Potential Breast Implant Complications Requiring Revision Surgery
Rupture: As we all know, breast implants are not lifetime devices. As a result, they may rupture, develop tears within the shell of the bag, the fill-valve can fail, and can wear over time. Silicone gel implants have been found to have silent ruptures, which can only be found by undergoing an MRI, and mammograms are not sensitive to them. According to Allergan's Core Study, they have found that the rupture rate is about 2.7 percent within four years for primary augmentation patients. For revision augmentation mammoplasty patients, the rupture rate goes up to four percent.
Capsular contracture: According to Allergan's Core Study, the rate of a severe Baker IV capsular contracture, which is hard, painful and looks abnormal, is about 13 percent over four years. The rate goes up to 17 percent over four years for women who are having revision augmentation mammoplasty.
Removal of implants: As said by the Allergan's Core Study, nine percent of women had their implants removed at least once every four years. Twelve percent of women with revision augmentation have had their implants removed over four years, most commonly associated with severe encapsulation and Baker IV capsular contracture.
Changes in Breast Sensitivity: There is about a five to eight percent chance of numbness of the breasts. Infection is still less than one percent, which in the most severe form to be associated with toxic shock syndrome.
Hematomas and seromas: Blood around the implant is about one percent. Loss of breast-feeding is five to eight percent. Extrusion, necrosis, delayed wound healing, breast tissue and chest wall deformity, and calcifications around the implant are other problems associated with augmentation mammoplasty.
Stuart A. Linder, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a Beverly Hills plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, and more.
Dr. Linder is certified by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and is a diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
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Skin Deep Magazine
"Reasons For Reoperation:
Breast Revision Surgery"
Contributing Writer:
Dr. Stuart A. Linder,
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
January 2006
Stuart A. Linder, M.D., F.A.C.S. Beverly Hills Breast Revision Specialist
9675 Brighton Way Suite 420 - Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 275-4513 - Fax: (310) 275-4813