Tag Archives: plastic surgery

​How Long Do Silicone Breast Implants Last?

How Long Do Breast Implants Last? When Should They Be Replaced?

Chest Questions, , , , , ,

As one of the most common cosmetic surgeries within the United States, breast implants are continuously growing in popularity.

As they continue to grow in popularity there are more and more misconceptions to be found when it comes to breast implants. For instance, did you know that breast implants do not last forever?

While breast implants can last for long periods of time without causing problems or needing to be removed/replaced, they are not permanent and will require some maintenance at some point in your life.

The technology used in breast implants today is much better than that of breast implants in the past, which leads to them being more stable and having a longer lifespan. This means that regardless of the type of implant you choose, you should get more life out of them today than you would have even 20 years ago.

What are the Different Types of Breast Implants?

There are two main types of breast implants these days, saline and silicone. Each different type of breast implant comes with its pros and cons, but, you’ll be safe no matter which option you choose, but you should definitely talk with your doctor to figure out which implant type is right for you.

While both saline and silicone breast implants have silicone shells, the big difference between the two lies in how the actual implant is formed. Saline breast implants are filled with sterile salt water, whereas silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone. This thick gel closely mimics the consistency of natural fatty tissue.

Choosing an implant type should be based on the look and feel that you’re looking to achieve, while also taking into consideration the different methods that are required to implant them in your chest. Saline implants tend to have a smaller incision due to the fact that they are inserted into the body while flat and then filled up with saline, whereas the silicone implants come pre-filled before being inserted.

This can lead to differences in healing as well as the way the implants may sit in your chest, which is why it’s very important to discuss all options with your surgeon before you make a decision.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last? Do They Need to be Replaced?

This is probably one of the most common questions people inquire about when it comes to breast augmentation surgery – how long will the results last? The answer is, while it is possible for silicone breast implants to last for a lifetime, they may need to be replaced at some point. The older 2nd generation implants typically were all ruptured or leaking by 10 years post-surgery, but the current 5th generation gel implants remain mostly intact at 10 or even 20 years.

According to the FDA, it’s important that women continuously monitor their implants throughout their lifetime. Silicone implant ruptures are difficult to detect; they cannot be detected simply by looking at or feeling the augmented breast. The gel material is inert, so if a rupture does occur, the gel will not be absorbed by the body, so the appearance will not change.

For this reason, some patients will schedule MRIs or ultrasounds to look for any changes or ruptures in the outer shell, which are two determining factors in implant replacement.

Implants must be replaced if a rupture does occur, however. Without replacement, a ruptured silicone breast implant can cause breast pain, tenderness, or changes in the shape of the breast.

While breast implants are not permanent, as in they will not last you a lifetime, they will last you quite a long time and shouldn’t give you any major issues during that time. Of course, there is always the possibility of rupture or tearing due to your lifestyle or an accident, but from regular normal levels of stress, your breast implants should last you 10-20 years.

Why Would a Breast Implant Need to be Replaced or Removed?

There are a number of reasons why you may have to get your breast implant removed or replaced as you begin to age. If the implant has not ruptured there still may be other complications that can arise from having breast implants that may be a reason to have the removed or replaced.

Rupture

As we mentioned above, if a breast implant ruptures then it must be removed or replaced. If a saline breast implant ruptures, the saline solution will harmlessly be absorbed into the body, however you may notice your breast tissue deflate fairly quickly.

If a silicone implant ruptures it may not be immediately noticeable, in terms of your breast deflating, but the silicone can start to cause a burning sensation in your chest.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture is when the tissue around the breast implant begins to scar and harden. This can cause pain, misshapen breasts, breasts to be too firm, or other problems. If this happens, the breast augmentation will have to be revised.

Rippling

If you’ve experienced significant weight loss after having your implants, you may notice that your breasts appear to have slight ripples in them. Rippling is not harmful, but it may cause your breasts to look a bit off, which could be a reason you would want them removed or replaced.

Shift in Position

While the breast implants are typically implanted in an area where they cannot move around a lot, there are times when the implants do shift in the chest cavity. This can be from trauma, hard impact, or even just the way your tissue is as you get older. In many cases women opt to remove or correct the implants through a revision augmentation to ensure that the breasts are positioned exactly where they would like them on their chest.

Desire to Change Size

One of the most common reasons we see people having their breast implants removed or replaced is that they no longer like the size that they originally chose.

Deciding to go bigger or go smaller, or change the type of implant you have, will require you to have your implants removed and replaced in order to change the size.

Breast Implant Replacement or Removal

Whether you’re considering breast augmentation or simply curious about the process, understanding the basics of silicone breast implants, including how long they last, is important.

If you’d like to know more about breast augmentation surgery, contact Dr. Adams today to schedule a consultation or to ask any questions you may have.

31 Ways a Breast Implant Can Change Your Life

​31 Ways Breast Implants Can Change Your Life – New Year, New You

Breast Augmentation, , , , , ,

The start of a new year is always a time for taking stock of your life. What were the highlights of last year? What do you want to change moving forward? If you’ve spent the last year – or longer – unsatisfied with your appearance and considering making a change by finally investing in breast augmentation surgery, now might be the time.

We’ve compiled a list of ways that breast augmentation surgery can have a lasting impact on your daily life. Physically and mentally, the changes that you go through in life shape the person that you are. If you are unhappy with the way you feel, or the way you project yourself onto others, it might be time to make a change. The first step in that process is to realize that you must make that change in order to be truly happy. A physical change, whether in appearance, clothing, or surgical enhancements, can do wonders for your self esteem and help boost your confidence to the levels you desire.

How can breast implants really change your life?

  1. You’ll project more confidence in everyday life.

  2. You’ll be happier with your appearance. When you look good, you feel good about yourself!

  3. Wear what you’ve always wanted to wear, and look amazing!

  4. There will be a better selection when bra shopping. All the styles you coveted will now look fantastic!

  5. You’ll fill out a V-neck top, a bikini top, or a low-cut dress like never before.

  6. Strapless dresses and tops that might not have been an option previously, now can be worn with confidence.

  7. Time to go shopping! A new body deserves a stylish new wardrobe to highlight your best assets.

  8. No more padded bras.

  9. No stuffing your bra or using “chicken cutlets.” That lift will be all you!

  10. No more hurtful jokes.

  11. Breasts that sag or are stretched from pregnancy, breastfeeding, and age will appear young and full again.

  12. You’ll feel more feminine and desirable.

  13. Spice up your love life! More body confidence leads to more bedroom confidence.

  14. More intimacy can reignite or deepen your romantic relationships.

  15. Single? Attract more attention…

  16. …and feel more outgoing and confident in social situations.

  17. Be bold! Go for the promotion, ask for the raise, take the solo vacation. Body confidence can translate to self-confidence in all areas of life!

  18. Foster deeper social connections. When you’re no longer self-conscious about your body, you can focus on people and conversations!

  19. Say goodbye to bra and swimsuit shopping anxiety!

  20. Stop smoking for good. You have to quit prior to having the surgery, so you might as well make it a permanent, positive change!

  21. Get into a consistent workout routine. You want the rest of your body to look as good as your implants.

  22. Eat healthy. Stave off stretch marks and awkward changes by maintaining a healthy weight.

  23. Enjoy getting UN-dressed.

  24. Foster deeper connection with your body for a more positive self-image.

  25. More general body awareness can lead to early detection of potential health issues.

  26. Boost self-esteem.

  27. Fight gravity as you age.

  28. Breast size won’t decrease if you lose weight.

  29. Become more proportionate head to toe.

  30. Love the way you look in the mirror.

  31. It’s a positive and permanent action to make YOU happier with your body.

Making the decision to get breast implants can change your life by making you look and feel better, and those positive effects can influence other aspects of your life. When considering implants, it’s important to maintain realistic expectations of what your implants will look like and what kind of impact they’ll have on your life.

Implants won’t automatically boost your self-esteem, improve your love life, kickstart your career, or fix depression or social anxiety. More serious underlying issues should be addressed with a professional before proceeding with breast augmentation. If you’re unhappy in many areas of your life, implants aren’t a magic cure-all, but if you’re simply unsatisfied with the size or shape of your natural breasts, implants may help create the change you seek. Talk to your plastic surgeon about your reasons for getting implants and your expectations post-surgery to make the best decision for you.

If you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery, contact Dr. Adams today to set up a consultation, or reach out to us with any questions you may have.

​5 Do's and Don'ts of Choosing Your Implant Size

​5 Do’s and Don’ts of Choosing Your Implant Size

Breast Augmentation, , , , , , ,

When it comes to implants, size matters – and bigger isn’t always better. Following these tips will help you and your surgeon select the best implant size for your body, ensuring you’ll have the best results from your breast augmentation surgery.

Do: Measure Carefully

To determine implant size, it’s important to know your chest and breast dimensions. Measure the breast width in centimeters starting from the inside (cleavage area) in a straight line out to the outside edge of the breast. Breast width is important because implants that are slightly narrower than your natural breasts typically provide the best fit.

Don’t: Stuff Your Bra to Determine Implant Size

The Internet is full of guides on how to use baggies or pantyhose filled with rice or birdseed to figure out how large you’d like your implants. Since implants are filled with silicone gel or saline, not birdseed, this doesn’t give a very helpful idea of what your implants would actually look like! Many surgeons do have sample implants you can insert into your bra to get a rough idea of how big you’d like to go, but this is often misleading and the look and feel of the implant can be drastically different when it is actually inside the breast, rather than stuffed into a bra.

Do: Use 3D Imaging to See What Your New Breasts Will Look Like

Playing “dress-up” with implant samples can fun to get an idea of what you’ll look like after implants, but for a more accurate picture of your new look, find a surgeon that uses 3D imaging to show you what you’ll look like post-surgery.

Vectra 3D Imaging cameras take multiple photos from different views to build a three-dimensional model of your body. Your surgeon will be able to manipulate the model view to adjust the size and shape of the implants to fit your specifications. You’ll be able to see your future breasts from all angles, ensuring that you and your surgeon are on the same page about your desired results.

Don’t: Leave it to Implant Sizers

Some surgeons use single-use disposable sterile sizers during surgery to help guide implant selection, but to guarantee the results you want, decide on your size with your surgeon before surgery. This is called tissue based dimensional planning. Dr. Adams is internationally known for his many presentations and publications on this topic.

New 3D Imaging software allows surgeons to adjust sizing and show you in advance what your results will look like using different types and shapes of implants. Relying on those advanced tools, along with accurate measurements and markings, is a better way to ensure you’re satisfied with your implant size. Spending a little extra time before surgery to settle on a size and shape, rather than letting the surgeon rely on sizers in the OR, may also cut down on the surgery time and cost.

Don’t: Get What Your Friend Has

Sure, she looks great! But every woman is different, and the size and shape that looks phenomenal on her might not be as flattering on you.

There are many factors that determine implant size: your desired results, breast tissue density, breast size, chest size, height, weight, even exercise habits! Talk to your surgeon about your lifestyle and your ideal post-surgery breasts, measure accurately, and use 3D imaging to select implants that will look amazing on you. Dr. Adams uses all f this information to customize your implant type and size for you.

You might need a different size and shape than your friend, but with proper planning and consultation, you can have breasts that make you look and feel just as confident!

During consultation, Dr. Adams will walk you through the best steps to determine which implant will fit your breasts the best. Our office offers all types of implants including cohesive breast implants, saline and silicone breast implants, 3D imaging and the 24 hour fast track recovery. Learn more about our breast augmentation surgery here or feel free to contact us with any questions.

what am i going to look like after surgery

What Am I Going To Look Like After Surgery?

Plastic Surgery

Women that are considering plastic surgery want to know how they will look after surgery. With breast augmentation, some surgeons place implants in bras for the patient to get an idea of how they will look after surgery. Selecting an implant with a bra is very misleading and inaccurate. The implant size should be selected by the measurement of the breast not what fits in a bra. If you think about it, when the implant is actually placed in the breast pocket this will not look the same as it looked when the implants were placed in a bra. The breast tissue and muscle will affect the shape and size of the breast. Dr. Adams has worked with a 3D imaging company that has helped patients visualize what they will look like after surgery. The importance of 3D imaging has made a huge impact in patient education and communication. This allows the patient and the surgeon see the results in consultation to determine the exact size versus the surgeon deciding for you in surgery without you and then it is too late. Implant size selection is mainly determined by a patient’s measurements and the 3D imaging is used to confirm the size visually with the patient. Every woman has their own personal preferences, some want a very natural look and some women want a fuller look. Patients will also bring in pictures from the internet of other women to show what they like and do not like. It is fine to do this so the surgeon can understand what the goals are, keep in mind every woman is different and cannot be compared to you. There are no two women that are the same. With proper size selection and education, patients will have the comfort of knowing what they are getting before surgery and understand that going with what is appropriate will give longevity. Remember, it is not only the size it is the shape of the breast that is important.

breast augmentation what to know

The Price of Beauty

Plastic Surgery,

What are you willing to pay for a breast augmentation? Choosing the right surgeon for breast augmentation is a very important decision. Most women make price a top factor in deciding which surgeon they want to perform their breast augmentation. There are many other factors that should be considered before making a decision. First, you want to make sure that your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. There are many questions you will want to ask about your surgeon. What percentage is their re-operation rate? Who is performing the anesthesia? Where is the surgery performed? If the cost is too low there could be a chance that the doctor is not trained in the new advances of breast augmentation. There a nurses that are administering anesthesia versus a Board Certified Anesthesiologist. The other cost that is cut is the operating room. There are some surgeons that operate in a procedure room. Some surgeons may not have privileges to perform certain procedures at a surgery center or hospital because they are not trained to perform them. This is a safety issue. What must be considered, is that in the future, you may have to go back and pay for a much more expensive revision surgery to fix an issue that may have been avoided had you gone with a different surgeon who may have initially cost just a little more. Do your research; make sure your surgeon is an expert in the type of procedure you are considering. There are many other questions that you will want to ask about your surgeon, such as:

  • Is the doctor invited around the world to lecture/teach about breast augmentation?
  • Has the doctor ever written books about breast augmentation that have been published?
  • Is the doctor trained in the 24 hour recovery technique?
  • Is the doctor invited to perform live surgeries around the world?
  • Has the doctor ever been asked to be a part of a study on new implants that are in process of being approved?
  • Does your doctor offer 3D imaging so that you can see images that are 99% accurate of what you will look like after your surgery?
  • Does your doctor use a team of board certified anesthesiologists during surgery?
  • Does the doctor know which implant size he will place before entering the surgery center or does he try different sizes out during the surgery before picking the size?
  • Does the office staff make you feel comfortable and welcome?
  • Does your doctor perform surgeries in the office or in a surgery center?
  • Do you get to meet the doctor before surgery?
  • Has the doctor developed any solutions that minimize complications after your surgery?
  • Does your doctor have patients travel from other parts of the country/world to have surgery performed?