Breast Implants after 10 Years
While breast implants are designed to last for as long as possible, they will not last forever. With every movement that you make, the implant shell gradually wears down. In addition, the body may respond poorly to the presence of the implant, resulting in the formation of hardened scar tissue. And as a result of age and gravity, the implants may drift downward. Indeed, there are a number of problems that can affect older breast implants. In this blog post, the cosmetic surgeons of Jefferson Plastic Surgery discuss some of the cosmetic and functional problems that affect breast implants after 10 years.
Leaks and Ruptures
Breast implants are subject to constant wear and tear within the body. As the implant shell rubs against your surrounding tissues, it can cause the implant shell to slowly deteriorate. In most cases, this process takes several years. As the silicone implant shell breaks down, a small hole or leak may develop. In patients with saline implants, the leak is noticeable because the breasts lose their increased size and shape as the saline solution drains out of the implant shell. This is less noticeable for patients with silicone implants because the filler material stays within the implant shell. To detect leaks or ruptures, patients with silicone implants must undergo routine MRIs. Once implants leak, they should be replaced.
Capsular Contracture
Some women develop scar tissue in response to their breast implants. The scar tissue encapsulates the implant, a condition known as capsular contracture. In mild cases of capsular contracture, the scar tissue cannot be seen or felt through the skin. In severe cases of the condition, however, the scar tissue can distort the shape of the implant, and cause if to feel hard to the touch. To treat the condition, surgeons must remove or release the capsule, and replace the breast implants.
Rippling
Breast implant rippling, or wrinkling, is a problem that occurs in patients with saline implants. When the implant shell is under or over-filled, the edges of the implant shell can ripple. In patients who have a small amount of natural breast tissue, the rippling can be visible through the skin. To reduce the rippling, the breast implants need to be replaced.
Malposition
The effects of time and gravity can eventually cause your implants to move out of their ideal position. This can result due to stretching of the implant pocket. If the implants shift in their position, a surgeon can surgically tighten the implant pocket and replace the implant.
All of these problems are more likely to occur in patients who have had their breast implants for 10 years or longer. Although implant design has improved tremendously in the past few years, implants are not products that are intended to last a lifetime. Patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery should expect to replace their implants after about 10 years.
To find out if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation or breast implant revision, contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery today to schedule a consultation.