Revision Surgery for Breast Implants

    LITTLETON, CO, May 14, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- If you have had breast augmentation you have probably heard that breast implants do not last forever and have to be replaced eventually. You may be wondering how to tell when it is time to remove and replace your implants. It is different for every person, and some people never need to have their implants replaced. However, a ruptured or leaking implant should be replaced right away or it can cause serious health problems. If you are concerned about your implants or simply unhappy with the look of your breasts, ask your cosmetic surgeon if it may be time to remove and replace your implants.

Signs That It May Be Time to Remove and Replace Your Breast Implants
Many women decide that they would like to have larger breasts, or change the appearance of their breasts sometime after their initial breast augmentation. Although not an emergency, it is a good reason to have your implants removed and replaced.

There are some signs you should be aware of that could mean there is a dangerous problem with your implants. You may or may not notice a visible change in your breasts. Problems, such as a rupture or leak, can occur immediately after surgery or may take years to develop. Contact your cosmetic surgeon right away if you experience any of the following:

- Breast pain or tenderness
- Change in size
- Change in shape
- Unusual firmness or hardness
- Lumps or knots
- Tingling or numbness
- New asymmetry
- Shrinkage
- A rash on one or both of your breasts

Silicone Implant Rupture or Leak
Both silicone and saline filled implants can rupture or leak. When a silicone implant ruptures the silicone tends to stay in the breast pocket where the implant should be. Your breast may continue to look normal for months or years.

The silicone can cause inflammation and the formation of scar tissue. A ruptured or leaking implant needs to be removed and replaced right away. The longer the silicone sits in your body the more scar tissue it can cause to form. When the implant is removed, damaged breast tissue must be removed with it. The silicon can also slowly move away from the breast area and migrate throughout your body to places where it cannot be removed.

Saline Implant Rupture
A saline filled implant rupture or leak should be treated right away. Saline is just salt water which is harmless to your body. However, due to various factors, the saline in your implants may no longer be sterile. A leak or rupture can cause a serious infection.

When a saline filled implant ruptures or leaks it will usually deflate quickly. The results are very visible. In some rare cases you can have a slow leak.

Infection
An infection can occur in your breast as a complication of surgery, or at some other time. Infections due to breast augmentation surgery are rare. Most breast infections can be treated successfully with antibiotics. If the infection is resistant to antibiotics, the implant may have to be removed until the infection has healed. Then it can be replaced. You may have to wait several weeks or several months to safely replace the implant.

If you live in Colorado and are concerned about the condition of your breast implants, please visit the website of cosmetic surgeon Nick Slenkovich at Colorado Plastic Surgery Center to learn more today (www.elegantbreast.com).

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