While breast augmentation with breast implants may seem like a permanent solution to improving the look of your breasts, the truth of the matter is that this is not a one-and-done type of procedure.
While the recent scare of defective implants from the French firm, Poly Implant Prothese (PIP), has brought breast implant safety to our attention, there are certainly other reasons to consider ongoing care and maintenance of your breast implants.
Because your body will naturally produce scar tissue around the implant (as it would with any foreign object), this additional tissue can crowd the implant or even constrict it, making it hard or changing its shape. Your plastic surgeon can surgically remove this scar tissue and reposition your implants.
Three years after your breast augmentation with silicone implants, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration suggests getting an MRI to ensure everything remains in good order (you won’t be able tell if silicone ruptures the way you can with saline), and repeat this MRI (in addition to your recommended mammograms) every two years.
Saline implants are more susceptible to leakage or draining the longer you have them. If you suspect a leak, contact your physician immediately for a replacement.
And remember, breast implants can change due to aging, hormones or weight fluctuations, so having regular visits with your plastic surgeon are essential. And you may need to have your implants replaced once, or even twice, during your lifetime, depending on your age when you first get them.
Have you had to replace your implants? If so, after how many years?
Related Links:
Are Your Breast Implants Safe?
How to Avoid Unnatural-Looking Breasts