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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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.
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Can A Mammogram Rupture An Implant?

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast

Can A Mammogram Rupture An Implant?

  Breast implants remain one of the most popular medical devices placed every year. The number of people undergoing breast augmentation surgery continues to rise. Thus, as more people seek out the surgery, they come to The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery with questions. Obviously, patients seeking breast implants want to avoid rupture. Therefore, a question Dr. Jonov is hearing more is, “Can a mammogram rupture an implant?”   No, a mammogram should not rupture a breast implant. You should tell the provider administering your mammogram about your implants so that they can ensure they get a good reading of all of your breast tissue. However, it is extremely unlikely that your mammogram will affect your implants at all.    If you have exceptionally old breast implants (well over ten years old), there may be a slightly higher chance. However, the amount of force and trauma it takes to rupture an intact breast implant is simply not present when undergoing a mammogram. Plastic surgeons advise patients to continue mammograms as normal after getting breast implants.   If you have severe concerns, you may be able to undergo a gentler breast ultrasound. Still, patients do not have anything to worry about when getting a mammogram with breast implants. 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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Will Pregnancy Ruin Your Breast Implants?

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast
There are some plastic surgeries where pregnancy can impact or even ruin results. In these cases, Dr. Jonov may recommend waiting until you are finished having kids and nursing to undergo certain procedures. Due to this, many patients ask, “Will pregnancy ruin your breast implants?”   In most cases, your breast implants are not affected by pregnancy. Your breasts will change in size and shape due to hormonal differences and nursing. However, they should return mostly back to normal. Some minor changes may occur, but overall the size of the breasts will not change. Dr. Jonov usually does not have qualms about placing breast implants when a patient plans to have kids in the future.   However, if you are also undergoing a breast lift, this can change following pregnancy. While it is less likely to ruin the results than a tummy tuck, it should be taken into consideration before undergoing a breast lift. In general, though, breast surgery will only see minimal effects following pregnancy and nursing.   If you plan on getting pregnant within a year of breast augmentation surgery, you may consider postponing it until after you have given birth and nursed. 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 Hard Is It To Rupture A Silicone Breast Implant?

By | Breast Augmentation, Breast
Among one of the top concerns of patients seeking breast augmentation is the risk of breast implant rupture. This is understandable as this is a risk, especially with older implants. Patients often want to understand, “How hard is it to rupture a silicone breast implant?” Many people who have researched breast augmentation know that saline breast implants are more likely to rupture than silicone breast implants. This is because the gel filling of silicone implants is more cohesive and can withstand more than the liquid in a saline implant. By various estimations, silicone breast implants can withstand at least 300 pounds. This is much more than a mammogram applies. Most of the time, in the first few years, the only things that will rupture a silicone breast implant are major trauma to the chest such as a car accident or fall. Silicone implants do have more of a risk of rupturing as they age. Therefore, if you have concerns about a rupture and your implants are more than five years old, it may be worth having them examined. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.