Breast augmentation with implants is an excellent way to enhance your silhouette and get the feminine curves you desire. Whether your goal is to go up a cup size or fill out your favorite clothing, Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in the Long Island, NY, area provides breast augmentation options to give you the appearance you desire. During your consultation in Huntington, NY, Dr. James Romanelli or Dr. John Layliev will take the time to listen to your cosmetic goals and explain the benefits and risks of surgery, including potential signs of breast implant problems. If you have concerns about saline or silicone breast implants, reach out and schedule your one-on-one appointment today.
What to know about breast implants
Breast implants are specifically chosen based on your body type and frame as well as the results you hope to achieve. Saline and silicone breast implants are popular and safe options approved by the FDA for use in breast augmentation surgery. While a saline breast implant is filled with a medical-grade saline solution, silicone breast implants are made with a special silicone gel. Both serve different purposes in terms of weight and texture. Implants come in a range of profiles and textures, all of which are considered by Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery during your initial consultation. We will also discuss options such as implant and incision location. Regardless of location, we take careful measures to hide any scars within a natural breast crease for minimum impact.
Common complications with breast implants
Contrary to popular belief, breast implants are not meant to be lifetime devices and they usually last between 10 – 15 years. After much research involving implants, the FDA recognizes that the longer a woman has implants, the more likely complications are to arise at some point. When this occurs, you may need to have the implants removed or replaced. Treatments for each complication can be surgical or nonsurgical, depending on your individual case. Here are some of the more common concerns:
Calcium deposits or lumps that develop around the implant
Capsular contracture, or the tightening of scar tissue around an implant
Infection or inflammation due to harmful bacteria as a result of surgery
Sensation changes in the nipple or breast, which may be temporary or permanent
Breast sagging or drooping due to normal aging or weight fluctuation
Wrinkling ("rippling") of the implant that can be seen or felt through the skin
Dead tissue around the breast caused by infection, smoking, or chemotherapy radiation.
Implant deflation that occurs when a saline-filled implant leaks due to rupture or tearing
General dissatisfaction with the size or appearance of the breast implant
This list is not comprehensive by any means, but it does give you a better idea of possible issues. Whether you choose saline or silicone breast implants for breast augmentation, it is important to speak with a trusted and experienced plastic surgeon about your concerns before scheduling your surgery.
Signs that should be addressed
While augmentation is a great way to restore lost breast volume, patients should be aware of any signs of implant problems, no matter how small. Symptoms include changes to the feeling or appearance of the breast tissue. One issue to look out for is an uncommon but serious cancer of the immune system called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). BIA-ALCL is usually found in the scar tissue or capsule that forms around the implant.
Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include breast enlargement, persistent swelling or pain, a lump or feeling of hardness in the breast, or an overlying skin rash on the area. An evaluation involves a physical assessment with imaging to confirm the diagnosis. Generally, patients with BIA-ALCL undergo breast implant removal and removal of the scar tissue to address this issue. Keep in mind that BIA-ALCL is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is very treatable when addressed early.
Breast implant removal
The life of a silicone or saline breast implant varies by person and can’t always be predicted. There is a chance, however, that you will need to have implants removed or replaced at least once because of complications. Some patients choose not to replace their implants at all, opting instead for a natural breast lift surgery to prevent undesirable puckering or sagging. At Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery in Huntington, NY, our staff will offer several surgical options to safely remove the implants and help make the remaining tissue look naturally beautiful. If you are uneasy about the idea of implant removal, Dr. Romanelli or Dr. Layliev and their team will walk you through the process.
Contact Romanelli Cosmetic Surgery
We all know that cosmetic surgery complications can take a toll on a person’s body. With great experience and skill, we use silicone or saline breast implants to safely create beautiful results for women to get the look they have always wanted. We encourage you to continue learning about the potential signs of breast implant problems by scheduling a consultation at our Long Island-area facility today with Dr. James Romanelli or Dr. John Layliev.
