Breast implants do not have an expiration date. For most patients, they last many years without any issues. However, many women decide to undergo revision breast augmentation to improve or change the appearance of their breasts. Also, in the event of a complication like breast implant rupture you will need to seek a revision procedure as soon as possible.
Reasons for Breast Implant Revision
Possible reasons for breast implant removal or revision surgery are as follows. Some of these complications are rare and some are quite common.
- Noticeable implant wrinkling
- Symmastia
- Switch from saline to silicone
- Capsular contracture / hardening of tissue
- Implant malposition
- Breast sagging / breast droop
- Change in size preferences
- Breast implant rupture / deflation
- Desire to remove breast implants
Why do breast implants rupture?
Although breast implants are extremely durable, they may occasionally break or leak. Rupture can occur as a result of injury or even from the normal compression and movement of your breast and implant, causing the synthetic shell to leak.
If a saline-filled implant breaks, the implant will deflate in a few hours and the salt water will be absorbed and naturally expelled by the body.
If a silicone-gel filled implant leak or break, the stable elastic silicone gel may remain within the implant shell or some may escape into the breast implant pocket (a capsule of tissue that surrounds the implant). A leaking implant filled with silicone gel may not deflate and may not be noticeable except through imaging techniques such as an MRI. For this reason, a woman with silicone breast implants is advised to visit her plastic surgeon annually to assess that her implants are functioning well. An ultrasound exam or MRI screening can assess the condition of breast implants; after 3 years it is recommended that all silicone implants be properly screened.
Your Revision Procedure
Your breast augmentation revision will vary depending on the reason for surgery. Some adjustments can be made with a relatively simple surgery while others are more complex. If you believe you are experiencing a problem with your breast implants, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Bogue will take the time to ensure your results from revision breast augmentation are satisfying.
