How Long Can Breast Implants Last?
For women in Toronto and globally, breast implants have become a popular choice for enhancing appearance, boosting confidence, or reconstructing breasts. Before undergoing breast augmentation, a key question that arises is: How long do breast implants last? Understanding the lifespan of breast implants, potential complications, and the necessity of replacements or removals is not just important, but crucial for anyone considering this cosmetic procedure. In this blog, we will delve into how long breast implants can last, the factors that affect their longevity, and tips on ensuring your implants remain in good condition for as long as possible. The Typical Lifespan of Breast Implants The idea that breast implants last a lifetime is a common misconception. While they do not come with an official “expiration date,” breast implants are not designed to last forever. The average lifespan of breast implants—silicone or saline—is between 10 and 20 years. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, most women will need to have their implants replaced or removed after about 10 to 15 years. It’s important to note that the lifespan of breast implants is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Some women may go beyond the average 10-20 years without significant issues. The longevity of implants is influenced by factors such as the quality of the materials, how well the implants were placed, and how the body reacts to them over time. Silicone vs. Saline Implants: What’s the Difference? Breast implants come in two main types: silicone and saline. Both types have an outer silicone shell but are filled differently. Each type of implant offers different advantages, and your surgeon can help you decide which is better for you based on your lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and medical history. Do Breast Implants Expire? Technically, breast implants do not come with an expiration date like a carton of milk or a bottle of medication. However, they aren’t intended to last indefinitely either. On average, women will need to replace or remove their implants after 10 to 20 years, with about 20% of women undergoing revision surgery within the first ten years due to various reasons. Implants may last longer than this, especially if no complications arise. However, regular check-ups are not just a precaution but a necessity for monitoring their condition. For those with silicone implants, the FDA recommends an MRI every 5 to 6 years to check for silent ruptures and other potential issues. Your health and well-being are our top priority. Signs That Your Breast Implants Need Replacement Breast implants can develop complications over time, which may prompt the need for removal or replacement. Here are some common signs to watch out for: 1. Rupture (Saline or Silicone) 2. Capsular Contracture Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant tightens, causing the breast to feel stiff or appear misshapen. This complication can lead to pain or tenderness and may require surgical intervention. 3. Breast Hardening Over time, scar tissue around the implant may harden, causing discomfort and making the breast feel unnaturally firm. This hardening often indicates the need for removal or replacement. 4. Implant Rippling Rippling is when the implant develops wrinkles or folds that can sometimes be felt or seen through the skin. This is more common in women with thinner skin or less breast tissue and may necessitate a change in implant size or style. 5. Changes in Position Gravity, aging, or weight fluctuations can cause implants to shift over time. If one breast appears lower or higher than the other, or if your nipples start pointing in different directions, it may be time for a revision procedure. How Can You Extend the Life of Your Breast Implants? While breast implants are not permanent devices, there are steps you can take to extend their lifespan and maintain a beautiful appearance: Breast Implant Replacement and Removal Options When it comes time to remove or replace your breast implants, you have several options. Depending on your circumstances, your surgeon may recommend: When Should You Consider Replacing Your Implants? The timing of breast implant replacement is unique for each individual. Some women choose to replace their implants for cosmetic reasons, such as a desire for a larger or smaller size. In contrast, others do so because of complications like rupture or capsular contracture. The key takeaway? It’s essential to monitor your breast implants regularly and consult with your surgeon if you notice any changes in appearance, feel, or sensation. Following routine check-ups and MRIs as recommended will help detect issues early and allow for timely intervention, preventing long-term complications. Conclusion While breast implants do not last a lifetime, they can provide long-lasting, satisfying results for many women. The typical lifespan of implants is between 10 to 20 years, and with regular care and monitoring, some women may even enjoy their results for longer. However, complications can arise, and women must remain vigilant, paying attention to signs indicating the need for replacement or removal. If you’re a woman in Toronto considering breast augmentation or wondering how long your implants will last, Dr. Brett Beber is here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and learn more about ensuring the long-term health and appearance of your breast implants. Ready to achieve the confidence and look you’ve always dreamed of? At Dr. Brett Beber’s clinic, we are committed to providing personalized care and exceptional results. Whether you’re considering breast augmentation, a tummy tuck, or any cosmetic procedure, we’re here to help you feel your best. Contact Dr. Brett Beber today to start your transformation journey: +1 416-466-5023 | info@bebersurgery.com Ready to transform your look and feel amazing? BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Understanding Different Types of Breast Augmentation: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore different breast augmentation options, including implants, fat transfer, and lifts, at Dr. Brett Beber’s clinic in Toronto. Achieve your ideal look with expert care.
Breast Augmentation: Can Surgery Improve Your Cleavage?
Breast Augmentation: Can Surgery Improve Your Cleavage? One of the most common questions that patients ask when they meet with Dr. Beber for a breast augmentation consultation is, “Will I get more cleavage?” According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “cleavage” is “the narrow space between a woman’s breasts”. Often this is more apparent when the women’s clothing is of lower cut revealing more of the breasts and associated with a woman’s femineity. In your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Beber, he will explain how he cannot influence or control your cleavage. It is the patient’s unique anatomy that will influence the final results. Breast augmentation or breast implant surgery is often referred to as the procedure that involves increasing your breast size by using implants. This procedure is not designed to improve cleavage however if you naturally have a narrow space between your breasts, you may benefit from an improved or narrower space after surgery. Patients on occasion will assume that their cleavage may improve by simply increasing their implant size or placing the implants closer together to achieve the desired outcome. However, a woman’s unique anatomy that involves their nipple position, the position of their pectoral muscles, and the overall position of their breasts could predetermine their implant placements. Implant placement has to take into consideration the nipple position, pectoral muscle measurements and consideration of the midline of the chest will encourage a more natural outcome. Following these considerations will reduce complications such as malposition of the nipples, risk of stripping the muscle off the chest wall, increased rippling, and seeing the implants. The common and most desirable goal with breast augmentation is to achieve a natural outcome. Breast augmentation is one of the top 5 cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States. Although it has over 97% patient satisfaction, it is important to have realistic expectations and have a good understanding of your individual limitations. Your initial consultation with Dr. Beber, a Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon with over 18 years of experience. During your consultation will provide you with information specific to your anatomy and goal to help you make an informed decision. To learn more about breast augmentation, please contact Dr. Beber’s office at 416-466-5023 or www.bebersurgery.com
Essential Questions to Ask Before Breast Augmentation | Dr. Brett Beber
Discover vital questions to ask your plastic surgeon before breast augmentation. Get informed for optimal results with Dr. Brett Beber in Toronto.
Dr. Brett Beber: Expert Breast Augmentation in Toronto
Dr. Brett Beber: Expert Breast Augmentation in Toronto With breast augmentation surgery, it’s best to be well informed Breast augmentation surgery is the top cosmetic procedure performed today. This cosmetic procedure has been the #1 procedure since 2006 with nearly 280,000 procedures performed in 2016 (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeon Statistics). For many women, and for a variety of reasons, breast size and shape are important. Whether it’s about self-esteem or a specific health issue, breast augmentation can be the right approach for enhancing breast fullness, improving breast symmetry, or simply rejuvenating physical appearance. In Toronto, Dr. Brett Beber is recognized as an expert in breast surgeries, with a specialization in breast augmentation. As the Co-Director of the Toronto Breast Symposium, Dr. Beber continues to be at the leading edge of reconstructive and aesthetic breast surgery. He has in-depth expertise with all types of implants, including the latest generation of silicone cohesive gel-filled implants. Patients come to the clinic for many reasons. For some, breast augmentation may be desirable to create balance with the rest of the body. For others, it may be about corrective measures after pregnancy or pregnancy. For some, a combination of breast implants and breast lifts may be ideal for rejuvenating the aesthetic appearance of their breasts. What’s important for every patient is to be well informed about their surgical procedure, and to ask all of the relevant questions up front. This is where Dr. Beber feels is of the utmost importance– he works with patients personally, to fully customize a breast augmentation procedure, and makes every effort to understand and attain his patient’s personal goals. Patients are encouraged to be informed and educated. For Dr. Beber and his team, every cosmetic procedure is focused on patient safety and optimal aesthetic outcomes. Dr. Beber will ensure that each patient understands the pros and cons associated with his surgical recommendations including the type of implant, incisions, placement of the implant will be discussed and post-operative care. Silicone implants OR saline implants? Breast implants are generally available in saline-filled or silicone gel-filled forms. The saline implants are made with a silicone shell, which will be filled with a saline solution (salt water) in surgery. The saline solution is much like the natural water in the body. After being placed into the breast, the implants are filled with solution according to the volume predetermined before surgery. Saline implants require smaller incisions than the silicone implants Saline implants are less costly than comparative silicone gel implants Silicone implants are also made with a silicone shell and are pre-filled with silicone gel by the manufacturer. These implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are either smooth or textured. Filled with a cohesive silicone gel, these implants are semi-solid, much like the consistency of a “gummy bear”. Many patients prefer silicone because of the aesthetic results. Silicone gel implants are soft in composition and feel more natural Silicone gel results in less “rippling” than the saline-filled implants Now available – IDEAL IMPLANT® Structured Breast Implant The IDEAL IMPLANT® is a new now available that combines a natural feel with safety. The shell is made of silicone and saline solution is filled in surgery. These implants are now available in Canada, but only to a limited few plastic surgeons. The new design is FDA approved and Health Canada approved. The IDEAL IMPLANT® feels very natural. With an inner saline chamber, and an outer saline chamber, solutions are better controlled, therefore giving a more natural feel. For patients who desire the aesthetic benefits of silicone, without using silicone gel implants, this new approach to breast augmentation is IDEAL. Scar placement – three options to consider With breast augmentation, three types of incisions are possible, through which a breast implant can be inserted. Here again, Dr. Beber reviews the options with every patient, along with the pros and cons of each. Working together, it’s important to decide jointly for complete satisfaction. Inframammary Fold This scar placement is just under the breast. This approach will hide the scar well. This incision is used for any implant type or size. Scar length will depend directly on the type of implant. Periareolar Incision This scar placement is around the areola. The scar length will depend on the type of implant. Women who have small areolas may not be suitable for this approach. Transaxillary Incision This incision and scar placement is situated in the armpit. Clearly, the advantage is that no scar is visible on the breast. For the most part, this incision is used with saline implants, and is common when the breast implant is placed right under the muscle of the chest (subpectoral). Dr. Brett Beber PLASTIC, COSMETIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY For Dr. Beber and the surgical team, it’s important to fully address the personal wants and wishes of a patient. Pre-surgery consultations are personal and intimate. The clinic atmosphere is stress-free, and patient concerns are always accommodated. Patients will be well apprised of the pros and cons of breast augmentation, the relative recovery period, and any of the potential risks.
Saline vs. Silicone Gel Implants: Choosing the Best for Breast Augmentation
Breast Implants: Saline implants vs. Silicone gel implants Breast augmentation is consistently one of the top five surgical procedures performed every year in the U.S. When deciding to have a breast augmentation, one of the biggest decisions a patient has to make (aside from size), is deciding between saline vs. silicone gel implants. For many years, saline implants were the only option for women looking to have a breast augmentation. However since 2006, silicone implants became available in North America and have been widely used worldwide. Silicone implants are also known as gummy bear implants and cohesive gel implants. The main difference between the two implants is the interior: saline implants consist of a silicone shell that is filled with saline (sterile salt water solution) during surgery; whereas silicone implants consist of a silicone shell pre-filled with cohesive gel. Both saline and silicone gel implants are available in various sizes and shapes and both can give you the natural look you may be looking for if the implants are placed under the muscle. Both types of implants have its pros and cons, so the type chosen is really dependant on personal preferences and goals. One advantage of saline implants over silicone gel implants is cost. Saline implants typically cost about $1000 less than silicone gel implants. Whether you choose saline or silicone, they both have risks of rupture and capsular contracture (formation of scar tissue around a breast implant). Saline implant ruptures are easier to detect since it simply deflates and becomes apparent visibly. Silicone implant ruptures are not visibly apparent and require MRI imagining to detect. The surgical procedure is to replace a saline implant is easier than the replacement of silicone implants. Saline implants are filled during surgery giving the advantage of a slightly smaller scar and room for size adjustments if required. A saline implant also gives more options for where the incisions can be placed: under the fold of the breast, under the armpit or around the areola. Silicone has the advantage of a natural texture. It feels soft and look more like natural breast tissue. There is also less risk of rippling and they hold their shape better over the years as compared to saline implants. At your consultation with Dr. Beber, he will take careful assessments and measurements. Your breast symmetry, width, skin and tissue are all considered as well. The location of the incision and choosing an implant involves more than just the volume – it is dependent on anatomy. An implant too large can cause excessive stretching of skin leading to risk of future corrections and surgeries. It can also speed up the effects of gravity on the breasts, which involve drooping and sagging. Choosing a surgeon that will take the time to do the careful measurements and make recommendations with your goals and desires in mind is key to successful results. Dr. Brett Beber is a certified plastic surgeon in Toronto with 15 years of experience. He brings a wealth of cosmetic surgery experience to his patients, offering popular surgical procedures such as breast enhancement and body contouring. For more information and to book a comprehensive consultation please call 416-466-5023 or email info@bebersurgery.com