My Breast implants were done in the early 80's. I just found out that they are both ruptured. I am very concerned about the removal of the silicone which has leaked.
However, I would also like to know if I can have them replaced, and is this going to be a very painful procedure? How long will I expect my breast implant recovery and pain to last? I have a very physical job.
Answer: Pain after revision breast augmentation Thank you for your question. Discomfort is normal and it will depend largely on what is needed for your procedure and where the silicone rupture is contained to. The procedure could be a simple hour procedure if the silicone is limited to the capsule, versus many hours if it has infiltrated your breast tissue or beyond.There are many things that can make your post-operative pain tolerable:1) Injectable numbing done at the time of surgery (some can last for several days)2) Muscle relaxants so your muscle is not as tense3) Narcotics to help address pain. Usually more effective if you stay ahead of it4) Non-narcotic medications (e.g. anti-inflammatories such as Advil)You often find that discomfort does correlate with size of the implant and the degree of stretching of the soft tissue of the breast.I would also revisit with your plastic surgeon if you are experiencing discomfort despite their post-operative measures.
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Answer: Pain after revision breast augmentation Thank you for your question. Discomfort is normal and it will depend largely on what is needed for your procedure and where the silicone rupture is contained to. The procedure could be a simple hour procedure if the silicone is limited to the capsule, versus many hours if it has infiltrated your breast tissue or beyond.There are many things that can make your post-operative pain tolerable:1) Injectable numbing done at the time of surgery (some can last for several days)2) Muscle relaxants so your muscle is not as tense3) Narcotics to help address pain. Usually more effective if you stay ahead of it4) Non-narcotic medications (e.g. anti-inflammatories such as Advil)You often find that discomfort does correlate with size of the implant and the degree of stretching of the soft tissue of the breast.I would also revisit with your plastic surgeon if you are experiencing discomfort despite their post-operative measures.
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Answer: Expectations and Recovery after Ruptured Breast Implant Replacement Yes, if you have ruptured silicone implants, the standard of care is to remove them and the surrounding capsule. Most will elect to have new implants placed.Silicone nodules in the breast should be removed as best as possible and biopsied if needed to confirm the lump to be silicone and not cancer. If silicone has spread in large amounts into the breast, chest muscles, arm pit, lymph nodes, or other sites, the patient and surgeon must decide on how “aggressive” the operation should be as there will likely be greater deformity and potential complications. The risks of trying to remove all silicon are generally worse than the benefit; so some silicone will remain. If silicone is in your lymph nodes then follow up with a general surgeon may be required. If the implants are ruptured or more than 10 years old, consideration should be given to replacement. New implants are made from a highly cohesive gel. These “gummy bear” implants have less problems and retain their shape even when the outer shell breaks. The procedure is an outpatient operation performed under oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending upon the length and complexity of surgery Patients will feel sore and tired during the first 48 to 72 hours following surgery. During these first few days, the patient should engage in light activities, refraining from lifting or raising the arms above the head. Swelling and bruising will subside during the first week after surgery and will be controlled by pain medication. The initial surgical tapes will be removed a few weeks after surgery during a post-operative visit. Patients typically may return to a work a few days after surgery,only a light workload during the first two weeks, 6-8 weeks for more physical jobs. Your plastic surgeon will guide you. Most of my patients tell me it is less painful thought a more involved surgery than their original breast augmentation.
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Answer: Expectations and Recovery after Ruptured Breast Implant Replacement Yes, if you have ruptured silicone implants, the standard of care is to remove them and the surrounding capsule. Most will elect to have new implants placed.Silicone nodules in the breast should be removed as best as possible and biopsied if needed to confirm the lump to be silicone and not cancer. If silicone has spread in large amounts into the breast, chest muscles, arm pit, lymph nodes, or other sites, the patient and surgeon must decide on how “aggressive” the operation should be as there will likely be greater deformity and potential complications. The risks of trying to remove all silicon are generally worse than the benefit; so some silicone will remain. If silicone is in your lymph nodes then follow up with a general surgeon may be required. If the implants are ruptured or more than 10 years old, consideration should be given to replacement. New implants are made from a highly cohesive gel. These “gummy bear” implants have less problems and retain their shape even when the outer shell breaks. The procedure is an outpatient operation performed under oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia depending upon the length and complexity of surgery Patients will feel sore and tired during the first 48 to 72 hours following surgery. During these first few days, the patient should engage in light activities, refraining from lifting or raising the arms above the head. Swelling and bruising will subside during the first week after surgery and will be controlled by pain medication. The initial surgical tapes will be removed a few weeks after surgery during a post-operative visit. Patients typically may return to a work a few days after surgery,only a light workload during the first two weeks, 6-8 weeks for more physical jobs. Your plastic surgeon will guide you. Most of my patients tell me it is less painful thought a more involved surgery than their original breast augmentation.
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October 21, 2009
Answer: Recovery expectation after Breast Implant Replacement Hi there-
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October 21, 2009
Answer: Recovery expectation after Breast Implant Replacement Hi there-
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October 4, 2009
Answer: Breast Implant Exchange In most cases, the breast implant exchange procedure is much less involved than your original surgery. If your implants were placed under the muscle, then you may have had some discomfort after your original surgery from the muscle stretching. Since the muscle is already stretched, then you will not have this same discomfort. However, if you have contracture or scar tissue that needs to be resected then your recovery may be more involved. Good luck with your surgery.
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October 4, 2009
Answer: Breast Implant Exchange In most cases, the breast implant exchange procedure is much less involved than your original surgery. If your implants were placed under the muscle, then you may have had some discomfort after your original surgery from the muscle stretching. Since the muscle is already stretched, then you will not have this same discomfort. However, if you have contracture or scar tissue that needs to be resected then your recovery may be more involved. Good luck with your surgery.
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October 3, 2009
Answer: Discomfort After Replacement of Ruptured Silicone Implants Implant exchange is usually not a very uncomfortable procedure, but he leaking gel may make the surgery more involved, and cause more discomfort. Some docs prefer to use drainage tubes as well, so ask about this possibility.
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October 3, 2009
Answer: Discomfort After Replacement of Ruptured Silicone Implants Implant exchange is usually not a very uncomfortable procedure, but he leaking gel may make the surgery more involved, and cause more discomfort. Some docs prefer to use drainage tubes as well, so ask about this possibility.
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