Breast implants are not designed to be permanent and may need replacing at some point. Most breast implants will last for at least ten to twenty years, though. Many breast implants are also covered by warranty, so if it ruptures or fails in some way during the warranty period, you can get it replaced for a reduced cost.
If you are interested in breast augmentation or want to have your breast implants replaced, call Grossman | Capraro Plastic Surgery today at 303-557-4972 to schedule your consultation.
When Should You Replace Your Breast Implants?
Breast implants can be replaced for a number of reasons, including:
- Rupture
- Change in position due to sagging
- Rippling, capsular contracture, or another type of complication
- The patient wants to change the size, profile, or type of implant
You don’t need to replace your breast implants if there’s no external reason to do so. Some women never need to replace their implants. However, as your breast implants age, they’ll become more prone to rupture. Weight fluctuations, hormones, and gravity can also cause sagging in the breasts, which might in turn displace your implants.
Breast Implant Exchange vs. Breast Implant Removal
If you do experience a problem with your implants, you have a number of options you can pursue. These include:
- Replace your old implants with newer ones, in a procedure called implant exchange
- Remove your implants entirely
- Remove your implants and have a breast lift to correct sagging
- Replace your implants and undergo a breast lift at the same time
Your choice will depend on your end goal. Keep in mind that if you opt to remove your breast implants entirely, your breasts may end up looking a little bit deflated or sagging. This happens most often with larger implants that have stretched the breast skin over time.
You don’t need to visit your original plastic surgeon to have your breast implants removed or replaced. Any plastic surgeon with experience in breast revision surgery will be able to do it. Here at Grossman | Capraro Plastic Surgery, we have extensive experience helping women whose breast implants are no longer ideal.
How to Tell If Your Breast Implants Have Ruptured
Breast implant rupture is uncommon, but it does happen. If your breast implants are saline, it will be very easy to tell if it ruptures. Saline implants will immediately deflate, and your breast will deflate along with it.
It’s harder to tell when a silicone breast implant ruptures since silicone implants hold their shape due to the thick gel inside. We recommend getting regular MRIs if you have silicone implants, in order to detect if there’s a leak.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should get checked out as soon as possible to see if you may have a silicone breast implant rupture:
- Uneven breast appearance
- Hard knots
- Tenderness or swelling
- Tingling or numbness
The chances of a silicone breast implant rupturing go up the longer you’ve had them.
Schedule Your Breast Implant Consultation Today
If you’re interested in initial breast augmentation or breast revision surgery, call Grossman | Capraro Plastic Surgery at 303-557-4972 to schedule your consultation today. We serve patients in Denver, Aurora, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, and nearby areas of Colorado.
