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Breast Augmentation

Unfortunately, there is a possibility of breast implant failure after you have had breast augmentation. Even though breast augmentation is one of the most successful of all cosmetic procedures, the reality is that at some point breast implants can and will fail. The indications of failure are significantly different between saline and silicone and you should know the difference before you make your final decision.

The outer shell of the implant can fatigue over time, causing a leak in which the contents can escape. It naturally happens over time as a result of the motion within the implant wall. A tear may develop in the outer shell due to the pressure of the implant contents due to your natural motion. Manufacturers have improved the durability of implants significantly, but implant failure is still a possible problem after placement.

For a period of fourteen years nearly all breast implants in the United States were comprised of saline since the FDA had withdrawn its approval of silicone. Until November of 2006 saline was the only FDA approved implant, while the silicone implant was used primarily in clinical trials. Therefore most of the implants that are getting older today and subject to fatigue are saline.

Rapid deflation of the saline implant can occur when a rupture develops in the outer shell. Due to the liquid nature of saline, the failure occurs rather rapidly as the fluid leaks through the hole in the outer shell. Depending upon the size of the leak and the relative pressure on the implant itself, the deflation may occur within as little as a day but may take up to a a week or more.

In either case, the saline implant failure is quite obvious as the breast loses the volume it had when the implant was full. No one wants a rupture to occur, of course, but some women prefer saline because of this very point. Since the deflation occurs quickly they will know about the problem right away and can seek medical attention. That is, upon failure of the saline implant the woman knows rather quickly that she needs to visit her plastic surgeon.

Breast implant rupture can happen at any time after getting breast implants. What type fails more often, silicone or saline? All breast implants have to be replaced after some period of time. Even with a large hole, while the silicone may bulge out of the tear, it will eventually fall back in due to its thick, viscous consistency. Therefore silicone breast implant failure is less noticeable and might only be detected during a mammography.

There is no indestructible implant. Both saline and silicone are subject to failure. As saline is subject to rapid deflation it is more likely a woman would need to replace this type at some point due to its rupture. In most cases, even upon failure, silicone breast implants will cause no noticeable change in appearance or feel.

If failure occurs, you will need to visit with your plastic surgeon as quickly as possible. While breast implant failure simply is not as common as it once was, you need to consider these issues upon choosing the type of implant you desire. When you meet with you plastic surgeon be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of saline and silicone breast implant ruptures.

Breast implant failure is a real probability in all breast implants. Are saline or silicone breast implants different? Each type fails in a different way. It is important to know and understand how and when they fail. With proper care and attention your implants should last a long time.

Breast augmentation surgery can help you have the beautiful breasts you have always dreamed about. If you choose your doctor carefully, you can be assured that they will do everything possible to insure excellent results which will be free from any unwanted complications. Afteryour breast augmentation surgery, it is up to you to maintain your new breasts by avoiding anything which will compromise them or injure your breasts.

If you do your research thoroughly, and follow the instructions from your doctor you are already doing what you can do prevent breast implant failure. Be sure to get medical attention immediately should you suspect that your implants have failed. If you follow the instructions from your plastic surgeon thoroughly, you can reduce the possibility of breast implant failure.