A majority of women who choose breast augmentation plastic surgery today may need to replace their implants at least once in their lifetime. But this does not mean that every woman will require a replacement, or a replacement would be needed every few years.
An FDA report in 2011 showed that only about 20 percent of all women with breast implants may need to have their implants removed or replaced within the first 10 years. This means at least 80 percent of the women can expect their implants to last much longer, probably between 10 and 20 years or more.
It’s also critical to understand that this FDA report came out nearly a decade ago. The qualities of implants as well as the surgical techniques for breast augmentation have dramatically improved during this time. Therefore, this old data may no longer be valid, and most women who undergo breast augmentation today can continue to benefit from their implants for a very long time.
Board certified plastic surgeons at MBody, Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin, provide cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for the breast, body and face to patients in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and surrounding locations.
Medical Reasons for Implant Removal or Replacement
Breast implants do not have an expiration date, and in fact, most of the latest breast implant qualities are sold with a lifetime warranty. It is not a common occurrence to have your breast implants removed or replaced because of implant damage, leakage, or a defective implant.
Having said that, some women may develop implant related complications, which makes it a medical necessity to remove or replace the breast implants.
Implant Rupture
If the saline implant develops a hole or crack, the saline could quickly leak out, causing the implant to deflate. This will not pose a health risk, but for aesthetic reasons, it would be necessary to remove or replace the implants.
In case of silicone implant leakage, it is best to have the implants removed or replaced so that the silicone gel does not move out to other parts of the body. Many women may only experience a ‘silent’ rupture in case of silicone implants because the thick silicone gel will usually stay inside the implant shell. The damage may only be detected during an MRI.
Capsular Contracture
In some cases, the scar tissue that envelopes the breast implant may tend to harden and cause tightness or pain in the breast. Reasons for capsular contracture are not fully understood, but if it happens, implant removal or replacement plastic surgery may be the only option.
The surgeon may decide to perform a traditional full or partial capsulectomy or an en bloc capsulectomy, depending on the circumstances. If you only choose implant removal, you may also have to get a breast lift at the same time to restore the firmer and natural looking breast appearance.
Plastic surgeons at MBody receive patients from Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Loudoun, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Chevy Chase, Richmond, Fredericksburg, and nearby areas for safe and proven plastic surgery procedures.
CONTACT MBODY CONTOURING AND LASER CENTER
For more information on the surgical and non-surgical procedures and treatments by Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons Dr. Reps Sundin and Dr. Burton Sundin please visit or click here to contact us.
Serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC, Vienna, McLean, Fairfax, Loudoun County, Ashburn, Tysons Corner, Reston, Arlington, Fredricksburg, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Maryland Richmond, VA and surrounding communities.
