All man-made products can age with time and breast implants are no exception. In the 1970s and the 1980s, silicone implants were made of thin protective shells with liquid silicone gel inside. These implants were placed in an area just underneath the breast tissue (as opposed to under the pectoralis muscle) because patients recovered without much down-time and discomfort, and surgeons found that this approach was technically easier. As these silicone implants age, the shells can breakdown, releasing liquid silicone gel into the surrounding tissues. This causes visible and palpable distortions around the breast tissue.

In all women who undergo breast augmentation with silicone implants, the body forms a pocket around the implant called a capsule. This is a normal response by the body to the implants. As silicone implant shells begin to break down over time, the silicone content can still be largely contained in the capsule, separating the silicone from the surrounding breast tissue. However, the capsule can begin to harden and become thickened as a response to the direct contact to the silicone content of the implant. If the capsule begins to break down as the result of the hardening and brittleness, the silicone content then can infiltrate the surrounding tissues.

The good news is that there are options to exchange out ruptured silicone breast implants. Under general anesthesia, an incision can be made in an area under the fold of the breast, and the breast implant material and the capsule are removed together. The pocket is thoroughly cleaned out, and a new implant of same or different size can be placed to improve the look and feel of the breasts.

The silicone breast implants which are available to women today are very different from the ones that were used in the 1970s and the 1980s. They are made of thick, strong and durable shells and are filled with "cohesive and form-stable" silicone gel material. This means that for the first time in silicone implant history, the implants are now semi-solid in texture. These implants are also known as "cohesive gel", "memory gel", or "gummy bear" texture implants.

One of the most common reasons why people steered away from silicone breast implants in the past is that these implants could lead to hardening of the breasts over time. This phenomenon is known as capsular contracture. In the past, silicone implants from previous generations were known to have capsular contracture of 13% at 4 years. (13 women out of 100). With the latest implants, this number has gone down to little over 1% at 3 years. Placement of silicone implants under the muscle also has a protective effect when it comes to capsular contracture.

Also, when implants are exchanged out to a smaller sized implant or when the patient chooses not to have breast implants anymore, a breast lift is usually required. This is because years of having larger sized breasts can lead to an overall saggy appearance to the breasts. This can be uplifted to make the breast look perkier again. Dr. Lee will discuss with you further about information regarding breast implant exchange surgery at your complementary consultation. Call (949) 548-9312 to schedule your appointment today.