Dealing with Ruptured Implants

January 3rd, 2018 | Posted in: Breast Enhancement, Breast Implants | Tags: Breast Augmentation, ruptured breast implants

Breast augmentations are designed to produce long-lasting results. This is true for majority of patients who have had a breast augmentation. However, implants can rupture. In the event of a ruptured implant, corrective surgery can be performed in order to restore a full and attractive appearance to the breast. When dealing with ruptured implants, it’s important to consult the top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills to receive the best possible treatment. Reach out to Dr. Chiu and Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.

Ruptured Implants

Saline implant ruptures are easy to see. The breast rapidly changes shape over days as the fluid leaks out of the implant. Your breast will deflate and you may experience skin wrinkling. If a saline implant breaks, all that leaks out is salt water. Your body will absorb the salt water and excrete it through urine. Ruptured saline implants typically occur through the fill-valve (where the fluid is injected at the time of surgery) which becomes weak and leaks.

Silicone gel implant ruptures are more difficult to identify. Since 2007, all silicone implants have been made of cohesive gel which make them part of the gummy bear style of implants. When the implant breaks, the silicone remains in the implant pocket. An ultrasound or MRI are the best ways to identify a break in these implants. If a silicone implant ruptures, your doctor will recommend removing and replacing both implants.

Ideal Candidates

The best candidates for ruptured implant surgery are in good physical and emotional health. They should stop smoking and taking all anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, since this can increase the risk for bleeding. Although ruptured implant surgery can produce very satisfying results, patients should always have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

Women who undergo this type of surgery have had at least one of their implants rupture for one or more of the following reasons:

• Normal aging of the implant
• Damage to the implant during surgery
• Stress or trauma to the breast area
• Capsular contracture
• Overfilling / Under filling of saline implants

Ruptured Implant Procedure

Ruptured implant surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure typically takes about a couple of hours, and is performed at our accredited Beverly Hills facility in order to ensure patient safety throughout the entire procedure.

To perform ruptured implant revision, Dr. Chiu will remove the affected implant(s) through a small, inconspicuous incision that is made on the breast. After any leakage of saline or silicone is entirely removed, Dr. Chiu will insert a brand new implant through the incision. Once the implant is properly placed in an attractive position, the incision is closed and the procedure is complete. Sometimes, additional procedures may need to be performed to obtain the best cosmetic result.

Recovery

After the procedure, a special compression bra is utilized to help ease swelling. Drainage tubes may be used to help drain any fluid that exists after surgery. Pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort that is apparent during the first few days of recovery. Even though most patients feel they can return to work after about a week, strenuous activity or exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks after surgery.

Your New Look

Correcting ruptured implants is a very successful procedure that produces satisfying results. In many cases, no one will ever know that the surgery was even performed. Your new look will become more noticeable over the coming weeks as the swelling subsides and the results are expected to be long-lasting. In order to maintain the best appearance possible, it is important that you avoid weight fluctuations and pregnancy in the future.

Top Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Choosing a surgeon you can trust is critical to enjoying a successful cosmetic procedure of any nature. Open communication and candidness is what you deserve from your doctor. Dr. Chiu provides a relaxed environment for patients and ensures that your consultation is a comfortable, enjoyable experience in which you feel confident expressing concerns and asking any and all questions regarding your procedure(s). As the top plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, Dr. Chiu takes the time to thoroughly understand your goals and objectives so he can help you achieve the aesthetic results you desire. If you wish to correct your ruptured implant(s), please contact Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.