The risks of breast implant replacement
As with all surgical procedures, there are risks. Infections are a rare risk which can be reduced by antibiotics which are prescribed for you. Excessive bleeding or a haematoma (blood clot) around the implant is unusual, but possible. If this occurs in the first few hours after surgery it will need a further operation to remove and stop the excess bleeding.. Aspirin or aspirin-like medication (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory tablets) increase this risk and therefore must not be taken.
There scars will initially be red following surgery, but these fade over a period of a year. The scars may be slightly longer if you have had an exchange to larger implants. Similarly a large implant can result in the scar riding a little higher onto the breast and it many not be in the crease.
Most patients will experience a change in nipple sensation after surgery. Some or all of it will return during the recovery period, but they may remain tender to the touch for a number of weeks. In a few rare cases, loss of sensation can be permanent. This may be more likely with repeat surgery which can disrupt the nerves more than the first procedure.
Some breast asymmetry is also normal, which very occasionally can be made more noticeable after a breast augmentation. Movement or displacement of the implant can occur, even after surgery. Although highly unusual, in most cases it can be corrected although perfect symmetry is nnever attainable.
In up to 10% of women, the layer of tissue or 'membrane' around the implant can become firm and hard. This is called a capsular contracture and this may be one of the reasons that an implant replacement was required. The risk of capsular contracture is present each time after breast implant surgery even if the capsule has been removed it can reform with the next set of implants and again cause a contracture.
There have been cases where over time a disruption in the shell of the implant may occur due to wear and tear. This can result in silicone leakage but with modern cohesive gel implants the silicone tends to remain in shape and stay within the capsule around the breast implant. A further replacement surgery will then be needed.
Medical silicone is used safely breast implants and is not associated with breast cancer. However there is another form of cancer which is a type of lymphoma called ALCL which has recently been associated with implants. This is very rare indeed with a currently cited risk of 1 in 24,000. It is associated with textured implants . Mr Chana will discuss very carefully all the options available for implant replacement and arrive at a decision with your agreement. You can read more about ALCL here
Having needed a breast implant replacement you will be aware that implants are not permanent and you will need a further replacement n the future. Most implants have a lifespan of around 10 years, although some patients have been known to have had them for 20 years with no complications. Mr Chana recommends that you keep a long term check on your implants. An MRI scan is advisable, particularly as you approach the five to ten year mark.
You will also be given a detailed information leaflet on breast augmentation with all the detailed risks prior to your surgery.