If you’re concerned about your implants, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with your doctor. During the appointment, your doctor can perform a thorough physical exam to check for any signs of infection or inflammation.
He or she may want to take an X-ray or mammogram to check for any structural issues. Additionally, depending on your type of implant, your doctor may suggest that you have an MRI scan. This can help to check for any leakage or damage to the implants.
It’s important to discuss any changes that you’ve noticed in the area around your implants with your doctor—including any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, fever, or discharge from the implant area.
He or she can provide treatment or recommendations on how to further check your implants, as needed.
How often should breast implants be checked?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast implants should be checked at least once a year. During the check-up, your doctor will conduct a physical examination, likely including a mammogram or ultrasounds.
Your doctor might also request additional tests if they think they can evaluate your implants further. It is important to attend the annual check-ups and to follow your surgeon’s advice. If there is any kind of problem with your breast implants, it should be addressed as soon as possible.
If implant rupture or a leak is detected, the replacement procedure should be done as soon as possible in order to minimize health issues that may be related to the implant rupture.
Do breast implants need maintenance?
Yes, breast implants require maintenance and follow-up care from your provider. They are not designed to last forever, and it is important to follow your provider’s instructions for monitoring your implants.
Depending on the type of implant you have, your provider may recommend follow-up exams every one, two, or three years. During these exams, the doctor will use imaging to check the area for any signs or symptoms of complications or problems with the implant.
Additionally, it is important to watch for any signs or symptoms between scheduled appointments. These can include changes in breast size or shape, pain, lumps, and more. If you experience any of these issues, it is important to contact your provider right away.
It is also important to note that some people may require more frequent follow-up exams, such as those with capsular contracture or people who require additional surgical procedures.
How do you know when breast implants need replacing?
It’s important to have regular checkups with your doctor to be aware of any changes in your body after having breast implants. Changes in the size, shape, or feel of the breast cheeks could indicate a rupture, which is when the implant shell has broken.
Other signs of implant rupture are pain, tenderness, and hardening of the area around the implant.
In some cases, a rupture can be identified with a physical examination, making diagnostic imaging (such as an X-ray or an ultrasound scan) unnecessary. If a rupture is suspected, your doctor may suggest one of these tests.
Depending on the type of implant used,MRI scans may also be recommended to assess the condition of the implants.
Breast implants don’t last forever, so you should consult your doctor about the estimated time frame for replacement. Depending on the type of implants used, you may have to have the procedure done sooner if you experience any complications, such as through aging or weight changes.
Your doctor will be able to provide guidance and discuss the pros and cons with you.
What happens to breast implants after 10 years?
Most breast implants are designed to last for 10-15 years, and sometimes even longer. However, over time, the implants can become weakened, worn down and eventually rupture. After 10 years have passed, it is important to perform regular examinations with a doctor to monitor the condition of the breast implants.
If the implants are intact, a doctor may suggest replacing them every 10-15 years, as the body’s skin and tissues can also change over time. Replacing the implants sooner can prevent a rupture, leakage, and other potential side effects.
Aside from the potential for a rupture, women with implants may experience a condition called capsular contracture, where the scar tissue that forms around the implant begins to tighten. This can sometimes cause pain, and the hardened scar tissue will need to be removed to prevent further complications.
Women might also experience changes to the shape and size of their breast implants. Over time, the implants may break down and flatten, become wrinkled, or create a ripple effect on the surface of the skin.
If a woman is experiencing any of these changes, she should consult with her doctor as soon as possible.
Ultimately, breast implants should be replaced every 10-15 years to ensure that the breasts remain safe and look natural. However, the best option is to speak with your doctor to explore the options available and determine what course of action is right for you.
What is the lifespan of a breast implant?
The lifespan of a breast implant can vary depending on the type of implant chosen, the patient’s unique anatomy, and their lifestyle factors. On average, the usable lifespan of a saline implant is approximately 10 years, while a silicone implant can last up to 15 years.
However, due to natural aging processes and changes in body weight, even the longest-lasting implants will eventually need to be replaced or removed. The best way to maximize breast implant longevity is to follow the post-operative instructions given by your surgeon, as well as closely monitoring implant placement and condition through regular follow-up visits.
If a patient notices any changes in their implants, such as deflation or lopsidedness, they should contact their doctor immediately. Additionally, it is important to receive proper screening for any type of breast cancer, as implants can interfere with mammograms.
With proper maintenance and timely surgery for any issues that may arise, breast implants can provide many years of satisfaction.
How do I keep my breast implants healthy?
Keeping your breast implants healthy can be done by following a few simple tips:
1. Follow your surgeon’s instructions. After you have breast implants, your surgeon may provide you with specific instructions and guidelines for breast implant care. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s advice and listen carefully to any instructions they provide.
2. Be aware of changes. Be aware of any changes in your breasts after you’ve had breast implants. If you notice any changes, such as pain, redness, lumps, or swelling, contact your physician immediately.
3. Wear the right clothes and support. Wear clothes that fit properly and provide adequate support for your implants.
4. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids can help keep your breast implants healthy as water helps keep your implants from becoming dehydrated.
5. Avoid activities that put a lot of strain on your chest. Avoid activities such as heavy lifting or strenuous workouts, as these can put a strain on your implants.
6. Care for your skin. Taking care of your skin around your implants is important, as the skin can become irritated with the foreign object. Make sure to keep this area clean and hydrated with natural moisturizers.
7. Regular checkups. See your doctor for regular checkups. This can help ensure your implant is safe and your breast area is healthy.
By following these tips and paying close attention to your body, you can ensure your implants stay healthy for years to come.
What happens if you leave breast implants in too long?
Leaving breast implants in too long can cause a number of issues, both physical and emotional. Physically, the risks can include implant rupture, capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around the implant that hardens and squeezes it), impeded mammography results, and an increased risk of infection or loss of sensation in the nipple area (necrosis).
In some cases, long-term implant use can cause problems to the surrounding tissue and can cause implant migration and shifting, which can require additional corrective surgery. Emotionally, women who have had implants for a long time may struggle with body confidence, as the implants may no longer resemble their original shape or size, or the implants may have caused other physical changes.
In addition, when it is time to remove the implants, some women may have difficulty adjusting to their body’s natural size and shape. For these reasons, it is important to have regular check-ups with a plastic surgeon and to replace implants if necessary.
How do I check my breasts for lumps if I have implants?
If you have breast implants, it can be more difficult to check for lumps or other issues, such as changes in texture or size. In general, the same guidelines for breast self-examination (BSE) are still valid for those with implants.
Before beginning the examination process, you should use a combination of visual and tactile (feeling) inspection. It is important to become familiar with your breasts and any changes, so perform this self-examination regularly every month.
Begin by standing or lying in a comfortable position in front of a mirror. Visually check your breasts, looking for any changes in size or shape. When lying down, place a towel under your right shoulder and use your left hand to examine your right breast, and use your right hand to examine your left breast.
Make sure you cover the entire breast,checking in small circles around the nipples, armpits, and collarbone. Move your hand up and down, side to side, checking nipples, areolas, and the tissue beneath your breasts.
Apply gentle pressure, and feel for any lumps or unusual bumps.
Next, feel both breasts again, but this time by standing. Place your right hand behind your head, and use the fingers of your left hand tofeel for lumps or other abnormalities. Again, move your hand in circles and check the nipples, armpits, and collarbone.
Although it is more difficult to perform a self-examination with breast implants, it is still important to do so regularly. If you find any abnormalities such as lumps, discolored skin, drainage, dimpling, or pain, you should not hesitate to speak to your doctor soon afterwards.
Can you still check for breast cancer with implants?
Yes, it is still possible to check for breast cancer with implants. However, there are some special considerations that need to be taken into account. For example, it is harder to palpate the breast tissue due to the presence of the implant, which makes examining it through manual touch more difficult.
Additionally, implants may cause some physical changes, such as distorting the appearance of the breast tissue and making it harder to detect any anomalies through physical examination. Mammograms and other imaging tests, such as a breast ultrasound or MRI, are still recommended for people with implants as they can help detect any underlying problems and guide treatment.
It is important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for breast cancer screening depending on your medical history.
Can you get hard lumps in breast implants?
Yes, it is possible to get hard lumps in breast implants. These are usually called “capsular contracture” and they occur when scar tissue forms around the implant and hardens. Hard lumps may be painful and can be accompanied by redness and warmth in the area around the implant.
Although the exact cause of capsular contracture is not known, some risk factors include older implants, certain bacterial or viral infections, or trauma to the chest area. The best way to prevent capsular contracture is to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions.
Other preventive measures may include getting a submuscular implantation and using a pre-operative antibiotic regimen. If you notice any changes in your breasts after surgery, make sure to contact your doctor right away.
How do they do a mammogram with breast implants?
When a woman has breast implants, she’ll need to take extra precautions during mammograms. In order to make sure the mammogram is properly done, it is important to inform the technician that they have breast implants before the mammogram is done.
The technician will then use modified technique and equipment in order to reduce the risk of damage to the breast implants.
The mammogram will be done differently than it would be on someone without implants. The technician will typically make adjustments to the compression levels and positioning of the x-ray equipment in order to minimize contact with the implants.
In addition, the technician may need additional images using special techniques. This will ensure that all areas of the breast are covered and that the results of the mammogram are accurate.
It’s important for a woman with breast implants to inform their doctor about their implants before undergoing any type of imaging, as this will ensure that the mammogram is done properly. This is especially true for women who have had their implants for longer than 10 years, as mammograms are the best way to detect any complications related to the implants.
What is the hard lump inside my breast?
The hard lump inside your breast could be a number of things, and it is important to get it checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some possible explanations include a cyst, fibroadenoma, an abscess, a hematoma or even cancer.
A cyst is generally a benign lump that may be filled with fluid or other material and is generally self-limiting and harmless. A fibroadenoma is a benign, slow-growing lump that can feel solid or filled with fluid and usually require no treatment.
An abscess is a collection of pus that can form within an infected gland or tissue, and it often requires treatment with antibiotics and drainage. A hematoma is a localized collection of blood that normally forms due to an injury and is generally harmless.
Lastly, a lump in the breast can also be a warning sign of breast cancer. All of these conditions can cause hard lumps in the breast, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment from a qualified medical professional as soon as possible.
What does it mean when one of your breast implant gets hard?
Having one of your breast implants get hard is known as capsular contracture, which is a complication that can occur after breast augmentation. This means that the scar tissue that forms around the implant starts to tighten, squeezing the implant and causing it to become hard and often misshapen.
This condition can range in severity from mild discomfort to causing a noticeable and uncomfortable change in the shape of the breast. Depending on the severity, capsular contracture may require medical treatment or even removal of the implant.
It is important to consult a medical professional if one of your breast implants becomes hard, as they will be able to evaluate if further treatment is required.
Why are some breast implants rock hard?
In some cases, breast implants can feel rock hard due to a condition known as capsular contracture. This occurs when the body forms a tight scar capsule around the implant. The body’s response is a natural reaction to the foreign material and is typically triggered when bacteria invades the implant pocket and the body’s immune system reacts.
The tight scar capsule contracts, but because of the shape of the implant and the lack of elasticity of the scar tissue, this can cause the implant to feel rock hard. It is more common in saline implants than silicone implants, and can occur in both subglandular (above the muscle) and submuscular (below the muscle) placement of the implant.
In some cases, a woman’s body may develop a fibrotic capsule instead of a contractured capsule. This capsule can also feel hard and dense, but is not a true capsular contracture as it does not cause the implant to be distorted.
When a breast implant feels rock hard, it is best to seek medical consultation to determine the cause. Treatment of capsular contracture typically entails removal and/or replacement of the implant, as well as additional surgery to remove the fibrotic capsule.
In some cases, a surgeon may also recommend the use of antibiotics to prevent further infection.