Breast Implants: After Surgery Maintenance is Necessary

Breast implants are very common in today's society. Women crave to have larger breasts to increase their own self-image and feel more attractive and desirable to men. Other times breast implants are a part of reconstructive surgery due to mastectomies or removal of lumps in the breast.

When choosing to have breast implant surgery many women do not realize that there is maintenance required to ensure the stability of the implant. The also do not realize breast implants do not last forever. It is recommended they be replaced every 10 years to ensure integrity of the implant and prevent possible leaks or ruptures.

After receiving breast implants, breast massage may be recommended to ensure the tissue does not tighten around the implant. To do a breast massage, you gently move the breast implant to the outer limits of the pocket in which the implants were placed holding in each position for a few seconds. The breast massage generally continues for about a month after surgery. However, each doctor has his or her own recommended length of time.

Breast implants can also give inaccurate reading during a mammogram. It is important to let the technician know that you have breast implants. Some technicians have more experience with breast implant mammograms and it is recommended to search out a technician that has this experience. The pressure from a mammogram can also cause breast implants to rupture.

For women with silicon filled breast implants it is recommended that they have routine MRIs to ensure they are not any leaks. Generally, the first MRI should be done three years after the implant and every two years there after.

Additional surgeries may be necessary after having a breast implant. Some surgeries are due to results of the breast implant surgery not giving the desired results. Others wish to increase or decrease the size of the breast implant. Occasionally there are corrective surgeries that are needed if the breast implant moves by shifting or sagging, if the implant ruptures or begins leaking, and if capsular contracture occurs.