Breast implants are a popular procedure to help women feel more confident, but the implants themselves don’t last forever. On average, silicone or saline breast implants last anywhere from 10-20 years but are often removed sooner because of cosmetic reasons. Keep these tips in mind from our cosmetic surgeon in Lisle, Il to help determine when a replacement is necessary.
Hardening
You want your breast implants to feel as natural as possible, so when you notice that they are beginning to harden, this is usually a sign that replacements are necessary. The hardening is the result of hardened scar tissue around one or both implants. This hardening process can also cause pain, tenderness or abnormal cosmetic changes that you should address with our cosmetic surgeon in Lisle, Il.
Saline Ruptures
Of course, saline ruptures or leaks that occur should be addressed as soon as possible. If an implant ruptures, the interior will leak out like a deflated balloon, and your body may reabsorb it over the course of a few days. The risk of rupturing increases with time.
Silicone Ruptures
Silicone implants can also rupture, but because the gel is much thicker than saline, it often stays inside of the implant or the surrounding scar tissue. These ruptures often go unnoticed, so they are known as silent ruptures. Common red flags that a silicone implant has ruptured include swelling, pain, burning, decreased breast size, numbness or changes in sensation.
A Change in Position
Finally, if you notice your implants aren’t in the same position they were originally in, this is a sign that you should get them replaced.
Our cosmetic surgeon near Lisle, Il is ready to help you determine how and when to move forward with new implants. Contact us today to get started!
