What Are Some Common Complications Associated With Replacing Old Breasts Implants?
Introduction
At Infini Phoenix Liposuction, we understand the importance of breast augmentation for women who are looking to improve their self-image and enhance their appearance. Breast implants are a popular choice for those seeking to achieve a fuller, more shapely bustline. While breast implant surgery is generally safe and effective, there can be complications associated with replacing old implants. In this blog post, we will discuss what these complications are and how they can be avoided or managed.
Breast implants are typically made of either silicone or saline and come in various shapes and sizes. They are inserted into the breast tissue through an incision in the skin, usually around the nipple or under the arm. The purpose of these implants is to increase volume, improve symmetry, and create a more aesthetically pleasing shape of the breasts.
Although breast implant surgery is generally safe, there are some common complications associated with replacing old implants that must be taken into consideration before undergoing this type of procedure. These include capsular contracture, rupture or leakage, desired change in size or shape, pain or discomfort, implant shifting or malposition, infection or inflammation, breast asymmetry, autoimmune disease, deflation or deflation over time. It is important to be aware of these potential risks and speak with your doctor about them prior to having any type of surgery involving breast implants.
Types of Implants
When considering breast implant replacement, it is important to know the different types of implants available. There are several types of implants that can be used for breast augmentation and reconstruction, and each type has its own unique characteristics and advantages. It is best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss which type of implant is right for you.
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water and have been used in breast augmentation since the early 1990s. These implants are most often filled after they are inserted into the body, so they require a smaller incision than silicone implants. Saline implants are firm yet malleable, allowing them to be adjusted during surgery as needed. They are also lighter than silicone implants, making them an ideal choice for women who have small breasts or thin skin tissue. However, saline implants may not look or feel as natural as silicone implants due to their firmer texture and smaller size range.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a thick gel-like substance made of medical grade silicone and have been used in breast augmentation since the mid-1960s. These implants come pre-filled so they require a larger incision than saline implants, but they offer a more natural look and feel due to their softer texture and larger size range. Silicone implants may also move more naturally within the body, creating a more realistic appearance than saline implants. However, these implants tend to be heavier than saline implants and may cause more discomfort if placed in women with small breasts or thin skin tissue.
Gummy Bear Implants
Gummy bear implants are filled with a form-stable cohesive gel that maintains its shape even when cut in half. This makes them firmer than traditional silicone or saline implants while still offering a natural look and feel similar to silicone gel-filled ones. Gummy bear implants also come pre-filled so they require a larger incision for placement compared to saline ones, but they have less risk of shifting or becoming displaced due to their form-stable nature. They also come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for greater customization during surgery for patients who desire it.
Structured Saline Implants
Structured saline implants are similar to traditional saline ones in that they are filled with sterile salt water; however, they contain an inner structure made of solid silicone shells that give them additional support and stability within the body while still providing a soft feel like regular saline ones do. These structured saline implants offer the same benefits as regular saline ones such as requiring only a small incision for placement but provide increased durability due to their inner structure design which helps reduce the risk of shifting over time compared to regular saline ones which can become displaced over time depending on how active you are physically or what activities you participate in regularly such as sports or exercise classes etc..
Other Types of Implants
In addition to the abovementioned types of breast implants there are other options available such as textured surface or smooth round shaped options depending on your desired outcome from the procedure as well as fat transfer techniques where fat from another part of your body is used instead of an implant altogether depending on your individual case needs which should all be discussed thoroughly with your doctor prior to making any decisions regarding which type would be best suited for you personally based on your individual goals/desires/needs etc…
Type of Implant
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Description
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Advantages
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Saline
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Filled with sterile salt water and require a smaller incision
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Firm yet malleable, adjustable during surgery, lighter than silicone implants
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Silicone
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Filled with a thick gel-like substance made of medical grade silicone
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Natural look and feel, move more naturally within the body, larger size range
|
Gummy Bear
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Filled with a form-stable cohesive gel
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Firmer than traditional silicone or saline implants, natural look and feel, greater customization during surgery
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Structured Saline
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Filled with sterile salt water and contain an inner structure made of solid silicone shells
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Increased durability compared to regular saline implants
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Reasons for Replacing Implants
Breast implants are a popular choice for women looking to enhance their appearance and achieve fuller, more shapely breasts. However, over time, these implants may need to be replaced due to complications or changes in the body. Knowing the common reasons for replacing old breast implants can help you make an informed decision about your own situation and whether it is necessary to undergo implant replacement surgery.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common reasons for replacing old breast implants. This occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and begins to tighten, squeezing the implant and causing discomfort or pain. In some cases, this tightening can cause the implant to become misshapen or distorted, resulting in an unnatural look. If left untreated, capsular contracture can lead to other complications such as infection or inflammation.
Rupture or Leakage
Rupture or leakage of an implant can also occur over time due to normal wear and tear on the device or from trauma such as a car accident or fall. If an implant ruptures, it will need to be removed and replaced with a new one in order to avoid further complications such as infection or inflammation. It is important to note that even if an implant does not rupture, it may still leak small amounts of silicone into the body over time which can cause health issues and should be monitored closely by your doctor.
Desired Change in Size or Shape
Another common reason for replacing old breast implants is a desired change in size or shape. Many women find that after several years their breasts have changed shape due to weight gain, pregnancy, aging, or other factors, and they may wish to alter their implants accordingly in order to achieve their desired look. Additionally, some women may decide that they would like larger implants than what they currently have in order to achieve fuller breasts. In either case, replacing old implants with new ones is often necessary in order to achieve the desired result.
Pain or Discomfort
Some women experience pain or discomfort associated with their breast implants over time which may indicate that it is time for replacement surgery. This could be due to capsular contracture as mentioned above but could also be caused by shifting of the implant within the pocket where it was placed during surgery or by other factors such as infection or inflammation of surrounding tissue which can cause irritation and discomfort around the area of the implant(s).
Implant Shifting or Malposition
Over time, breast implants may shift out of position due to gravity, trauma (such as a car accident), changes in weight (due to pregnancy), aging of skin/tissue surrounding the implant(s), etc., leading to a malpositioned appearance that some women find undesirable and opt for replacement surgery in order to correct this issue. Additionally, if an implant shifts out of position it can cause pain/discomfort due to pressure on surrounding tissue which should be addressed promptly by a surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation procedures so that further complications do not arise from leaving it untreated for too long.
Infection or Inflammation
Infection and inflammation are two other potential complications associated with breast implants that can necessitate replacement surgery if left untreated for too long; however these conditions are typically quite rare compared with other causes of implant replacement such as those listed above (capsular contracture, rupture/leakage). In some cases infections can occur shortly after surgery while others may develop months later; regardless both should be treated promptly with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor before proceeding with any additional steps such as removal/replacement of affected implants(s). Additionally, inflammation around an implant site can occur due both natural causes (aging) as well as from trauma (car accidents) which should also be addressed promptly by a qualified surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation procedures so that further complications do not arise from leaving it untreated for too long.
Reason for Replacing Implants
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Description
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Capsular Contracture
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Scar tissue forms around the implant and begins to tighten, squeezing the implant and causing discomfort or pain.
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Rupture or Leakage
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Over time due to normal wear and tear on the device or from trauma.
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Desired Change in Size/Shape
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Many women find that after several years their breasts have changed shape due to weight gain, pregnancy, aging, etc.
|
Pain or Discomfort
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Could be due to capsular contracture or shifting of the implant within the pocket where it was placed during surgery.
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implant shifting/Malposition
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Over time due to gravity, trauma, changes in weight, aging of skin/tissue surrounding the implant(s).
|
Infection/Inflammation
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Rare compared with other causes of implant replacement; can occur shortly after surgery or months later.
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Surgery
to Replace Implants
Replacing old breast implants requires a surgical procedure. Before undergoing any type of surgery, it is important to understand the risks and benefits associated with the procedure. A patient should discuss all of their questions and concerns with their plastic surgeon prior to the operation.
Pre-operative Considerations
Before undergoing implant replacement surgery, patients must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for the procedure. This includes being in good overall health, having realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery, and understanding all of the potential risks and complications associated with implant replacement surgery. Patients should also have a full understanding of what will be involved in their post-operative care instructions.
Patients should also take into consideration that there may be additional costs associated with implant replacement surgery, such as anesthesia fees and operating room fees. Additionally, some insurance companies may not cover the cost of implant replacement surgery if it is deemed to be cosmetic in nature.
Procedure for Removing and Replacing Implants
The exact procedure for removing and replacing breast implants will vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implant being used, how long they have been in place, and whether or not there is any scar tissue present around them. Generally speaking, however, most procedures involve making an incision either around the areola or along the crease underneath the breast where the original incision was made during placement of the original implants. The old implants are then carefully removed from their pocket before new ones can be inserted in their place. In some cases, a patient’s existing implants may need to be replaced due to rupture or leakage; if this is the case, additional steps may need to be taken during removal and/or insertion of new implants in order to ensure proper healing and minimize risk of infection or other complications.
Depending on a patient’s individual needs and goals, additional procedures such as fat grafting or liposuction may also be performed at this time in order to achieve desired results from implant replacement surgery. During recovery time following implant replacement surgery, patients should follow all post-operative care instructions given by their plastic surgeon in order to promote proper healing and reduce risk for potential complications down the line.
In conclusion, replacing old breast implants requires a surgical procedure that carries its own set of risks and potential complications that must be discussed with your plastic surgeon prior to undergoing any type of operation. It is important for patients considering implant replacement surgery to fully understand all aspects involved in order to make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for them.
Main Idea: Replacing old breast implants requires a surgical procedure with associated risks and benefits. Interesting Key Findings: Eligibility criteria must be met, additional costs may be involved, procedure varies depending on factors, post-operative care instructions should be followed.
Recovery and Risks
Recovery from breast implant replacement surgery is typically easier than the initial breast augmentation procedure, but there are still risks associated with any type of surgery. It is important to understand what to expect after the procedure and how to take care of yourself during the recovery period.
Post-Operative Care Instructions and Expectations
The post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon will depend on the type of implant replacement procedure you had. Generally, it is important to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks after the procedure. You may experience some discomfort or pain in the area where the implants were replaced, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You should also avoid lifting heavy objects or engaging in any strenuous physical activity for at least four weeks after your surgery.
Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support your breasts while they heal. It is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your doctor to ensure a successful recovery and reduce your risk of complications.
Potential Risks Associated With Implant Replacement Surgery
Although most patients do not experience any serious complications following breast implant replacement surgery, there are potential risks associated with this procedure that you should be aware of before undergoing it. These risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Fluid accumulation
- Nerve damage
- Implant shifting or malpositioning
- Capsular contracture (hardening around the implant)
It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor prior to undergoing implant replacement surgery so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you. Additionally, it is important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your doctor in order to reduce your risk of complications and ensure a successful recovery.
At Infini Phoenix Liposuction, we understand that replacing old breast implants is a big decision and can be overwhelming. It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of implant replacement surgery with your doctor before proceeding. The most common complications associated with replacing old implants are capsular contracture, rupture or leakage, desired change in size or shape, pain or discomfort, implant shifting or malposition, infection or inflammation, breast asymmetry, autoimmune disease, deflation or deflation over time.
The procedure for removing and replacing implants typically involves making an incision in the same location as the original incision. The implant pocket will then be opened and the old implant removed before a new one is inserted. Recovery is usually quick and most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. As with any type of surgery there are potential risks associated with implant replacement including infection, bleeding, scarring and changes in sensation.
At Infini Phoenix Liposuction we strive to provide our patients with safe and effective surgical care. Our experienced team of board-certified surgeons are committed to helping you make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.