Why Do Breast Implants Need To Be Replaced?

When it comes to breast implants one thing that must always be kept in mind is that they are made of something that will gradually breakdown overtime. As the implant gets older the walls of the implant become weaker and will eventually fail leading to an implant rupture. This of course is just one of the many reasons why a breast implant would need replacement but it is inevitable as all breast augmentation patients will eventually have to get the implant replaced.

When the implant is first placed into it's pocket, the body will form a capsule around it which will be composed of scar tissue. While in many cases it is this capsule that will protect your body in the event that the implant ruptures, it can also be one of the reasons why your implants may need to be replaced. In a complication known as capsular contracture, the capsule that surrounds the breast implants becomes to thick which means that the space inside it is too small to house the implant. This causes excessive pressure on the implant and may eventually cause it to rupture.

The implant itself if it is positioned incorrectly may also rupture as a result of its placement. Should the implant's pocket be made too big allowing the implant to move around the friction will cause heat and stress which will lead to an implant rupture. Furthermore if the implant is not positioned correctly in conjunction to the muscles and the mammary glands then this may also cause excessive pressure resulting in an implant rupture.

The breast implant foes not need to rupture to be replaced. If the implant only came with a 10 year warrantee, then chances are you will want to replace it before the warrantee is up, this way you can save yourself the money of having to replace it should it fail a year or so later.

Furthermore in the event that you get breast cancer then chances are that you will not have the implant replaced but you may actually have it removed altogether. Leaving the implant in after being diagnosed with breast cancer can have many complications. For starter the implant itself cannot handle radiology as this will result in a rupture. The development of a cancerous mass can also put pressure on the implant resulting in a rupture.

Regardless as to the reasons why you may have your implants replaced it is important to discuss this with your surgeon during the consultation so that you know and understand all of your options should you need to exercise them
By Dr. Jim Greene