The breast prostheses or breast implants are made of silicone which undergoes a degradation with time and will deteriorate until their rupture. Thus, the breast implants are never put in place for life and it will be necessary to change them or remove them after 10 years. Technological advances in the industry have allowed an increase in their life span.
Changing breast implants to improve the result
In case of dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result, it is possible to change the breast prostheses for implants of greater volume, different texture or cohesiveness.
After natural aging of the breasts, pregnancy or weight changes, it may be necessary to combine breast lift or ptosis treatment with implants replacement.
Changing breast prostheses in case of complications
– Shell
The periprosthetic shell is an inflammatory reaction due to the foreign body, the breast implants.
– Folds formation
The folds of the breast prosthesis envelope may be visible under the skin on the outside, giving a wave-like appearance. This phenomenon is more common when the silicone gel is less cohesive (softer). The formation of folds exposes the risk of rupture by premature wear of the envelope opposite the fold.
– Rupture
Rupture can occur spontaneously (natural wear) or following a trauma or mammography. There are 2 types of rupture:
-Intra capsular rupture (frequent) : the silicone gel is contained by the capsule, no sign in most cases.
-Extra capsular rupture (rare) : the silicone gel passes through the capsule and causes a change in the breast (loss of volume or induration), an inflammatory aspect, nodules or siliconomas are palpated as well as axillary lymph nodes. MRI and ultrasound will confirm the diagnosis. The rupture requires the replacement of the breast implants. Scientific studies have shown a much higher rate of complications (hematoma and infection) after a change of ruptured prostheses.
There is no short-term vital risk after a breast prosthesis rupture. Breast implants in physiological saline deflate during a rupture unlike breast implants in cohesive silicone gel which do not diffuse as much.
Monitoring
It is recommended to have an annual clinical monitoring by your surgeon or gynaecologist. There is no indication to perform ultrasound or mammography except for a complication or breast cancer screening.
