Why Silicone Implants May Be Removed
- Silicone Implant Leak
Although rare, it is possible for silicone implants to rupture. Because of the design of these breast implants, silicone ruptures may go unnoticed for a while, because the breast shape won’t be altered right away. If a silicone implant does rupture, you will need to have this implant removed.
- Changing Implant Size
Some women get silicone implants and later decide that the size of the implant they received several years ago no longer suits them. Some women may choose to get larger implants that they hesitated to get before, whereas others choose to get smaller silicone implants to reduce the risk of their breasts sagging as they age.
- Updating Implants
Since breast implants need to be changed at some point when they are between 10 and 20 years old, it is common for people to have their current implants removed and replaced with newer implants that will last for another 10 or 20 years.
- Health Complications
It is possible for health complications from silicone implants to arise. When the tissue around the silicone implant begins to harden, this is called capsular contracture and it can cause pain in the breasts. The cause of this condition isn’t entirely known, but it often requires surgical removal of your breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue (known as the scar capsule). Other health complications that require breast implant removal include Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Although rare, this type of immune system cancer requires the immediate removal of textured silicone breast implants.
Silicone Breast Implant Removal Options
Removal Of The Silicone Implant With Or Without En-Bloc Resection
If you need your silicone implant removed, you can have just the silicone implant removed and have your plastic surgeon leave the scar tissue surrounding your implant where it is. Leaving the scar capsule can be an easier and potentially safer removal procedure. This scar capsule should be removed if the scar tissue has hardened or is causing pain or discomfort, but otherwise it can be left in place. If you have the scar capsule removed at the time your silicone implants are removed, this is called an en-bloc resection. An en-bloc resection removes the scar capsule and the breast implant as one complete piece, which is why it is called “en-bloc”, which means “all at the same time”.
Removal And Replacement
When choosing to have silicone implants removed to alter implant size or replace older silicone implants, opt for an implant replacement. You can have your old silicone implants removed and replaced during the same procedure, and a developed scar capsule can be left in place.
Removal And Alterations
If you choose to have your breast implants removed but not replaced, it may cause breast dimpling, chest wall concavity, puckering, or sagging. The removal of larger breast implants will cause the most drastic appearance changes and your breasts may appear quite flat, deflated, or misshapen. If you want to have your silicone implants removed and not replaced, you can speak to your plastic surgeon about your options for breast mastopexy (breast lift) after removal. This can reshape and refine the appearance of your breasts after silicone implant removal.
Silicone Implant Replacement Or Removal In Kelowna
Whether you want silicone breast implants that will last for a long time or you need to have your current implants removed or replaced, Peterson MD can assure a safe procedure and beautiful outcome. If you are ready to discuss your plastic surgery options with Kelowna’s choice plastic surgeon, contact Peterson MD at 1-250-868-9099 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Brian Peterson at Peterson MD in Kelowna is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive medical training and specialization in Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgery. With the extensive knowledge and skill of Dr. Peterson, along with the knowledgeable staff at Peterson MD who are committed to providing patient education, you can feel confident in the results of your cosmetic surgery.
FAQ
Q: How do I know if or when it’s time for a breast implant replacement?
A: After your breast augmentation surgery, maintain contact with your plastic surgeon and alert them to any signs that indicate abnormal healing. Other than this, you will visit your plastic surgeon every few years to ensure that your breast implants are still in great shape. If you suspect there is a problem with your breast implants, such as a change in position, feel, or look, or if you experience any pain or numbness in your beasts, call your plastic surgeon to schedule a meeting. To learn more, read How Often Do I Need To Replace My Silicone Implants?.
Q: Are silicone implants better than saline implants?
A: Both are good options, and the one you choose will depend on the look, feel, and potential risks associated with each. The choice between saline and silicone implants comes down to personal preference. Learn about the differences between each type of implant by reading Saline Vs. Silicone Breast Implants.
Q: Can I get a breast lift without an implant?
A: Yes, patients can choose to undergo breast mastopexy (breast lift) without getting an implant. A breast lift will create a lifted appearance to your breasts but does not add to, or increase, the curve or fullness of the breast, so many choose to pair a lift with a fat transfer and/or breast implant.
