The old rule of thumb about replacing breast implants every 10 years isn’t always accurate. Think of this way: many products come with a warranty, but it doesn’t necessarily mean each must be replaced after that time has expired. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1 out of 5 patients will require some sort of surgical revision procedure at the 10-year mark following a breast augmentation – which means the majority of breast implant patients will not.
Each person will experience a unique surgical outcome due to a combination of genetics, wear and tear, and other environmental factors. But, no matter how healthy or careful you are, breast implants are not permanent fixtures & will need to be replaced or removed at some point in your lifetime.
So, while it’s safe to assume that you will require breast implant reoperations, some options may be better than others.
Saline-filled implants may require less upkeep – that is, should a saline implant ruptures and leaks, the body can safely absorb it. It won’t necessarily have to be removed immediately, unless you’re dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the implants. However, its silicone shell will eventually require removal and replacement.
Should you opt for silicone gel-filled breast implants, be sure to have periodic magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), which can detect silent ruptures, or leaks that don’t have any outward symptoms. In some cases, hard knots, swelling, or tenderness may be a hint that a rupture has occurred, and a reoperation is in your future.
A complication of having breast implants, known as capsular contracture, is a common reason for reoperation. It occurs when thick scar tissue surrounds the breast implant and becomes noticeably rigid. As a preventive measure, many surgeons utilize a technique known as submuscular placement during surgery, in which the implant is inserted behind the pectoralis major muscle. This method has been shown to reduce future complications.
Sometimes, reoperations are not as much a need, as a want. The hands of time can take a toll on the breasts – whether augmented or not. As we age, the breasts undergo changes resulting from a decrease in the body’s production of estrogen. Gland tissue can shrink, the nipples become more inverted, and connective tissue loses much of its elasticity, so sagging starts to become apparent. Gravity spares no one.
A breast lift (mastopexy) is another procedure that will sometimes require a freshening up, so to speak. Extreme weight loss, motherhood, and other factors can cause breasts that were surgically lifted to once again droop. Secondary, or revisional lifts, can be beneficial for reshaping internal breast tissue or eliminating excess skin.
If you’re interested in a breast lift or augmentation, contact the Atlantic Center of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery. A consultation will offer invaluable insight about these procedures, and help you to weigh the risks and rewards of each. Enlisting the help of a knowledgeable, board-certified surgeon is the first step to ensuring excellent results. Call (954) 983-1899 for more information.
