Breast implants are silicone or saline materials inserted into the breasts of women to enhance them or correct any anomalies in their shape or alignment. The medical procedure is referred to as breast augmentation and is a form of plastic surgery.
There is an aggressive rise in breast augmentation surgeries as more people are seeking that “killer chest”. Surgeons are thoroughly booked up for breast augmentation in Asheville, NC, and everywhere else in the world. However, how much do you know about breast implants?
Here, we will be deciphering the enigma of breast augmentation by exploring deeper what these famous implants are; evaluating their average lifespan or duration as well as highlighting their intrinsic features. We will also offer advice on how to maintain them and increase their lifespan.
What is the Average Lifespan of Breast Implants?
They were not designed to expire but rather to be a permanent addition to the body. However, situations arise when they need to be removed or replaced. Experts at Mayo Clinic nail the average lifespan (considering all other factors) between 10 and 20 years. Sometimes serious complications may demand these implants being removed even before ten years.
Complications That Can Make Breast Implant Removal Necessary
1. Saline leakage and deflation (rupture)
Saline breast implants are inflated just like balloons, a little tear or rupture in its shell will result in deflation. The risk of this occurrence increases over time; it can be instant or gradual. Particularly, the leaked saline can be absorbed into the body. This is not optimal.
2. Silicone rupture
This complication is also referred to as silent rupture because it is not easily noticeable as the silicone gel stays inside the implant or the scar tissue. Its symptoms where they occur include a reduced breast size, pain, numbness, an uneven appearance, a burning sensation, and hard knots. Silicone implants can rupture immediately, after a few years, or even after more than 10 years.
3. Capsular contracture
This simply means the hardening of the scar tissue around the implants. Its symptoms include pain, tightness, tenderness, and loss of shape of the breasts.
4. Change of position
Breast implants are still affected by normal physiological changes in the body, including weight gain. These body changes can cause sagging and stretching. Sometimes, one breast may sag lower than the other. This calls for urgent medical attention.
5. Wrinkling and palpability
Over time, the implants can become wrinkled and palpable and can be felt by touching them.
Causes of Complications
They can be as a result of normal wear & tear, surgical error, or from not accurately following the post-operation instructions.
How to Avoid Complications and Increase the Lifespan of the Implants
Women considering going for breast augmentation in Asheville, NC, and anywhere else, are advised to:
- Consult a Board-certified plastic surgeon.
- Go for regular MRI scans.
- Follow post-operation instructions.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that breast implants are synthetic materials and are prone to wearing out at any time. The watchwords for increasing their longevity are proper care and maintenance.
It is also trite to note that any corrective or maintenance procedures can be carried out by any qualified surgeon not necessarily the one that carried out the initial procedure.
