Breast implants, unlike fine wine, don’t improve with age. They may not have a printed expiration date, but they certainly won’t last a lifetime. Deciding when to replace them is a personal matter and dependent on factors like age, health, and the artistry of your plastic surgeon.
Thankfully, most women won’t have to bid farewell to their breast buddies before a decade has passed. In fact, only one in five will need a replacement before hitting the ten-year mark.
However, the surgeon you choose can make or break this statistic. An expertly skilled surgeon like Dr. Mosiello can help you keep your implants longer, whereas a less experienced one could send you on an early retirement. It’s also important to keep tabs on your implants with regular self-exams and check-ins with your plastic surgeon.
But what leads to the ultimate breakup with your implants? The reasons are as diverse as a bouquet of flowers. Here, let us uncover the six most common factors that lead women to part ways with their breast implants.
Renewing Your Look: Understanding Breast Implant Replacement
Breast implant replacement is not uncommon. Many women choose to replace their implants, sometimes even before they’re worn out.
Watch Video: Dr. Gerard C. Mosiello Explaining Breast Implant Replacement
https://www.dropbox.com/s/i2nsqks3f10fmgr/breast%20implant%20replacement%20.mov?dl=0
Top Reasons Why Women Choose to Replace Their Breast Implants
1. You want to change the size of your implants.
One common reason for breast implant replacement is a desire to change the size of the implants. Initially, you may have been satisfied with the appearance of your breasts after the initial implant surgery. However, over time, you may feel that you would like larger implants. Alternatively, some women may want to downsize their implants. Ultimately, the decision to undergo revision surgery is a personal one, and it’s important to discuss your options with your surgeon to determine the best course of action for you.
2. Addressing Sagging Breasts
Breasts naturally begin to drop with age, even if you have implants. It could take years for your breasts to begin to sag as implants lift them and keep them looking perkier. Over time, though, gravity and aging skin will take their toll, and you will see noticeable differences in the appearance of your implants.
Significant fluctuations in weight, whether through rapid weight loss or gain, can impact the appearance of your breasts. These changes may manifest as sagging or stretch marks around the implants.
Pregnancy can also lead to breast changes, as the breast tissue expands during pregnancy and then contracts postpartum or after lactation ceases, affecting the breast shape. In any case, if you wish to address breast sagging and rejuvenate your breast appearance, your doctor may recommend a combination of breast lift surgery and implant replacement. This procedure can help to restore symmetry and perkiness to your breasts if they have begun to droop.
3. You have developed capsular contracture.
Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur in women who have breast implants at any time after the initial surgery. This is caused by the contracture of the membrane that forms around breast implants after they have been implanted, resulting in a hardening of the breast as the implant itself is constricted by circumferential compression. Capsular contracture not only causes the breast to feel harder but also makes the breasts look more uneven and sets them higher up on the chest. In some cases, women might feel that their chest has tightened which results in discomfort and some tenderness.
The likelihood of developing capsular contracture following breast implant surgery is relatively low. Approximately 10% of patients experience some degree of capsular contracture, although some cases may be mild. Symptoms of capsular contracture may manifest at any time. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict who will develop capsular contracture or when it will occur.
While the exact cause of capsular contracture is unknown, it is believed to be influenced by multiple factors, many of which are beyond the control of your surgeon. Bacteria and inflammation are suspected to be significant contributing factors.
If capsular contracture does occur, treatment typically involves breast implant replacement and capsulectomy, which is the surgical removal of the scar tissue that is compressing the implant.
4. Your breast implants have ruptured or deflated.
Implant deflation is an obvious reason to consider implant replacement. With saline implants, deflation results in a noticeable change in breast size and shape, which can occur rapidly or gradually over time. If this happens, it is recommended that you schedule surgery with your doctor as soon as possible to replace the deflated implants. The sooner you address the issue, the better.
On the other hand, silicone implant ruptures can be more challenging to detect since the gel-like material allows the implant to retain its shape even when ruptured. Therefore, it is important to have regular annual check-ups with your doctor to detect any potential ruptures. An MRI scan is the most reliable way to determine if a silicone implant has ruptured. Although it may seem like a hassle, it is crucial not to leave a ruptured implant in place, even if it is made of silicone. Prompt implant replacement is the best course of action to address this issue.
5. Your implants have started to Ripple.
Rippling is a potential reason to consider breast implant replacement. Overfilled saline implants may begin to exhibit visible ripples on the edges, which can be especially noticeable in individuals with thin tissue. For some women, this can lead to self-consciousness and reduced confidence.
While rippling is more commonly associated with saline implants, it can also occur with silicone implants. However, newer-generation implants with more cohesive gel and fuller filling have reduced the occurrence of rippling. It is important to discuss all your options with your surgeon before undergoing any revision surgeries for your implants. Although saline implants have potential benefits, it is crucial to weigh all factors carefully to determine the best course of action for you.
6. You are unhappy with the results of your breast augmentation.
Sometimes, women may feel dissatisfied with the results of their breast augmentation surgery. To avoid this, it is crucial to find the best surgeon in your area and schedule a one-on-one consultation with them. Effective communication with your surgeon increases the likelihood of achieving the desired outcome and satisfaction with the results. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon will also ensure you achieve the best results.
Breast augmentation surgery can help to correct existing unevenness in the breasts, resulting in greater symmetry. Although it cannot guarantee perfection, it can provide significant improvements. However, if the surgery leads to noticeable asymmetry or exacerbates an existing unevenness, implant replacement may be necessary to address the cosmetic issue. In some cases, the shape and structure of the rib cage may contribute to unevenness, which must be considered. Choosing the appropriate implant size can help to even out the breasts and improve outcomes for patients who are unhappy with their initial procedure.
How can you find the right doctor for your breast implant replacement?
To undergo breast implant replacement surgery, it is imperative to seek a board-certified plastic surgeon’s services. Moreover, it is recommended to schedule an in-person consultation with the selected surgeon.
If you are interested in learning more about breast implants and breast augmentation surgeries, you can review the various options. The most up-to-date information about these procedures is outlined on the website. You deserve to feel confident and happy about your appearance!
It is important to discuss any concerns or issues you may have with your plastic surgeon and to receive a comprehensive evaluation to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.
