Should I Get My Breast Implants Replaced?
Posted March 14, 2017 in Asymmetrical Implants, Breast Augmentation, Breast Implant Replacement, Breast Lift Surgery, Breast Revision, Capsular Contracture, Malposition, Skin Laxity
The breasts are important to most women, as they help define their femininity. It is no surprise that breast augmentation remains the most popular plastic surgery procedure. Years after getting breast implants, many breast augmentation patients may be questioning whether or not they should consider a revision. Most breast augmentation patients know there is a chance they may need a future surgery.
Breast implant results are long lasting, but this does not always mean they will last forever. The idea has always been that breast implants should be switched out every 10 years. However, not everyone will need to have their breast implants replaced after a certain amount of time. Some patients never undergo a breast revision since they are pleased with the aesthetics and feel of their breast implants even as they age. Other patients may decide to have a breast implant replacement for a multitude of reasons.
Reasons for Breast Implant Replacement
Breast Implant Size
Over time, a woman’s body changes due to aging, weight gain, and heredity. The breasts can change and develop an unflattering appearance. Many women decide to have a breast implant replacement because they no longer desire the breast size they have; either the breasts are too big or too small. Some have had lifestyle changes, such as career advances or want to participate in athletics, that make them desire to modify the look of their breasts. Changing implant size is among the top reasons a woman may choose to have breast implant replacement.
Breast Implant Complications
As with any surgery, breast augmentation does involve some risks. Most of the complications associated with breast surgery do not pose a medical risk, but they can be cosmetically unappealing. Some of the common complications that influence patients to decide on breast implant replacement are:
- Capsular contracture: Scar tissue forms around the breast implant, causing it to harden and feel firm.
- Malposition: One or both of the breast implants can descend, causing an unflattering look to the bustline.
- Rupture or leakage: An MRI can detect a leak in silicone breast implants, or a deflated look indicates a rupture in saline breast implants.
- Asymmetrical implants: One breast implant can be significantly larger than the other.
- Skin laxity: The natural process of aging or pregnancy can cause the skin to lose elasticity. The breast lift technique is employed to correct sagging, lifeless breasts.
- Change in breast shape: Within time, the breasts can change and develop imperfections in shape.
Breast implant replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Cohn offers the latest techniques in breast implant technology for a safe and efficient procedure. Recovery is similar to that of primary breast augmentation. Patients can achieve a restored appearance that can help them feel confident in their body and ready to show off their newly refreshed breasts underneath clothing or unveiled.
If you want to have your breast implants replaced, Dr. Cohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in breast revision surgery. Schedule your consultation today by calling (205) 590-9900 or by filling out our online contact form.