When you first got your breast implants, you probably didn’t think too much about removing or replacing them many years into the future. But suddenly, you might be wondering if that time is upon you.
Here at The Plastic Surgery Center in Sacramento and Granite Bay, our skilled surgeons are explant specialists, meaning they’re experts in removing breast implants. We can replace your implants, perform a breast lift, or restore the appearance of your breasts in other ways.
When our patients start to consider explant surgery, we like to arm them with information about the procedure. In our blog today, our surgeons discuss breast implant removal and how you can know when it might be time for this procedure.
Average Lifespan of Breast Implants
Breast implants can enhance your figure and boost your confidence, but they aren’t meant to last forever. On average, implants last around 10-15 years, though this can vary with each woman.
Factors like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the natural aging process can all affect the longevity of implants. Knowing when it’s time to remove or replace them is crucial for maintaining your health and looking your best long term.
Is It Time for Breast Implant Removal?
Some signs that it might be time to consider explant surgery include:
Discomfort
Breast discomfort or pain could mean you have a complication like implant rupture or leakage. Capsular contracture (hardening of the tissue around the implant) is another problem that can cause discomfort. It occurs to some degree in just under 17% of breast implants but may not cause symptoms.
Changes in Appearance
Your body changes over time, and your implants might not look the same as they did at first. Breast sagging, unevenness, or other noticeable shape or skin texture changes might mean it’s time for breast implant removal, especially if you feel unhappy with your appearance.
Health Concerns
In rare cases, some women experience health problems that might be related to their implants. “Breast implant illness” refers to many different problems, such as fatigue, migraines, memory issues, and pain that may occur in women with implants.
However, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that less than 5% of breast implant removals were tied to breast implant illness.
Explant Surgery Consultation in Sacramento
If you’re considering removing your breast implants or have concerns about their condition, now is the time to act. We can help you preserve your health, appearance, and quality of life, so reach out online or schedule a consultation today by calling (916) 929-1833.