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A Succinct Guide to Implant Replacements

Although many people think of breast implants as a once-and-done thing, it doesn’t always work that way. Older breast implants can leak or lose their shape. Some individuals develop capsular contracture, a condition of hardened scar tissue. It can occur after breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery. In any of those situations, Dr. Joel Aronowitz says breast implant replacement surgery can rectify the problem.

What Happens When Implants Rupture?

Ruptured implants, while not common, can occur. Breast implants don’t last forever. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends each person who receives breast implants undergo breast imaging five to six years after the initial surgery, according to the Mayo Clinic. Repeat the imaging exam every few years. Most breast implant leaks show up on the imaging before creating noticeable symptoms.

What symptoms might you notice? The most noticeable symptoms provide visual cues, such as a change in breast shape or size. Lumpiness or swelling may develop, too. One breast might seem numb, sore, or painful. An individual with a leaking implant could experience a change in the way they experience feeling when they touch their breasts.

Some individuals develop capsular contracture due to an implant leak, while others develop it without a leak present. Although leaking implants don’t cause serious health problems, an individual who notices symptoms of a leak should contact their plastic surgeon immediately.  

Rectifying the Problem Quickly

According to Joel Aronowitz MD, a plastic surgeon can remove the leaky implant and replace it with a new one in the same surgery. This process results in immediate rectification of any lumpiness or size differential.

After the Surgery

The aftercare for breast implant replacement might seem like the aftercare for breast implant surgery. It’s largely the same. The patient must wear a compression wrap under a special support bra for several weeks. Your surgeon will determine how many weeks based on post-operative follow-up visits.

Some patients need temporary drains inserted into their breasts. In most cases, medical staff remove these tubes after a few days.

The ban on vigorous activity following implant replacement matches the one following the initial breast enhancement. For several weeks, the patient cannot undergo vigorous workouts or other strenuous activities.

Finding a Board-Certified Surgeon

In some cases, your original plastic surgeon may have retired, or maybe you moved to a new area. Visit the website of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. Don’t wait to address a potentially leaking implant. Call a certified plastic surgeon to schedule an exam and breast imaging. Breast implant replacement can immediately rectify the problem.

 

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