Breast Implant Complications
Significant advances have been made in the area of breast implant surgery in recent years. Nevertheless, complications can arise. As a general surgeon and board-certified plastic surgeon and a pioneer in breast surgery and reconstruction, Dr. Hilton Becker treats breast implant complications with a superior level of surgical skill and personal patient care with breast revision in Boca Raton.
What Are the Most Common Breast Implant Complications?
Complications can occur with both saline and silicone gel-filled breast implants. Some breast implant problems are cosmetic in nature, while others can impact the health of the patient. The following are some of the most common complications experienced by women with breast implants.
Capsular Contracture
After breast implant surgery, a capsule of scar tissue forms around the implant. Capsular contracture occurs when the capsule becomes too tight, squeezing and distorting the implant and making it hard and unnatural in appearance.
This complication can occur with either saline or silicone implants. It can make the breast appear unnatural and lead to pain or discomfort for the patient. The standard treatment for capsular contracture is surgical removal of the implant and the surrounding scar tissue through a breast implant revision in Florida.
Implant Rupture
Why Implants Rupture?
Although breast implants are designed to be durable, they are not intended to last forever. The shell of the implant may tear or break, allowing the saline or silicone to leak out of the implant. There are a number of possible reasons for implant rupture, including:
- Pressure or trauma to the chest
- Folding or wrinkling of the implant shell
- Damage when the implant is placed, or a biopsy performed
- Aging implant
- Manufacturing defects
The Solution for Ruptured Implants
Saline implants deflate when they rupture, making the problem obvious. With silicone implants, MRI or other diagnostic testing may be required to detect a leak. In either case, the solution is to surgically remove and replace the ruptured implant with breast revision surgery.
Bottoming Out
When a breast implant slips below the inframammary fold (the crease at the bottom of the breast where it meets the chest), this condition is known as “bottoming out.” The symptoms of this problem may include:
- Lower breast crease than you had originally
- Nipple and areola tilted upward
- Surgical scars in the breast crease traveling up to the lower breast mound
The Solution for "Bottoming Out"
Revision surgery will likely be required to correct this problem. Several surgical techniques are available to treat bottoming out. Dr. Becker will individually tailor a Florida breast revision surgical plan for you.
Rippling
After breast reconstruction or breast augmentation, wrinkles or ridges may appear in the implant and show through the skin. This problem is known as rippling.
The treatment for rippling is to surgically remove and replace the implant. Gummy bear cohesive silicone gel implants fill out their shells more smoothly and consistently. This newer type of implant is much less prone to rippling than saline implants.
Why Choose Dr. Becker for a Breast Revision in Boca Raton?
Dr. Hilton Becker is a recognized authority on all types of breast surgery. With an extensive background in reconstruction and wound healing, he offers a distinct advantage to patients seeking cosmetic surgery. If you have developed complications with your breast implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Becker in Boca Raton, Florida to discuss your options for treatment.