How is the breast tightened after implant removal?
The duration of the breast lift lasts on average between 2 and 4 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. A breast lift is carried out as part of an implant removal if the skin has lost its elasticity and firmness or if there is excess skin. The excess skin is then removed and the nipple is moved upwards, normally together with nerves and blood vessels. In this way, the sensitivity of the nipple and the ability to breastfeed is maintained.
What durability can be expected from a modern breast implant?
There are numerous sources that report conflicting opinions about the durability of breast implants. One prominent rumor is that the durability of breast implants is 10 to 20 years and that they should be removed or replaced after that. In principle, however, it is not necessary to replace or remove implants as long as no complications occur and the patient reports no complaints.
These complications include capsule tears due to wear or mechanical impact. The cracks could cause silicone gel to leak, deformation or infection. Obviously, the type of gel plays a decisive role here.
High-quality implants are filled with the so-called cohesive gel, which is very tough. Consequently, the risk of leakage is significantly lower and even when cracks develop, these gels retain their shape and are usually immediately surrounded by connective tissue. The older rumour about the limited life span of about ten years is therefore due to the lack of stability of older breast implants. A purely precautionary change after this period is usually no longer necessary.
What to do if a breast implant has slipped?
Whether implants slip or maintain their stable position after the operation often depends primarily on the quality of the operation. During the operation, an implant pocket is formed for the breast implants before they are inserted. This work requires the highest precision from the surgeon.
Only in an optimally prepared pocket does the implant receive the necessary hold and can grow together with the surrounding tissue. If this implant pocket is too large, the risk of displacement increases. If it is noticed that the implant has twisted, no attempt should be made to return it to its original position.
In any case, an appointment for correction or removal should be made with the treating surgeon as soon as possible. In the case of post-operative removal or correction, the implant is either repositioned or, if damaged, replaced by a new one. Since the original incision can be used for this, no new scars are to be expected.
What are the symptoms of a breast implant defect?
In the case of a capsule rupture, fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue in the case of saline breast implants. This causes the implant to shrink and the breast to lose its shape. This consequence is easy to determine by simply looking at the breast.
In addition, locally swollen lymph nodes, especially in the armpit area, can be palpable and patients complain of pain when moving their arms. In addition, the occurrence of infections due to a defect in breast implants is not uncommon. The typical symptoms of an infection are redness, swelling and overheating of the skin in the breast area.
If the infection is treated early, these symptoms often disappear quickly. However, the defective implant must either be replaced by a new one or removed completely. An increased feeling of tension in the breast and hardening, especially in the context of capsule fibrosis, are also common symptoms of defective breast implants.
