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6901 SNIDER PLAZA
SUITE 120
UNIVERSITY PARK, TX
75205
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Tag Archives: silicon breast implants

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

April 6, 2023Chest Questionsbreast augmentation, breast augmentation consultation, breast implants, breast size, breasts, plastic surgery, silicon breast implantsadmin

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.

Why Are My Breasts More Sensitive After a Breast Augmentation?

February 16, 2017Chest Questions24-Hour Recovery, breast augmentation, breast augmentation recovery, breast implants, breasts, silicon breast implantsadmin

Breast implants can offer a boost of self-esteem or restore a woman’s comfort in her own skin. While breast augmentation surgery is very common and has a fast recovery time (Over 99% of Dr. Adams’ patients return to normal activities within 24 hours after the surgery), some harmless side effects may occur post-op. Some patients experience a numbness or tingling, and one of the most common side effects women report after the procedure is that their breasts feel tender or sensitive.

Why Does Sensitivity Occur?

If you’re experiencing increased sensitivity after surgery, don’t fret. It’s likely only temporary and there are many reasons why this happens.

Nipple or breast sensitivity that occurs after you get implants is known as hypersthesias or neuropathic paion. When breast augmentation surgery is performed, skin and nerves are stretched in order to accommodate the breast implant. Whether or not you experience hypersthesia depends on many factors. If you are increasing your breast size significantly, there may be a higher chance you might experience this nerve-related discomfort.

The nerve-related discomfort typically arises after the initial recovery, about 3 weeks – 9 months post-surgery.

Regardless of the reason, most of these sensations are caused by temporary changes to the many nerves of your breast. The surrounding myelin, or “insulation,” around that nerve is affected during the surgery, and tenderness can persist until the body has time to repair the myelin and restore normal function to that nerve.

How Can You Relieve Breast Sensitivity After Surgery?

Most sensitivity or numbness will go away on its own within 3 – 4 months after breast augmentation surgery. By that time, the body has had a chance to repair any nerve and skin damage, and the implants have had a chance to “settle in.” However, during the time that you are experiencing discomfort, there are a few things you can try to provide some relief.

Anti-inflammatory medication, such as Ibuprofen (Advil) work well to help reduce any pain or tenderness you are experiencing.

Using nipple protectors, gauze pads or large bandaids over the nipples may also provide some relief. This will prevent your nipples from rubbing against your clothing, which tends to increase the sensitivity and discomfort.

Breast augmentation can have a very positive impact on the self-esteem and confidence of women, but there are potential side effects to be aware of. Numbness, tenderness or sensitivity are the most common side effects of the procedure, but they usually clear up relatively quickly and are easily treated. Dr. Adams has implemented several specific techniques that reduce tissue trauma during the surgery and minimize post-operative side effects. Contact us to learn more about our fast-track 24-hour recovery for breast augmentation or other plastic surgery options.

Detecting Breast Cancer When You Have Implants

February 8, 2017Beautiful Breastsbreast augmentation, breast implants, breasts, silicon breast implantsadmin

Many women who undergo breast augmentation surgery often wonder how their implants will affect breast cancer prevention. Are there additional precautions women with breast implants need to take? The truth is, prevention methods for women with implants are slightly different than those without.

Here are some breast cancer prevention tips for women with implants:

Check your breasts regularly. Just as with women who don’t have breast implants, self-examinations are important. In fact, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 40 percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women finding a lump themselves. If you have breast implants, make sure that you are familiar with the way your breasts feel, so you can notice any abnormalities should they appear.

Many women with implants have actually reported that self-examinations were easier after their breast augmentation surgery.

Get a mammogram. Most women start getting annual mammograms at age 40. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray that allows doctors to see changes in breast tissue. Mammograms can be used to detect breast cancer in women who don’t show any signs or symptoms of the disease.

The mammogram itself isn’t much different for women who have implants. There are typically four additional images that are taken in order to ensure that the doctor can properly see the breast tissue around the implants. These extra pictures are called implant displacement views. The implant is pushed back against the wall of the chest and the breast is pulled forward over it.

There are cases, however, where a woman’s implants have obscured the mammogram images, making it harder for the doctor to see any abnormalities. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that the radiologist performing the mammogram has experience performing and reading mammograms of women with breast implants.

Some doctors may recommend that you get a mammogram before and within one year of breast augmentation surgery. The mammogram you get after your surgery will serve as a baseline for future tests and make it easier for doctors to notice any abnormalities in the future.

Talk to your doctor. Make sure that your doctor is aware that you have implants, especially prior to getting a mammogram. Although it’s very rare that a mammogram can harm your implants, it’s best to let the doctor know so they can be sure to take those additional images.

Your doctor may also decide to give you additional tests, such as an MRI screening.

Breast cancer detection is not that different in women with breast implants. Although extra precautions should be taken, such as additional mammogram images, breast cancer can still be detected. It is also important to note that studies have shown that there has been no increase in breast cancer risk, no difference in survival rate, and no difference in stage of disease or recurrence rates in women with implants vs women without implants.

If you have any questions about breast augmentation surgery, please contact us today.

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

January 5, 2017Breast Augmentationbreast augmentation, breast augmentation consultation, breast implants, breast size, breasts, plastic surgery, silicon breast implantsadmin

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?

You’ll project more confidence in everyday life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No more padded bras.

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

No more hurtful jokes.

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

You’ll feel more feminine and desirable.

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

More intimacy can reignite or deepen your romantic relationships.

Single? Attract more attention…

…and feel more outgoing and confident in social situations.

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!

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

Say goodbye to bra and swimsuit shopping anxiety!

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

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

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

Enjoy getting UN-dressed.

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

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

Boost self-esteem.

Fight gravity as you age.

Breast size won’t decrease if you lose weight.

Become more proportionate head to toe.

Love the way you look in the mirror.

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.

Guide for Selecting the Correct Breast Implant Size for You

January 14, 2016Breast Augmentation3D imaging, breast augmentation, breast implant size, breast implants, breast types, implant size, silicon breast implants, stuffing, surgery, Vectra 3D imaging systemadmin

When searching for a plastic surgeon, you may get several different recommendations on implant sizes that will leave you confused and overwhelmed. Study! Study! Study! Be sure to do your homework. Dr. Adams is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in a specific technique and is invited all over the country to teach and publish medical literature. Just like with any surgery, it is important do as much research as possible before you choose a breast augmentation surgeon.

Women also tend to compare themselves to friends and pictures on the internet. Breast augmentation surgery is a very popular surgery and is commonly discussed among women. Realize that there are very specific reasons that women will get different recommendations.

Here is our guide for selecting the correct implant size for you.

Be realistic with the results your breast type can produce.

All women have different breast types, shapes and sizes – there are no two breasts that are the same. The measurements of your breast will determine the implant size that fits your breast the best. Every woman has a different amount of breast tissue and this will affect the size. Women who have less breast tissue before surgery will be smaller than a woman who naturally has more breast tissue.

Different skin types will produce different appearances as well. A patient that has tight skin will have breasts that look tighter and perkier. Women with looser skin will have more of a relaxed look. These skin types are determined by genetics, weight loss, aging, pregnancies, and breastfeeding.

Since all women have different breast types, your breast augmentation result with not be the same as your friend or a picture off of the Internet. The examples below show two women with two different breast types that were both perfect candidates for breast augmentation with Allergan Silicone 304cc breast implants. Case A has little breast tissue and tight skin. Case B has relaxed skin with more breast tissue. Even though both patients have the exact same implant type and size they both have a very different result. Case A has breasts that are round and full; Case B has breasts that are larger with a relaxed and natural look.

Case A Case B

Do not get stuck on an implant size before being examined, it may not be right for you.

Getting stuck on an implant size, because of a friend’s size or a picture you saw on the Internet, does not mean you will get the same result by asking for that same implant size. Again, everyone is different, and to prove that, below you will see 4 different patients that have different results but all have the same implant size: Allergan Silicone 339cc.

It is also important not to get stuck on bra size. The bra industry does not manufacture their bras by the same size chart as breast implants. Keep in mind when you go to different stores you can be a different cup size. This is why it is very important to select a size that looks good on your body – not what bra size you will be.

How large is too large?

There is a specialized technique of selecting an implant size that fits your breast. The method is called the High 5 System. This method has been published and proven to calculate the perfect-sized implant that fits your breast the best. The measurements will determine how much room is in the breast and how much volume needs to be added to fill out the breast.

Once the size range is chosen, the exact size will be selected based on your personal preferences. Vectra 3D imaging is a visual tool that is used during Dr. Adams’ consultation to allow patients to see their results before surgery. Being able to see the breast augmentation results on your own body will give you the confidence that you made the right choice before surgery.

The goal with selecting the appropriate size is not only to produce a natural and appropriate look; it also can help with lowering risks of complications and give you longevity. Women that go with an implant size that is too large for their breast will experience results that look unnatural. Even worse, receiving an implant that is too large can distort the shape of the breast. Over time, the skin will not be able to support the implant and will cause stretching, rippling and atrophy, which is thinning of breast tissue. This can cause irreversible damage that could lead to additional surgery sooner than you expect.

Below, on the left, is a patient that preferred a fuller unnatural look. She has more upper pole fullness and you can see that her nipple stretched downward over time. The other type of stretching is what is most commonly known as “Bottoming Out”. You can see in the example on the right that this patient’s implants are too large and heavy for her tissue. The weight of the implant caused her nipples stretch upward, this created a long distance between her nipple to the crease of her breast. A larger implant is not worth the risk. It is always best to select a size that is safe based on your measurements.

Keep the rice in the kitchen!

Stuffing bras with rice bags or implant samples is very misleading and an inaccurate way of determining what size you will be after surgery. Implants placed inside of the breast will look completely different than stuffing your bra. Dr. Adams helped develop a 3D imaging tool that shows women a very accurate simulation of how their body will look after breast augmentation surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Adams conducted and published this study in the premier Aesthetic Surgery Journal. The study showed the imaging is 98% accurate after comparing the simulation with the actual post-surgery result.

Roostaeian J, Adams WP, Jr. Three-Dimensional Imaging for Breast Augmentation: Is This Technology Providing Accurate Simulations? Aesthetic surgery journal / the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic surgery 2014; 34(6): 857-75.