Implant Failure

Unfortunately, there is a possibility of breast implant failure after you have had breast augmentation. Despite the fact that breast augmentation is one of the most successful of all cosmetic procedures, replacement of the breast implant due to failure is a possibility. The indications that a failure has occurred is different between silicone and saline, so you should know this before you make your final decision on the type of implant you want.

Eventually all implants may fatigue and develop a hole in the outer shell. The leak naturally happens over time as a result of the motion within the implant wall. A tear may develop in the outer shell due to the pressure of the implant contents due to your natural motion. This may occur more frequently in implants that are placed under the muscle due to the additional pressure. Manufacturers have improved the durability of implants significantly, but implant failure is still a possible problem after placement.

For a period of fourteen years nearly all breast implants in the United States were comprised of saline since the FDA had withdrawn its approval of silicone. Silicone implants were only used in breast implant trials during that time and were proven to be safe and effective. The FDA approved them for use again in November of 2006. Therefore most of the implants that are getting older today and subject to fatigue are saline.

Saline implants are subject to deflation because the fluid can easily flow through a hole in the outer shell. Due to the liquid nature of saline, the failure occurs rather rapidly as the fluid leaks through the hole in the outer shell. Depending upon the size of the leak and the relative pressure on the implant itself, the deflation may occur within as little as a day but may take up to a a week or more.

Women usually notice it when they see or feel that their breast is not as full as it once was. The breast implant failure is rather obvious. While this is problematic, of course, some women consider this to be an advantage since it is much more difficult to tell if a silicone implant has actually ruptured. Since the failure occurs very quickly with saline, the woman knows she needs to visit with her plastic surgeon quickly.

Silicone gel implants are made of a thick, cohesive gel and are not prone to rapid deflation. What type fails more often, saline or silicone? All breast implants have to be replaced after some period of time. Even with a large hole, while the silicone may bulge out of the tear, it will eventually fall back in due to its thick, viscous consistency. Therefore silicone breast implant failure is less noticeable and might only be detected during a mammography.

Both of these implants are subject to failure. As saline is subject to rapid deflation it is more likely a woman would need to replace this type at some point due to its rupture. In most cases, even upon failure, silicone breast implants will cause no noticeable change in appearance or feel.

If failure occurs, you will need to visit with your plastic surgeon as quickly as possible. While the rupture of implants are not as common as in the past is remains as one of the important factors you must consider when choosing your implant. Be prepared to ask your doctor their recommendations about the differences of saline versus silicone.

What are some of the ways you can prevent breast implant failure?

You should keep these reference points in mind if you decide to get breast implants:

* All breast implants will fail over time. While cohesive gel implants are considered more durable, the fact is that you will probably have to replace the implants within about ten years. Age of the implant therefore is a factor in implant failure.

* You should avoid high risk activities which place significan pressure or compression on the breasts. Simply be careful with high impact and vigorous sporting activities and try not to fall on your chest or receive any trauma to your breasts. *

Your plastic surgeon will give you after-care instructions. Be sure to follow them! Attend all follow up appointments with your doctor and avoid any contraindicated activities as advised. With proper care and attention your implants should last a long time.

Breast augmentation can give you the breasts you have always desired. If you choose your doctor carefully, you can be assured that they will do everything possible to insure excellent results which will be free from any unwanted complications. Afteryour breast augmentation surgery, it is up to you to maintain your new breasts by avoiding anything which will compromise them or injure your breasts.

If you do your research thoroughly, and follow the instructions from your doctor you are already doing what you can do prevent breast implant failure. Be sure to get medical attention immediately should you suspect that your implants have failed. If you follow the instructions from your plastic surgeon thoroughly, you can reduce the possibility of breast implant failure.