Implant Replacement
Breast implants can last a relatively long time, but not forever. Many women who had implants placed years ago were given the impression they would never have to exchange them, but that notion has proven dangerous and false. In fact, women should consider having their implants exchanged every 10-15 years as complications increase as the implants age. It is often better to be proactive in exchanging implants to avoid implant failure which occurs in 1-2% cases or other complications associated with implants over 15 years old. These complications can include:
- Leakage of saline and silicone implants
- Capsular contracture (hardening of the breast)
- Shifting of breast implants
- Change in breast tissue due to weight loss/gain
Leakage is a complication the majority of patients are most concerned with – especially with patients who have older silicone implants. When silicone leaks from older implants, it makes it harder to get out and sometimes causing deformity of the tissue and breast(s). For this reason, Dr. Bridgett Moore at Azalea Plastic Surgery urges anyone with the older silicone implants to have the implants exchanged sooner rather than later. The new versions of silicone implants are made of a more cohesive gel implant and are now preferred by many women and surgeons; Dr. Moore and the team at Azalea Center can talk with you about the pros and cons of saline and the new silicone implants.
Breast implant replacement surgery is specifically tailored to the individual’s goals and requests. Dr. Bridgett Moore, our board-certified plastic surgeon at Azalea Center works with each patient to make sure your needs are met.
Dr. Bridgett Moore and the team at Azalea Plastic Surgery love working with patients to help them achieve the breast shape and size they feel good about or to work with patients who need breast reconstruction surgery. However, we are also concerned about your health and long-term well-being. We do think it is best to be proactive in changing your implants to avoid significant complications so that your surgery will be easier on you, and you will be happy with the outcome.