Top ten breast replacement

Top ten breast replacement 1. How to avoid implant replacement The best means of avoiding a breast implant replacement is breast massage, meticulous compliance with post-surgical instructions and selecting a well qualified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Avoiding trauma to the chest or other high risk activities will minimize the risk for implant rupture. With these factors optimized, some patient’s predisposition for capsular contracture (implant hardening), implant rupture, infection or other causes for implant replacement can not be avoided. 2. How do I select a surgeon to perform the procedure Selection of an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon who is a diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery is imperative when deciding on a breast implant replacement. You should be sure you are able to establish rapport with the Board-certified surgeon in order to assure your ideal implant is chosen for replacement. 3. How do I diagnose implant rupture Ruptured saline implants are easy to diagnose as one breast simply deflates or shrinks over a period of a few days. Ruptured silicone implants are more difficult to diagnose particularly with the new cohesive or "gummy bear" implants. Hardening of a silicone implant or change in breast shape can be indications for a ruptured implant. A physical examination by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon along with possible ultrasound or MRI can typically diagnose a ruptured implant. Some ruptures are simply not definitely documented prior to a breast implant replacement. Breast implant replacement is an option if clinical suspicion is high enough, or there is prior trauma to the breast such as in an abnormally painful mammogram 4. How often do breast implants have to be replaced Unless your implants are causing a problem such as uneven breast size, change in breast shape or hardening of the implant, then breast implant replacement does not definitely have to be performed within a specific time period. 5. What is the best approach or incision to replace a breast implant If the prior breast implant surgery or breast augmentation was performed through an incision on the breast, then the same incision can be used for implant replacement. If incisions at the underarm or belly button were used to insert the implants, then a new incision on the breast is necessary for implant replacement. Either an incision around the areola or under the breast can be used I such cases. 6. Does a breast implant replacement increase my chances for requiring another breast implant replacement Breast implant replacement shortly after surgery does predict that you have a higher likelihood of requiring another implant replacement than a woman with no such surgery. 7. Should I entirely remove my breast implant versus having a breast implant replacement Typically a new implant is necessary for implant replacement. If a breast implant replacement is being performed for infection, then a new implant is absolutely necessary. In those with capsular contracture, the implant replacement should be made with a new implant. Other causes for implant replacement such as rippling, rupture, or animation deformity are also replaced with a new implant. 8. What are the risks of breast implant replacement Implant replacement risks resemble risks for breast augmentation. Though rare, risks include capsular contracture (hardening of the implant), loss of sensation at the breast or nipples, new scars, wound healing problems, unevenness (asymmetry) and another need for implant replacement among other risks. 9. What is the recovery period for breast implant replacement Recovery from breast implant replacement can be shorter than breast augmentation, or longer if other associated procedure are necessary. Associated procedures which make implant replacement recovery longer include capsulectomy (removal of the tight scar tissue) and extending the implant pocket. 10. What can I do to make my breast appear more natural now that I am replacing my breast implants The most important factor in determining a natural outcome is selection of the appropriate breast implant. This includes a proportional breast implant size and ideal breast implant shape. If breast are droopy over time, breast lift or mastopexy may be necessary at the time of implant replacement. Changing the implant pocket from over the muscle to under the pectoralis muscle can improve flow of the breast and produce a natural transition from the chest to the breast. Lastly, revision of the implant pocket to move the implant to the correct position can yield more youthful breasts.

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