Does Scar Tissue Rubbing Against Implant Wear It out Faster?

asked 3 years ago by 8 Years Saline post op in Calgary, ab, Canada
Latest answer by George J. Beraka, MD
Question viewed 903 times
Tags: saline implants, rubbing, scar tissue

I have had my round saline under muscle implants for 8 years now and am terrified that they will deflate. I just finished breastfeeding and got some scar tissue from the excess bloodflow in my breasts. Would the implant rubbing on the scar tissue wear out the implants faster and cause deflation? My doctor is really busy and if something happens, I would have to wait 11 months for surgery!

10 answers to Does Scar Tissue Rubbing Against Implant Wear It out Faster?

No scientific evidence to support higher risk for deflation

Congratulations for the newest member of your family. There is no scientific evidence to support that you are at a higher risk for deflation because of the breast implants rubbing on scar tissue. I would follow up with plastic surgeon and address your concerns with him/her. In the meanwhile, continue to enjoy your implants and your new baby! I wish you the very best!

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD
Englewood Plastic Surgeon

Deflation of breast implants is not dangerous.

Hi. 1) Scar tissue and breast feeding have nothing to do with deflation of breast implants. Your implants will probably last a lot longer. 2) If you should get a deflation, it does not affect your health and is not an emergency.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implants and scar tissue

Scar tissue should have very little impact if at all on the wear and tear on your implants. Deflations usually occur in stress folds of the implants over many years.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Let's talk numbers

To address your concern in a scientific way, it is very helpful to look at large national studies that addressed The deflation rate for saline implants. Mentor study showed a deflation rate of 1.3% with a potential increase by one percent per year. The deflation rate start being important for older implants (more than 10 years). The incidence is still very low. In any case,even if deflation occurs the answer is a very quick implant exchange surgery. Hope that helps!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Unlikely for breast implants to wear out faster with scar tissue rubbing

Hello, Don't worry about things you can't control, although I am not sure you have anything to worry about. If your doctor is so busy and you need surgery, he may have a partner. ;) No need to wait 11 months.

John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon

Don't make up problems to worry about

My advice is to not make up problems to worry about. There is no evidence that your situation would lead to an increased deflation rate. If your implants are fine, then enjoy them and don't worry yourself.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

You are not at increased risk of deflation

What you describe puts you at no increased risk of deflation. If at some time you do have a deflation, you should address it before the pocket shrinks so you may need a different doctor anyway (I really doubt the doctor couldn't fit you in asap for a 1 hour procedure!). It is easy to switch out for a new implant and can often be done under local anesthesia. But don't spend any time worrying as you have enough on your hands with your family.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Implants do not leak by rubbing on scar tissue

I would not be worried about saline implants leaking. First of all, there is nothing you can really do about it. Second, you will know when they leak. Third, it is not dangerous if they leak. Finally, saline implants do not leak because of rubbing against scar tissue. They usually leak because of the folds. Now if the implants get compressed by contracting capsular scar tissue, there may be more folds just as there is more folds if you place a baggie full of water in your pocket as opposed... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

No.

Everyone who has implants gets scar tissue around them, that IS the capsule. The implant will only last so long, but on average about 14 or so years. Enjoy your baby.