What Happens If Breast Implants Aren’t Replaced?

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast Revision
Breast augmentation is a popular surgery for women who want to feel comfortable and confident in their bodies. The recent trends show patients have chosen appropriately sized breast implants that suit their frames and highlight the organic curves of their figures. There are many questions patients should ask before their breast augmentation. Most questions will primarily focus on the pre-operative process, the surgery, and the immediate aftermath. However, patients should inquire about the long-term conditions of the implants and possible revision surgery. Before patients decide to undergo plastic surgery, they want to know that it will be worth the time, effort, and expense they spend on the procedure. Questions for patients to ask their surgeon about their procedure include: How long will the surgical results last? Do the implants need to be replaced? Are there any risks associated with implants that remain in place for years? Do other options exist besides replacing the breast implants? Patients can trust a board-certified plastic surgeon to address these and other concerns.  

What Makes Implant Replacement Necessary?

These are a few conditions patients can develop that may require implant replacement. Capsular Contract Most cases of capsular contraction are mild and don’t require treatment. A scar tissue barrier that forms around the implants is natural and can be beneficial. If an individual is prone to scar tissue development, this can lead to thicker tissue that begins to harden and contract around the implants. Severe cases can cause the implants to feel overly firm and produce an unnatural look. Rupture/Leakage A patient with saline implants will likely notice a rupture or leak. Saline-filled implants will shrink if the interior fluid leaks, leading to a flat, deflated appearance. The sterile salt water at the core of these implants shouldn’t be a concern since the body can absorb and dispose of this solution. Leaks and ruptures of silicone gel-filled implants are more difficult to detect. Doctors recommend regular scans to ensure the implants are in good condition. If a leak does occur, the gel will likely hold its shape and cling to itself, preventing the silicone from seeping out of the chest. Change In Implant Position Or Shape Over time, breast implants can rotate or move in the chest. The shape of the implants can also alter. These changes can lead to a disproportionate or asymmetrical appearance.  

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

The general belief is that breast implants will last for ten years. While this may be the average number of years patients have their implants before undergoing revision surgery to replace them, ten years doesn’t necessarily speak to the lifespan of the implants. Some patients have had their implants for twenty years or more. As long as the implants are in good condition and the patient isn’t experiencing any difficulties, the implants can remain in place.  

The Next Step: Breast Revision

Patients may choose to have revision breast surgery if they experience issues with their implants. During a revision procedure, the surgeon can remove and replace the implants with a similar size or larger ones. If the patient doesn’t want to replace the implants, they can choose to have a breast lift. This procedure will remove any skin stretched by the implants and tighten the remaining tissue. Revision procedures are excellent ways to regain the youthful, feminine figure the implants first produced.  

Conclusion

The lifespan of breast implants varies. Some patients may need replacement implants after ten years. Other patients have gone two decades with the same implants. If the patient doesn’t experience any issues, breast implants can remain in place for many years. If you’re interested in revision breast surgery or breast augmentation, the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery can help. Call us at 425-775-3561 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about our procedures.
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What Is The Most Common Breast Implant Size?

By | Breast Augmentation New, Breast Augmentation
Breast implant size is an essential topic among breast implant patients. Many patients worry that their implants will look fake if they are significantly sized. Other women worry they may choose implants that are too small and won’t notice a difference. The best implant size depends on the patient’s build, preference, and overall goals. However, there are implant sizes more commonly used than the rest.   Typically, women choose implant sizes within the 350-500cc range. This gives them a c -cup, depending on their frame and the type of implant used. However, it takes about 200cc for a woman to increase her cup size, so depending on the patient’s starting point, the implant size can vary. Patients need to have an in-depth consultation with their provider to understand implant sizes and determine which would work with their shape and body structure. Implant sizes are different for every patient and are not sized according to cup sizes. Dr. Jonov can help you find the best ones to fit your goals, needs, and physique.  To learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonov, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach us online via our Price Simulator.
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What Do Breast Surgery Scars Look Like?

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast, Breast Reduction
The appearance of breast surgery scars will vary based on the specific procedure and the patient’s healing process. For most breast surgeries, the scars can be hidden underneath a bra or swimsuit. However, scars on the breasts themselves are not always avoidable. Let’s look at the question, “What do breast surgery scars look like?” Breast augmentation scars are among the most discreet. There are a few options, but the two most common are an incision underneath the inframammary fold or the underarm. The incision is generally only a few centimeters long. It tends to heal well and become discreet for most patients. Breast lift and breast reduction scars are more extensive. The traditional technique involves an incision around the areola, vertically down the breast, and through the fold. While bras should completely cover these scars, there usually is some degree of visible scarring. Some patients will see less scarring than others based on their medical history and healing process. Patients prone to raised or dark scarring will likely see scars stick around longer, even if they heal better than usual. Patients who smoke will heal slower and tend to experience more and worsened scarring. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561 or reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
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Can A Mammogram Break An Implant?

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast
A mammogram is a diagnostic test performed on women to screen for breast cancer. For most women, regular mammograms start around the age of 40. Though, women may have them at any time based on recommendations from their healthcare providers. Patients often worry about their implants when it comes time for a mammogram. Can a mammogram break an implant? In short, it is exceptionally unlikely and unheard of that a mammogram breaks or causes damage to a breast implant. A mammogram does not involve enough force to break an implant. With that said, if an implant is placed above the breast muscle, this can make accurate results more difficult. Therefore, adjustments will need to be made. However, if placed under the pectoral muscle, the implants will be minimally affected. Extremely old implants or implants inserted incorrectly may not hold up like modern implants. Therefore, if your implants were placed prior to the introduction of modern silicone breast implants, it is best to consider implant replacement because these may be more susceptible to smaller forces like a mammogram. However, even these implants likely will not be affected during a mammogram.  To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
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Do You Lose Breast Size With Breast Lift?

By | Breast Lift, Breast
Breast lift surgery corrects sagging breasts and it can sometimes make the breasts look smaller. However, is this an optimal illusion or are the breasts actually smaller? The answer is not necessarily straightforward. So, let’s look deeper into the question, “Do you lose breast size with breast lift?” The main factor that determines if you lose breast size with a breast lift is how much sagging is present. If there is only a small amount of sagging and extra skin, patients will likely not lose breast volume. For larger breast lifts, some breast tissue will likely also need to be removed to provide a good result. Women who undergo a large breast lift may also consider getting breast implants to maintain volume and make their breasts look even more youthful. Though, many patients who require a massive breast lift would benefit from a breast reduction which Dr. Jonov can perform at the same time.  To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561 or reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
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What Size Will I Be After Breast Lift?

By | Breast Lift
Breast lift surgery removes skin and tissue from the breast to reduce the weight which causes the breast to sag. Due to this, the breasts usually end up smaller than before breast lift surgery. This can concern patients who want to maintain their volume. However, it is important to remember that—while they are similar—a breast lift is ultimately different from a breast reduction. Let’s look at the frequently asked question, “What size will I be after breast lift?”   The answer to this question largely varies from patient to patient. Some patients may see little volume loss while others may experience more significant volume loss. On average patients can expect a breast lift to reduce breasts by one cup size. For some patients, this will not be significant while others may worry their breasts will be smaller than they want.    One solution is to place breast implants at the same time as the breast lift. This helps to maintain or add volume while also lifting the breasts. An auto augmentation may also help patients maintain natural looking volume, but it generally still results in a slight reduction. Patients may be able to do fat transfer to the breasts at the same time.   To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
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How Do You Know If Your Breasts Are Too Big?

By | Breast, Breast Reduction
Overly large breasts can occur naturally in some women—regardless of body size—due to genetics, having a child, or certain medical conditions. Though, while having larger than average breasts can be perfectly normal and cause no problems, some women may undergo a breast reduction to make their breasts smaller and more proportionate. So, how do you know if your breasts are too big?   Most of the time, women who undergo breast reduction surgery suffer from certain symptoms directly caused by breasts that are too large. For example, chronic back and neck pain is common, even when the breasts are supported. Other common symptoms include skin issues underneath the breasts, rashes, and issues finding bras and clothing.   These could all be indications for breast reduction. Making the breasts smaller and more proportionate to the patient’s body can alleviate many of these symptoms. However, some patients may undergo a breast reduction purely for cosmetic reasons due to asymmetry or noticeably large breasts that they are not fond of.   To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, and Price Simulator.
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Are Saline Implants Natural Looking?

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast

Are Saline Implants Natural Looking?

  For over a decade, saline breast implants were the only option for breast augmentation available. However, since the re-introduction of silicone breast implants, patients tend to pick them over saline because they believe that they look and feel more natural. This leads many patients to ask, “Are saline implants natural looking?”   Saline implants can look natural. They are just more likely to look unnatural in certain body types or over time. Saline breast implants are often not recommended for women with little breast tissue because this can cause wrinkling or rippling to appear which makes the breast look less natural.   In contrast, for a patient with an already substantial amount of breast tissue, saline implants can look perfectly natural. Therefore, in the right patient, saline breast implants are a natural looking option.   As far as feel goes, silicone breast implants are firmer, but do tend to be believed to feel more natural. Saline breast implants can feel slightly unnatural in patients without a lot of breast tissue, but for a patient with already a good amount of breast tissue, the feel should also be natural.   To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
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When Can I Go Braless After A Breast Augmentation With Lift?

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast
Following cosmetic breast surgery such as breast augmentation with lift, patients must wear a supportive surgical bra for both their own comfort and to promote optimal healing. However, often within a few weeks, patients want to retire their bras because they feel back to their normal selves. So, when can I go braless after a breast augmentation? The exact time when you can begin to go braless following a breast augmentation with lift is usually between two and three months post-op. While patients may be back to their full activity at this point, the breasts need added support until the implants drop and they reach a certain point of healing. With that said, patients can often switch to a sports bra after a few weeks. If everything goes well, patients may be able to begin going braless for short periods of time at six weeks. However, they should not do so regularly and should still wear supportive garments, especially when exercising. Dr. Jonov will provide more insight during your post-operative appointments when he gauges your healing. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.
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3 Things To Know Before Getting Breast Implants

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast
The decision to get breast implants is one that patients should weigh carefully. While they are the most popular breast augmentation method, they are not right for everyone. Here are 3 things to know before getting breast implants.

#1: They May Show When You Flex

The majority of breast implants are placed under the chest muscle. This does create a more natural look during everyday life. However, if you happen to use or flex the chest muscles, this can distort the look of the breast implants. Therefore, patients who are weightlifters, dancers, yoga instructors, etc. may want to consider another method. In rare cases, Dr. Jonov may place the breast implants above the muscle, but this is not common due to the increased risk of certain complications.

#2: Bigger (Or Smaller) Is Not Always Better

Patients usually come into their consultation with an idea of the breast size they want. However, the implant size that will get them there is not always obvious since this depends on their current breast size, bone structure, and anatomy. Make sure to try on multiple breast implant sizes—even ones you may think may be too big or small—because the right size may surprise you.

#3: You Can Keep Scars Away From The Chest

The traditional breast augmentation incision is in the inframammary fold. While this is hidden, many patients do want the scar away from the breast. The transaxillary and transumbilical methods are options for keeping scars away from the breasts. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.