term [Breast Implant Illness](/blog/breast-implant-illness-korea) (BII), which refers to a collection of symptoms that can develop with any type of implant, saline or silicone. BII isn’t an officially recognized diagnosis, and there are no specific tests for it, so symptoms can show up soon after surgery or years down the line.

Though no single cause of BII has been pinpointed, possible contributors include the immune system reacting to the implant (especially silicone), low-grade bacteria (“biofilm”) on the implant’s surface, or a response known as Human Adjuvant Disease. Biofilm can exist even when there’s no clear inflammation. Beyond BII, other complications can lead to pain:

• Capsular Contracture: This is very common and happens when scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing discomfort, hardness, and breast shape changes. Early contracture may result from surgical trauma, while late cases are linked to biofilm inflammation.
• Implant Rupture/Deflation: If saline implants rupture, your body absorbs the fluid and the implant deflates. Silicone ruptures (also called “silent ruptures”) may not be noticeable immediately, but can cause discomfort, swelling, or odd sensations when symptoms appear.
• Implant Malposition/Displacement: Implants can shift over time, often due to natural changes in the body or issues during surgery. Problems include “bottoming out” (implant drops too low) or “symmastia” (breasts merge at the center).
• Rippling/Wrinkling: The implant may cause visible or felt wrinkles, which can be both uncomfortable and unsightly.
• Other Complications: Pain can stem from fluid collections (seroma), damaged nerves, infection, or general inflammation.

Getting a diagnosis is tricky—since BII isn’t an official category, doctors must rule out other conditions like thyroid problems, lupus, or fibromyalgia first. Many people join patient groups online for information and support, and often see multiple specialists before finding answers. Ultimately, finding a board-certified plastic surgeon who listens and works with other doctors is key to figuring out what’s wrong.

Common Symptoms Linked to Painful Breast Implants

Symptoms stretch across different parts of the body, making it clear that painful breast implants are more than just a localized issue—they can deeply affect mental and physical wellbeing. In addition to physical struggles, anxiety and depression are often reported. Symptoms might start right away or surface years later, making diagnosis harder.

Common complaints include:

Systemic Symptoms

• Musculoskeletal: Joint pain, muscle pain, muscle weakness
• Cognitive/Neurological: Brain fog, memory loss, trouble concentrating, fatigue, chronic fatigue, frequent headaches
• Autoimmune/Systemic: Diagnosed autoimmune conditions, persistent pain, anxiety, depression, hair loss, skin issues (rashes), dry eyes/mouth, weight changes, stomach trouble, thyroid issues, chest pain.
• Other: Insomnia, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, ringing in the ears, metallic taste, frequent urination.

Local Breast Symptoms

• Breast pain, nipple or breast sensation changes
• Capsular contracture (hardness, distortion)
• Implant rupture/deflation (with or without symptoms)
• Malposition/displacement
• Rippling or wrinkling (visible or felt)
• Breast asymmetry, skin looseness or thinning, inappropriate nipple position
• Hard lumps or calcifications, infections

Alternate Terms and Related Conditions

You might see “Breast Implant Illness” described as:

• Breast implant disease
• Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA)
• Silicone implant illness

Many symptoms overlap with other illnesses, so doctors need to rule out issues like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, thyroid problems, chronic Lyme disease, and menopause.

Revision Breast Surgery: Medical Overview

When breast implants become painful or complicated, revision breast surgery can offer relief and restore appearance or comfort. This type of surgery is more complex than a first-time augmentation and demands specialized skills.

Why Revision Breast Surgery Is Performed

Revision breast surgery (or breast implant replacement) aims to fix or improve the outcome of an earlier breast surgery. Goals include:

• Switching out old or damaged implants
• Correcting post-surgery complications
• Adjusting implant size, shape, or type to better fit a patient’s current preferences or body changes
• Restoring breast contour and appearance
• Resolving pain or medical issues related to the implants

Most people turn to this procedure because of discomfort, complications, or a significant change in health or appearance—not just aesthetics. Many find that Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms improve with implant removal.

How Revision Breast Surgery Is Done

Each revision surgery is customized. Some common techniques include:

• Implant Exchange/Replacement: Removing and replacing old implants, often with improvements in type or size.
• Capsulectomy/Capsulotomy: Entirely removing (capsulectomy) or loosening (capsulotomy) the scar tissue around an implant, mostly for capsular contracture.
• Pocket Adjustment/Reshaping: Tightening or repositioning the space where the implant rests, sometimes with absorbable mesh (“internal bra”) for added support.
• Mastopexy (Breast Lift): Lifting and reshaping the breast, often alongside implant changes.
• Fat Grafting: Injecting a patient’s own fat (often harvested from the abdomen or thighs) to restore breast volume or softness, fill gaps, or replace lost tissue.
• Implant Removal (Explant): Taking out implants, sometimes with a lift or fat grafting for natural shape.
• Scar Revision: Refining old scars for a better look.
• Pectoral Muscle Repair: Fixing muscles when under-muscle implants have caused motion deformities (“pec flex”).

What the Surgery Fixes—With Focus on Pain

Revision breast surgery aims to relieve pain due to:

• Capsular Contracture: The main cause of revision surgery for pain; addressed by removing or loosening scar tissue.
• Implant Rupture/Deflation: Damaged or leaking implants are removed and replaced.
• Implant Malposition/Displacement: Repositions implants and provides new support if needed.
• Asymmetry: Adjusts implant position or uses fat grafting to even out breast size/shape.
• Rippling/Wrinkling: Solved with type or position changes, or tissue support.
• Unwanted Size/Shape: Some patients desire larger or smaller implants or improved appearance.
• Breast Implant Illness (BII): While the condition isn’t formally recognized, removing implants can dramatically reduce symptoms like fatigue and pain.

What to Expect During Recovery

Your recovery experience will depend on how complicated the surgery is:

• First Week: Most uncomfortable period; you’ll need rest as swelling and bruising peak.
• Weeks 2–4: Swelling eases, and early results become visible; many people feel “normal” within weeks unless complex reconstruction is involved.
• 6 Weeks–12 Months: Normal activities resume (but hold off on heavy lifting/strenuous workouts until cleared). It can take up to a year for breasts to feel completely natural and for scars to soften.

For best results, follow your surgeon’s instructions for pain medication, wear recommended supportive garments, move lightly (short walks are good), and eat and hydrate well. Watch for any unusual symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath and seek care right away if they arise.

Best Clinics in Korea for Painful Breast Implants

Listed below are the best clinics in Korea for painful breast implants:

| THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website{data-slug:"theplus-plastic-surgery" data-position: "1"} | Located in the Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery combines world-class facilities with a comprehensive, four-floor system that seamlessly guides patients from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. The clinic’s surgeons are active medical researchers who publish in scholarly journals, contribute to textbooks, and participate in domestic and international symposiums, reflecting their commitment to the latest advances and rigorous standards. Safety and patient satisfaction are central to their philosophy, supported by a team with over a decade of experience and active membership in leading professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. For individuals experiencing painful breast implants in Korea, THE PLUS provides meticulous evaluation, personalized communication, and evidence-based care pathways aimed at restoring comfort, aesthetics, and confidence. At the forefront of breast care is Dr. Lee, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation with experience at top hospitals nationwide, including as a Surgery Specialist at Seoul National University Hospital. A member of several leading Korean plastic surgery societies, Dr. Lee emphasizes natural, long-lasting results and provides thoughtful guidance for patients concerned about discomfort following augmentation, including implant options such as Motiva. The clinic’s director doctors, Dr. Jeong Jae Yong—President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons—and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants and global educator, contribute a depth of surgical rigor and academic leadership. While renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring, their multidisciplinary collaboration ensures patients with painful breast implants receive attentive, up-to-date, and individualized care. | Motiva implant options. | | Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic Website{data-slug:"seojin-plastic-surgery-clinic" data-position: "2"} | Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, is a one-doctor practice led by Dr. Lee Hyungmin, a Top 100 Good Doctors honoree (2022) with more than 16 years of experience and over 2,300 breast surgeries performed. Ranked No. 1 in the Breast Augmentation category at the KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards and active in Motiva and Mentor academic conferences, the clinic combines recognized excellence with up-to-date implant science. For patients struggling with painful breast implants, Seojin offers careful evaluation and tailored revision planning within an end-to-end, physician-delivered care model. To improve comfort, aesthetics, and predictability, Seojin employs 3D breast implant modeling and a free trial-bra service to simulate fit before surgery. In the operating room, precision methods such as the Microscale Dual Plane technique, 3D spatial dissection to create a smooth pocket and minimize swelling, and intraoperative sizers to verify symmetry and size support accurate, safety-focused outcomes. When sagging contributes to discomfort or shape concerns, the clinic can correct ptosis without traditional lift scars using specialized implants like Mentor Boost. Hybrid augmentation—combining implants with fat grafting harvested from the abdomen or thighs, with PRP used to enhance graft survival and reduce the possibility of inflammation—adds softness and fine-tunes contours, helping restore a more natural feel for those needing revision of painful implants. | Microscale Dual Plane technique; 3D spatial dissection; intraoperative sizers; Mentor Boost implants; Hybrid augmentation with fat grafting and PRP; 3D breast implant modeling; free trial-bra service. | | Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website{data-slug:"okay-plastic-surgery-clinic" data-position: "3"} | For patients suffering from painful breast implants in Korea, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as the best choice thanks to its specialized Breast Center and unrivaled expertise in complex breast revision. Led by Dr. Cho—a renowned breast surgeon who continually studies and publishes on the subject—the clinic goes beyond standard augmentation to skillfully manage severe, difficult cases that often require significant breast reduction, precise lifting, or nipple correction, procedures many clinics are unable to perform. This depth of surgical capability is paired with a transformative, patient-first philosophy grounded in sincerity, precision, and individualized treatment, ensuring that each plan is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy, symptoms, and goals. A team of specialized professionals, including a highly experienced female plastic surgeon, guides patients through a comprehensive journey that prioritizes safety, comfort, and aesthetics, while the clinic’s thorough aftercare focuses on natural, lasting results. Combining cutting-edge techniques with compassionate expertise, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is uniquely equipped to diagnose the root causes of implant-related pain and deliver outcomes that restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life. | Complex breast revision; breast reduction; precise lifting; nipple correction. |

THEPLUS Plastic Surgery

Located in the Garosu-gil area of Gangnam, Seoul, THE PLUS Plastic Surgery combines world-class facilities with a comprehensive, four-floor system that seamlessly guides patients from consultation to surgery and post-operative skincare. The clinic’s surgeons are active medical researchers who publish in scholarly journals, contribute to textbooks, and participate in domestic and international symposiums, reflecting their commitment to the latest advances and rigorous standards. Safety and patient satisfaction are central to their philosophy, supported by a team with over a decade of experience and active membership in leading professional societies, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. For individuals experiencing painful breast implants in Korea, THE PLUS provides meticulous evaluation, personalized communication, and evidence-based care pathways aimed at restoring comfort, aesthetics, and confidence.

At the forefront of breast care is Dr. Lee, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation with experience at top hospitals nationwide, including as a Surgery Specialist at Seoul National University Hospital. A member of several leading Korean plastic surgery societies, Dr. Lee emphasizes natural, long-lasting results and provides thoughtful guidance for patients concerned about discomfort following augmentation, including implant options such as Motiva. The clinic’s director doctors, Dr. Jeong Jae Yong—President of the Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons—and Dr. Kim Taek Kyun, an award-winning researcher in 3D implants and global educator, contribute a depth of surgical rigor and academic leadership. While renowned for rhinoplasty and facial contouring, their multidisciplinary collaboration ensures patients with painful breast implants receive attentive, up-to-date, and individualized care.

You can check out their website here: THEPLUS Plastic Surgery Website

Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic

Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, is a one-doctor practice led by Dr. Lee Hyungmin, a Top 100 Good Doctors honoree (2022) with more than 16 years of experience and over 2,300 breast surgeries performed. Ranked No. 1 in the Breast Augmentation category at the KBS N Korea Broadcasting Brand Awards and active in Motiva and Mentor academic conferences, the clinic combines recognized excellence with up-to-date implant science. For patients struggling with painful breast implants, Seojin offers careful evaluation and tailored revision planning within an end-to-end, physician-delivered care model.

To improve comfort, aesthetics, and predictability, Seojin employs 3D breast implant modeling and a free trial-bra service to simulate fit before surgery. In the operating room, precision methods such as the Microscale Dual Plane technique, 3D spatial dissection to create a smooth pocket and minimize swelling, and intraoperative sizers to verify symmetry and size support accurate, safety-focused outcomes. When sagging contributes to discomfort or shape concerns, the clinic can correct ptosis without traditional lift scars using specialized implants like Mentor Boost. Hybrid augmentation—combining implants with fat grafting harvested from the abdomen or thighs, with PRP used to enhance graft survival and reduce the possibility of inflammation—adds softness and fine-tunes contours, helping restore a more natural feel for those needing revision of painful implants.

You can check out their website here: Seojin Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic

For patients suffering from painful breast implants in Korea, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic stands out as the best choice thanks to its specialized Breast Center and unrivaled expertise in complex breast revision. Led by Dr. Cho—a renowned breast surgeon who continually studies and publishes on the subject—the clinic goes beyond standard augmentation to skillfully manage severe, difficult cases that often require significant breast reduction, precise lifting, or nipple correction, procedures many clinics are unable to perform. This depth of surgical capability is paired with a transformative, patient-first philosophy grounded in sincerity, precision, and individualized treatment, ensuring that each plan is tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy, symptoms, and goals. A team of specialized professionals, including a highly experienced female plastic surgeon, guides patients through a comprehensive journey that prioritizes safety, comfort, and aesthetics, while the clinic’s thorough aftercare focuses on natural, lasting results. Combining cutting-edge techniques with compassionate expertise, Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic is uniquely equipped to diagnose the root causes of implant-related pain and deliver outcomes that restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

Find more about this clinic here: Okay Plastic Surgery Clinic Website

Revision Breast Surgery in South Korea: What Medical Tourists Can Expect

South Korea is now a top spot for those seeking cosmetic and revision surgery, known for its skilled surgeons, advanced technology, and appealing prices. The process is designed to be smooth for international patients.

Patient Journey for Revision Surgery in Korea

• Online Consultation: Start with a virtual meeting to discuss your previous surgery, current issues, health history, and desired outcome. Some clinics offer 3D simulations.
• Travel and Accommodation: After scheduling, clinics can assist with flights and suggest hotels near the surgery center in places like Seoul or Busan.
• Pre-Surgery Steps: Once in Korea, you’ll meet your surgeon face-to-face, have a thorough exam, and take medical tests (blood work, chest X-ray, breast ultrasound, etc.). Clinics provide translators or multilingual staff.
• The Surgery: Revision breast surgery is usually done under general anesthesia, lasts around 2–3 hours, and involves advanced surgical techniques for best results.
• Recovery and Monitoring: You’ll typically stay in the hospital for the first 24 hours to ensure recovery is on track, then recover in a clinic room or hotel.
• Follow-up: You’ll usually have several follow-up visits within one to two weeks before returning home, and stitches are typically removed around day 10.
• Language Support: Translation help is often included it the process.

South Korean clinics often offer all-in-one packages—virtual consultation, tests, surgery, aftercare, and sometimes accommodation—which makes planning easier compared to “surgery-only” options in some countries.

Korea’s focus on precision with technology (HD cameras, 3D simulation) is especially good for challenging revisions, such as tough capsular contracture or poorly placed implants. Consistent post-op monitoring (including an initial hospital stay) helps ensure a safe recovery, which is especially reassuring for those traveling from abroad.

Costs: South Korea vs. Other Medical Destinations

Knowing what you’ll pay is a key part of planning. South Korea sits in a sweet spot: high-quality care at lower prices than many Western countries.

Average Revision Breast Surgery Cost in Korea

Typical costs run from $5,000 to $10,000 USD, though sources mention a full range from $3,000 to $15,100 USD. Some clinics quote $8,944 to $15,136 USD (₩13,000,000–₩22,000,000 KRW), and others $6,500 to $10,900 USD or $7,000 to $12,000 USD.

This wide range reflects variety—some clinics are more affordable, others cater to those seeking premium care. Pricing depends on the clinic’s reputation, surgeon’s experience, location, chosen implants, and what’s included in the package.

Factors That Influence Cost

• Surgeon’s Experience: More skilled and renowned surgeons usually charge more.
• Clinic Location & Amenities: Clinics in major cities or those with advanced tech tend to cost more.
• Procedure Complexity: Multiple issues (contracture, rupture, lifting) make surgery—and fees—go up.
• Implant Type: Silicone and specialty implants cost more than saline.
• What’s Included: Packages that cover more (consults, hospital stay, tests, aftercare, translation) may look pricier up front but are often a better value.
• Other Procedures: Combined surgeries (like mastopexy) add to the total.
• Pre-op Testing, Anesthesia, and Supplies: Sometimes included, sometimes separate.
• Travel/Lodging: Usually not in the package, but clinics often help with arrangements.

Cost Comparison Table

Country	Estimated Cost (USD)	Notes
South Korea	$5,000–$15,100	Packages often include surgery, anesthesia, hospital, aftercare, travel assistance
United States	$7,000–$15,000+	Highest average; not all costs are bundled
UK	$4,900–$11,000	Prices higher due to regulations
Australia	$11,086–$22,500	High oversight and standards reflected in fees
Turkey	$3,200–$5,650	Most affordable; often all-inclusive
Mexico	$3,500–$4,770	Mid-range, convenient for North America
Thailand	$3,050–$10,371	Good hospitality; big savings from US/UK/Australia
Malaysia	$4,000–$12,000	JCI-accredited hospitals; focus is reconstruction

What’s Usually Included in Korean Revision Packages

A typical all-in-one package from a reputable Korean clinic covers:

• Surgery (including anesthesia and facility fees)
• Required overnight hospital stays
• Pre-surgery tests (bloodwork, imaging)
• Aftercare and follow-up consultations
• Any extra necessary medical checks
• Language support/translation
• Assistance with accommodation and sometimes local transport (flights usually separate)

This bundled approach—unlike the sometimes “bare bones” quotes elsewhere—offers transparency and helps prevent surprise costs.

Patient Experiences: Relief and Recovery

Revision surgery frequently leads to improved comfort, breast shape, and even resolution of systemic symptoms, especially for those with Breast Implant Illness (BII).

Outcomes for Patients

Thousands find relief after revision breast surgery each year. Particularly for those with BII, explant (implant removal) is often life-changing, relieving pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. Some patient stories describe a dramatic return to wellbeing after years of struggle.

For specific issues:

• Capsular Contracture: Corrected with removal of hard tissue and possibly implant replacement—most experience less pain and better breast shape.
• Implant Rupture/Deflation: Surgery prevents further issues, especially in “silent” silicone ruptures.
• Implant Malposition: Moving or securing implants can restore natural appearance.
• Rippling/Wrinkling: Addressed by changing implant type or position, sometimes moving the implant under the muscle for better contour.

People often say revision is no more painful than their original augmentation, though moving under the muscle or combining with other procedures (like a lift) may add some soreness. The total discomfort can vary depending on the scope and complexity of surgery.

Recovery and Final Results

At first, swelling and bruising can mask the surgical results. Most swelling goes down in about six weeks, and full healing—including softness, sensation return, and scar fading—takes up to a year. Most patients feel “back to normal” in a matter of weeks, but complex cases may need months.

Sticking closely to post-op instructions—taking meds, wearing support bras, going for follow-ups—will maximize your chances of a smooth recovery. Sometimes, achieving your perfect result may take more than one surgery, so an open discussion about goals and expectations is crucial.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Revision breast surgery is highly personalized, especially when pain, discomfort, or complicated issues are in play. Your best outcomes come from working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who listens to your goals, carefully evaluates your situation, and tailors the surgical plan to your needs.

Conclusion

Chronic pain from breast implants often comes from conditions like Breast Implant Illness (BII), capsular contracture, or implant leak/malposition. Revision breast surgery is a complex but effective way to resolve these issues and restore comfort. South Korea stands out for medical tourists due to its blend of skilled surgeons, bundled care, advanced tech, and competitive pricing. Most patients achieve significant relief—especially after explant—with proper recovery and the support of an experienced surgeon.

References

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