Tuesday, November 6, 2007

When to replace breast implants if there had been no complications?

My personal philosophy on this issue is the following:

If someone has had breast implants for a long time (does not matter how long > 10 years), and they are perfectly happy with the results of the surgery, and they do not have any complications, I tell these patients to leave them alone. The implants are safe and durable. Who is to say that the next set of implants that they get will not spontaneously leak or break within1 year, 5 years, or 9 years, in which case they may need to have them replaced again. They may also develop complications from an unnecessary surgery, and it is worthwhile to weigh the risks and benefits.


However, if someone wants to always have a warranty on their implants, then they would have to replace it every 10 years, as the warranty runs out at the end of the 10th year.

If someone has complications, breast pain, abnormal shape, or capsular contracture, then regardless of how long after the implantation, I would recommend a formal evaluation. After the evaluation, then I will make my recommendations as to what course of action to take.

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