BOOK A SCAN

My Breast Implant Feels Misshapen- What Do I Do?

implanthealdev on March 11, 2024

Realizing that something doesn’t feel right with your body is an alarming and unsettling experience. For those who have undergone breast augmentation, the discovery that an implant feels misshapen can be fraught with anxiety and concern. The good news is that recognition is the first step towards resolution. Here, we break down a proactive approach to this post-augmentation dilemma.

Understanding the Issue

A breast implant that feels misshapen can take various forms. It might involve one breast sitting higher than the other, a breast implant that has moved from its original position, or a visible asymmetry in the shape of your breasts. The causes can be multifaceted. It could be due to Postoperative capsular contracture, where the scar tissue around the implant tightens, repositioning the breast implant. It could also be attributed to a rupture of the implant, leading to a change in its consistency. More benignly, it could be a result of swelling or settling of the implant in a new pocket within the breast.

Steps to Take

Upon noticing an irregularity in your breast shape, the immediate step is not to panic but to schedule an appointment with your plastic surgeon. Early consultation can help prevent worsening conditions and allow for faster corrective action. During the consultation, your surgeon will conduct a physical examination, possibly followed by diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI, to assess the implant’s integrity and positioning.

The Path to Resolution

The course of action will depend on the diagnosis. In the case of capsular contracture, this may require a procedure to remove excess scar tissue, potentially accompanied by a change in Breast implant size or texture. If the implant has ruptured, surgical intervention to remove and replace the breast implant may be necessary. In less severe cases, you may simply require a period of observation for natural settling to occur, especially for textured or anatomically shaped implants.

In strategizing the next steps, it’s important to maintain open communication with your surgeon. Seek clarification on the options available, potential risks, and the expected outcomes of any procedure.

Conclusion

It’s crucial to address any post-augmentation concerns promptly. While finding a misshapen implant can be alarming, know that there are solutions. By engaging with your healthcare provider and understanding the issue, you’re taking critical steps toward restoring both your form and your peace of mind. Remember, your surgeon is your ally in this–trust in their expertise to guide you back to feeling secure and comfortable in your body.

 

The Truth About the Health Risks of Breast Implants

implanthealdev on December 18, 2023

Breast implants are a popular aesthetic procedure that has become increasingly common over the past few years. Women choose to have them for a variety of reasons such as to increase breast size, correct asymmetry, or reconstruct post-cancer. However, with the prevalence of breast implants has come concerns regarding their impact on overall health. So, can breast implants harm your health? In this blog post, we will explore the topic in-depth to help you make a more informed decision about your body.

First, let’s address the most significant health concern surrounding breast implants which is breast implant illness (BII). BII is a collection of symptoms that some women experience after having breast implants. These symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and more. While there is no definitive proof that breast implants cause BII, many women have reported relief after removing their implants. It’s important to note that not all women with implants experience these symptoms, and not all symptoms are necessarily caused by the implants.

Another common concern is that breast implants can increase your risk of autoimmune disease. Again, while there is no conclusive proof that breast implants directly cause autoimmune disease, several studies have found a correlation between the two. One study found that women with breast implants had a higher incidence of a type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. Another study found that women with implants were more likely to develop Sjögren’s syndrome, a disease in which white blood cells attack moisture-producing glands.

When it comes to breast cancer, many women worry that implants could potentially hide breast lumps or make it more difficult to detect cancerous cells. However, studies show that breast implants do not affect mammography accuracy. In fact, mammography provides more detailed images and can be performed more quickly in women with breast implants.

It’s also worth considering the material used in breast implants. The two most common types of implants are silicone and saline. Silicone implants are made of a silicone outer shell filled with silicone gel, while saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater. Several studies have been conducted on the safety of silicone implants and have found no evidence that they are associated with serious health risks. However, ruptures can occur, which can cause complications including infection, scarring, and breast pain.

In conclusion, while there may be some potential health risks associated with breast implants, it’s essential to note that the majority of women with breast implants do not experience any negative side effects. It’s crucial to speak with an experienced and qualified surgeon and perform proper research before undergoing any surgical procedure. Ultimately, the decision to get breast implants is a personal one, and every woman should do what feels right for her body. If you do decide to get implants, it’s important to maintain regular breast implant health checks to ensure the implants are healthy and functioning correctly.

 

My Breast Implants Shape Have Changed – Why?

implanthealdev on December 8, 2023

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries among women in the world. It is a procedure that increases the size and shape of breasts using implants. However, in some cases, women who have undergone breast augmentation complain that the shape of their breasts has changed over time, and this leaves them wondering what went wrong. If you’re in the same boat, don’t panic; this article will help you understand why breast implant shape changes and what you can do about it.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular Contracture is one of the most common reasons why breast implants can change in shape over time. This occurs when the tissue around the implant hardens, causing the breast to look rigid and distorted. This condition is likely to happen within the first few years after surgery, and you may notice symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and discomfort. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult your surgeon immediately for treatment.

Implant Displacement

Implant displacement is another reason why breast implants can change in shape. This can happen when all or part of the implant moves from its original position, causing the breast to look uneven and unnatural. This condition can be caused by several factors, including excessive physical activity, weight gain, or hormonal changes. To avoid implant displacement, avoid activities that strain your chest muscles, and consult your surgeon if you notice any changes in breast shape.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also cause breast implant shape changes. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make your breasts fuller, causing the skin to stretch, which may affect the shape of your breast implants. Breastfeeding also causes hormonal changes that can make your breasts bigger or smaller, causing your implants to look different. To minimize the effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on your breast implants’ shape, discuss your options with your surgeon.

Aging

Aging affects the body in many ways, including breast shape. As you age, your skin loses elasticity, causing your breasts to sag and affect the appearance of your implants. This condition is called “Ptosis,” and it can happen regardless of whether you have breast implants or not. If you notice that your implants’ shape has changed due to aging, talk to your surgeon about your options.

Breast Implant Material

The type of implant material can also affect the shape of your breast implants. For example, saline implants are more likely to show ripples and wrinkles than silicone implants. Similarly, textured implants are more likely to cause capsular contracture than smooth implants. If you notice any changes in breast shape due to implant material, consult your surgeon for advice.

Breast implants are a significant cosmetic procedure that can increase your confidence and improve your appearance. However, breast implant shape changes are common, and there are several reasons why they can occur. The most important thing is to communicate with your surgeon if you notice any changes in your breast implant’s shape. Together, you can discuss the best course of action to help restore your confidence and enhance your appearance.

 

Getting a Breast Implant Check

implanthealdev on October 9, 2023

Getting a Breast Implant Check

If you have undergone or are considering a breast augmentation, you may be looking at getting a breast implant health check the overall health of your implant. 

On average, breast implants should last around 10 years, before we recommend changing or removing them. Whilst the procedure is considered safe, it is important to remember that like all medical procedures, they do carry a risk of complication. To help mitigate the risk of complications, we advise getting a breast implant health check to check every couple of years. 

Dedicated breast health screenings, such as Implant Health use specialist MRI equipment to view the overall health and condition of your implant, and your overall breast health to detect any signs of complication or abnormality. 

What Complications could Arise?

Now, complications arising from breast augmentations are very rare. However, if you suspect something is wrong, you must contact a trained professional who will be able to identify and treat the problem. 

Here are some of the complications that could arise from breast augmentation procedures.

Breast Implant Infection

To your body, breast implants are a foreign material and therefore there is a slight risk they could become infected. If you experience high fever, breast pain, swelling, tenderness, or breast discharge, you should seek the help of a professional to provide treatment. 

Capsular contracture

Following your procedure, a thin layer of scar tissue will form around the surface of the implant, this is known as a capsule and is completely natural. However, in some cases, this capsule may become abnormally thickened and start to cause discomfort. We call this a capsular contracture, which may require surgery to remove the hard capsule of tissue. 

Breast Implant Malposition

This happens when a breast implant moves, causing issues with positioning. It can happen soon after surgery later down the line but symptoms usually manifest as significant and visible changes to the overall shape and positioning. 

Breast Implant Ruptures

This is more common in older implants, but they can occur at any time. Symptoms to look out for include a significant change in breast size or shape, hardness around the implant, lumps, and redness to the skin. 

In some cases, ruptures may not present any symptoms, this is known as a silent rupture. Again, we recommend having your implants checked regularly to avoid any problems.

BIA-ALCL

BIA-ALCL, also known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is an extremely rare blood cancer that forms in the capsule of breast implants. Symptoms include a build-up of fluid or a hard lump developing around the breast. 

Seroma 

If your breast implant ruptures or you have a low-grade infection it can cause fluid to collect around the implant. The most common symptom to look out for is an increase in overall breast size. 

If you have noticed any sudden changes in your breasts following a breast augmentation, getting a breast implant check can help to identify any underlying issues. At Implant Health, any abnormalities, revisions, and required treatment will be discussed with you and dealt with by specialist plastic surgeons, and Doctors.

Here at Implant Health, we strive to empower and support you through your implant journey, so if you have any concerns or would like to book a breast screening contact our team.  

 

Why do Breast Implants Hurt?

implanthealdev on October 9, 2023

If you have recently undergone breast augmentation or are considering it, you may be wondering how much pain is normal and what you can expect during the healing period.

However, several other reasons may cause your breast implants to hurt including complications. Now, when it comes to complications associated with breast procedures, they are considered rare but if you suspect there is something wrong, we advise you to contact a professional for an examination. 

What does the Healing Process Look like?

Naturally, during your procedure, your surgeon will need to create an incision and stretch the existing breast tissue to place your implant. 

This may result in some post-operative pain, swelling, and tenderness which is completely natural and part of the healing process. Any pain can be controlled using anti-inflammatory medication and should begin to improve within a few weeks of surgery. 

What complications cause pain?

Now, whilst the risk of complication is low certain conditions may cause breast implant pain. 

Capsular contracture

 Capsular contracture occurs when the body’s immune system responds to the presence of a foreign object, such as a breast implant, by forming scar tissue around it. 

In some cases, this scar tissue can become thick and constrict, causing pain and discomfort.

Implant rupture or leakage 

If a breast implant ruptures, it can cause pain and discomfort. This can happen due to trauma, aging of the implant, or a defect in the implant.

Implant displacement

Sometimes, breast implants can shift or move out of place, causing pain and discomfort.

Breast Implant Infection 

Breast implant infections are rare but can occur. If an infection develops, it can cause pain, swelling, redness, and other symptoms.

If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort with your breast implants, you must speak with your plastic surgeon. They can perform a physical examination, imaging tests, or other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.

For more information on breast pain, or to book a breast health screening contact Implant Health.

 

Can Breast Implants Cause Health Problems

implanthealdev on September 19, 2023

Can Breast Implants Cause Health Problems?

Can breast implants cause health problems? If you have undergone or are considering having a breast augmentation this is one question you may be pondering. 

Breast augmentations are considered safe; however, it is important to remember that like any medical procedure, they do carry a risk of complication. 

What Complications Should I be Aware of?

So, can breast implants cause health problems? Being one of the most popular, and sought-after cosmetic procedures, complications arising from breast augmentations are very rare. However, if you suspect something is wrong, it is important to get your implants checked by a professional as soon as possible. 

On average, the lifespan of a breast implant is around 10 years, but we recommend having your implants checked by a professional every couple of years to ensure it is still healthy. 

Below, we have detailed some of the complications to look out for. 

Breast Implant Infection

It is important to remember that breast implants are a foreign material and therefore can become infected. If you develop a high fever, breast pain, swelling, tenderness, breast discharge, or the breast feels hot to the touch, we advise you to seek professional help right away. 

Infections can generally be treated with antibiotics, but in more severe cases, we may need to clean the infected tissue and remove the implant.  

Breast Implant Ruptures

This type of complication is more common in older implants; however, they can occur at any time. Symptoms to look out for include a change in breast size or shape, hardness around the implant, redness on the skin, or lumps under the arm. 

For some patients, a ruptured implant may not present with any symptoms, this is known as a silent rupture. Again, we recommend having your implants checked regularly to avoid any problems.

Capsular contracture

It is natural for women to develop a thin layer of scar tissue over the surface of the implant, this is known as a capsule. However, if this capsule becomes abnormally thickened it may begin to cause discomfort in the breast or change its shape. 

We call this a capsular contracture, which may require surgery to remove the hard capsule of tissue. 

Breast Implant Malposition

This happens when the implant begins to move. It can happen soon after the initial surgery or sometimes later down the line. Now, there are several types of positioning problems, including: 

Rotation – this is more common with teardrop-shaped implants

Implant flipping – which results in a sudden change of shape

Slipping – where the implant slips to the bottom or the side of the breast.

Seroma (fluid around the implant)

If your implant ruptures or you have a low-grade infection it can cause fluid to collect around the implant. In rare cases, the fluid may be caused by anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) that develops around breast capsules. The most common symptom to look out for is an increase in your overall breast size, and you should always seek professional help to mitigate any further risk. 

BIA-ALCL

BIA-ALCL, otherwise known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is an extremely rare blood cancer that forms in the capsule of breast implants. It is thought to occur around 8-10 years following your procedure, and symptoms can include a build-up of fluid or a hard lump that you can feel. 

Here at Implant Health, we strive to empower and support you through your implant journey, so if you have any concerns or would like to book a screening contact our team.  

 

Concerned About Breast Implants and Health?

implanthealdev on August 20, 2023

If you’re concerned about breast implants and your health, it’s important to address your concerns in a proactive and informed manner. While breast augmentation is generally safe, it’s natural to want to ensure your well-being. Here are steps to consider if you think your breast implants are making you ill:

  1. Consult a Medical Professional:

If you’re experiencing symptoms that you believe might be related to your breast implants, the first step is to consult a qualified medical professional. A board-certified plastic surgeon or a healthcare provider experienced in breast implant issues can help evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and overall health.

  1. Document Your Symptoms:

Keep a detailed record of the symptoms you’re experiencing. Include information such as the type of symptoms, when they started, any patterns you’ve noticed, and how they impact your daily life. This information will be valuable when discussing your concerns with a medical professional.

  1. Be Open About Your Concerns:

When consulting a medical professional, be open and transparent about your concerns. Clearly communicate your symptoms, your suspicion that they might be related to your breast implants, and any relevant information about your medical history. This will help the healthcare provider assess your situation accurately.

  1. Consider Medical Testing:

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your healthcare provider might recommend medical testing to rule out other potential causes. Imaging techniques like ultrasound or MRI can help assess the condition of your breast implants and surrounding tissue. These tests can provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

  1. Seek a Second Opinion:

If you’re unsure about the initial assessment or diagnosis, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from another qualified medical professional. Different perspectives can help you make a well-informed decision about your health.

  1. Research and Educate Yourself:

While online information can be helpful, it’s essential to rely on reputable sources for information about breast implant health concerns. Look for information from reputable medical organizations, regulatory agencies, and established healthcare providers.

  1. Consider Implant Removal or Revision:

If your medical evaluations suggest that your breast implants might be causing health issues, you may need to consider implant removal or revision surgery. Discuss the potential benefits, risks, and considerations with your healthcare provider and plastic surgeon.

  1. Prioritize Your Well-Being:

Your health and well-being are of the utmost importance. Make decisions that prioritize your physical and emotional health. If you’re experiencing symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life, seeking appropriate medical attention is essential.

Conclusion:

If you believe your breast implants are making you ill, or are concerned about breast implants, it’s important to approach the situation with careful consideration and informed decision-making. Consulting qualified medical professionals, documenting your symptoms, and prioritizing open communication will guide you toward the best course of action for your health. Whether it’s seeking medical testing, considering implant removal, or exploring treatment options, taking proactive steps will ensure that you’re on the path to addressing your concerns and achieving your well-being.

 

Breast Implant Malposition: Understanding the Challenges and Solutions

implanthealdev on June 27, 2023

Breast Implant Malposition 

Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic procedure that has helped countless women achieve their desired appearance and boost their self-confidence. However, like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation can occasionally result in complications. One such complication is breast implant malposition, where the implants are not properly positioned within the breast pocket. In this article, we will explore the causes, types, and potential solutions for breast implant malposition.

Understanding Breast Implant Malposition 

Breast implant malposition refers to the misplacement of breast implants within the breast pocket. This can occur due to various reasons, including surgical errors, inadequate tissue support, capsular contracture, trauma, or postoperative complications. The malposition can manifest in different ways, such as bottoming out (implants sit too low), lateral displacement (implants shift towards the sides), symmastia (implants meet in the center), or double bubble deformity (implant drops below the natural breast fold).

Types of Breast Implant Malposition

Bottoming Out: In this condition, the implants descend too low on the chest, causing the nipple to appear unnaturally high.

Lateral Displacement: Implants shift towards the sides, resulting in a wider gap between the breasts or an asymmetrical appearance.

Symmastia: Also known as “uniboob,” this occurs when the implants meet in the center, creating a conjoined appearance.

Double Bubble Deformity: This deformity arises when the implant falls below the natural breast fold, creating a visible crease or line.

Addressing Breast Implant Malposition

Fortunately, various options are available to address malposition, depending on the type and severity of the condition. In some cases, non-surgical interventions like specialized bras or supportive garments may be recommended to help correct minor malpositions. However, more severe cases often require surgical intervention.

Surgical Solutions:

Capsulorrhaphy: The surgeon tightens the breast pocket to reposition the implants correctly.

Capsulotomy: The surgical release of the scar tissue surrounding the implant to allow repositioning.

Strattice: A specialized surgical mesh used to reinforce the breast tissue and provide additional support for the implants.

Implant Exchange: In some instances, replacing the implants with a different size or type can help correct the malposition.

Prevention and Patient Education 

While it is not always possible to prevent malposition, proper surgical techniques, meticulous planning, and patient education can significantly reduce the risks. Surgeons must thoroughly evaluate the patient’s anatomy, discuss their expectations, and employ precise surgical techniques to minimize the chances of malposition occurring.

Conclusion 

Breast implant malposition, though a potential complication of breast augmentation, can be successfully addressed through surgical interventions tailored to the specific type and severity of the malposition. It is essential for both surgeons and patients to be aware of the causes, types, and available solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for breast augmentation procedures.

By staying informed and working closely with skilled surgeons, individuals can make well-informed decisions and achieve the desired results with breast augmentation while minimizing the risk of complications.

If you have concerns about your breast implants, Implant Health can help. We encourage regular check-ups of your implants to address issues and check for any problems. To get a check-up, please book an appointment.

 

Worried about your breast implants?

If you’re worried about your implants, we can help.

The benefits of breast implant checks include the early detection of implant-related problems and the ability to monitor how your breast and implant change over time.

Book A Breast Implant Health Check