How many years do breast implants last? Do I need to change implants after mammoplasty?

Most women who see a plastic surgeon and express a desire to enlarge their breasts do not even suspect that implants are not installed for life, and over time they will need re-endoprosthetics. Indeed, breast prostheses have a service life, after which they wear out.

How long can you walk with breast implants?, and when can’t you refuse to replace them? We will try to answer these and other questions, having the professional opinion of the majority of authoritative specialists in the field of breast plastic surgery.

Breast prostheses

Do I need to change breast implants?

How long does it take to install breast endoprostheses? The fear that after mammoplasty will have to regularly change implants frightens many women. They are associated primarily with information about the likely wear of prostheses. Indeed, doctors always warn the fair sex about possible complications surgery and the need for repeated surgical intervention. Implants can wear out for various reasons:

• internal exposure to saline solution, silicone or hydrogel, which thins the shell of the prosthesis;
• influence on the material of surrounding living tissues and immune cells;
• formation of folds on the surface, which increases the likelihood of a decrease in the thickness of the implant capsule;
• manufacturing defects and low quality materials.

So, do you need to change your breast implants over time after mammoplasty? Newest technologies make it possible to create endoprostheses of the mammary glands, which are distinguished by the durability and strength of the materials used. Such implants have a long service life and do not need frequent replacement. Sometimes women wear dentures all their lives without thinking about the need to replace them with new ones.

Factors affecting wear

Among the reasons that determine the service life of breast implants, the following are in first place in importance:

• age characteristics;
• pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• changes in the size of the glands due to weight loss or gain;
• the reaction of a woman’s body to the introduction of a foreign body into it;
• location of endoprostheses.

The lifespan of implants largely depends on their quality. Cheap breast prostheses very often begin to leak, change shape or rupture as they wear out. Such changes usually occur after a chest injury, as well as as a result of surgeon errors.

Studying the question of how many years you can wear breast implants, experts found that most women after mammoplasty were satisfied with the result and understand the importance of changing endoprostheses. Despite this, there is also a large percentage of the fair sex for whom breast augmentation surgery did not end entirely successfully. In such clinic patients plastic surgery dissatisfaction is associated with the following postoperative complications:

• rupture and leakage of the endoprosthesis;
• discrepancy between the resulting breast shape and the one declared by the woman before surgery;
• the body's reaction to foreign material;
• the occurrence of other undesirable consequences of the operation.

Do not forget that after installation breast implants You need to undergo a breast examination every year. This will help prevent the development pathological conditions and preserve the woman’s health.

What are dentures made of?

1. Silicone.
2. Saline.
3. Having a round shape;
4. Anatomical.

a brief description of

The endoprostheses that were produced about 10-20 years ago had a 7-8% wear rate, and manufacturers could not give a 100% guarantee that the implant would not rupture or its integrity would not be compromised.

At the moment, modern prostheses have a significantly lower wear rate, which allows leading manufacturing companies to provide a lifetime warranty on their products.

A breast prosthesis is a medical product that is made from high-quality biocompatible material for installation under the skin or mammary gland in order to simulate a woman’s bust and increase its size.

The first breast prostheses were filled with fats, liquid paraffin and various other fillers. They were injected into the thickness of the mammary gland.

The first breast augmentation operations were performed at the end of the 19th century, but such operations did not bring the desired result and led to serious complications.

Since 1944, the production of a prosthesis in the form of a closed shell made of silicone filled with sodium chloride or gel began.

And from this moment the real evolution of breast prostheses begins and their shape, structure, fillers and types improve every year.

Conventionally, the types of breast prostheses can be divided into several generations:

• The first generation of prostheses were made from a tear-shaped silicone shell, which was filled with a viscous silicone gel. A septum was installed at the back to prevent the implant from moving;
• the second generation of implans became softer and the gel became lighter. Second-generation breast prostheses were also produced in double-sided form and consisted of a silicone prosthesis inside a saline one;
• the third and fourth generations of implants were coated with an elastomer to prevent the gel from sweating through the shell. The fourth generation was also already produced different shapes
• prostheses with various coatings; Fifth generation prostheses consist of a cohesive gel.

It is a soft gel and has the ability to mimic living breast tissue. This gel also has “memory” and, in case of any deformation, returns to the shape specified during the production process.

Silicone or saline

Do I need to change implants after mammoplasty? Prostheses for breast enlargement, like any other devices, not only medical nature

wear out. The service life of breast endoprostheses depends on many factors, such as the body’s response to foreign object

, quality of the implant, its location.

The frequency of replacement depends on the implant material and the skill of the surgeon.

Round or anatomical

Is it possible to plan a pregnancy after breast augmentation?

It is possible to plan a pregnancy after augmentation mammoplasty. Breast augmentation does not affect the development of the fetus and is safe.

Research conducted in this area has proven that neither silicone nor saline prostheses have a negative effect on the fetus.

The only thing that awaits a woman after childbirth is sagging breasts. This is due to the enlargement of the mammary glands and to return to their previous shape, mammoplasty in the form of a breast lift will be required.

But performing augmentation mammoplasty during pregnancy is strictly prohibited, since the operation is performed under anesthesia, which has a detrimental effect during fetal development.

Whatever method and access for installation is chosen, this should not affect breastfeeding of the child.

If the areolas are affected during the operation, it is important to know even before performing augmentation mammoplasty, how the feeding period will proceed and discuss this point with the plastic surgeon.

In order to avoid complications such as mastitis due to the presence of prostheses, you need to choose correct technique feeding and regular special massage.

Types of implantation

• Placement under the armpit;
• Under the line of the mammary glands.

Indications for change

Changing implants is called – re-endoprosthetics of the mammary glands.

Indications for changing breast implants may be as follows:

• aesthetic dissatisfaction after breast augmentation surgery;
• correction of changes in the appearance of the breasts, which are associated with breastfeeding, pregnancy and age-related changes;
• the patient’s desire to enlarge her breasts 3-4 sizes larger than before;

Also, indications for breast replacement may include complications after the first augmentation mammoplasty, these include:

Types of cuts

• Cut in armpit;
• An incision in the areola area;
• An incision in the navel area.

Kinds

Modern breast implants have two types:

1. silicone;
2. saline.

Silicone dentures consist of a silicone filler, the viscosity of which may vary between manufacturers. Breasts, silicone implants pleasant to the touch and no different from female breasts.

Such prostheses are suitable for women with small breasts; they do not wrinkle and look very natural. But silicone prostheses are very expensive, and in the event of a rupture, it is difficult to detect the leakage site.

Saline endoprostheses consist of regular saline or sodium chloride solution. This solution is pumped in after the prosthesis is installed, during the operation.

Such prostheses are much cheaper than silicone ones and much safer. In the event of a rupture of the saline prosthesis, it is easy to detect the location of the leak and a saline solution will enter the body, which does not cause harm to the body.

Also, when describing the types of endoprostheses, you should pay attention to the following characteristics:

• form;
• size;
• coating.

The shape of the prosthesis can be:

1. round;
2. anatomical (drop-shaped);
3. anatomical with a high profile.

The size of the prosthesis is:

1. fixed. This size does not have a valve and the volume of the prosthesis cannot be changed;
2. adjustable. With this size, the prosthesis has a valve through which saline solution can be injected;

The coating or surface may be:

1. smooth;
2. textured. Textured dentures are uneven and have fibers on their surface;
3. with a spongy surface structure. The connective tissue grows into the spongy structure of the shell and will allow the prosthesis to be fixed in one place.

Contraindications for surgery

• Heart disease.
• Heart failure.
• Respiratory failure.
• Cardiac ischemia.
• Circulatory disorders.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Diabetes.
• Oncology.
• Hepatitis C.
• Mental disorder.

Dangers of repeat surgery

With any surgical intervention there is a risk of complications, especially when it comes to repeated correction. Among the most common negative consequences Reendoprosthetics are distinguished:

• formation of contractures;
• formation of hematomas and seromas;
• infection of the intervention site as a result of the attachment of pathogenic microorganisms to the wound;
• the appearance of keloid and hypertrophic scarring zones;
• increase in general body temperature due to the occurrence of an inflammatory reaction;
• displacement, rupture or leakage of the endoprosthesis;
• development of a double fold;
• allergy to the material from which the implant is made;
• fusion of mammary glands.

Even the most modern breast implants are installed under general anesthesia, after which there may be side effects in the form of dysfunction of the central nervous system, thromboembolism, pathological manifestations from the cardiovascular sphere and kidneys.

Indications for implant replacement

Let's consider the reasons why women are most often prescribed surgery to remove previous breast implants and install new ones.

Aging of implanted materials

Over time, any prosthesis ages, and breast implants (for example, with a saline filler) are no exception. The speed of this process depends on several factors, namely: the body’s reaction to a foreign body, the location of the prosthesis. Breast implants in old age have a greater chance of destruction of the shell and are prone to leakage and change in shape.

Aesthetic preferences

Sometimes patients want to change the shape or size of the prosthesis. In such cases, they talk about aesthetic reasons for repeat mammoplasty. Naturally, such an intervention is possible only after a certain time after the previous procedure, when the swelling has subsided and post-operative wounds have healed.

Age-related changes

Often the reason for replacing the endoprosthesis is its sagging. And patients mistakenly believe that the implant itself is to blame, but in reality this is due to age-related or hormonal changes in the woman’s body. Dentures lose their quality and functional characteristics due to breastfeeding, pregnancy, weight gain or loss, etc.

Development of complications

Another reason why prosthesis replacement is necessary is complications after surgery. No one knows at what time breast implant rejection or damage may occur, but the likelihood of such processes is present in women who have undergone surgery.

Does a damaged breast implant poison the patient’s body? The filling of modern endoprostheses is biocompatible with human tissue. If an implant consisting of a hydrogel is damaged, it breaks down into glucose, carbon dioxide and water and does not cause any harm to health.

Prevention of complications

Women who have silicone implants replaced should know how to prevent the possible negative consequences of the operation. To such preventive measures relate:

• strict implementation of all recommendations of the plastic surgeon in the postoperative period;
• mandatory use of antibacterial drugs in the first days after plastic surgery and in case of elevated temperature bodies;
• wearing special compression garments;
• the right choice of endoprostheses from well-known manufacturers with a positive reputation.

Implant manufacturing companies

The modern market for endoprostheses is very diverse. The most famous brands manufacturers of implants are:

1. Mentor is an American company that produces Various types prostheses: silicone, saline, round and anatomical shapes, with a textured surface, durable Siltex shell. Silicone models use Memory Gel filler.
2. Motiva (Motiva Ergonomics) is the world's only manufacturer of ergonomic prostheses. Their main features are naturalness, no matter what position the breasts are in, harmony, even if initially the bust was very small. The filler used in these dentures is called Progressive Gel Ultima. He is one of the best.
3. Allergan – reliable, safe products from America. Their shell consists of seven layers. The variety of sizes from this brand is very wide. Models differ in shape and filling. The advantage of this brand is its low level of complications.
4. Arion – French manufacturer specializing in the manufacture various types endoprostheses. He creates silicone and hydrogel filled implants, round, anatomical, with smooth and textured surfaces. Their shell consists of six layers, which makes the products reliable and durable.
5. Nagor (Nagor) - high-quality breast implants created in England.
6. Polytech (Polytech) are German implants that have a “memory effect”, which allows them not to change shape and look great even after many years. The product shell consists of eight layers, the top of which can be represented by one of three different types. The most popular is microtextured.

The choice of an endoprosthesis must be taken seriously. It does not matter whether it is used simply for breast correction, or to restore lost breast tissue after a mastectomy. After all, every woman wants to have beautiful, natural breasts.

Is there a need to replace implants?

Many women who have undergone breast correction by installing implants or are just planning to change their appearance with this surgical intervention ask themselves the question: “Do I need to change breast implants?” Only the plastic surgeon performing the operation can answer unequivocally, since there are several factors that determine whether there is a need for replacement.

Breast prostheses

Breast implants have been in fashion for a long time and are by far the most popular operation. aesthetic medicine. The operation to introduce breast implants to enlarge it and give it a more beautiful shape is especially popular among women, with cancer mammary glands. Implantation is also carried out for women with first or zero breast size to enlarge it.

However, despite the many people who want to go through this procedure, there are also those who are categorically against these manipulations. They motivate this by the fact that a foreign object should not be introduced into a living organism, as this can cause a number of complications and unpleasant sensations.

Particularly frightening for doubting representatives of the fair sex are various articles that colorfully describe the terrible consequences that occur with the breast after the implantation of an implant to enlarge it. Of course, any surgery has its risks, and this procedure is no exception. However, nowadays the risk has been reduced to a minimum, so cases of negative consequences are rare. The surest way to completely protect yourself is to choose a high-quality prosthesis.

Choosing a quality implant

Do not neglect the assessments of other women who have already undergone this procedure and the recommendations of surgeons. It is better to make your choice in favor of one of the popular manufacturers. Such implants must have a special elastic bag with a thin but durable silicone shell.

They come in several types; here you need to decide on the surface of the prosthesis: smooth or voluminous. Any organism rejects a foreign object that has entered it, surrounding it connective tissue. The longer an object is inside the body, the more tissue forms around it, giving the breasts an unnatural firmness. This is the first problem that plastic surgeons face during surgery. Complications in this matter are caused by implants with a smooth shell surface. The volumetric surface has a certain roughness, which promotes the ingrowth of living tissue into the shell of the prosthesis. This is what makes them safer.

What are dentures made of?

• More like consistency vegetable oil silicone gel.
• The cohesive gel weakly holds its shape, but hardly sweats and is almost indistinguishable from the mammary glands in density. The consistency is similar to jelly.
• The highly cohesive gel holds its shape perfectly, practically does not deform, does not sweat, and has the consistency of marmalade. Used as a filler for anatomical prostheses.
• “Soft touch” gel holds its shape well and does not sweat. The consistency resembles jellied meat.
• Saline solution. Not the best filler, since almost a year after use, the salt dissolved in the composition crystallizes and there is a risk of puncturing the shell of the prosthesis.
• Soybean oil. It is strictly not recommended to use implants with this filler, as they are considered one of the worst.

According to their characteristics, prostheses are divided into several types:

1. Silicone.
2. Saline.
3. Having a round shape;
4. Anatomical.

It is a soft gel and has the ability to mimic living breast tissue. This gel also has “memory” and, in case of any deformation, returns to the shape specified during the production process.

Silicone implants have good stickiness and a stable shape, which contributes to less sweating of the cohesive gel. It imitates the natural softness of the breast well; if the implant shell is damaged, it does not leak out, holds its shape well, and does not sweat under the shell.

Implants consisting of a saline solution are bags of silicone polymers characterized by their elasticity. Serve exclusively for breast enlargement. Not the best choice, because this type implants feel different from natural breasts and there is a chance that they will shrink or rupture.

The frequency of replacement depends on the implant material and the skill of the surgeon.

It is necessary to choose the form of the prosthesis, as well as the prosthesis itself, in consultation with a leading surgeon in order to select exactly the implant that is suitable for a particular patient. Choosing an implant on your own is fraught with unforeseen consequences or the surgeon’s refusal to perform the operation.

• Round-shaped implants are good from an aesthetic point of view. They look beautiful, better emphasize feminine forms, but they do not always correspond to some of the mandatory points that natural breasts have:

1. The chest should be larger in height, not in width.
2. The oval located in the lower pole of the chest is well filled.
3. The nipple should be slightly above the breast fold.
4. There should be an almost flat slope at the top of the chest.

• Anatomical implants are used most often, since they meet all of the above points, so they become more popular than round ones.

Types of implantation

As a rule, two methods of implantation are common nowadays:

• Placement under the armpit;
• Under the line of the mammary glands.

Any method has its advantages and disadvantages. The first method is good because it reduces the risk of the formation of a capsule consisting of smooth fibrous tissue, which can deform the breast and compress the prosthesis if it increases beyond the permissible norm. It is also almost impossible to feel the prosthesis. However, this operation is much more complicated, and recovery period lasts longer, sometimes with a feeling of discomfort. In addition, if a repeat operation is necessary, it will be quite difficult to get to the implant.

Plastic surgeons prefer the second placement option. If repeated enlargement is required, there will be no problems in reaching the desired area through the same incision. This operation does not last long, it is simpler, with virtually no pain during rehabilitation postoperative period. This method is practiced only if the gland tissue is well developed. Significant disadvantages are the risk of formation of a capsule that deforms the prosthesis and the breast, and the fact that most often the prosthesis can be detected by palpating the breast.

In some cases, it is possible to introduce implants in two ways at the same time.

Types of cuts

Another important point before the operation is to carefully study what types of incisions there are through which the gland prosthesis will be installed.

There are four main types of cuts:

• An incision in the armpit;
• An incision in the areola area;
• An incision under the retromammary fold of the breast;
• An incision in the navel area.

The incision in the armpit is universal, as it allows the prosthesis to be implanted above and below the pectoral muscle. This is not the most widely used incision, although the scar is located in the armpit and is less noticeable to others. However, this is enough complex operation, with the most long period recovery, and is therefore considered traumatic for the patient. It will be very difficult, if necessary, to perform a repeat operation through this type of incision if it is necessary to change it.

The following type of incision should be especially carefully reviewed with the leading physician. The areola incision is distinguished by its universal advantages. This method provides the opportunity to install a prosthesis under the muscle and under the gland or remove the prosthesis. In terms of aesthetic characteristics, it is better than an axillary incision, since the scar is practically invisible. Otherwise, it is possible to have the areola tattooed to match its natural color to make the scar invisible. The incision is made at the border of the areola and breast skin.

The third type of incision is used most often. This type, like the previous one, allows you to remove the glandular implant and get rid of the unpleasant consequences of the postoperative rehabilitation period. Instead of one scar, the number may increase to two, but there will be no complications. The disadvantage is not as significant compared to the advantages - the scars are noticeable, despite their thinness.

The last type of cut is the newest. It does not leave scars on the chest, but only allows the installation of a saline implant.

Contraindications for surgery

The following diseases are contraindications to this type of surgery:

• Heart disease.
• Heart failure.
• Respiratory failure.
• Cardiac ischemia.
• Circulatory disorders.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Diabetes.
• Oncology.
• Hepatitis C.
• Mental disorder.
• Tobacco smoking experience for more than twenty years.

In order to avoid various complications during and after surgery, the doctor first directs the patient to full examination, thoroughly studies the anamnesis, compiles individual plan operations and rehabilitation course.

Is there a need to change implants?

If we looked back a decade, the answer would have been obvious. Due to the slow technological progress at that time, implants were not durable and wore out within ten to fifteen years. Consequently, after the expiration date of the prostheses, they had to be replaced with more “fresh” ones. The prosthetics of the richest breast implant companies provide a lifetime warranty, which means that they do not require replacement.

You don't need to change your breast implants, but you can. Over time, the body ages and withers, the skin becomes loose and sagging, and breasts that have undergone correction by plastic surgeons are not much different in this regard from natural ones. Breast enlargement can bring some discomfort in the area where the prosthesis is installed; capsular contracture may form; There may be a desire to change the volume to larger or smaller depending on the dictatorship of ever-changing fashion. All these factors can force a woman to go under the plastic surgeon’s knife again in order to become more perfect and avoid the consequences of age-related changes in the mammary glands.

There may be a need for reoperation when choosing low-quality implants. They can become deformed, burst, cause the formation of capsular contracture and its enlargement. All this requires secondary intervention from specialists to remove the implants and, if desired, install new ones after a certain period of rehabilitation and in the absence of contraindications.

The best way to avoid complications during the operation and during the postoperative rehabilitation period is to follow the recommendations of your doctor, observe all the specified nuances in preparation for the operation, as well as after the operation. If a woman wants to look beautiful and remain healthy at the same time, she should not choose implants that are less expensive. They don’t skimp on health, and in order to avoid the need to seek surgical intervention again to remove the installed prosthesis, you need to opt for a possibly expensive, but better quality product.

The choice of clinic is also important, because one of the keys to a successful operation is an experienced practicing surgeon. The World Wide Web will return millions of results for the search query “best plastic surgery clinic.” Forums and directories of clinics will allow you to more accurately determine the attitude of the clinic towards patients, the qualifications of plastic surgeons, statistics of repeat visits, positive and negative reviews. In this matter it is better to be as informed as possible.

Attention! The following video presents video clips of microsurgical operations. Viewing of these videos is strongly discouraged for persons under 16 years of age, pregnant women, and persons with an unbalanced psyche.

Reasons for replacing an implant

Doctors recommend removing the old one and implanting a new implant not because it can cause harm, but because of the gradual sagging of breast tissue, changes in its shape, and the appearance of asymmetry. In such cases, the product tends to shift.

Reasons for earlier, emergency removal of the endoprosthesis may include:

• the appearance of defects on its shell
• serious weight gain or, conversely, weight loss
• change in breast shape after pregnancy, lactation

If the integrity of the product is damaged, manufacturers often offer a replacement at their own expense. Also, if the woman wishes, doctors can remove the prosthesis and restore the previous bust size. Or, you can replace it with another one that the patient chooses. After all, sometimes ladies remain dissatisfied with the results obtained. And in order to avoid the consequences of incorrectly selecting an endoprosthesis, girls are recommended to do 3D modeling, which allows them to see in a three-dimensional image how the breasts will look after implantation. After removal of the implant, the breast regains its previous shape.

Consequences of unsuccessful installation

Whether it is necessary to change implants after mammoplasty may also depend on how you feel. After the operation, complications are likely to arise that will not allow you to leave everything as it is. First of all, this is the formation of capsular contracture. The problem develops during the first year after surgery. A capsule of connective tissue is formed around the implant. It helps to hold the endoprosthesis; its appearance in this place is normal. But if the thickness of the capsule is too large, it prevents you from feeling normal. There is pain or at least discomfort in the chest. And externally the mammary glands do not look as we would like. This situation requires removal of the implants, subsequently - new operation. Sometimes just replacing the endoprosthesis with another type will help solve the problem. The tissues will not react so sharply, and the capsule will form correctly, without excessive density and thickness, without causing discomfort.

Capsular contracture 7 years after retromammary endoprosthetics with shellless biogel implants (a); 5 months after removal of the implants and re-endoprosthetics (b)

Another problem that arises as implants heal is asymmetry. A slight deviation from ideal lines is not critical. But sometimes adaptation ends with the mammary glands being very different in appearance and location. Then you can’t do without a new operation.

One year after subpectoral endoprosthetics: upward displacement of implants and breast asymmetry during muscle contraction

Intervention may be needed soon after the first mammoplasty. During surgery or due to non-compliance during the rehabilitation period with the conditions necessary for restoration in the glands, inflammatory process. If it develops quickly, covering a significant area of ​​tissue, it cannot be ruled out that endoprostheses will have to be removed, and not just limited to antibiotic therapy.

How often silicone implants are replaced depends on many factors. Not all of them are negative. According to statistics, most cases of replacement of endoprostheses are associated with the patient’s desire, and not with health problems. But this does not eliminate the need to monitor the condition of the mammary glands after mammoplasty. Then it will definitely be possible to prevent possible negative aspects associated with the presence of implants and replace them before problems arise.

Many women who have undergone breast correction by installing implants or are just planning to change their appearance with this surgical intervention ask themselves the question: “Do I need to change breast implants?” Only the plastic surgeon performing the operation can answer unequivocally, since there are several factors that determine whether there is a need for replacement.

Breast prostheses

Breast implants have been in fashion for a long time and today they are the most popular aesthetic medicine operation. The operation to introduce breast implants to enlarge it and give it a more beautiful shape is especially popular among women with breast cancer. Implantation is also carried out for women with first or zero breast size to enlarge it.

However, despite the many people who want to go through this procedure, there are also those who are categorically against these manipulations. They motivate this by the fact that a foreign object should not be introduced into a living organism, as this can cause a number of complications and unpleasant sensations.

Particularly frightening for doubting representatives of the fair sex are various articles that colorfully describe the terrible consequences that occur with the breast after the implantation of an implant to enlarge it. Of course, any surgery has its risks, and this procedure is no exception. However, nowadays the risk has been reduced to a minimum, so cases of negative consequences are rare. The surest way to completely protect yourself is to choose a high-quality prosthesis.

Choosing a quality implant

Do not neglect the assessments of other women who have already undergone this procedure and the recommendations of surgeons. It is better to make your choice in favor of one of the popular manufacturers. Such implants must have a special elastic bag with a thin but durable silicone shell.

They come in several types; here you need to decide on the surface of the prosthesis: smooth or voluminous. Any organism rejects a foreign object that has entered it, surrounding it with connective tissue. The longer an object is inside the body, the more tissue forms around it, giving the breasts an unnatural firmness. This is the first problem that plastic surgeons face during surgery. Complications in this matter are caused by implants with a smooth shell surface. The volumetric surface has a certain roughness, which promotes the ingrowth of living tissue into the shell of the prosthesis. This is what makes them safer.

What are dentures made of?

• Silicone gel is more similar in consistency to vegetable oil.
• The cohesive gel weakly holds its shape, but hardly sweats and is almost indistinguishable from the mammary glands in density. The consistency is similar to jelly.
• The highly cohesive gel holds its shape perfectly, practically does not deform, does not sweat, and has the consistency of marmalade. Used as a filler for anatomical prostheses.
• “Soft touch” gel holds its shape well and does not sweat. The consistency resembles jellied meat.
• Saline solution. Not the best filler, since almost a year after use, the salt dissolved in the composition crystallizes and there is a risk of puncturing the shell of the prosthesis.
• Soybean oil. It is strictly not recommended to use implants with this filler, as they are considered one of the worst.

According to their characteristics, prostheses are divided into several types:

1. Silicone.
2. Saline.
3. Having a round shape;
4. Anatomical.

It is a soft gel and has the ability to mimic living breast tissue. This gel also has “memory” and, in case of any deformation, returns to the shape specified during the production process.

Silicone implants have good stickiness and a stable shape, which contributes to less sweating of the cohesive gel. It imitates the natural softness of the breast well; if the implant shell is damaged, it does not leak out, holds its shape well, and does not sweat under the shell.

Implants consisting of a saline solution are bags of silicone polymers characterized by their elasticity. Serve exclusively for breast enlargement. Not the best choice, since this type of implants feels different from natural breasts and there is a chance that they will shrink or rupture.

The frequency of replacement depends on the implant material and the skill of the surgeon.

It is necessary to choose the form of the prosthesis, as well as the prosthesis itself, in consultation with a leading surgeon in order to select exactly the implant that is suitable for a particular patient. Choosing an implant on your own is fraught with unforeseen consequences or the surgeon’s refusal to perform the operation.

• Round-shaped implants are good from an aesthetic point of view. They look beautiful, better emphasize feminine forms, but they do not always correspond to some of the mandatory points that natural breasts have:

1. The chest should be larger in height, not in width.
2. The oval located in the lower pole of the chest is well filled.
3. The nipple should be slightly above the breast fold.
4. There should be an almost flat slope at the top of the chest.

• Anatomical implants are used most often, since they meet all of the above points, so they become more popular than round ones.

Types of implantation

As a rule, two methods of implantation are common nowadays:

• Placement under the armpit;
• Under the line of the mammary glands.

Any method has its advantages and disadvantages. The first method is good because it reduces the risk of the formation of a capsule consisting of smooth fibrous tissue, which can deform the breast and compress the prosthesis if it increases beyond the permissible norm. It is also almost impossible to feel the prosthesis. However, this operation is much more complex and the recovery period is longer, sometimes with discomfort. In addition, if a repeat operation is necessary, it will be quite difficult to get to the implant.

Plastic surgeons prefer the second placement option. If repeated enlargement is required, there will be no problems in reaching the desired area through the same incision. This operation lasts a relatively short time, it is simpler, and there is virtually no pain during the postoperative rehabilitation period. This method is practiced only if the gland tissue is well developed. Significant disadvantages are the risk of formation of a capsule that deforms the prosthesis and the breast, and the fact that most often the prosthesis can be detected by palpating the breast.

In some cases, it is possible to introduce implants in two ways at the same time.

Types of cuts

Another important point before the operation is to carefully study what types of incisions there are through which the gland prosthesis will be installed.

There are four main types of cuts:

• An incision in the armpit;
• An incision in the areola area;
• An incision under the retromammary fold of the breast;
• An incision in the navel area.

The incision in the armpit is universal, as it allows the prosthesis to be implanted above and below the pectoral muscle. This is not the most widely used incision, although the scar is located in the armpit and is less noticeable to others. However, this is a rather complex operation, with the longest recovery period, and therefore is considered traumatic for the patient. It will be very difficult, if necessary, to perform a repeat operation through this type of incision if it is necessary to change it.

The following type of incision should be especially carefully reviewed with the leading physician. The areola incision is distinguished by its universal advantages. This method provides the opportunity to install a prosthesis under the muscle and under the gland or remove the prosthesis. In terms of aesthetic characteristics, it is better than an axillary incision, since the scar is practically invisible. Otherwise, it is possible to have the areola tattooed to match its natural color to make the scar invisible. The incision is made at the border of the areola and breast skin.

The third type of incision is used most often. This type, like the previous one, allows you to remove the glandular implant and get rid of the unpleasant consequences of the postoperative rehabilitation period. Instead of one scar, the number may increase to two, but there will be no complications. The disadvantage is not as significant compared to the advantages - the scars are noticeable, despite their thinness.

The last type of cut is the newest. It does not leave scars on the chest, but only allows the installation of a saline implant.

Contraindications for surgery

The following diseases are contraindications to this type of surgery:

• Heart disease.
• Heart failure.
• Respiratory failure.
• Cardiac ischemia.
• Circulatory disorders.
• Bronchial asthma.
• Diabetes.
• Oncology.
• Hepatitis C.
• Mental disorder.
• Tobacco smoking experience for more than twenty years.

Is there a need to change implants?

If we looked back a decade, the answer would have been obvious. Due to the slow technological progress at that time, implants were not durable and wore out within ten to fifteen years. Consequently, after the expiration date of the prostheses, they had to be replaced with more “fresh” ones. The prosthetics of the richest breast implant companies provide a lifetime warranty, which means that they do not require replacement.

You don't need to change your breast implants, but you can. Over time, the body ages and withers, the skin becomes loose and sagging, and breasts that have undergone correction by plastic surgeons are not much different in this regard from natural ones. Breast enlargement can bring some discomfort in the area where the prosthesis is installed; capsular contracture may form; There may be a desire to change the volume to larger or smaller depending on the dictatorship of ever-changing fashion. All these factors can force a woman to go under the plastic surgeon’s knife again in order to become more perfect and avoid the consequences of age-related changes in the mammary glands.

There may be a need for repeated surgery if low-quality implants are chosen. They can become deformed, burst, cause the formation of capsular contracture and its enlargement. All this requires secondary intervention from specialists to remove the implants and, if desired, install new ones after a certain period of rehabilitation and in the absence of contraindications.

The best way to avoid complications during the operation and during the postoperative rehabilitation period is to follow the recommendations of your doctor, observe all the specified nuances in preparation for the operation, as well as after the operation. If a woman wants to look beautiful and remain healthy at the same time, she should not choose implants that are less expensive. They don’t skimp on health, and in order to avoid the need to seek surgical intervention again to remove the installed prosthesis, you need to opt for a possibly expensive, but better quality product.

The choice of clinic is also important, because one of the keys to a successful operation is an experienced practicing surgeon. The World Wide Web will return millions of results for the search query “best plastic surgery clinic.” Forums and directories of clinics will allow you to more accurately determine the attitude of the clinic towards patients, the qualifications of plastic surgeons, statistics of repeat visits, positive and negative reviews. In this matter it is better to be as informed as possible.

Attention! The following video presents video clips of microsurgical operations.
Viewing of these videos is strongly discouraged for persons under 16 years of age, pregnant women, and persons with an unbalanced psyche.

• How long does a dental implant usually last and can it really last safely until the end of life, as is sometimes stated in advertising of dental clinics;
• What is the difference between the guaranteed service life of dental implants declared by the manufacturer and the guarantee for implants given by the clinic;
• What is the average real service life of dental implants in different price categories;
• How to know when it’s time to change the implant, and what factors may contribute to problems;
• Do prostheses installed on implants last just as long, and why sometimes they have to be changed a couple of years after installation;
• And also some simple practical tips that will extend the life of dental implants...

Dental implantation is a rather expensive procedure, and therefore the desire of patients to receive a lifetime or at least a multi-year warranty on installed implants is fully justified. At the same time, the advertising slogans of many dental clinics seem to paint quite rosy prospects and give no reason to worry: “the service life of our implants is 30 years,” “our dental implants will last you until the end of your life!” And others in the same spirit.

But can implantologists really guarantee such a long service life of dental implants, and could it turn out that the installed expensive structure will have to be changed after just a couple of years?

In order to better understand how long a dental implant actually lasts, let’s first look at how the guarantee for dental implants that clinics give differs from the service life established by the manufacturer. And then we’ll also talk about whether it’s realistic to achieve lifelong results from artificial teeth.

What is the difference between a warranty on implants and their service life?

So, there are two important concepts that are closely related to the service life of dental implants:

1. Product warranty (service life) established by the implant manufacturer;
2. As well as a warranty period for completed treatment work, established by the clinic.

Warranty and service life from the manufacturer

Many companies, especially the most serious ones that have been on the market for decades, provide a lifetime guarantee on the dental implants they produce. These include mainly manufacturers of expensive premium products: Nobel, Alpha BIO, AstraTech, XIVE Friadent, Straumann and some others.

Companies that produce less branded products (mid-price segment) provide a 20-25 year guarantee on their products. Actually, this is the guaranteed service life of dental implants of the average price category, however, provided that they are installed and then operated, as they say, in compliance with all rules and regulations.

On a note:

Teeth on implants can be compared to an expensive car. For example, in a German Mercedes you can drive more than 500 thousand kilometers without any problems. But provided that the owner carries out regular maintenance of the car, changes the oil, spark plugs and other spare parts. The same goes for new teeth – in theory, implants will last for several decades. But in practice, much depends on how professionally the doctor worked, as well as how the patient himself will use the new teeth. Important role In this case, daily care, regular removal of dental plaque (yes, plaque accumulates on artificial teeth), as well as preventive examinations at the dentist, play a role.

If all conditions are met, even mid-price implants can stay securely in the jaw and serve well longer than the stated 25 years, and it is possible that they will never need to be replaced.

Guarantee for implants from a dental clinic

The second type of guarantee is provided directly by the dental clinic (or even by the doctor, if he works individually). And usually the duration of such a guarantee is only 1-2 years. Generally speaking, the legislation of the Russian Federation does not regulate the terms of warranty obligations for dental services, so each clinic installs them independently.

A completely reasonable question arises: why do manufacturers give an almost eternal guarantee on implants, while doctors give no more than a couple of years?

Well, this is explained quite simply: a doctor (or clinic) can only give a guarantee for the work performed. In practice, it is during the first 1-2 years that the risk is relatively high for reasons beyond the control of the patient, namely the fault of the implantologist.

But if the implant has to be removed and replaced after 3-5-10 years, then the problem, as a rule, lies in the lack of proper care for artificial teeth or deterioration general condition patient's health. It is quite obvious that there is no fault of the doctor here, and therefore there is no reason for him to extend the guarantee for such a long period. That is, guaranteeing the eternal service of implants to a person who does not brush his teeth or chews nuts every day is more expensive for himself.

In general, we can say that when it comes to a guarantee for implantation, the patient of a dental clinic is not always in an advantageous position. According to statistics, most problems with implants are still due to the fault of the doctor - due to inexperience, inattention, an incorrectly selected design or a completely incorrect surgical operation to install the implant. However, in practice, it is not always possible to prove that the cause of the problems that have arisen lies precisely in the specialist’s mistake and that during the warranty period he is obliged (and this should be specified in the contract) to replace the implant.

As a result, many patients who are faced with problems seek support from specialists in other clinics. For example, the implant has become painful, mobile, or has completely fallen out of the bone - clinics often do not regard such situations as warranty cases, placing the blame on the patient. However, some doctors honestly admit their mistakes and successfully eliminate them - by changing an implant that has not taken root or offering the patient a different type of prosthetics without paying for the treatment again.

“I installed an expensive German implant on the six. The operation went well, with almost no discomfort. I immediately asked how long this dental implant lasts and how long it lasts. The doctor said that it will definitely last for 15-20 years. But in fact it turned out to be completely different... A month later, severe pain, swelling and redness appeared. I came to the clinic and they said it took a long time! They say that rejection has begun and the reason cannot be determined, most likely, improper hygiene. The implant was removed and they flatly refused to do anything again. Then I went to another clinic - they said that the reason was that the implant was too long and stood crooked. Here you have expensive implants, but the doctor’s hands don’t grow from there!..”

Irina, Moscow

So the service life of even the most expensive dental implants in problematic situations can be only a few months. Moreover, numerous reviews on the Internet say that similar cases– not that uncommon. And the patient, unfortunately, has to undergo treatment again in another clinic and spend a lot of money again.

Here are some practical tips to help reduce the risk of a clinic refusing a warranty:

• choose a clinic that has been on the market for a long time, values ​​its “name” and tries to maintain a positive reputation;
• in dentistry, everything must be provided for implantation: diagnostic equipment, the presence of implant surgeons, as well as orthopedists who can make prostheses secured to implants;
• choose an experienced doctor who has performed more than one successful operation to install implants;
• study reviews not only and not so much about the clinic, but about the doctor - both on the Internet and in the book of complaints and suggestions (you can check with the clinic administrator about its availability);
• visit several free consultations– compare the opinions of specialists regarding your situation;
• strictly follow all doctor’s prescriptions and do not skip preventive examinations;
• Don’t go for cheap – implantation, by definition, cannot be too cheap, and a significant part of the price is made up of expensive implants.

Speaking about the service life of implants, it is worth recalling that the titanium “screw” screwed into the jawbone is only part of the entire structure, which also includes the abutment and the prosthesis itself (for example, a crown). What is what is clearly shown in the photo below:

So, it is useful to keep in mind that the service life of prostheses can be several times less than the service life of the titanium implants themselves.

We'll talk more about this below.

So how long does a dental implant actually last?

In our country, dental implantation appeared no more than 20 years ago, and the stage of active development was even less. Therefore, it is rare that a dentist can boast of at least 10 years of experience in installing dental implants. This means that it is quite problematic to find out exactly how long it will take to replace implants if they are successfully engrafted and in normal use - such statistics have simply not been collected yet.

However, implantation has a longer history abroad. For example, in European countries, the first operations began to be carried out back in the 60s of the last century, which makes it possible to monitor statistics over a fairly large period of time.

According to foreign practice, the highest service life is observed for premium segment implants - Astra Tech, Nobel, Straumann, XIVE, Ankylos, Bicon. On average, they last for at least 20 years without any problems. Middle-class implants last about 10-15 years - brands such as Implantium, BioHorizons, MIS.

But these are only average statistics. Just as inexpensive implants can last until the end of your life, the most advanced systems can become a problem within a couple of years after installation (or even earlier). Each case is individual, and the actual “shelf life” of implants depends both on the patient’s health and his responsible attitude towards new teeth, and on the professionalism of the implantologist who performed the prosthetics.

Above, we discussed, first of all, dental implants of the classical type. The service life of today's popular basal implants (that is, those installed not in the loose surface part of the bone, but in its denser basal layers) is generally comparable to classical ones. Today, those models of basal implants, the installation of which was carried out through a lateral incision in the gum, are practically a thing of the past - often they were rejected after 2-3 years, unable to withstand the load from the prosthesis (for an example, see the photo below).

And although basal implantation began to be practiced in Russia not so long ago, today there is every reason to believe that, provided there is sufficient oral hygiene, modern designs can serve a person for decades.

Even implants installed in weakened bone, for example, due to periodontitis or periodontal disease, can serve safely long years(with daily careful oral hygiene and possibly annual drug therapy).

As for the service life of so-called mini-implants, according to manufacturers, it is similar to the service life of classic implants and averages 20-25 years. However, it is not yet possible to trace this in practice, since mini-implants are installed for no more than 10 years. Moreover, reviews about them vary: some experts believe that this is an excellent (and inexpensive) opportunity to fix inconvenient removable dentures, although some doctors do not recognize these systems.

On a note

Mini-implants are installed not in the bone, but in the periosteum (tissue between the bone and gum), due to which the bone tissue, not receiving sufficient chewing load, atrophies and sags. As a result, the prosthesis has to be constantly adjusted. And the position of mini-implants sometimes changes due to excessive load, which can lead to their mobility, rejection and the need for removal even a couple of years after installation.

How to know when it's time to change your implant

Only a doctor can determine when it’s time to replace a dental implant. It is only important to visit your dentist regularly (1-2 times a year) to assess the progress of implant healing and examine the condition of the tissues around it.

Generally speaking, the need to change implants usually arises only when any serious problems and their corresponding symptoms. Moreover, such problems can arise both a year after installing the product, and after 10, 20 and even 30 years of its active use.

If you do not feel any pain, discomfort or other problems associated with the previously installed implant, then there is no need to change it.

Here are the typical reasons for replacing implants, which are most often encountered in practice:

• trauma to the jaw or tooth, which caused the implant to become loose. The structure can also be pushed deeper into the jawbone, or, conversely, unscrewed;
• peri-implantitis (inflammation of the tissue around the implant): usually accompanied by redness of the gums, pain when pressing, pus may be released and appear bad smell from an implant;
• implant rejection – occurs as a consequence of peri-implantitis. A characteristic feature Implant mobility is also a problem.

Thus, when mobility appears (even slight, which can sometimes only be assessed by a doctor using special instruments), swelling and redness of tissues, pain in the area of ​​installed dental implants, there is a high probability that the service life of the structure is coming to an end.

How long will it last and how long does it take to remove a movable dental implant? If the doctor reports that it is time to change the implant (and this usually happens when mobility is detected), then this should be done as quickly as possible. Otherwise, tissue inflammation can lead to serious complications, even those that can threaten the patient’s life.

As a result, a surgical operation is performed to remove the movable structure: the prosthesis is removed, the gums are cut, and the implant is removed from the jaw. As a rule, then, after about 1-2 months, re-implantation is possible. In some cases (depending on the reason for removal of the implant), the patient may be offered a different method of prosthetics.

On a note

It must be borne in mind that in the case of implant prosthetics, problems can arise not only with the “titanium screw” implanted in the jaw, but also with outer part design - the prosthesis itself, the durability of which is often lower than that of a metal implant. We’ll talk further about how long it takes to replace such prostheses on implants...

Will the prosthesis last as long as an implant?

So, a metal implant implanted into the jaw bone may become mobile (rejected) over time due to inflammation of the tissue around it. Now let's see how things are with the operation of the outer part of the structure - with the prosthesis, and how soon it may need to be replaced.

First of all, you need to keep in mind that the service life of a prosthesis on implants depends significantly on the material from which the crowns are made. The most short-lived are prostheses made of metal lined with plastic (metal-plastic crowns) - the plastic adheres relatively poorly to the base and often cracks and breaks off under load.

In addition, plastic is a porous material and absorbs food colorings, as well as the smallest food remains; As a result, the color of the crown changes and it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. The service life of such metal-plastic prostheses is no more than 2-3 years.

Metal-ceramic crowns are much stronger and more durable. On average they last about 10-12 years. Among the main problems of these dentures are chips of ceramic enamel and the formation of cracks in the outer coating (however, for such defects to form, the load must be very significant, much greater than in the case of metal-plastic crowns).

In addition, both in the case of metal-plastic and in the case of metal-ceramic prostheses, patients often experience allergic reactions for metal (usually inexpensive alloys, so the problem can be partially solved by choosing precious metals, although this is a very expensive option).

The most advanced and durable prostheses are those made from zirconium dioxide - it is a very durable, aesthetic and non-allergenic material. In this case, with service life, everything is quite simple: no matter how many years titanium implants last, prostheses made of zirconium dioxide last almost as long (their stated service life is at least 15 years).

On a note

If any prosthesis breaks, the implant does not need to be removed. The crowns are removed (in some cases, together with the abutment, especially if it is not template, but individual), then impressions are taken again and a new prosthesis is created.

What ultimately determines the service life of a dental implant?

Taking into account the above, we can make the following summary: a modern dental implant in many cases can reliably serve until the end of life, and at least not less than the service life declared by the manufacturer. However, whether everything will work out successfully depends on a number of conditions, the key ones of which are:

• professionalism of the implantologist and correct installation of the implant;
• the professionalism of the orthopedic doctor who takes part in the manufacture of the prosthesis (the correct load on the implants from the prosthesis, its precise fit to the gums and implants is very important);
• high quality of the implant (today, by the way, there are also Chinese dental implants, the quality of which is not always predictable);
• adequate oral hygiene and care of dentures on implants by the patient himself;
• general health of the patient.

Implantologists note that many patients, after complete implantation and installation of permanent dentures, unfortunately forget about hygiene and regular preventive examinations, believing that artificial teeth, unlike natural ones, are not attacked by bacteria - they say, they are artificial, and therefore “inedible” for bacteria.

Yes, caries does not form on crowns made of metal, plastic and ceramics, but unwanted dental deposits may well form. In addition, artificial teeth are surrounded by living tissues, inflammation and damage to which, including due to dental plaque that is not removed in time, can lead to a reduction in the service life of the implant and the need for its removal along with the crown.

So, as you can see, how long dental implants will last largely depends on the patient himself.

On a note:

Implantation is a rather expensive procedure, and not every patient can afford to update installed implants every 5 years. Therefore, in this situation, money is a good motivator for taking care of your teeth. For example, many patients after implantation give up smoking altogether, since this bad habit generally increases the risk of implant failure.

Here are a few useful tips, adhering to which, you can significantly increase the chances that a dental implant will have a maximum service life - until the end of a person’s life, or at least 10-20 years:

• regular enhanced oral hygiene. In the morning and evening – brush and paste; it is also advisable to use irrigators or special interdental brushes. After eating - remove food debris, and it is usually not recommended to use dental floss, as it can lead to damage to the mucous membrane and prosthesis. It is better to use an irrigator. Special attention– gums, they should not be allowed to become inflamed;
• Quitting smoking - it has a detrimental effect on the condition of the oral mucosa, which, in turn, is fraught with the risk of violations metabolic processes in the tissues around the implant and its rejection;
• Limiting the load on the implant and prosthesis (do not chew nuts, do not open bottles with your teeth);
• 1-2 times a year it is necessary to remove dental deposits - plaque and stones, as they can provoke inflammation of the gums;
• Needless to say, the face and jaw must be protected from injury in every possible way;
• At least once a year - preventive examinations at the dentist to assess the condition of the dental system. Such inspections sometimes make it possible to identify an emerging problem in time and not take it to the extreme.

If you have personal experience prosthetics on implants - be sure to leave your review at the bottom of this page, telling us whether everything is great in this regard, or if you have any problems.

An interesting video about removable and fixed dentures and what is better - implantation or crowns?

Why a dental clinic should not guarantee results with dental implants

Now I would like to pay your attention, dear readers, to a very important question that 90% of my patients ask me during breast augmentation consultations: “Will it be necessary to change the implants over time?”

In fact, the question is quite clear: patients “invest” in themselves, in their appearance, and the duration of such investments is especially important. Accordingly, moving on to the topic, here is what you should definitely know:

Aging of implants:

Implants produced 10-20 years ago, according to manufacturers, had a wear rate of up to 5-7% per year, and if initial stage This is quite a bit, but over time the risk of their destruction or rupture increases significantly. Modern implants, which my surgeon colleagues and I now use in our practice, have a significantly lower wear rate, which has allowed implant manufacturers from the world's leading companies to give them a lifetime warranty.

But, despite the fact that modern implants practically do not wear out, there are statistics that some patients who have undergone breast augmentation, after some time, turn to the surgeon again with a request to replace the implant. But what are the reasons for this? Now I will describe some facts:

Sometimes patients request implant replacement solely for aesthetic reasons, as they want to change their size or shape. If these are not the first months after the operation, when the swelling has not gone down or the implants have not yet descended or “slung” into place, then an experienced surgeon, of course, will immediately refuse the operation, since the breast has not yet taken its final shape and what to do - conclusions very early (rehabilitation after breast augmentation). Also, do not forget about age-related changes... This factor makes women think about reimplantation. These changes occur due to age factors, breastfeeding, recruitment overweight or vice versa, losing weight. As a result of this, of course, the volume of the soft tissue of the breast changes, and the skin loses its elasticity, the ligaments weaken and stretch. All this leads to sagging breasts. All these are natural processes and they do not depend on whether an implant is installed or not. But, if the implant was installed under the gland and not under the muscle and it is large, its weight can accelerate unwanted changes in the breast.

An implant installed under the pectoral muscle, on the contrary, is a kind of support that supports the breast tissue and helps to reduce their stretching. But, of course, it is not a cure for natural age-related changes (see endoscopic breast augmentation).

I understand that it is not very pleasant to learn that you may have to undergo breast re-surgery in the future. Some patients initially have tissues that are quite weak or prone to loss of elasticity and, most likely, the problem of changing the implant will not bypass them. During consultations, I always focus on these facts so that patients can weigh the pros and cons.

And finally, to reassure the beautiful ladies who read this article, I want to assure you that most patients are absolutely satisfied with the result of the operation and do not regret the procedure one bit.

In order not to worry about this issue, together with the surgeon you must correctly decide on the size of the implant and the method of its placement. Only by choosing a competent approach can you get a wonderful and long-lasting result. With all my patients, even at the first consultation, I fully raise this topic so that even at the communication stage we can come to the right decision. Don’t be afraid to be beautiful and luxurious, because this feeling helps us move forward towards our goal, and this is important!

Mammoplasty is the most common operation in plastic surgery. It happens that a repeat operation becomes necessary. Among the reasons for which correctional mammoplasty is performed, the most common reason is pregnancy and subsequent breastfeeding or a significant reduction in body weight. Also possible reasons complications may arise in the form of capsular contracture, infectious processes, shift, rupture, prolapse and much more.

Capsular contracture or mammary fibrosis

This phenomenon is associated with the body’s limitation foreign body, which is the implant. Tissue compaction occurs around it, the woman feels compression and discomfort. Usually this process occurs in the first year after plastic surgery. In subsequent years, mammary fibrosis is rare. Contracture manifests itself as asymmetry or thickening of the mammary glands. If the compaction is not strong, excision of the fibrous ring is performed to release the implant and correct the shape of the breast. When fibrous formation has a pronounced form, is produced complete removal fibrous capsule, removing the prosthesis and replacing it with a new one.

To avoid the appearance of capsular contracture, you must follow the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. After mammoplasty, you must constantly wear compression garments, do not lift anything heavy, and do not strain your chest muscles for a certain period.

If breast compaction, pain, or changes in shape appear, you should immediately contact a surgeon, who will perform an examination and, if necessary, perform an ultrasound and prescribe treatment.

Gel leakage from the implant

Rupture of the prosthesis and leakage of gel from it is another complication that requires an immediate visit to the doctor and correction with the installation of a new one. If you identify the damage in time and contact a surgeon, you can avoid serious complications. This phenomenon is quite rare and occurs as a result of strong mechanical impact on the chest, for example, during an accident or as a result of piercing wounds to the chest wall.

This damage may not be noticeable and may manifest itself later in the form of discomfort or pain, changes in the shape and density of the breast. Some women wait for the discomfort to disappear on its own. This cannot be done, since the problem in the form of leaked gel will not go away on its own. It is necessary to contact a plastic surgeon to remove the implant and install a new one.

Other reasons for secondary surgery

There are many other reasons why it is necessary to remove the old implant and install a new one:

• inflammation or infection. These phenomena can be provoked within a month after the operation, so the woman needs to keep in touch with the doctor and, if necessary, visit him for an examination;
• The implants installed two decades ago are made of other materials: heavier, less durable, the imperfect shell of which requires replacement;
• physiological changes in the body. As a woman ages, her body undergoes natural changes and breast correction may be required. Some women decide to improve their breasts with age: change their shape or size, as well as their location;
• change in symmetry after lactation. Breasts may become asymmetrical over time. This is a common situation during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Slight asymmetry of the female mammary glands is normal and in most cases does not require surgical intervention or correction.

Contraindications for breast replacement

In some situations, mammoplasty is strictly not recommended:

• oncological formations in the mammary glands. Treatment of the underlying disease is necessary after which the breast can be restored using implants.
• pregnancy. Doctors do not recommend performing any surgical manipulations on the body during this period, except in situations where the woman’s health or life is in danger;
• lactation. When feeding a baby, a woman's breasts change and surgical intervention is undesirable. Even if asymmetry appears, doctors recommend waiting until the end of the lactation period and only then taking corrective measures;
• exacerbation chronic diseases and decreased immunity. In such situations, there is a high probability of complications, for example, in the form of infections.

Rehabilitation after mammoplasty

After any surgical intervention there is a rehabilitation period. With primary breast surgery, the process of getting used to it takes quite a lot long time and requires constant medical supervision. During secondary implantation, when prostheses are replaced with new ones, the process is less painful, faster and easier. If the prosthesis is placed in an already formed bed, where the previous one was, then the rehabilitation will go almost unnoticed. There may be only minor swelling and bruising, which is normal for any surgical intervention. If the location changes, for example, it is placed under the pectoral muscles, and was previously located above it, then the body will need a longer time to adapt.

Before planning breast augmentation surgery, it is worth considering some factors that may lead to the need for repeat surgery in the future. A woman needs to take into account the possibility of pregnancy and the lactation period, and allow time for rehabilitation after the operation itself. An experienced surgeon will be able to foresee the likelihood of complications and suggest options to avoid them.