Introduction

At Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Clinic, we understand that breast implants can be a great way to enhance the appearance of your body and boost your self-confidence. However, it’s important to understand when it might be time to replace them. In this blog post, we will discuss what breast implants are, why you might need to replace them, the different types of implants available, signs that you should consider replacing them, and the procedure for replacing breast implants.

Definition of Breast Implants

Breast implants are medical devices used to augment the size and shape of breasts. Typically made of silicone or saline material, they come in a variety of sizes and shapes to meet individual needs. Breast implants are commonly used for cosmetic reasons but may also be used for reconstructive purposes following mastectomy or other injury or trauma to the chest area.

Overview of Reasons to Replace Implants

Though breast implants are designed to last many years, there are several reasons why you may need to replace them over time. These include changes in size or shape due to aging or weight loss/gain, rupture or leakage of the implant material, hardening of the tissue around the implant (known as capsular contracture), and pain or discomfort in the breasts. Additionally, some people choose to replace their implants after a certain period of time for aesthetic reasons or because they would like a different size/shape than their current ones.

Types of Breast Implants

Breast implants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, making it important to understand the differences between them when considering replacement. It is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which type of implant is best suited for your specific needs and desired aesthetic outcome.

Saline vs Silicone

The two primary types of implants are saline and silicone. Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water while silicone implants are filled with a cohesive gel. Both types of implants have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be discussed with your doctor before deciding which one is right for you.

Saline implants tend to feel less natural than silicone because they do not move as naturally as the gel-filled implants; however, they may be preferred by some women due to their lower cost and easier insertion during surgery. The major advantage of saline implants is that if they happen to rupture or leak, the body will absorb the saline solution without any health risks or additional surgeries required.

Silicone implants feel more natural than saline and can provide a more aesthetically pleasing result; however, they often cost more and require a slightly longer surgical procedure for insertion due to their heavier weight compared to saline. The major benefit of silicone is that if there is a rupture or leak, the gel will usually remain contained within the implant shell, meaning it will not spread into the body like saline would.

Textured vs Smooth

Another option when selecting breast implants is whether to choose textured or smooth shells. Textured shells have an outer coating that helps reduce the risk of capsular contracture (hardening of breast tissue around the implant) while smooth shells do not offer this benefit but provide a softer feel than textured shells. Your doctor can help you decide which type of shell is best for you based on your individual needs and goals.

Different Sizes and Shapes

In addition to choosing between textured and smooth shells, there are various sizes and shapes available for both types of breast implants including round, teardrop (anatomical), moderate profile (high projection), high profile (extra projection), and ultra-high profile (ultra-projection). The size and shape chosen should depend on your desired aesthetic outcome as well as your anatomy since certain shapes may fit better on certain body types than others. Your doctor can help you decide which size and shape are best suited for you during your consultation appointment before surgery.

In conclusion, understanding all of the different types of breast implants available can help make sure that you make an informed decision when considering replacement surgery. It is important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help guide you through each step in the process so that you get the results that you desire from your procedure.

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Implants

breast implants can be a great way to enhance your appearance and confidence, but eventually they will need to be replaced. While breast implants generally last for many years, there are certain signs that it may be time to replace them. Knowing the signs of when you should replace your implants will help you make an informed decision about whether or not it is the right time for you.

Changes in Size or Shape of Breasts

One of the most common signs that you may need to replace your breast implants is if there has been a noticeable change in the size or shape of your breasts. Over time, gravity and aging can cause the breasts to sag or become misshapen, even with implants. If you notice that one side appears different than the other or that your breasts have begun to look more droopy than they did after surgery, then it may be time to consider replacing them.

In addition, if you experience changes in body weight or pregnancy after having your implants placed, this can also cause changes in the size and shape of your breasts. If this happens, then it may be necessary to replace them with larger or smaller sizes depending on how much your body has changed since getting them initially placed.

Rupture or Leakage of Implants

Another sign that it may be time to replace your breast implants is if there has been a rupture or leakage of either implant. Saline-filled implants are especially prone to leakage due to their thin outer shells; however, silicone-filled implants can also rupture over time as well. If either type of implant ruptures, then it will need to be replaced as soon as possible in order to avoid any potential health risks associated with leaking silicone into the body.

If you suspect that one of your implants has ruptured, then it is important to contact a doctor immediately so they can diagnose and treat the problem before any further damage occurs. In some cases, a doctor may recommend replacing both implants at once even if only one has ruptured in order to ensure symmetry between both sides and avoid any future issues with leaking silicone from one side while leaving the other intact.

Hardening of Breast Tissue Around the Implant

Another sign that it may be time for new breast implants is if you notice hardening around the implant itself. This condition is known as capsular contracture and occurs when scar tissue forms around an implant and begins squeezing down on it over time causing pain and discomfort as well as an unnatural looking appearance in some cases. If left untreated for too long, capsular contracture can cause serious problems such as infection and even displacement of the implant itself which would require immediate medical attention and likely replacement surgery in order to fix the issue properly.

Pain or Discomfort in the Breasts

Finally, another sign that it may be time for new breast implants is if you experience pain or discomfort when touching them or wearing tight clothing such as bras or swimsuits which put pressure on them directly. This could indicate that either one or both of your implants are beginning to wear out and should be replaced sooner rather than later before any further damage occurs from continued use without proper support structures in place for them such as a good quality bra or swimsuit top specifically designed for women with breast augmentation surgery who need extra support during activities like swimming and running etc..

It’s important to note that these signs don’t necessarily mean that you absolutely have to get new breast implants right away; however, they do indicate that something isn’t quite right with yours so it would be wise for you to consult with a doctor about whether now might be a good time for replacement surgery based on your individual situation and lifestyle needs going forward into the future.

The Procedure for Replacing Breast Implants

When considering the replacement of breast implants, it is important to understand the entire process from start to finish. Knowing what to expect can help patients make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right course of action for them. This section will provide an overview of the procedure for replacing breast implants, including pre-operation preparation and planning, surgery and recovery timeline, and aftercare and follow-up appointments.

Pre-Operation Preparation and Planning

Before undergoing surgery to replace breast implants, patients should prepare by consulting with their doctor about their medical history and any medications they are taking that could interfere with the surgery or recovery process. Patients should also discuss their aesthetic goals for the procedure in order to ensure that the surgeon understands exactly what they want out of the outcome. During this consultation, doctors will likely perform a physical exam, take photographs of the breasts, and discuss potential risks associated with implant replacement.

In addition to meeting with their doctor, patients should also plan ahead for their recovery period by arranging for someone to drive them home after surgery and stay with them during the first few days after they return home. It is also important to purchase any necessary supplies such as gauze pads, bandages, pain medication, etc., before undergoing surgery so that they are readily available during recovery.

Surgery and Recovery Timeline

The actual procedure for replacing breast implants typically takes between one to two hours depending on how extensive the work is being done (i.e., if additional procedures such as a lift or reduction are being performed). During surgery, the old implants will be removed and new ones inserted in their place through incisions made in either the armpit or around the nipple area (depending on patient preference).

Following surgery, patients may experience some swelling or bruising which should subside within a few weeks. Pain levels will vary depending on individual tolerance but can generally be managed with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Most patients are able to return to work within one week after implant replacement surgery but should avoid strenuous activities such as lifting heavy objects or exercising until cleared by their doctor which usually takes four weeks post-surgery.

Aftercare and Follow-up Appointments

After implant replacement surgery, it is important that patients attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with their doctor in order to monitor healing progress and address any concerns that may arise during recovery. During these visits, doctors may perform blood tests or take X-rays in order to assess how well the body is responding to the new implants. They may also recommend additional treatments such as massage therapy or physical therapy in order to promote healing and reduce discomfort levels throughout recovery time.

It is also important that patients continue regular checkups once they have fully recovered from implant replacement surgery in order to monitor any changes in size or shape of breasts over time as well as detect any signs of rupture or leakage of implants early on before more serious complications arise due to delayed diagnosis/treatment.

Replacing breast implants can be a daunting prospect but understanding what lies ahead can help ease some of those fears associated with undergoing such a major operation. By discussing expectations beforehand with both your doctor and yourself regarding your desired outcome from this procedure you can better prepare yourself mentally for what lies ahead before going into surgery itself; ultimately leading towards a successful outcome that you can feel confident about long term!

Conclusion

At atlanta liposuction specialty clinic, our team of experienced cosmetic surgeons understand that breast implants can be an important part of your body image and self-confidence. We strive to provide our patients with the best quality care and personalized advice on when it is time to replace their implants.

If you have any questions or concerns about your breast implants, please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation. Our team is here to help you make the right decisions concerning your health and well-being.

We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with information about when it is time to replace your breast implants. Remember, no matter what type of implant you choose, it is important to keep up with regular follow-up appointments and checkups in order to ensure that your breasts remain healthy and safe.

Thank you for choosing Atlanta Liposuction Specialty Clinic for all of your cosmetic needs!