| Overall, there are
many reasons women may want or need implant
revision or replacement. |
| The 3 most common
reasons for breast implant
removal surgery are: implant
leakage or rupture, capsular contracture and
a change in consistency, size or shape. These reasons comprise over 70% of all implant
removal surgery. With Newer better quality
Implant chances are less. |
| |
Breast Implants |
| As with most medical devices,
breast implants are not designed to last forever.
The implants, whether saline or silicone,
may leak and the woman may notice that one
or both of her breasts has changed shape or
size. With saline implants it usually
is apparent when they leak. As the
saline is absorbed by the body the breast
becomes softer and smaller. With a leaking
silicone gel implant this may not be noticed
as quickly. In most cases, the silicone
gel leaks out of the implant in the capsule
or pocket and is usually self-contained. Most women can tell a subtle change in their
shape while others notice nothing at all. |
| Some women just wish to be
bigger or smaller and would like an implant
exchange. Other women may not like the appearance
of their implants. They feel their implants
might be too high or low. Others feel that
their breasts may appear too fake and not
natural. Some may be experiencing implant
rippling. Ripples can be present
in both saline-filled or silicone gel implants. |
| Capsular contracture makes the breast implant feel hard, and distorts
the appearance of the breast. In the later
stages, the implant feels very firm, and may
take on a ball-like look. Capsular contracture
usually produces pain and discomfort. |
| | Removal or Replacement
of Implants |
| For implant removal surgery,
general anaesthesia or IV sedation is typically
used. An incision is made under the fold of
the breast. The capsule around the implant
is cut into and the implant is carefully removed.
If the implant is silicone-filled, it is inspected
for any signs of damage before removal. If
the implant is filled with saline, the surgeon
may choose to deflate the implant to help
removal. The old implants are then replaced
with new ones. The scar tissue (capsule) that
was around the implant may also be removed. |
| If only implants are removed,
pain will be minimal. If implants and capsules
are removed, the discomfort will be similar
to the discomfort experienced after the initial
augmentation procedure. |
| Breast
asymmetry may occur after breast
implant removal surgery if not replaced. You
may be disappointed with the results of breast
implant removal surgery. Additional surgery
may be necessary to reshape breasts after
implant removal. Some women after their breast
implants have been removed will need no other
breast surgeries, while others may require
a breast
lift. Some breast lifts may be
extensive while others may be very limited.
The women that require breast lifts will be
left with scars on the outside of their breasts,
which will heal in time. |
