Do silicone breast implants need to be changed? Do I need to change implants after mammoplasty? Factors affecting wear

Mammoplasty is the most common plastic surgery operation. It happens that there is a need for a second operation. Among the reasons for which corrective mammoplasty is performed, the most common reason is pregnancy and subsequent feeding or a significant decrease in body weight. Also, possible causes may be the appearance of complications in the form of capsular contracture, infectious processes, shift, rupture, omission, and much more.

Capsular contracture or mammary fibrosis

This phenomenon is associated with the delimitation by the body of a foreign body, which is an implant. Around it, tissues are compacted, the woman feels squeezing and discomfort. Usually this process occurs in the first year after plastic surgery. In subsequent years, mammary fibrosis is rare. Contracture is manifested by the occurrence of asymmetry or compaction of the mammary glands. If the compaction is not strong, the fibrous ring is excised to release the implant and correct the shape of the breast. When the fibrous formation has a pronounced form, the fibrous capsule is completely removed, the prosthesis is removed and replaced with a new one.

To avoid the manifestation of capsular contracture, you must follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. After mammoplasty, it is required to constantly wear compression underwear, not to lift heavy things, not to load the chest muscles for a certain period

If breast compaction, pain and changes in shape appear, you should immediately contact a surgeon who will examine and, if necessary, make an ultrasound scan and prescribe treatment.

Leakage of the gel from the implant

Rupture of the prosthesis and leakage of gel from it is another complication that requires an immediate visit to the doctor and correction with the installation of a new one. If you establish the damage in time and contact the surgeon, you can avoid serious complications. This phenomenon is quite rare and occurs as a result of a strong mechanical effect on the chest, for example, in an accident or as a result of piercing wounds of the chest wall.

This damage may go unnoticed and manifest itself later in the form of discomfort or pain, a change in the shape and density of the breast. Some women wait for the discomfort to disappear on its own. This cannot be done, since the trouble in the form of a leaked gel will not be eliminated on its own. It is necessary to contact a plastic surgeon to remove the implant and install a new one.

Other Reasons for a Secondary Surgery

There are many other reasons why you need to remove the old implant and install a new one:

inflammation or infection. These phenomena can be provoked within a month after the operation, so the woman needs to keep in touch with the doctor and, if necessary, visit him for examination;
The implants installed two decades ago are made of other materials: heavier, not durable, the imperfect shell of which needs to be replaced;
physiological changes in the body. With age, a woman's body undergoes natural changes and breast correction may be required. Some women decide to improve their breasts with age: change its shape or size, as well as its location;
change in symmetry after lactation. The chest may become asymmetrical over time. This is a common situation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A slight asymmetry of the female mammary glands is the norm and in most cases does not require surgical intervention and correction.

Contraindications for breast prosthetics

In some situations, mammoplasty is categorically not recommended:

oncological formations in the mammary glands. It is necessary to treat the underlying disease after which the breast can be restored using implants.
pregnancy. Doctors do not recommend during this period to carry out any surgical manipulations with the body, except in situations where the health or life of a woman is in danger;
lactation. When feeding a baby, a woman's breasts change and surgical intervention is undesirable. Even with the appearance of asymmetry, doctors recommend waiting for the end of the lactation period and only then taking corrective measures;
exacerbation of chronic diseases and a decrease in immunity. In such situations, the likelihood of complications, for example, in the form of infections, is high.

Rehabilitation after mammoplasty

After any surgical intervention, a rehabilitation period follows. With primary breast plastic surgery, the process of getting used to takes quite a long time and requires constant monitoring by a doctor. With secondary implantation, when prostheses are replaced with new ones, this process is less painful, faster and easier. If the prosthesis is placed in an already formed bed, where the former was, then the rehabilitation will pass almost imperceptibly. There may be only slight swelling and bruising, which is normal with any surgical intervention. If the location changes, for example, it is placed under the pectoral muscles, and was previously located above it, then the body will take a longer time to adapt.

Before planning a breast augmentation surgery, it is worth considering some factors that may lead to the need for a second operation in the future. A woman needs to take into account the possibility of pregnancy and the lactation period, to provide time for rehabilitation after the operation itself. An experienced surgeon will be able to foresee the likelihood of complications and suggest options to avoid them.

Tatyana (32 years old, Odintsovo), 05/30/2017

Good afternoon, Maxim. It's my birthday soon, so I want to give myself a gift in the form of a breast augmentation. It is important to note that I want to do breasts in the summer, and during this period I develop an allergy to the pollen of flowering plants. I can’t say that the condition is becoming critical, but I feel very bad. Is it possible to do breast augmentation during this period:? What pills to drink during rehabilitation. Thanks for the answer. Tanya.

Good afternoon, Tatyana. I do not recommend breast augmentation during an allergy flare-up. It is worth waiting until there is no allergy in order to perform surgery. Sincerely, plastic surgeon Maxim Osin!

Irina (26 years old, Korolyov), 05/27/2017

Hello, Maxim Alexandrovich! I plan to increase my breasts, but at the moment I am still breastfeeding my daughter (Breastfeeding). Tell me, after what period can I do an operation to increase? Irina

Good afternoon, Irina. Breast augmentation surgery can be performed only six months after the last day of lactation. Sincerely, plastic surgeon Maxim Osin!

Lilia (25 years old, Moscow), 05/25/2017

Good morning! It so happened that by nature I have very small breasts. I'm worried about surgery. I'm afraid that there will be very visible scars. There will be traces of the operation. Perhaps you can recommend how else you can increase your breasts without implants? Are there recommended injections? Sincerely, Lily.

Hello Lily! At the moment, I consider the only acceptable method of breast augmentation - plastic surgery with implants. After the operation, the traces remain minimal, and postoperative scars are difficult to see. Do not worry, because the result after this operation will definitely surprise you. Sincerely, plastic surgeon Maxim Osin!

Kristina (27 years old, Moscow), 05/24/2017

Good afternoon, Maxim Alexandrovich. My girlfriend did your breasts, now I want to enlarge my breasts, because after pregnancy I am not at all satisfied with her shape. Can you tell me what are the forms? My friend chose the round shape of the implants, but for my taste, the round one looks unnatural. What could you advise in this matter?

Good afternoon! There are enough implants to choose the shape that will suit you. The shape can be: anatomical, spherical, drop-shaped and round. I can recommend a certain form of implant only after I see your breasts and their condition after pregnancy. I suggest making an appointment for a consultation. Sincerely, plastic surgeon Maxim Osin!

Olga (25 years old, Moscow), 03/15/2017

I live in another city. How many days do I need to allocate for breast augmentation surgery? Is it possible to take tests in my city and come only for an operation?

It's possible. First you need to choose the day of the operation. We send you a list of tests and you submit them in advance in your city. On the eve of the operation, you need to come for a consultation, at which the doctor will select implants for you, taking into account your wishes and anatomical features. After the operation, you stay in the hospital for a day, then you are discharged and you come to remove the stitches in 3-4 days. And the doctor will let you go. That is, you will need 4-5 days to travel.

Olga (28 years old, Moscow), 12/18/2016

Hello? Maksim. I want to enlarge my breasts. How can I if I have stretch marks on my chest??

Good afternoon! The presence of stretch marks does not affect the operation. Unfortunately, stretch marks cannot be removed. With the help of cosmetic effects, they can be made less noticeable.

Anastasia (27 years old, Moscow), 11/29/2016

Hello, Maxim Alexandrovich! My husband and I go to the gym, the weight of the load is not significant, but still ... I want to put implants and I would like to clarify how long it takes to return to sports?

Good afternoon, Anastasia! As a rule, you can return to sports activities one and a half months after the operation. However, it will be necessary to learn the permission of the doctor after he evaluates the failure of the sutures.

Victoria (32 years old, Moscow), 11/28/2016

Hello, I am a male transvestite, and I want to make myself a female breast (enlarge). What is needed for this, to what size can it be increased, and how much will it cost ??? Thanks in advance.

Good afternoon. The cost of the operation is 250,000. The size and shape of the implants can be determined during the consultation. Implants are placed under the pectoral muscle, the incision remains almost invisible.

Kristina (18 years old, Moscow), 09/20/2016

Hello, Maxim Alexandrovich! I have a zero breast size, I want (ideally) a fourth ... I myself am slim, they tell me that there can be a big load on my back. This is true?? I am 18 years old. Sincerely, Christina!

Hello Christina! There is no actual limit in terms of breast augmentation, but an experienced professional considers each individual case. In your case, it is probably undesirable to increase to the fourth size. Since there will really be a big load on the back and the risk of an unnatural appearance of the implants. In addition, you will need several operations, since surgeons do not perform a one-time breast augmentation of 4 sizes. More precisely, I can answer your question at a face-to-face consultation. Come and we will help you!

Irina (23 years old, Moscow), 09/18/2016

Hello, Maxim Alexandrovich! I did a breast augmentation ten years ago (two sizes, now three). Recently, my breasts have sagged a little, and it has become noticeable that I am wearing implants. Can this be fixed somehow? Thanks in advance, Irina.

Hello Irina! We can perform breast lift surgery and implant replacement, which will completely solve your problem. Come to us for a consultation and we will help you!

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgeries today. However, recently there has been more and more controversy about the quality of implants. Some patients find that implants need to be replaced after a certain period of time. Others are sure that breast implants are installed once and for all. Let's try to figure out which one is right.

Opinion of manufacturers and surgeons

Implant manufacturers generally state with confidence that their products have been repeatedly tested and tested and are completely safe. According to them, breast implants can be installed for life. However, many surgeons do not agree with this. Doctors believe that implants need to be replaced every few years. They explain this by the fact that being in the body of the patient, the implants are constantly exposed to aggressive influences. Moreover, they are subject to regular bending, compression and stretching, which seems to be exorbitant loads for implants. Also, according to plastic surgeons, changes in the female body, such as pregnancy, lactation, and even weight changes, affect the state of implants.

Defective products

But the loads that affect the state of the implants are far from the only reason why surgeons advise changing them. Unfortunately, many experienced doctors talk about the risk of using defective products. Of course, plastic surgeons work exclusively with those manufacturing companies that are completely trusted. But still, they cannot rule out the possibility of a marriage. Thus, girls who have breast augmentation must strictly observe an important rule - regularly visit their plastic surgeon. Doctors warn that patients need to accustom themselves to regular examinations. This procedure should become as familiar and simple as brushing your teeth. Then they will be able to avoid serious health problems, because during a routine examination, the surgeon will detect any deviations from the norm.

Let's be frank. They cannot stay in the body forever. Sooner or later they break. This article will focus on silicone implants and the dangers that women around the world expose themselves to. The statistics in this regard is very eloquent and scary: 50% of implants rupture already 10 years after the operation. Women who wear silicone in their breasts for 15 to 20 years increase their risk of rupture by up to 90%.

What are doctors afraid of?

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ed Melmed says there is no way to control filler leakage. Physicians cannot know how the material will behave in the body and where it will spread.

Statistics on the number of transactions

Every year, in the United States alone, about 300,000 women and girls get breast implants. If we take into account similar operations around the world, the numbers are even more impressive. It is believed that every year from 5 to 10 million beauties resort to this method of body shaping.

Basically, before the operation, women are not informed about the danger. At the appointment with a plastic surgeon, they will never be told about a potential threat to health. On the contrary, most doctors in clinics tell patients that this procedure is safe, and if it carries health risks, then they are minimal. Therefore, women so easily go under the knife, because they, in fact, do not suspect anything. However, this is not the case when it is worth keeping silent about the consequences.

Evidence gathered from real stories

If you want to know what is the true danger caused by breast augmentation surgery, ask affected women about it. There are thousands of real and horrifying stories around the world that have led to debilitating autoimmune disorders and other physical problems. Please take the information below into consideration. If you, your girlfriends or relatives are considering breast augmentation, just share this information with them. Your life, as well as the lives of your friends, may depend entirely on this knowledge.

Clients provide employees of plastic surgery clinics with a comfortable old age. Most often, women around the age of 30 turn to breast correction. Many of the patients have already given birth to children, and their mammary glands have lost their former shape and elasticity after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Another part of women has complexes about the small size. Breast implants seem to be the only salvation.

The first danger at a plastic surgeon's appointment is to look for a cheaper alternative. It's no secret that quality material is expensive, and many private clinics are fighting for potential customers. That is why advice about alternative, more affordable options appears. No doctor will say that there are no permanent implants on the market today. Any of the options available on the market are prone to leakage of the filler. Some of them include salt valves, which after some time of "operation" can blacken and become moldy. Ultimately, the woman's body is doomed to put up with systemic fungal problems.

Beauties are sure that big breasts provide many advantages in the battle for a potential partner, for family happiness and well-being. They turn to the clinic and hope for a dream come true. No plastic surgeon will debunk these expectations. He will not talk about severe autoimmune disorders that lead to a wheelchair, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and other ailments.

The international organization FDA now openly mentions the problems associated with breast implants. This service has existed on the international plastic surgery market for over 40 years. And all this time, the FDA has not formally granted its approval.

The biggest scandal

At the end of the 90s, perhaps the loudest scandal associated with this area thundered all over the world. The lawsuit, which involved 450,000 women in the United States of America, was covered extensively in the media. This famous case was brought against Dow Corning, the world's largest manufacturer of silicone implants.

The company never acknowledged that its products are hazardous to health. However, the court ordered to pay huge monetary compensations to the victims. It is known that in the 1970s Dow Corning implants had a very thin outer shell and a high potential for material leakage. Some women paid for the dream of having beautiful breasts with their own lives while they waited for the verdict of the court.

In the case against the monopoly company, some more gruesome details emerged. It turns out that Dow Corning employees knew that their products were toxic, but kept this information from the public for as long as they could. Such a scandal is far from an isolated case. Recent lawsuits include the infamous case brought against the French manufacturer PIP, whose implants contained toxic chemicals banned for human use.

Animal experiments

Scientists are eager to shed light on the behavior of leaked silicone in the body and experiment on animals. So, in 80% of rats, into the body of which silicone was introduced, tumors were subsequently found. These figures were so staggering that the international organization FDA immediately hastened to call them erroneous.

Silicone implants are back on the market

Some time ago, silicone was no longer used as a filler for breast implants. And now he is again conquering the international market. Immediately, several manufacturing companies, against which claims were filed for a total of $ 3.7 billion, again curtailed into their usual sphere of activity. Moreover, no long-term studies on their products have been produced. It is worth noting that data regarding the safety of products from Dow Corning, Baxter Healthcare Corporation and Bristol-Myers Scribb do not have any confirmation. And this means that women again have no guarantees.

For women who have undergone augmentation mammoplasty at least once in their lives, the question arises - how is the degree of wear and tear of implants and do they need to be changed at all?

But there are also statistics in which patients are satisfied with the result and do not resort to repeated mammoplasty, even after a specified period of time.

a brief description of

Endoprostheses that were produced about 10-20 years ago had a 7-8% wear rate, and manufacturers could not give a 100% guarantee that the implant would not break or its integrity would not be violated.

At the moment, modern prostheses have a much lower wear process, which allows leading manufacturers to give a lifetime warranty on their products.

A breast prosthesis is a medical product that is made from high quality biocompatible material to be placed under the skin or mammary gland in order to model the female bust and increase its size.

The first breast prostheses were filled with fats, liquid paraffin and various other fillers. They were injected into the thickness of the mammary gland.

The first breast augmentation surgeries were performed at the end of the 19th century, but such surgeries did not bring the desired result and led to serious complications.

Since 1944, the production of a prosthesis in the form of a closed shell of silicone filled with sodium chloride or gel began.

And from this moment the real evolution of breast prostheses begins and every year their shape, structure, fillers and types improve.

Conventionally, the types of breast prostheses can be divided into several generations:

The first generation of prostheses were made from a silicone tear-shaped shell that was filled with a viscous silicone gel. A septum was installed at the back to prevent displacement of the implant;
The second generation of implants have become softer and the gel is lighter. Second-generation breast prostheses were also produced in two-sided form and were a silicone prosthesis inside a saline one;
the third and fourth generation of implants were coated with elastomer to prevent the gel from bleeding through the shell. In the fourth generation, different forms of prostheses with a variety of coatings were also already being produced;
fifth generation prostheses consist of a cohesive gel. It is a soft gel and has the ability to mimic living breast tissue. Also, this gel is characterized by “memory” and, with any deformation, returns to the form specified during the production process.

Video: How the operation goes

Kinds

Modern breast implants are of two types:

silicone;
saline.

Silicone prostheses consist of a silicone filler, the viscosity of which may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Breast, silicone implants are pleasant to the touch and do not differ from the female breast.

Such prostheses are suitable for women with small breasts, they do not wrinkle and look very natural. But silicone prostheses are very expensive, and in the event of a rupture, it is difficult to find the place of leakage.

Saline endoprostheses consist of normal saline or sodium chloride solution. Such a solution is pumped in after the installation of the prosthesis, during the operation.

Such prostheses are much cheaper than silicone ones and much safer. In the event of a rupture of a salt prosthesis, it is easy to detect the place of leakage and a saline solution that does not harm the body will enter the body.

Also in the description of the types of endoprostheses, it is worth paying attention to the following characteristics:

the form;
the size;
coating.

The form of the prosthesis can be:

round;
anatomical (teardrop-shaped);
anatomical with a high profile.

The size of the prosthesis is:

fixed. This size does not have a valve and the volume of the prosthesis cannot be changed;
adjustable. With this size, the prosthesis has a valve through which saline can be injected;

The coating or surface may be:

smooth;
textured. Textured dentures are uneven and have villi on their surface;
with a spongy surface structure. The connective tissue grows into the spongy structure of the shell and will allow you to fix the prosthesis in one place.

Indications for change

Changing implants is called – re-endoprosthetics of the mammary glands.

Indications for changing breast implants may be as follows:

aesthetic dissatisfaction after breast augmentation surgery;
correction of changes in the appearance of the breast, which is associated with breastfeeding, pregnancy and age-related changes;
the desire of the patient to increase her breasts by 3-4 sizes larger than before;

Also, an indication for breast re-endoprosthetics may be complications after the first augmentation mammoplasty, these include:

Do I need to change implants after mammoplasty?

Breast augmentation prostheses, like any other device, not only of a medical nature, wear out.

The service life of breast endoprostheses depends on many factors, such as the reaction of the body to a foreign object, the quality of the implant, and its location.

The frequency of replacement depends on the material of the implant and the skill of the surgeon.

Is it possible to plan pregnancy after breast augmentation

It is possible to plan a pregnancy after augmentation mammoplasty. Breast augmentation does not affect fetal development and is safe.

Studies conducted in this area have proven that neither silicone nor salt prostheses have a negative effect on the fetus.

The only thing that awaits a woman after childbirth is sagging breasts. This is due to an increase in the mammary glands and to return to its previous shape, mammoplasty in the form of a breast lift will be required.

But to do augmentation mammoplasty during pregnancy is strictly prohibited, since the operation is performed under anesthesia, which has a detrimental effect during the development of the fetus.

Whichever method and access for installation is chosen, it should not affect the breastfeeding of the child.

The most complete feeding process will be if the implant is placed in the armpit during the operation. In this case, the mammary glands are not affected and the lactation process will not be disturbed.

If the areola is affected during the operation, it is important to know before the augmentation mammoplasty how the feeding period will proceed and discuss this point with the plastic surgeon.

In order to avoid complications such as mastitis due to the presence of prostheses, you need to choose the right feeding technique and regularly do special massages.

Photo: Before and after the operation

How is the replacement

The process of carrying out the procedure for the replacement of breast prostheses can be divided into two stages:

preparation for the event;
implant removal procedure;

Preparation includes:

the doctor's consultation;
examination of the patient;
consultation with a mammologist;
performing a mammogram.

take drugs made on herbs;
drink alcohol and smoke;

During the operation, the doctor makes appropriate incisions, which can be performed:

along the edges of the areola of the nipples;
in the armpit;
under the mammary gland.

The dentures replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts from one to two hours.

Complete endoprosthetics includes three stages:

removal of old implants. The surgeon makes an incision along the scar line and removes the old prosthesis through it;
capsulotomy. A fibrous capsule around the prosthesis is always formed, it all depends on how much it is present. Sometimes, in the process of capsulotomy, partial removal of fibrous seals is required, with serious complications, complete removal of the contracture is required;
installation of new prostheses. Basically, implants are installed in an already formed old bed, but if the patient wants to increase her breasts even more, then the surgeon will need to form a new “pocket” for the endoprosthesis.

After the removal and installation of breast prostheses, the skin pocket should thicken, and in order to speed up this process and prevent it from filling with physiological fluids, patients need to wear compression garments for a month after the operation.

The final recovery after re-endoprosthetics takes several months during which it is forbidden to visit:

saunas;
solariums;
take hot baths;
sunbathe in the sun.

Active physical activity is prohibited until the tissues are completely healed.

The dangers of reoperation

Of course, both with the first and repeated augmentation mammoplasty, there is a risk of complications.

And if there were no complications and problems during the first operation to increase the mammary glands, then during the second operation the risk of complications doubles.

As with the first operation, the following complications may occur:

capsular contracture;
hematoma;
seroma;
wound infection;
the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars;
temperature after mammoplasty;
implant rupture;
deformation of the endoprosthesis;
displacement of the prosthesis;
double fold or double bubble effect;
calcification;
allergic reaction to the endoprosthesis;
simmastia - the fusion of two breasts.

It is also worth knowing that augmentation mammoplasty is performed under anesthesia, so not only complications related to the chest area, but also diseases of the cardiovascular system and the gastrointestinal tract can occur.

Prevention of complications

In order to reduce the risk of complications, it is necessary to carry out the following preventive measures:

doctor's choice. When choosing a doctor, it is necessary to proceed not from the methods of economy, but according to the number of operations carried out in this area, professionalism and experience;
follow all the recommendations of a plastic surgeon;
take broad-spectrum antibiotics to prevent infections from entering the postoperative wound and fever;
choose endoprostheses from well-known manufacturers. When choosing implants, you can consult a plastic surgeon, as well as pay attention to patient reviews about companies that produce these products;
wear compression garments after surgery. But it is necessary to purchase such underwear even before the operation.

Factors affecting wear

The first factor that affects the aging of implants is:

age-related changes;
gaining excess weight or losing weight;
lactation.

As a result, the volume of the mammary glands changes, the skin loses its elasticity and the ligaments that support the breast are stretched.

In many cases, there is a risk of leakage and rupture of the implant, which also applies to implant aging factors. This may be due to some household injuries of the chest and a poor-quality choice of endoprosthesis.

Every woman who wants to seek the help of a plastic surgeon should familiarize herself with the following statistics:

30% of patients complain of rupture and leakage of the prosthesis;
40% of women are dissatisfied with the results of plastic surgery and resort to re-endoprosthetics;
50% of patients go to a plastic surgeon for complications within 3 years;
10% of women who underwent mammoplasty using silicone implants get cancer;
even if there are no complications, after 5-10 years the prostheses need to be changed because they wear out.

Finally, I would like to reassure women and add that the majority of women who underwent augmentation mammoplasty are satisfied with the result.

With the right choice of the prosthesis and the method of its installation, a good and long-term result can be obtained, in which there is no need to change implants after mammoplasty.