Hello, I am 69. My implants are 45 years old. One is ruptured. They are silicone and the manufacturer is Cox uphoff. I'm thinking if it's not causing symptoms, at my age, why mess with them? Not to mention the expense on a pension. Can silicone travel or does the body, recognize the silicone that leaks as foreign and automatically form a capsule around it?
January 6, 2020
Answer: Am I endangering my health if I don't have my ruptured implant removed? Thank you for sharing your question. The rupture alone does not result in any health related issues but for comfort purposes it would be wise to have the implants removed or replaced. Often the edges of the shell can poke and pinch patients.
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January 6, 2020
Answer: Am I endangering my health if I don't have my ruptured implant removed? Thank you for sharing your question. The rupture alone does not result in any health related issues but for comfort purposes it would be wise to have the implants removed or replaced. Often the edges of the shell can poke and pinch patients.
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January 6, 2020
Answer: Ruptured silicone While saline ruptures are easily identified, silent silicone gel ruptures or bleeds are more difficult to appreciate (without imaging). They look the same, feel the same, and behave the same intact or ruptured. As such, many patients are living with silicone ruptures unbeknownst to them. A ruptured gel will either remain within the capsule or if rupture is extracapsular, the leak itself will become encapsulated (as you described above).With regards to your specific question, while there is no urgent need to replace/remove, the issue should be addressed. Replacement of a saline implant if addressed quickly is fairly uncomplicated and involves re-entering the pocket removing the failed device and replacing. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons RealSelf Verified Member RealSelf Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame
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January 6, 2020
Answer: Ruptured silicone While saline ruptures are easily identified, silent silicone gel ruptures or bleeds are more difficult to appreciate (without imaging). They look the same, feel the same, and behave the same intact or ruptured. As such, many patients are living with silicone ruptures unbeknownst to them. A ruptured gel will either remain within the capsule or if rupture is extracapsular, the leak itself will become encapsulated (as you described above).With regards to your specific question, while there is no urgent need to replace/remove, the issue should be addressed. Replacement of a saline implant if addressed quickly is fairly uncomplicated and involves re-entering the pocket removing the failed device and replacing. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).Donovan Rosas MD Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons RealSelf Verified Member RealSelf Top 100 RealSelf Hall of Fame
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