Breast Implant Rupture or Repair
Breast augmentation is extremely popular in the United States, with over 300,000 procedures performed every year. While these are very satisfying procedures for many women, problems can occur with breast implants. They are very durable, but certain things can cause them to rupture or deflate, at which point a surgical revision becomes necessary.
How do breast implants rupture?
Breast implant deflation or rupture occurs when the outer shell of the implant fails. Possible causes for this occurrence include the following:
- Trauma
- Improper fill level of saline implants
- Excessive wrinkling of implant
- Defective valve or seam
- Abnormal wear and tear
How to detect a breast implant rupture
Patients who experience saline breast implant deflation usually notice a rapid size decrease and softness in one of their breasts. This may be accompanied by nausea and some unusual sensations in the chest. Remember that saline is harmless if absorbed by the body, so there’s no immediate risk to your health. Silicone implant rupture is not as easy to detect and requires an MRI. If you think an implant rupture has happened to you, call Basu Plastic Surgery at 713-799-2278 right away.
Breast Implant Repair
Replacement of the breast implant(s) is performed in a surgery similar to the original breast augmentation. In most cases, the breast implant is accessed through the same incision site, so you won’t be left with additional scars afterward. The ruptured breast implant first needs to be freed from the surrounding tissue and removed. Then the breast pocket is cleaned and reshaped before new implants are put in place.
After Breast Implant Repair
Because each patient has different needs, recovery times will vary with breast revision procedures like implant repair. Some procedures, especially where scar tissue surrounds the implant, are rather complex; others are simple and patients can expect a recovery period that is comparable to breast augmentation.
Breast Implant Repair Cost
The cost of breast implant repair/replacement will sometimes be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. Most warranties carry a lifetime replacement policy and some financial assistance to help pay for the cost of revision surgery.
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Contact us at 713-799-2278 for more information about the cost of breast implant repair.