There has been a lot of confusion among patients about how often your breast implants need to be removed.
If you are considering breast augmentation, or already have breast implants, I’m sure you have done some research on the internet and possibly talked to friends or family. Currently there are three manufactures of FDA approved breast implants in the United States. They are Allergan and Mentor and Sientra. The manufactures have both saline and silicone implants.
When is the right time?
There are several instances when you should have your breast implants replaced. The first is the need for replacement when you a post-operative complication. These complications include hard scar tissue, infections, exposure of the implant through the skin, and ruptured implants. In the case of infection, the implant is removed, the patient is placed on antibiotics until the infection subsides and the implant is replaced later at a separate surgical procedure.
Many surgeons ask their patients to return in approximately 10 to 12 years to replace their implants. This preventative measure allows your implants to never break due to the wear and tear placed on them by your body which gradually weakens your implants and eventually leads to implant failure. However, the main implant companies, Allergan and Mentor both have a replacement warranty and will replace the implant with a new one-when they break– not as a preventative measure. The patient would be responsible for the cost of the implant if they are replaced as a preventative measure. The breakage of the saline implant will be quickly noticeable as the saline is absorbed and the breast looses volume and size. The older silicone implants when they break will show a possible change in size or shape but the new cohesive implant will not show any change at all.
Breast Implants are not permanent
Breast Implants are not permanent devices. All breast implants will eventually need to be replaced. To discuss more about your proposed surgery or for an evaluation for implants that were placed by another surgeon, or you think your implants may be ruptured, please call 215-315-7655 to schedule a private complimentary consultation with Dr. Edward S. Kole at his office in Southampton, Bucks County.
