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Breast implants are synthetic products, and they are not intended to last forever. At some point, most breast implants will need to be replaced. As a result, all females that have undergone breast augmentation with implants will have to have breast implant removal or replacement at least once in their lifetime to upgrade old breast implants with new. The removal and replacement of breast implants is a relatively short procedure taking about an hour and has very little pain associated with recovery.
The failure rate for breast implants is low at 1% per year. This means in 20 years there is a 20% or 1 in 5 chance of failure. After 50 years, there is a 50% chance of failure. There is no specific date or time period to change the implants, if they fail, change them. Also, changes in your body shape or lifestyle may lead you to want to replace the implants over time.
Source: www.FDA.gov
The body of a person who has undergone breast implantation creates a natural capsule around the location of the implant because it is seen as an intruder. This natural capsule is a thick scar and it is intended to completely wrap the implant. It is also this capsule that may sometimes cause the implant to fail through a process called capsular contracture. This is as a result of shrinking of the implant pocket that causes the implant to break. For older silicone gel implants that may be ruptured, the ruptured glue-like material is removed using a series of dry sponges, and a new implant is placed.
At Coastal Cosmetic Center our board certified plastic surgeon also provide breast implant revisions to those looking to correct a breast augmentation surgery performed by another surgeon that did not result in a satisfactory outcome. We also find that a number of patients who had saline filled implants are now switching to silicone implants because of the more natural feel of these implants. Additionally, breast implant revision for cancer survivors is offered by our surgical team.
Read a Patient Testimonial and see Before/After photos for Dr. Timothy Fee on breast implant removal.
Usually the original incision that was used for the breast implant surgery can be used again. This incision can be expected to heal similarly to the original augmentation incision site. When a silicone implant is substituted for an existing saline implant, the incision does need to be extended slightly to allow easier entry of the silicone breast implant.
If you have breast implants, it is important for you to go for an annual examination and ensure that this examination is done by an experienced plastic surgeon. This ensures that the patient maintains the health status of the breast, thus minimizing the chances of needing a replacement.
To schedule a consultation for breast implant removal or replacement, please email or call Coastal Cosmetic Center at (904) 332-6774.
Dr. Fee is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients in Jacksonville and the surrounding communities. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the largest and most prestigious organization of plastic surgeon in the United States. A former President of the Greater Jacksonville Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Fee has published and participated in several peer reviewed journals.