Breast implants have been used as cosmetic solutions to the problem of uneven breasts. Nowadays, we know that there are serious health problems with breast implants that include failure, rupture, infection, and leakage. These complications can be very expensive to fix, and in some cases, may require surgery to remove the implant completely.
If you think something is off with your implants, you should consider consulting a breast implant surgeon like Matthew J. Lynch MD for help. Doctors will perform an in-depth evaluation of your implants to determine what the best course of action is and if removal will be necessary.
Here are the main reasons to consider breast implant removal.
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Capsular contracture
This is a condition where the surrounding tissue forms a tight elastic band that can restrict breast motion. Most commonly, this occurs in patients who have had breast implants for many years. The tissue continues to be tightened over time and eventually starts to create painful curvatures in the breasts, causing discomfort that needs to be treated by surgery. In such cases, breast implant removal can be the best course of action.
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Shifting or rotating of implants
This is another common reason for implants to be removed, and it’s typically related to the implants no longer being in their original position. In most cases, these issues can be fixed by breast implant removal surgery. You can also consult your doctor if you notice that one breast is larger than the other or if you feel discomfort from the pressure of your implants against your chest wall.
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Breast implant rupture or infection
Breast implants can rupture for a number of reasons, including wear and tear or trauma. A ruptured implant can cause a very serious infection that requires urgent treatment to avoid permanent damage to the tissues. The best way to treat minor infections is to remove the ruptured implant.
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Detection of breast cancer
Breast implants are not for everybody, and they can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast cancer or have been diagnosed with breast cancer, removal surgery may be suggested to prevent the condition from becoming serious.
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Age of implants
The older the implant, the higher the risk it is for complications. If you decide to have breast implants, make sure they are replaced every 10 years. This will help you prevent complications in the future and keep your body healthier.