Implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and cochlear implants, require routine maintenance in order to ensure that they are functioning properly. Regular check-ups and maintenance are essential in order to make sure that these devices are working at optimal levels.
Routine maintenance helps prolong the life of the device and can help to prevent serious, long-term health issues. During maintenance visits, medical professionals will check the device, test it, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
Maintenance visits may be required annually or more frequently, depending on the device, condition of the patient, and doctor’s orders. Proper and regular maintenance is essential in order to avoid any serious health complications as a result of implantable medical device failure.
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How often do you have to maintain breast implants?
When it comes to maintaining breast implants, it’s important to note that the implants do not need to be replaced or removed on any sort of specific timeline. In general, implants are considered to be a lifetime device and may not need to be replaced or removed except in the event of a complication or breakage.
That being said, regular checkups with your plastic surgeon are still important in order to make sure that everything is going well and that the implants have not shifted or become displaced. It’s recommended to have an MRI scan every two to three years to ensure everything is in order.
During routine follow-up visits, your plastic surgeon may use physical exams and imaging tests to confirm that the implants look and feel the way they should. In addition, it’s important that you continue to see your plastic surgeon for yearly follow-up visits in order to monitor your overall health and make sure your implants are functioning properly.
It’s also important to note that if you experience any pain, changes in size or shape of the implants, or any other issues, you should contact your plastic surgeon for an examination promptly. This can help catch any issues early, before they become bigger problems.
How many years can breast implants last?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of implant chosen, the patient’s own body, and lifestyle choices. Generally, most implants are designed to last for 10-15 years, but in some cases (with the right precautions), they can last up to 20 years.
Silicone gel implants (often referred to as “gummy bear” implants) tend to last the longest, up to 20 years or more. These are cohesive implants, meaning that in event of a rupture, the gel remains intact and the patient will not have to worry about silicone leakage into their body.
Saline implants have a slightly shorter lifespan, usually up to 10-15 years. These implants may be associated with an increased risk of ruptures, depending on the quality of the materials used, so they should be carefully inspected and monitored during regular checkups.
Lastly, lifestyle factors also play a role in the longevity of implants. Patients should avoid activities that could increase pressure on the implants, such as strenuous activities or repetitive impact sports.
Additionally, it is important to make sure that the patient gets regular mammograms to check for any abnormalities with the implants that could potentially reduce the lifespan.
What happens to breast implants when you’re old?
As you age, your breasts may begin to change in size, shape, and texture due to natural aging. This can happen with or without breast implants. When you have breast implants, the implants won’t necessarily prevent these natural aging processes.
Some common signs of aging with breast implants depend on the type of implants you have.
For saline implants, the saline solution may start to leak over time as the implant shell starts to break down due to age. If this happens, there may be a visible change in your breast size and shape.
If the saline solution is leaking, your doctor will likely recommend replacing the implants.
For silicone gel implants, the implants may last indefinitely with proper monitoring. However, the silicone shell may start to break down over time and cause the gel to leak out. In this case, replacing the implants is important to improve the appearance of your breasts, as well as reduce the risk of infection and other complications.
Overall, as you age and your body changes, it’s important to keep in close contact with your doctor and discuss the possibility of replacing your implants at the appropriate time.
Can a mammogram pop breast implants?
No, mammograms are not able to pop breast implants. Although breast implants may move around and change their position when undergoing a mammogram, they are generally safe and pose no structural damage.
Mammograms require the proper positioning of both the patient and the implant to avoid stretching and compressing them, as this can cause discomfort. The technician will check the position of the implant before they begin the exam to make sure it is not impacting the mammogram images.
If a problem is discovered during the mammogram, the patient may be asked to come back for a retake of the images.
Why do breast implants need to be replaced after 10 years?
Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. After 10 years, the material they are made of can begin to break down and cause complications which can lead to serious health risks. For example, the silicone material which is often used to make implants can begin to leak over time, as the implant weakens and degrades.
This can cause a silicone breast implant rupture, which can release silicone particles into the body and be dangerous. Additionally, breast implants can cause the body to form scar tissue around them, which can shrink and harden over time, resulting in a distorted and misshapen appearance.
Therefore, the general recommendation is that breast implants should be replaced after 10 years to reduce the risk of health complications and help keep the breasts looking their best. Replacing them earlier than this may also be recommended for certain types of implants.
Before making any decisions, it’s important to talk to your doctor to see if and when a replacement may be necessary.
Why do breast implants turn yellow?
Breast implants may turn yellow due to oxidation caused by the exposure to sunlight or other ultraviolet sources. Linked to the exposure of ultraviolet light, implant hardness or firmness may increase, and a yellow discoloration may be present over the implant surface.
An implant turning yellow can also be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, and specialist medical advice should be sought if there is any doubt as to the cause of discoloration. Implant shells are also coated with a yellow-tinted layer of silicone elastomer, which protects a saline-filled implant from damage.
This coating can wear away over time, leaving the yellow elastomer exposed and turning the implant yellow. Lastly, certain implant filler materials such as silicone gel or polypropylene may have particles of pigment within them, leading to discoloration on the implant surface.
Can your body reject breast implants years later?
Yes, it is possible for your body to reject breast implants years later. Any medical implant or device like breast implants carries a risk of being rejected by the body due to the foreign material being inserted.
This is why it is important to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with experience working with breast implants and to make sure that proper placement and maintenance of the implants is done.
A woman’s body can be prone to different types of rejection when it comes to breast implants. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as the material used in the implant, the body’s natural response to the artificial material, or any underlying medical condition.
Some of the common signs and symptoms that the body may reject a breast implant include: changes in the shape or size of the breast, pain, swelling, redness, discharge, and rashes.
If you believe your body is rejecting your breast implants, you should contact your plastic surgeon immediately. They will be able to diagnose and treat the issue and determine if it is actually a full rejection.
The most common treatment for a rejected breast implant is to remove the implant and replace it with a new one. Depending on the severity of the rejection, your plastic surgeon may also suggest antibiotics or other medications to help the body tolerate the implant.
How often do breast implants need to be checked?
It is important to remember that breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need to be replaced or removed at some point. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that women with breast implants have regular follow-up appointments with their doctor in order to assess the condition of their implants.
Furthermore, the FDA recommends that these follow-up appointments occur every 3 years for the first 3 years following implant placement, and then every 2 years thereafter. During these follow-up appointments, the doctor will likely perform an exam, imaging tests such as an MRI, and possibly an ultrasound.
The imaging tests help to determine if the patient’s body is responding to the implants appropriately and if any signs of complications exist, such as pressure on the surrounding tissues, major scarring, or rippling.
If any issues are found with the implants, the doctor may recommend their removal or replacement. Therefore, it is very important that patients with breast implants regularly attend follow-up appointments with their doctor as recommended.
How do I know when my breast implants need replacing?
There is no “one size fits all” answer as to when your breast implants need replacing, as it is different for each person. Generally speaking, it’s recommended that you get your breast implants checked every two to three years by a board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure they are still in optimal condition.
If the implant shell has been breached, then replacement becomes necessary. It is best to wait until your breasts have stopped changing after surgery before opting for a replacement. Additionally, some other possible signs that you might need to consider a replacement include:
• Hardening of the breast area (possible contracture)
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Changes or loss in the breast implant’s volume
• Pain or discomfort
• Visible rippling, deflation or rupture of the implant
• Changes in the nipple position or shape of the areola
• Fluid accumulation around the breast implants
• Infection
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible to assess your implants and determine if a replacement is necessary.
What is the average lifespan of breast implants?
The average lifespan of breast implants can vary greatly depending on the implant type, placement, anatomy of the individual, and the surgical technique. Saline implants tend to last an average of 10 to 15 years, though it is possible for them to last much longer.
Silicone implants have an average lifespan of about 15 to 20 years, with some cases lasting 25 years or longer. It is important to note that these are averages, and the lifespan of breast implants can differ greatly from patient to patient.
The placement and surgical technique used during breast augmentation can also greatly affect the lifespan of a breast implant. Subglandular breast augmentation (implants placed above the muscle) tends to have a much shorter lifespan than submuscular breast augmentation (implants placed beneath the muscle); 10 to 15 years vs 15 to 20 years, respectively.
Additionally, the use of a radiofrequency device during surgery, known as Keller FunnelTM, has been found to reduce implant rupture and leakage rates, potentially leading to a longer lifespan.
Individual anatomy and lifestyle choices can also influence the lifespan of a breast implant. Cigarette smoking, for example, has been found to shorten the lifespan of implants due to the excess toxins found in cigarette smoke.
As such, it is important to consult with your plastic surgeon to determine which implant type, placement, and surgical technique are best for your body type and lifestyle.
What happens if you leave breast implants in longer than 10 years?
Leaving breast implants in for longer than 10 years can cause a range of possible complications. First, the risk of developing capsular contracture, a tightening of the scar tissue around your implant, increases with the age of the implant.
Capsular contracture can cause hardening or distortion of your breast, along with pain and discomfort. Additionally, the implant itself can begin to leak or rupture, causing a pocket of silicone to either slowly or suddenly enter your body.
Lastly, the implant shell itself may slowly degrade and eventually cause your body to reject it, leading to more surgery to remove and/or replace the implant.
It’s important to have regular check-ups with your doctor even if you are not experiencing any problems. These check-ups include both physical examinations and imaging tests that your doctor can use to detect any silent issues that may be present.
These check-ups will allow your doctor to detect any changes or complications with your breast implants before they become an issue.
Overall, it is best to take regular preventative measures to avoid any long-term issues. Scheduling regular check-ups and being proactive with your treatment will ensure that your implants remain safe and effective.
Can old breast implants cause health issues?
Yes, old breast implants can cause health issues. Over time, implants can become less effective at supporting the surrounding breast tissue and can cause the breasts to appear “deflated,” or less firm.
In addition, due to changes in the body’s natural chemistry, the silicone in breast implants may begin to break down, which can cause the body’s tissues to become weakened and prone to infection. In some cases, rippling and distorting of the surrounding tissues can also occur.
For these reasons, it is important for recipients to keep up with their regular scheduled follow-up care and have their implants checked for any changes over time. Additionally, if any new symptoms occur, such as swelling, pain, fever, or changes in the shape of the implant, it is important to have it checked by a doctor as soon as possible.
In the rare event of any further health issues, timely removal of the implant may be necessary.
What are the symptoms of breast implant illness?
Breast implant illness is an increasingly-recognized cluster of physical and neurological symptoms that may begin to develop after receiving a breast implant. Symptoms tend to vary from person to person, but they usually involve fatigue, joint and muscle pain, cognitive fog, hair and nail issues, skin rashes and irritation, autoimmune symptoms (such as Raynaud’s phenomenon and blood sugar imbalance), chest pain, sleep disturbances, and other flu-like symptoms.
The most common chronic health complaints associated with breast implants are headaches, depression, memory loss, hair loss, brain fog, fatigue, and breast pain. Other potential long-term complications include muscle and joint pain, swelling in the extremities, dry eyes and skin, difficulty concentrating, allergy symptoms, recurrent skin rash, rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial cystitis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
In addition to the physical symptoms, many women with breast implant illness also report psychological distress symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They also experience an inability to complete routine everyday tasks and find that daily fatigue causes a negative impact on concentration, motivation, and productivity.
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests breast implant illness is a real phenomenon. While its exact causes and risk factors have yet to be determined, the consensus is that it is likely caused by a combination of factors such as a leaking implant, the release of siloxanes (a biotoxin) from silicone implants, and a patient’s individual biology.
Ultimately, more research is needed to fully understand the full spectrum of causes of breast implant illness and its long-term effects on people’s health.
How can I check my breast implants?
If you have breast implants, it is important to regularly check that they are in good condition. While breast implants typically last many years, over time, they may need to be removed and/or replaced due to a number of issues such as changes in the shape of the breast, painful sensations, asymmetry, hardened areas, or rupture.
It is important to schedule regular check-ups with your physician to assess the condition of your implants.
During the check-up, your physician may examine the implants visually and press on them to check for any lumps or hardening of the implant shell. The physician may also use an ultrasound or MRI to see if the implants have started to leak.
It is important to note that a leak cannot be confirmed through palpation or an exam of the breast alone, as silicone moves freely when the implant shell is intact.
Your physician may also recommend a mammogram to further assess the condition of the implants. Mammograms are the preferred imaging method for women with implants to check for signs of breast cancer or other abnormalities.
While mammograms do involve placing pressure on the breasts, it is important to ensure adequate protection is used to avoid any damage to the implants.
By scheduling regular check-ups and mammograms, you can help ensure your breast implants are in good condition. If any issues are detected, your physician can help you determine the best course of action.
