Most breast implants are not meant to be lifetime devices and may need to be replaced at some point. The most common signs that indicate you may need a replacement procedure include: changes in the shape or size of your implants, rippling of the implant surface, capsular contracture, leaking or rupturing of the implant, and pain or tenderness.
If you suspect you may need a replacement procedure it is best to see your plastic surgeon for an in-person evaluation. Your surgeon will be able to assess your individual situation based on your past and current implants, overall health, and any symptoms that you may be experiencing.
During this visit, your plastic surgeon will order imaging and laboratory tests to assess the integrity of the implants. Depending on the results, you may need to have your implants replaced or other treatments.
Additionally, your plastic surgeon may recommend routine follow-ups in order to stay up to date on the status of your implants.
What happens if you don’t get your breast implants replaced?
If you don’t get your breast implants replaced or removed, the consequences could range from largely cosmetic to having a significant impact on both your physical and mental health. Over time, implants can rupture, leak, or migrate, causing long-term pain and discomfort which can disrupt normal daily activities.
Ruptured implants can cause disfigurement and inflammation due to leaking silicone, which can be difficult to diagnose and extremely painful. In some cases, leaking implants can also cause an autoimmune response that results in inflammation of the connective tissue, known as implant illness.
There is a possibility of increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as BIA-ALCL, an extremely rare type of cancer that has been linked to certain breast implants, but more research is needed. Furthermore, if you don’t get your implants replaced or removed, you might have difficulty finding a provider willing to care for you, as most providers require that implants be replaced within a certain period of time.
It’s important to speak to a board certified plastic surgeon about replacement or removal of your implants if you think your health is at risk. Taking preventive measures now can help you avoid serious medical problems down the line.
What happens when breast implants get old?
When breast implants get old, they may start to wear out. In some cases, implants may need to be replaced as they start to leak due to thinning of the outer shell caused by age and wear and tear. Other signs that your implants may need to be replaced include a sudden decrease in the size of the implant, a change in shape, and stretched skin which can cause wrinkles.
In addition, some implants can become hard or lumpy over time, resulting in discomfort and a distorted appearance. In these cases, it is usually best to consult a board certified plastic surgeon for an assessment and to discuss options for replacement.
How often should breast implants be checked?
Breast implants should be checked every two to three years with an MRI to monitor their integrity. This is especially important for implants placed prior to the year 2000, as those implants have a higher risk of rupturing due to their silicone shell or its manufacturing process.
An ultrasound or mammogram may also be used for certain implants, depending on the type. It is best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best plan for monitoring your particular type of implant.
Additionally, you should check your implants regularly for any changes in size or shape and report any sudden pain or discomfort, signs of leaking, or any other changes to your healthcare provider promptly as these can be signs of a potential problem.
How do you tell if your implants are making you sick?
If you are experiencing any unusual physical symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, joint pain, fatigue, digestive issues, or other unexplained symptoms, it is important to consult with your physician as soon as possible to determine if your implants may be causing you to be sick.
Your doctor will examine your medical history and symptoms to determine if the cause of your illness may be related to your implants. They may ask you questions about your lifestyle or anything that may be impacting your health, such as allergies or other existing conditions.
Always disclose any information regarding your implants to your doctor, as they are important factors to consider when diagnosing your symptoms.
If your doctor believes that your implants may be responsible for your illness, they may recommend performing further tests, such as x-rays, CT scans, blood tests, or tissue samples. These tests will help them to better understand your condition and diagnose the cause.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend removing the implants, depending on the results of the tests or your symptoms. It is important to discuss your options with your doctor and understand the potential risks with any procedures.
Does insurance cover breast implant removal?
Yes, insurance often covers breast implant removal, depending on the policy and the reason for the removal. In most cases, insurance will cover the removal of implants if it is medically necessary or the result of an injury.
It may also be covered if the implant is causing a health issue such as capsular contracture (hardening of the surrounding tissue) or if there is a rupture or leakage of the implant. The cost of removal will usually consist of the implant itself as well as the surgery and any associated recovery costs.
It’s important to note that while insurance may cover the actual removal, it may not cover the cost of replacing the implants. In some cases, insurance companies may also consider the removal to be a non-essential cosmetic procedure if the patient is simply getting older implants removed without a medical reason.
To determine the specifics of your coverage, contact your insurance provider directly to get more information.
Do breast implants require maintenance?
Yes, breast implants require maintenance throughout the lifetime of the implant. The type of maintenance required depends primarily on the type of implants you have: saline implants, silicone implants, or a combination of both.
For saline implants, routine exams are important by both a board-certified plastic surgeon and your primary care physician. During these exams, the doctor will palpate (or feel) the implants for any areas of firmness that may indicate a rupture.
If a rupture is suspected, an ultrasound may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.
Silicone implants generally require a more thorough approach when it comes to maintenance. Ultrasounds are recommended annually for silicone implants to check for any signs of rupture or leakage. In addition, patients also need to monitor for a condition called capsular contracture, which is when the scar tissue that forms around the implant tightens and becomes hard.
In some cases, this condition can cause pain and an unattractive appearance.
As a rule of thumb, most surgeons recommend that any type of implant be exchanged every 10-15 years. The lifespan of the implant depends on a variety of factors such as size of the implant, quality of the implant, the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure, and the patient’s lifestyle and lifestyle habits.
If you do opt for breast implants, it is important to discuss an individualized maintenance plan with your plastic surgeon as it will vary depending on the implant chosen.
How long does a breast implant procedure last?
The length of a breast implant procedure will vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the size and type of implant, the placement and type of incision, and patient anatomy. On average, a breast implant surgery generally takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.
Before the surgery begins, there may be additional preparation steps such as anesthesia administration, a pre-operative consultation with the surgeon, and placement of the implant under the breast tissue or muscle.
The actual procedure typically begins with an incision or the placement of a port through which the implant will be inserted. The implant is then placed beneath the muscle or tissue of the breast and secured in place.
The incision is then closed using sutures and may require the application of a dressing to reduce swelling and bruising.
In some cases, reconstructive breast surgery may require additional steps, such as the removal of excess skin or tissue and the use of special implants. Therefore, it is important to discuss your procedure in detail with your plastic surgeon before the procedure begins to ensure that you understand all potential timeframes.
How long does it take for breast implant illness to show?
The onset of Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms can vary from one individual to another, with some people experiencing symptoms shortly after getting implants, while others do not show signs until years later.
In some cases, the symptoms may appear right away, and in others, they may take months or even years to show up. In general, if implants are the suspected cause of BII symptoms, the average onset time is 3 to 5 years after the implanted procedure.
However, it is important to keep in mind that many women who have implants do not necessarily experience any negative symptoms. Additionally, the severity and type of symptoms can vary greatly depending on the individual, so there is not just one timeframe that applies to everyone.
Is it OK to have breast implants for 20 years?
The use of breast implants can be a safe, effective way to enhance the body’s appearance. However, breast implants are not considered permanent, and most plastic surgeons recommend replacing them every 10 to 15 years.
And so it’s important to consult with a doctor to determine if this is a safe option for you.
The primary risk associated with keeping breast implants for 20 years is the chance of implant rupture. Implants may become damaged or weakened over time, which can cause them to rupture and leak silicone into the body.
This can lead to pain and complications such as infection and scarring. In addition, it may be difficult to replace ruptured implants due to changes in the shape of the chest or surrounding tissues.
Since breast implants tend to change shape and feel over time, women who keep implants in their body for 20 years may also experience changes to their physical appearance. There may even be a decrease in sensation for women who have undergone nipple or areolar enhancement.
The longer the implants stay in your body, the more likely your body is to form sign of capsule contracture. This is when the scar tissue that forms around the implant tightens, altering the shape of the affected area.
If you are considering keeping your breast implants in place for more than 10 to 15 years, it is important to speak to your doctor and carefully weigh the potential risks.
Can old breast implants cause health issues?
Yes, old breast implants can potentially cause health issues. The most common issues are those related to scar tissue and the device itself. Scar tissue surrounding the implant can cause hardening and inflammation known as capsular contracture, which can lead to pain and distortion of the breast shape.
Implant rupture may also cause health problems, as particles of silicone can migrate to other areas of your body, and some studies have suggested a link to autoimmune diseases. In some cases, the implant shell materials can cause inflammation, pain and tenderness.
Finally, implants over 10–15 years old are more likely to leak or rupture, which can cause health problems. Therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor regarding the potential risks of old breast implants and to determine if and when they should be replaced.
Can breast implants stay in for life?
The short answer is no, breast implants do not stay in for life. Breast implants are typically not meant to last forever, and The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) states that “ breast implants are not lifetime devices.
” Three primary factors that can affect the life of a breast implant include the type of implant, how long the implant has been in place, and how the implant has been cared for.
For the most part, breast implants will need to be replaced somewhere between 10 and 20 years of being placed. However, this could differ with the type of implant and other factors, such as how well the implants have been maintained by the patient.
Saline implants, for example, tend to last about 10-15 years, whereas silicone implants could last up to 20 years.
Whether you decide to replace them at 10 years or let them go longer, it is important to have regular check-ups with your doctor. This is especially true if you have any signs of a ruptured breast implant, including pain, change in breast shape, lumps or discomfort.
X-rays, MRI’s and ultrasounds may be used to help identify such issues.
It is also important to note that even with regular checkups, no implant is guaranteed to last forever. While most implants are likely to last anywhere from 10-20 years with proper care, you may need to replace an implant sooner than expected.
Why is everyone removing their breast implants?
In recent years, more and more people have been opting to remove their breast implants due to a variety of reasons. For some, it may be due to changing body goals or tastes. For others, they may have had complications such as infection, rupture, capsular contracture, implant-related pain, or other related issues.
Additionally, certain individuals may decide to remove their breast implants due to their desire to reduce their risk of rare but possible complications that may be associated with having breast implants.
These include but are not limited to systemic illness due to the release of chemicals, an increased risk of certain types of cancer, impairment of mammogram readings and/or compromised breast-feeding.
Ultimately, anyone considering removing their breast implants should consult a highly experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss all risks and benefits associated with the procedure.
Do breasts go back to normal after implant removal?
Yes, breasts usually go back to their original size and shape after implant removal. Depending on a person’s age and other factors, some stretching of the skin and tissue may occur, but this tends to stabilise over time.
Additionally, removal of implants may lead to a loss of breast fullness, since the patient will not have the same amount of tissue and volume as before. However, in cases where breast augmentation was minimal, the breasts will most likely return to their pre-augmentation size and shape.
After implant removal, it is important to engage in a proper post-operative regimen to ensure optimal healing and outcomes. This may include wearing a supportive bra, avoiding strenuous activities, refraining from lifting heavy objects, and maintaining hydration for tissue healing.
What are the symptoms of silicone toxicity?
Silicone toxicity is an acute toxic reaction to contact with silicone products, such as silicone rubber and other silicone-containing materials. The symptoms of silicone toxicity include:
– Skin irritation, including redness, swelling, itching, and burning sensation
– Contact dermatitis
– Respiratory irritation and difficulty breathing
– Bronchial constriction, resulting in chest tightness and difficulty breathing
– Dry and itchy eyes
– Nasal congestion
– Conjunctivitis
– Coughing and sneezing
– Abdominal discomfort, such as nausea and vomiting
– Headache and dizziness
– Fatigue and general malaise
– Joint pain
– Blurred vision
– Weakness and numbness in limbs
– Visual disturbances
– Kidney irritation
– Altered mood, including depression and anxiety
– Memory loss and cognitive dysfunction
– Reproductive problems, including infertility, early menopause, menstrual cycle disruption, and lower sperm count in males.
The severity of these symptoms can vary, depending on the type and amount of the silicone involved and the length of time the person was exposed. In some cases, long-term exposure to silicone can result in long-term health problems, such as immune system issues and hormone disruptions.
