Breast implants help to enlarge the breasts, make them appear fuller, and enhance their shape. Not only that, but they also add balance and symmetry to the contours of the breasts. However, breast implants do not last forever. They can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years before they need to be replaced again. What makes this replacement necessary is the risk of the implants rupturing or even affecting the aesthetics of the breasts. This blog will explain how long different types of breast implants last, and also explain breast implant surgery. Let’s begin:
👙 How Long Do Saline Breast Implants Last?
As one of the most sought-after surgeries that helps perfect the contours and size of the breasts, the breast implant procedure has a lot of women wondering about the lifespan of the breast implant as well. Many have the question of “Do breast implants expire?” on their minds.
Whether the breast implants are saline or silicone, they will eventually need to be replaced. But, despite this, they are made to remain intact for even longer than their lifespan.
Saline implants can last anywhere between 10 and 15 years. The fact that this type of breast implant has a soft, balloon-like texture (this is because they are filled with salt water) makes it ideal for patients who possess more tissue in their breasts, which can offer ample support and coverage to the implants.
One thing to note about saline implants is that they are not as natural-feeling as the silicone options. However, these implants are highly safe since the liquid inside is just saline and doesn’t pose a health risk when it leaks.
In addition, a leak in the implants will make them appear more deflated and flat.
👙 How Long Do Silicone Breast Implants Last?
Modern silicone implants are made to be highly long-lasting, which is why their average lifespan can extend to over 20 years. The implants are filled with silicone gel and offer a better shape to the breasts, enhancing their natural contours.
Moreover, the silicone gel in these breast implants prevents any creasing, which is why these implants last significantly longer.
A rupture in silicone implants isn’t as obvious as the saline ones, as these do not visibly flatten.
These implants require a screening every couple of years, as they have the potential to silently rupture and result in the gel filling leaking out.
Once the silicone leaks out of the implant, it can cause discomfort and pain in the breasts and even ruin the shape and appearance of the breasts.
To add to this, in case of a leak, the breast implant will require immediate replacement.
🏥 When Should One Get Their Breast Implants Replaced? Signs to Know that the Breast Implants Need Replacement
There are a few signs that indicate that the breast implant needs to be replaced:
- A rupture or leak is the main sign that breast implants should be replaced. While saline implants leak only saline, which gets absorbed into the body, and causes the implant to visibly flatten the breast, the silicone implants leak gradually when they rupture. In any case, a leaking breast implant should be replaced as it can put the patient at risk of an infection.
- When the breast implants cause any kind of pain, this is a clear sign that they need replacing or removing. This pain can be caused by many reasons, including the improper placement of the implants, a change in their position, or the rupturing of a silicone implant. To add to this, the pain can also be caused by a seroma or nerve issues.
- The heavier breast implants can also fall and shift below the breast crease. This can happen due to the implants being too heavy or the skin becoming lax with age.
- Moreover, breast implants can definitely shift a little with time, but rotating or a drastic change in position will require replacing the implant.
- Developing capsular contracture is another sign to get the implants replaced. Usually, after the breast implants are inserted, scar tissue forms around them, which helps them stay in place. However, at times, capsular contracture can occur when the body develops excess scar tissue, which can affect the aesthetic results of surgery.
👩⚕️ A Deep Dive into the Breast Implant Replacement Surgery
The Breast implant replacement surgery, also known as revision surgery, is undergone by patients who have already undergone breast implant surgery but are experiencing complications.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia by a highly experienced plastic surgeon. In case the surgery is going to be done for medical purposes, the surgeon will examine the breasts by screening them.
The surgery begins with making the incision in the same site as the incision of the last breast implant surgery, typically in the breast crease.
Using this incision, the surgeon removes the existing implant and replaces it with a new implant. Prior to inserting the new implant, the surgeon will also clean up any leaked residue from the old implant. The surgeon also focuses on treating any existing complication, such as capsular contracture, and then places the new implant and sutures the incision.
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