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Should folded Breast Implants be replaced?

I recently found a lump in my left breast. Upon diagnostic mammography it showed a fold in the upper part of my saline breast implant. While relieved it was not cancer, I now have this question: Do I need to get this replaced or can I just deal with it because it does not bother me? I had my implants done just 2 years ago and really do not want to go through it again for awhile. Thanks...

P.S.: The implants are above the muscle.

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10 answers to “Should folded Breast Implants be...”

A: Does not need to be replaced

Michael C. Edwards, MD

Saline breast implants aren't meant to be so filled that they are firm to the touch and therefore rippling or wrinkling are not uncommon, especially in implants placed above the muscle. The most common place this is felt is in the lower outside part of the breast. As long as your breasts are soft and you are... more

A: It is fine: folderd breast implants

Brian S. Glatt, MD

As others have mentioned, a fold seen in a saline implant  on mammogram is not that unusual and does not necessarily indicate an acute problem.  You may, however, be at a higher risk of implant failure at some point.  IF that should happen, you would be very aware of it as your breast will... more

A: If they are not causing you a problem, then leave them alone

David Shafer, MD

Amy, In most cases, if the implants are not causing you a problem, then you should leave them along. However, if you are symptomatic for any reason, then the implants can easily be replaced. Good luck.

A: Leave folded implants alone

Sirish Maddali, MD

If the implant has a fold, then it has a higher likelihood of a rupture in the future. Since this is a saline implant, rupture does not pose any risk. If the fold is not very visible, then there is no necessity to replace your implants. I agree with the other physicians. Good luck.

A: You can leave your implants alone.

George J. Beraka, MD

Hi!  The fact that there is a fold makes it more likely that this implant will leak in the future, but you will know if that happens because your breast will go flat.

A: Okay to leave it alone

Richard P. Rand, MD

If you are otherwise happy, it is fine to leave this finding alone. The only problem it might cause would be a higher rate of deflation later but this is still not a reason to have surgery if you are otherwise fine.

A: No need to do anything if you're still happy

Armando Soto, MD

Hi there, As long as you are still pleased with your breast shape and size, you shouldn't need to do anything about this. The folding of your implant shell will eventually lead to a deflation, but you will know when that happens, because the implant will go flat as your body absorbs the saline. Until then, or... more

A: An implant fold or ripple does not require replacement

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Amy, The saline implant has been a very good choice in augmentation, and we have many happy patients wearing them. The saline implant has benefits such as small incisions for placement, very low capsule contracture rates, longer duration of softness, and ease of replacement. The detraction of the saline... more

A: Discuss implant fold with your surgeon

Scott E. Kasden, MD

At first blush, my reaction is "if it ain't broke...", especially if it isn't bothering you. However, experience tells me that the implant should not have significant folds in it. This may not hold in every case (especially in the case of a textured implant, where some folds may be present and OK)... more

A: Saline breast implant fold is normal

Brooke R. Seckel, MD

All saline breast implants develop folds. If the fold does not bother you, leave it alone. Some patients find the folds very disturbing, and in these patients, I usually suggest replacement with a silicone gel implant, which has less of a tendency to create folds.

Comments

8 Years Saline post op
5 posts
9 Mar 2009

Does overfilled implants fold as well? How do you know? Does "it "click/feel rub" when you move?

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