Cohesive gel implants

Steven Wallach, MD answers: Do textured breast implants cause tissue loss during removal?

I currently have the Inamed 410 form stable implants - 280 grams. I am having them replaced in March 2009 with 200cc Mentor Round Moderate Profile Silicones. The 410s are textured and I've heard that when these implants are removed, the breast tissue that they had adhered to can be removed with the implant as well. Is this true?

I didn't have much tissue to start with and would hate to lose any that I did have. Also, the fact that my first BA was in early December of 2008 (only three months before my re-do) mean that perhaps the implant hasn't completely adhered? Thanks in advance. Your repsonses have been very comforting.


Steven Wallach, MD
6 months ago

The textured implants whether they are cohesive gel or other forms of silicone can be removed fairly easily in most cases without any further loss of tissue. 

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A: Removal of textured implants will not cause tissue loss

George J. Beraka, MD
9 months ago

To sandyt123,

Hi! You don't say why you are having the implants replaced, but you are probably doing the right thing. I have seen a lot of problems with shaped textured implants and I don't use them.

My other suggestion is to use moderate PLUS profile round implants. The "moderate profile" implants are really partially underfilled low profile implants, and they can cause rippling even though they are silicone implants.

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A: Minimal tissue removal, if any

Darrick E. Antell, MD
9 months ago

Textured implants, even if they have adhered, can usually be removed with little or no tissue removal. It's like peeling velcro apart when there is adherence, but I have also seen textured implants which had not adhered. Express your concerns to your surgeon.

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A: A small layer of tissue or capsule is usually removed with the implant

David Shafer, MD
9 months ago

Sandy,

It all depends how the tissued adhered to the implant. However, usually a small layer of tissue/capsule is removed with the implant. If you skin is very thin, this might be difficult. It is best that you are evaluated prior to your surgery and your surgeon should be able to give you specifics about your own case. Good luck with your surgery.

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A: You may be talking about the capsule

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
9 months ago

Sandy,

You will not lose any significant amount of breast tissue with removal of the textured implants.  The scar tissue capsule that forms around ALL implants does sometimes adhere to the textured surface of the implant and small pieces of it may be extracted with the implant upon removal.  However, this tissue is of no volume significance to the breast.  Good luck!

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