Silicone, and for that matter saline breast implants are deemed by both Mentor and Allergan as “not lifetime devices.” The longer the implants have been present the higher the chances for removal with or without replacement for various reasons. Grounds for removal +/- replacement may include displeasure with the cosmetic appearance of the breasts, severe capsular contracture, etc. Silicone breast implant removal and replacement puts the patient at greater risk for complications and reoperations in the future.
In Mentor’s Core Study, patients who’d undergone primary breast augmentation, 5% had implant removal at least once over the first 3 post-operative years. In revision-augmentation patients, the rate was 12% over the same time span. In both populations, patient choice and capsular contracture were the primary reasons for removal.
In Allergan’s Core Study, patients who’d undergone primary breast augmentation, 9% had implant removal at least once over the first 4 post-operative years. In revision-augmentation patients, the rate was 12% over the same time span. In both populations, patient choice and capsular contracture were the primary reasons for removal.
Most patients in who have had their implants explanted, will opt for replacement. Some women do not. This may have adverse cosmetic effects in itself, such such puckering, wrinkling, loose skin, dimpling, and drooping.
