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Breast augmentation surgery is a transformative procedure that many individuals choose to enhance their appearance and confidence. For transgender women or individuals undergoing feminization surgery, breast implants can be a key part of the journey towards feeling more aligned with their true selves. However, one common question that arises when considering breast implants is: How long do they last before they need to be redone?
Like many medical procedures, breast augmentation is not a permanent solution. Over time, implants may require revision or replacement due to natural changes in the body or the implants themselves. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that affect the longevity of breast implants, signs that they may need to be replaced, and what you can expect in terms of long-term maintenance.
Breast Implants
- How long do breast implants usually last?
Breast implants are designed to last a lifetime, but their lifespan is too short. Breast implants typically last for 10 to 20 years before replacement is necessary. That said, not everyone will need to replace their implants within that time frame.. While some may experience issues before implants that last longer than 20 years, others may still have problems. - Factors That Affect Implant Longevity
A) Type of Implant
The two primary options for breast enhancement are silicone and saline implants. They are both sturdy, but each has its own set of properties. A saline implant is filled with water to create an artificially soft tissue, while silicone implants have a more natural appearance. “Silent ruptures,” which are characterized by the breakdown of the implant shell without any visible discomfort, may necesitate more frequent monitoring of silicon implanted patients.
B) Surgical Technique
Your implants’ longevity can be significantly extended through the expertise and training of the surgeon who performs the surgery. Our clinic is equipped with a skilled surgeon who can ensure that the placement is done correctly, decreasing the likelihood of complications and increasing the longevity of your implants.
C) Body Changes
Your body will undergo changes due to various factors such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy and aging. These modifications can alter the appearance of your breast implants and may necessitate a revision surgery to preserve their original shape. Your age, including the elasticity of your skin, breast tissue, and muscle tone, will be affected by your implants.
D) Implant Size
The length of your breast implants can also impact how long they last. Eventually larger implants put more pressure on surrounding tissue and may result in problems such as sagging or displacement of the implants. However, smaller implants may not be as likely to cause these problems and may have a longer lifespan before needing replacement.
- Common Reasons for Implant Replacement
A) Implant Rupture
While both saline and silicone implants can rupture, it’s more common in older models. A saline implant that ruptures is deflated, and the body absorbs the dissolved solution without harm. A ruptured silicone implant may not be as noticeable due to the presence of silicone gel within the implant shell. This is a rare occurrence. The identification of a “silent rupture” may necessitate imaging, such as an MRI, to detect it.
B) Capsular Contracture
Scar tissue surrounding the implant naturally tightens and hardened, leading to capsular contracture, which causes discomfort and a distorted breast shape. A situation like this may necessitate surgical removal or replacement of the implant and the scar tissue surrounding it.
C) Changes in Breast Shape
Changes in breast tissue caused by aging, weight loss or pregnancy can result in asymmetrical or sagging breast growth over time. At times it is necessary to have a breast lift to get the desired effect. These changes are not necessarily related to the implant, but they may necessitate revision surgery.
D) Personal Preferences
The desire to alter their breast shape and size leads some individuals to replace them. Over time, you may adjust your preferences and opt for a different implant size or style to suit your current aesthetic tastes.
E) Implant Malposition
As implants age, they can shift back and forth, resulting in an irregular appearance. This is more common in cases where the implants are placed above the muscle, as the surrounding tissue may not provide sufficient support. A revision operation may be required to fix the implant placement if it is found to be incorrectly placed.
- Assessing the effectiveness of your implants
Regular observation and regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are crucial in maintaining the health of your breast implants. The FDA suggests that silicone implants be inspected every 2 to 3 years after the initial surgery to detect any silent ruptures. This is done to ensure safety. By scheduling regular check-ups, your surgeon can identify any issues with your implants and provide necessary updates to prevent further damage. - How soon should I schedule an appointment for Revision Surgery?
While it’s not always clear when you will need to replace your breast implants, there are indications that may suggest the appropriate time for a revision surgery.
What is the nature of Revision Surgery?
The process of undergoing breast implant revision surgery is similar to the initial breast augmentation procedure, but the specific methods used will vary depending on the reason for the revision. Sometimes, the surgeon will simply replace the old implants. Sometimes, a breast lift, fat grafting, or scar tissue removal may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
A lot of people opt for breast implants as a means to improve their physical appearance or become more feminine. What are some advantages? Despite being artificially designed to last forever, with proper care and monitoring they can persist for many years before needing replacement.