Breast implants should typically be removed if they become uncomfortable, if they break, or if they cause persistent medical issues. In some instances, women may choose to have their implants removed for cosmetic reasons as well, such as if the implants have shifted or changed in shape over time.
Although rare, breast implant removal may be necessary if the implant has become infected. Breast implants typically last between 10 and 25 years, and given their longevity, it is generally recommended that women who have implants monitor their breasts regularly for any signs of changes or problems.
Changes in the shape, size, feel, or position of the implant, fever, swelling, bruising, redness, pain, or fluid around the implant may all be signs that the implant should be removed. It is important to note that although it is possible to replace implants, the results of a replacement may be different than the original surgery.
As such, it is important to speak with a health care provider to determine the best course of action.
How do I know if my breast implants need to be removed?
If you have had breast implants, it is important to be aware of potential complications and conditions that can arise, as such it is important to be in regular contact with your plastic surgeon. To determine if your breast implants need to be removed, there are various observable and physical signs to be aware of such as changes in size or shape of the breasts, pain or tenderness, visible surface changes to the implant, hardening of the surrounding areas or changes in the texture of the skin surrounding the implant.
Additionally, the implant may leak or rupture which may cause the breast to have unusual sensations or look differently. If any of the above changes are noticed or experienced, then you should visit your plastic surgeon as soon as possible.
They will be able to properly assess and determine if your breast implants need replacement or removal.
What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?
When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the breasts will usually return to their original size and shape. Depending on the type of implant used, the removal and non-replacement procedure can cause minimal scarring, especially if the incisions used were small and placed in the natural folds of the breasts.
The recovery time can vary, however it is typically a very short process.
If the original breast size was much larger than the natural breast size, then when the implant is removed the tissue will not always return to its original shape. The skin will also often appear stretched, creating a long-term cosmetic effect that is known as implant deflation.
It is also possible for the breast muscles to weaken and this can diminish the support for the chest area creating sagging.
In most cases the breasts will remain relatively similar in size, however breast tissues will usually feel softer and less firm due to loss of fullness. As a woman ages, breast tissue will continue to reduce in size, making the difference between natural breasts and those with implants more noticeable.
The long-term effects of removing and not replacing breast implants are often a matter of personal preference, and as with any medical procedure, it is important to consult a qualified professional to assess the risks and to discuss the likely outcome.
Can old breast implants cause health issues?
Yes, old breast implants can potentially cause health issues. The main complication associated with aged breast implants is a condition known as Breasts Implant Illness (BII), which is characterized by a wide range of symptoms such as fatigue, muscle or joint pain, headaches, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, cognitive issues, and depression.
Other health issues may arise from the breakdown of the material used in the implant over time, such as a capsular contraction. This occurs when the body forms tight scar tissue around the implant and can cause the breast to feel hard and change the shape, as well as cause pain.
While not all breast implants will experience complications related to their age, it’s important for women who have had breast implants to stay aware of the potential for health issues to arise and consult their doctor about any concerns.
Does insurance pay for breast implant removal?
In most cases, insurance will cover the cost of breast implant removal surgery in certain situations. Breast implant removal is often covered when it is medically necessary, such as when a patient’s implants are causing discomfort or putting the patient’s health at risk due to a complication.
In other cases, insurance may cover the cost if the implant is leaking, ruptured, or has become infected. Additionally, if a patient’s breast implants are so old that it is likely to be causing more health problems, insurance may cover the cost of removal.
The actual cost of breast implant removal will vary depending on the type and size of the implants, the patient’s health insurance plan, and the complexity of the procedure. Generally, having a breast implant removed is less expensive than initially putting the implants in.
Furthermore, some health insurance plans offer coverage for implant removal, provided that the procedure is medically necessary.
However, it is important to note that many insurance plans will not cover the cost of purely aesthetic breast implant removal, such as if the patient simply wants larger or smaller implants. In these cases, patients should speak with their insurance company before making any decisions and be prepared to pay for the procedure out of pocket.
Do breast implants decompose with the body?
No, breast implants are not biodegradable, meaning they do not decompose or break down naturally within the body over time. Typically, breast implants are composed of silicone shells with saline or silicone filler material.
Both the shell and the filler material are designed to be inert, meaning they do not interact with the body’s tissues over time. In addition, the shell material resists degradation for decades.
When implanted, the shell material rarely migrates or becomes displaced. In rare cases, if the shell material is damaged, the silicone filler material may travel to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, where they may take years to degrade.
Ultimately, unless removed, breast implants will last indefinitely.
What are the symptoms of silicone poisoning from implants?
Silicone poisoning from implants can manifest in several ways. The most commonly reported symptoms are those related to the immune system and include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, swelling of the lymph nodes, decreased immunity, hair loss, dry eyes, and dry mouth.
Additional symptoms may also include abnormal or heavy bleeding, fever, headaches, insomnia, rapid weight gain or loss, dizziness and fatigue, and chest pains. In some cases, silicone poisoning from implants can cause pulmonary or neurological issues as well.
This may include difficulty breathing, rashes, numbness or tingling sensations in various parts of the body, lightheadedness, memory or concentration issues, or even seizures. If any of these symptoms are persistently present and worsen, the individual should seek medical attention from their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How long can implants stay in your body?
Implants can stay in your body for a very long time depending on what type of implant it is. Some implants, such as silicone breast implants, are expected to last from 10 to 20 years. Other implants, such as pacemakers and contraceptive implants, can last much longer – with pacemakers often lasting up to 10 years and contraceptive implants up to 3-5 years.
Artificial joint replacements are designed to last for 15 years or more, but can sometimes last for decades. In general, implants may need to be replaced or repaired due to wear and tear, or changes to your health.
It is important to speak to your doctor about how long any particular implant is expected to last.
What happens if breast implant is left in too long?
There can be several consequences if a breast implant is left in too long. The body can gradually become accustomed to the implant and over some time, the implant can lose its shape and projection. This can result in a less desirable aesthetic outcome, especially if the implant has been in the body for a number of years and gravity and age have taken their toll on the surrounding tissue.
In extreme cases, the implant can become encapsulated, which is when scar tissue surrounds the implant and causes it to become firm and immobile. Capsular contracture, where the capsule tightens around the implant and can cause hardening and/or pain, is another potential outcome of a breast implant that has been left in for too long.
This can increase the risks of implant rupture and leaking, as well as of infection. If a breast implant has been left in too long, then the individual should consult their doctor to discuss the safest way to remove it and replace it with a new implant.
Do you have to change breast implants every 10 years?
No, there is no medical reason or requirement to change breast implants every 10 years. However, there is no guarantee that breast implants will last a lifetime and some recommend replacing them every 10 years due to the potential for problems that can arise after that time frame.
If a woman has no problems with her implants and is happy with them, then she may not need to replace them after 10 years. However, even if they are not causing any difficulties, some women choose to replace them simply because they wished to change the size, shape, or type of implant.
In addition, if a woman gets to the 10-year mark, she may want to consider having them replaced simply in order to get a new warranty for any emerging problems.
In general, it is recommended that women with breast implants get regular breast imaging exams so they can monitor the implants’ condition and health. If a woman has silicone implants, it is recommended that she get an MRI every 2 to 3 years to make sure the implant is intact and there is no evidence of silicone leakage.
Additionally, women should also be aware of any changes in their breasts, such as swelling, lumps, asymmetry, or pain, and should schedule a surgeon’s visit for further evaluation if any of these symptoms develop.
What happens if you leave breast implants in longer than 10 years?
There are not hard and fast rules about how long breast implants should last. Typically, breast implants can last up to 10 years, but in certain cases this can vary. The FDA recommends an ultrasound or MRI scan every three years to ensure that the implants are functioning properly and that there is no evidence of silent rupture.
If you leave your implants in longer than 10 years, you could be at risk of complications due to age-related wear and tear to the implant shell. With age, the breast implant shell can thin, reducing the longevity of the implants and altering the way they feel.
Over time, the breast implants may also stretch the surrounding tissue, resulting in a change of breast shape and contour. In some cases, infection and rupture can occur. If your implants have been in place for longer than 10 years, it is important to have them evaluated by your plastic surgeon to determine if they should be replaced.
It can also be beneficial to discuss different types of implants as technology and safety standards have evolved since the last time you had implants.
Why is everyone removing their breast implants?
In recent years, there has been an increasing trend of women choosing to remove their breast implants. This is largely due to the various risks and complications that can accompany breast augmentation surgery.
These risks can include implant rupture, implant deflation, reoperation, scarring, and surgical complications, as well as pain, skin irritation, rippling, or displacement. Many of these risks are associated with the type of implant used, so women are opting for more natural and safer options.
Additionally, there has been discussion about the possible link between certain types of breast implants and certain types of rare autoimmune diseases, so this is another factor influencing the decision to remove breast implants.
Finally, some women simply want to return to the body they had before the implant surgery.
Are breast implants out of fashion?
No, breast implants are definitely not out of fashion. In fact, they are as popular as ever. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there was a 34 percent increase in breast augmentation procedures in 2019 alone — making it the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the U.
S. for the 14th consecutive year. In other words, it is clear that breast implants are far from out of fashion.
That being said, there is an increasing trend towards more natural-looking results. A larger emphasis is being placed on achieving realistic results that supplement, but do not alter, a patient’s underlying anatomy.
This has led to the increased popularity of procedures like breast lifts and breast fat transfers, which are becoming a more attractive option for people hoping to achieve subtle and long-lasting results.
Despite this shift, breast implants are still one of the most popular forms of enhancement and will likely remain in fashion for some time to come.
Why are people getting explants?
People are getting explants for a variety of reasons, primarily due to the potential health risks associated with having certain types of breast implants. Generally speaking, the most common concern is that there is an increased risk of developing certain illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases, due to the presence of the silicone or saline implants.
In some cases, the presence of these implants could also potentially cause the body to react negatively in other ways, leading to inflammation or other signs of distress. Additionally, some individuals choose to have an explant surgery due to the physical discomfort they are experiencing, such as pain, tightness and a change in the shape of the breasts.
In addition to the physical risks, many individuals have noted aesthetic concerns they would like to address, such as implant rippling or an overly-large implant size. Ultimately, there are many reasons to consider explant surgery and speaking with a professional about this procedure is the best way to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.
What are the benefits of breast explant?
Breast explant surgery, also known as capsulectomy, removes breast implants along with the capsule surrounding them. It is often done for medical reasons, or to reposition or reset a previously placed breast implant.
The benefits of breast explant surgery are numerous. Women who have experienced physical pain due to the presence of their implants can have the source of their discomfort removed. Breast explant can also be done to reverse implant rejection and other complications that can occur with breast implants, such as capsular contracture.
In addition, explant can often provide more natural-looking results than initial implant surgery.
Having breast explant surgery can also offer psychological relief. It takes away the stigma or negative feelings associated with breast implants and can help women regain their comfort with their natural bodies.
It can also help women to become more confident in their clothing choices, as they are no longer limited to shapewear or large, bulky clothing styles.
Finally, explant surgery is often much less expensive than breast implant surgery. Most insurance plans will cover the costs of explant if it is medically necessary, making it a less costly option for many women.
