Breast Implant Complications and Treatments
Dr. David Sayah is deeply committed to the satisfaction and safety of his Beverly Hills plastic surgery patients. If a patient is unhappy with the outcome of her breast implant surgery, or develops a complication, Dr. Sayah can help. Here, he identifies possible — but rare — breast implant complications, and explains how he addresses those cases with revision breast augmentation.
A Brief Note about Breast Implant Complications
Breast implant complications are rare. Dr. Sayah is a board certified, expertly trained plastic surgeon with the most advanced technology available to him. He operates in modern, accredited surgical facilities and uses breast implants that have been cleared by the FDA for safe use. However, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of complications. It is a reality of any surgery.
Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is a condition in which scar tissue forms around the implant, causing the breasts to harden and look distorted. It can also cause discomfort. In cases of capsular contracture, Dr. Sayah uses the original breast implant incision to remove the hardened implant and capsule. He replaces the implant with a new one.
Dr. Sayah can also use breast revision materials such as Strattice Reconstructive Tissue Matrix. This biomaterial reinforces weak tissue and supports the growth of natural breast tissue. It is similar in theory to a type of scaffolding; eventually, the patient’s own cells grow into the framework of tissue and replace the biomaterial.
Rippling
Rippling is more common with saline breast implants; the edges may become visible and palpable. Dr. Sayah uses the original breast implant incision to remove or reposition the implant. He may use a different type of implant or replace it with a new implant. He might place the implant in a new pocket with thicker muscle coverage or use additional breast tissue to cover the edge of the implant.
Rupture
When a saline implant ruptures, it suddenly deflates, and it becomes immediately obvious that one breast is smaller than the other. When a silicone implant ruptures, it is more difficult to detect. The cohesive gel tends to stay around the implant pocket, and may only become noticeable during a medical exam. A ruptured breast implant should be removed as quickly as possible to avoid related complications.
When an implant ruptures, Dr. Sayah uses the original breast implant incision and removes the implant shell and silicone implant filling (the body will naturally and safely absorb the saline filling). He replaces the ruptured implant with a new implant.
Patient Requests Bigger or Smaller Implants
Occasionally, a patient wants larger or smaller implants. If Dr. Sayah is replacing the existing implants with a larger pair, he needs to enlarge the pocket of tissue that holds the implant. If he is replacing the existing implants with a smaller pair, he needs to reduce the size of the pocket with sutures, so it will tightly encapsulate the new implants. Dr. Sayah can also switch out saline implants for silicone implants, or vice versa, depending on the needs and goals of the patient. If necessary, he can perform a breast lift during the same revision breast augmentation operation.
Contact Dr. Sayah
If you believe you have developed a complication with one or both of your breast implants, and would like to discuss your revision options in more detail, please contact Dr. Sayah as soon as possible. Contact our office today by calling (310) 905-8405 or sending an email.