Breast augmentation is one of the most exciting procedures that can assist a woman to feel more confident about her appearance. By approaching the right surgeon, you can attain the most satisfying results. Nevertheless, not all breast implant operations are without complications, sometimes related to poor planning, technical problems or unwanted changes with the implants later on. Sometimes it becomes crucial to fix and remove the breast implants – here are some of those reasons:
Capsular Contracture:
There are several breast augmentation complications that may occur, but this one is the most commonly reported in studies that can result in the need for Replacement Breast Implant Surgery, or Breast Implant Removal in the UK, Europe or the USA. It is caused by the improper development of the capsule that forms around the implant. In nearly 20-25 percent of people, the capsule either doesn’t develop properly (usually becoming too tight) or it over-develops (often by thickening and contracting). This is something that makes the surgery less effective, and affects the breast shape and feel. When that occurs, you have to consider the removal of the breast implant and the surrounding capsule.
Rupture & Leakage:
As you know, most breast implants are made of a cohesive silicone gel surrounded by a silicone plastic balloon (called the shell). Although these are very strong at the point of manufacture and at the time of initial implant placement, the implant can weaken with age related changes in the body. It is therefore evident that they can rupture and even leak in some cases. This rupture can be silent, or it can distort the shape as well as the size of the breast. It can cause a lump in the breast or the lymph nodes. Any change in the appearance of your boobs should always be checked by a specialist. Implants that are 10 years or older should be considered for renewal. The median rupture rate at around 10 years is approximately 10 percent, rising even higher thereafter, and most are silent and would only be recognized on an MRI scan. Having your implants removed and replaced at 10 years must surely be better than waiting for a complication.
Infection:
This is another complication that may necessitate Breast Implant Removal. Like other surgical operations, breast implant surgery also carries a small risk of infection and although uncommon, it can also occur at any point. The risk of contamination is greatest at the time when the implants are first placed. Patients who have breast implant surgery with Mr Turton, in Leeds, are fortunate as he uses a 14-point plan to reduce infection risk, but this is not universal across the UK. Once past the 3-month mark after surgery, infection is very rare indeed. But, occasionally, infection can occur years later, from a source of bacteria elsewhere in the body like a dental abscess, or root canal treatment, or from an episode of mastitis related to pregnancy. Whilst minor infections on the skin can be readily treated, infection on the surface of an implant is almost impossible to eradicate with antibiotics, and thus the preference would be to choose breast implant removal.
Seroma:
This is a fluid collection around a breast implant that usually makes the breast look suddenly bigger. When it occurs out of the blue, more than a year after breast implants were first inserted, the fluid has usually formed as a reaction to another problem such as implant rupture, a breast injury, or infection. But, be aware that in 10% of cases of seroma, it can indicate a more serious problem such as implant lymphoma (ALCL), so it must not be ignored. Early ALCL can be treated very successfully with full removal of the capsule and implant, so always see a specialist straightaway if you have any of these rare problems. In the UK and Europe, the majority of breast implants that are used are textured, albeit to different degrees of roughness, and current research knowledge reveals that this type of textured implant has an overall (average) risk of around 1 in 30,000. This is therefore not common, but looking more closely at the data, the most textured seem to have a higher chance of between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000, and the lesser textured a lower chance of around 1 in 30,000 to 1 in 60,000! There is an even lower risk still with smooth surfaced implants, which have grown in popularity, and are also the most popular type used in the USA, but are not suitable for every one.
In summary, if you are considering replacement of your implants, or if you prefer Breast Implant Removal in the UK or in Europe, then you should approach a proficient and experienced surgeon. For this, you can usually get help from the internet but you must make sure you find the right surgeon who you can trust and from whom you can get effective treatment!
