Category Archives: Breast Implants

breast implant with breast lift

Should I get Breast Implants, a Breast Lift, or Both?

breast implant with breast lift

Everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful. Sadly, many women are held back by an area of their body that makes them feel embarrassed or unattractive. One source of low self-esteem for many women is the bust line. Whether too small, too large, asymmetrical, or droopy, not many people are lucky enough to have a perfect pair! Fortunately, with the power and precision of modern plastic surgery, there are an abundance of safe and effective cosmetic procedures to change the appearance of the breasts, helping thousands of women feel confident and beautiful again each year. This blog post will introduce a few of the most common cosmetic breast surgery options: Breast augmentation with implants, breast lift, and combined breast lift with implants. We will then go over some of the similarities and differences between these procedures and who may be better suited for one over the other in order to answer the common patient question, “Should I get breast implants, a breast lift, or both?”

Let’s start with breast augmentation with implants. This procedure is the most common, with over 300,000 cases performed each year! Breast augmentation with implants is a safe and highly effective way to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. There are many types of different breast implants, including saline versus silicone, and a wide variety of different shapes and sizes to choose from. Dr. Temmen recognizes that every woman is unique, and is committed to helping every patient find their perfect match. Patients are encouraged to bring in “wish pics” of their goal, as well as “try on” different implant types in the office to find the best option for them. During the procedure itself, Dr. Temmen creates a “pocket” in the chest for the implants, and then inserts and positions them. Saline implants are made up of an outer shell and filled with sterile saline after they are inserted (similar to a water balloon), while silicone implants are solid throughout, and implanted as is. Oftentimes, Dr. Temmen is able to place the implants using a small, discreet incision under the armpit, leaving no scars on the breast. Each patient has a thorough one-on-one consultation with Dr. Temmen during which they discuss implant type, scar location, and surgical approach to form a personalized plan that takes into account the patient’s anatomy and goals to ensure they get a beautiful result!

While breast implants add volume to the breasts, a breast lift adds lift! Women best suited for this procedure are often bothered by breasts that are low or sagging. This may be due to unlucky genetics, weight changes, previous pregnancies, breastfeeding, or the effects of aging. These factors combined can cause the breasts to look “deflated”, making patients feel self-conscious. During a breast lift, this process is reversed by removing loose excess skin and superficial tissue, allowing the remaining healthy tissue to be pulled together to create a rounder, perkier breast. While some tissue is removed during a breast lift, it has a paradoxical effect of making the breasts look fuller due to this improvement in shape. The number of incisions made during a breast lift depends on the patient’s degree of sagging (also called ptosis) and goals for their appearance. The most common approach for patients with moderate ptosis is a “lollipop incision”, which includes one circular incision around the areola (the darker colored skin surrounding the nipple) joined by a vertical incision extending down the breast. While this scar may sound scary, in practice the vast majority of patients are thrilled with the beautiful perky shape of their breasts, and find that the scars fade significantly with time and are a small price to pay.

The final option we will discuss in this post is the combined breast lift with implants. Simply put, this procedure consists of the two options explained above put together. This procedure may be best for patients who want to decrease sagginess while also enhancing breast size. As we discussed above, a breast lift makes the breasts appear rounder and fuller, but does not actually increase breast size. For patients hoping to increase their cup size as well, a combined breast lift with implants is a great option. Many patients considering cosmetic breast surgery find that this combination procedure is the perfect option for them, as it creates a beautiful shape, youthful lift, and adds a little extra volume.

When it comes to cosmetic breast surgery, the options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Depending on your goals, you may find that breast augmentation with implants, a breast lift, or combined breast lift with implants is the best choice for you. A key part of making these important decisions is finding an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who is committed to working together to create a personalized plan to ensure you have the best possible result. Dr. Traci Temmen is a female board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic breast surgery, and patient’s love her gentle bedside manner and perfectionism. To view real examples of amazing patient transformations, please explore the Gallery on this website. If you are interested in learning more about one of these life-changing procedures, simply call 813-877-3739 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen today!

Breast Lift with Implants

Will Breast Implants work if my Breasts are Sagging?

Breast Lift with Implants

Spring is in the air! And that means that summer is just around the corner, and with it hopefully at least a few vacation days to relax and unwind at the beach. While summertime brings poolside lounging, tropical drinks, and beautiful sunsets, it unfortunately is also a time when many people feel a little insecure about their bodies. For many women in particular, it can be a challenge to find a bikini top that makes them feel confident hitting the seashore. In fact, lots of women are unhappy with breasts that don’t quite fill out their bathing suit top, leaving them wishing they had just a little extra volume. For many others, the effects of aging bring unwanted sagging into play as women struggle to find a top with enough support. Whether an issue of wanting increased volume or a little pick-me-up, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that the appearance of the breasts can be a source of embarrassment for many women, and is happy to offer safe and effective surgical solutions for those wishing to make a change. This blog post will discuss the basics of breast augmentation and breast lift, as well as answer the common question, “Will breast implants work if my breasts are sagging?”

First, let’s go over the basics of breast augmentation with breast implants. When it comes to implants, there are lots of different choices to help you find the look that’s right for you. Firstly, the patient will work with their plastic surgeon to decide between the two implant materials: Saline and silicone. Saline implants are designed like a balloon that is “inflated” with sterile saline (salt water) solution once placed into the implant pocket. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are composed of solid, medical grade silicone throughout. Other decisions to make with your surgeon include scar placement (under the armpit, around the areola, or in the crease underneath the breast), and implant placement (above or below the pectoralis muscle). As you can see, breast augmentation with implants is far from a one size fits all surgery, and it is vitally important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen who you can partner with and trust throughout your surgery journey.

So, lets shift focus now to answer the common question, “Will breast implants work if my breasts are sagging?” The answer to this question depends on how much the breasts are sagging – also referred to as the “degree of ptosis” of the breasts. Women with breasts with minimal sagging, where the nipple is at or above the level of the breast crease, may benefit from an implant alone. For these women, the increased volume will help “fill in” the loose overlying skin to make the breasts appear fuller. However, women with moderate to severe ptosis such that the nipple is below the level of the breast crease will usually require a breast lift in addition to implants. In a breast lift, the sagging extra skin and soft tissue are surgically removed to facilitate lifting the breasts to a higher position. The nipple and areola are also raised to higher positon during this procedure to match the new perkier positon of the breasts. For women who desire an increase in breast volume in addition to a lift, a breast lift with implants is an excellent option. This effectively eliminates sagginess while also adding beautiful volume and fullness to the breasts.

There are many options when it comes to breast augmentation, including breast implants alone, breast lift, or the combined breast lift with implants. Perhaps you already have done your research and feel confident which option is the best for you, which is great! But for many patients, the final decision will come down to having an in-person detailed conversation with their plastic surgeon to discuss the potential pluses and minuses of each procedure and choose the option that best suits their anatomy and desires. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Temmen recommends patients bring identify several before and after “wish pics” to go over together so she can fully understand their goals. To view real example of patient transformations, please refer to the Gallery portion of this website. If you would like to learn more about breast implants, breast lift, or the combination of the two, simply pick up the phone and call 813-771-6393 to schedule your personal consultation with Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Breast augmentation with implants

Should I get Saline or Silicone Breast Implants?

Breast augmentation with implants

Everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way, and in the era of body positivity, more and more women are embracing their bodies just the way they are. This is a wonderful movement that has helped many women feel more comfortable in their own skin, and confident in their appearance. However, it is important to recognize that it is perfectly normal for there to be some things about your body that you wish you could change – almost no one is happy with every single thing! In many cases, diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes can go a long way towards affecting positive change in your body. However, unfortunately some areas of the body such as the breasts can’t really be “worked out” to change their appearance. Many women are dissatisfied with breasts that they feel are too small, making it difficult for them to find flattering bras and clothing, feel confident during intimacy, or feel feminine and attractive. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands the far-reaching effects feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable in your body can have, and is happy to offer an array of breast enhancement options for women to consider. This post will discuss the popular method of breast augmentation of breast implants, as well as dive into the differences between the two main types of implants, saline and silicone.

Breast augmentation with implants is a safe and highly effective option for enhancing the size and shape of the breasts, making it one of the most common plastic surgeries in America. During one-on-one consultation with Dr. Temmen, patients can discuss what kind of result they are hoping for, as well as review real patient before and after photos to get an idea of what other patient transformations have looked like. Part of this discussion will also include going over the options for scar location (in the armpit, around the areola, or under the breast fold), and implant placement (above or below the muscle). Patients are then given the opportunity to “try on” different implant types and sizes under their clothes to help them imagine what different options would look like. Once an implant is selected, Dr. Temmen will make final custom adjustments to size in the operating room to best match the patient’s preferences.

So, how does one choose a breast implant? Well, the first big decision is choosing between saline and silicone, which the remainder of this blog will discuss. From a safety standpoint, both implant types are FDA approved and safe options for patients when inserted by an experienced and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen. The only exception is that currently, the only implant type that is FDA approved for patients ages 18-21 is saline. The difference between these two implant types is what they are composed of. Saline implants are made of a thin silicone shell that is then filled up with sterile saline to the desired size. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are solid and made of soft silicone throughout, and come in many different sizes and shapes. Generally, saline implants are a little less expensive than silicone. Silicone implants often look a little more natural than saline, especially in women with thin overlying tissues where any mild rippling or wrinkling of the saline implant surface may show through the skin. Some patients also prefer the more natural feel of silicone implants (jelly-like) compared to saline (water balloon). In terms of complications, saline implant rupture is normally quickly visually apparent to the patient (think of a popped water balloon), whereas silicone implant ruptures may not be noticeable to the naked eye and require imaging to pick up. In the event of rupture, a saline implant is also a little easier to resolve than silicone because saline can be naturally absorbed by the body leaving just the shell to be removed during surgery, whereas if a silicone implant ruptures, all of the silicone will have to be removed during surgery.

For women who wish to enhance the size or shape of their breasts, implants are a safe and highly effective option to consider. Overall, choosing the right implant involves considering the patient’s anatomy, current appearance and aesthetic goals, and always involves detailed one-on-one discussion with their plastic surgeon. Dr. Traci Temmen has performed numerous breast augmentations with both saline and silicone implants with stunning results, and is committed to working with each patient to find the perfect option for them! Please explore the Gallery tab on this website to view real examples of beautiful patient results. If you are interested in learning more about if you may be a candidate for breast enhancement with implants, please call 813-771-6393 to book your personal consultation with Traci Temmen, MD today!

How long do implants last?

How Long do Implants Last? 10-15 years, No Medical Device is Life Long

How long do implants last?

Thanks to the wonders of modern medicine, the techniques and technology used in plastic surgery have become incredibly advanced, enabling skilled surgeons to safely create beautiful results while minimizing scars and patient down time. One great example of this are the developments that have been made in breast augmentation with implants, allowing plastic surgeons today to create full, beautiful breasts without leaving a single scar on the breast itself through the use of tiny incisions located discreetly underneath the arm. With all of the advancements that has been made, it is easy to think that plastic surgery is a one-and-done easy solution that requires no follow-up. However, when it comes to procedures like breast implantation that place a synthetic material inside the body, regular “maintenance” is an important part of long term care. This blog post will briefly introduce the types of implants before answering the common questions of “how long do breast implants last?” and “when should I change my implants?”

Breast implants can be divided into two main groups, saline and silicone. Saline implants are composed of a thin outer shell that is then filled up with sterile saline solution once in position, similar to a water balloon. Silicone implants are solid throughout, and made of soft silicone that is designed to mimic the look and feel of natural breast tissue. Dr. Traci Temmen is experienced at breast augmentation with both types of implants, as well as multiple difference approaches to scar placement (under the arm, around the areola, or in the fold under the breast), and consistently produces beautiful results. The various options for implant type, size, and surgical approach should all be explained in one-on-one conversations between the patient and their plastic surgeon. Dr. Temmen recognizes that all of these choices can be overwhelming, and takes her time in making sure each patient understands their options and feels supported in choosing the best one for her.

Whether a patient ultimately chooses saline or silicone implants, both options will require some monitoring and maintenance over time. In fact, this is true for any medical device in the body, such as a pacemaker or knee replacement. In general, most implants should be expected to last between 10 and 15 years. Of course, this is an average with some women experiencing a problem with their implant before the 10-year mark and others being fortunate enough to not have any issues more than 20 years later.

Even with a perfect surgery, there is always a risk of long term complications such as implant leak/rupture, troublesome scar formation, capsular contracture, or implant malposition. These complications contribute to a reoperation rate of approximately 10-25% over a 10-year period. Ideally, any women with breast implants should go in for an annual check-up with their plastic surgeon for assessment over time. In the case of implant leak/rupture, generally a saline implant that leaks will be visible to the patient as the breast will decrease in size, prompting the patient to return to clinic. In contrast, a silicone implant leak may be “silent” or not noticed by the patient because the implant is composed of solid silicone throughout and so will still hold its shape. At first, the silicone from a leaking implant will remain contained within the capsule of scar tissue that the body forms around the implant. However, over time, this silicone may permeate the scar tissue and leak out into the surrounding breast tissue or even local lymph nodes. Thus, it is important to be able to detect leaks in silicone implants even if they are not noticable from an aesthetic standpoint. For this reason, it is generally recommended that women with silicone implants receive an MRI on the 3rd anniversary of their implants and every 2-3 years afterwards to assess for this complication. Implants that have ruptured will need to be removed or replaced. A board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Temmen is trained not in the surgical side of breast augmentation, but also in the proper management of any complication that occurs down the road, ensuring that any issue that arises is promptly and appropriately addressed. In cases where a patient needs or desires for her implants to be removed, Dr. Temmen offers several options including simple removal, implant replacement, implant removal with fat transfer to the breast, and implant removal with breast lift to ensure that there is an option for every patient that keeps them feeling confident and beautiful. These options can be read about in more detail under the Breast tab of this website as well as in previous blog posts.

Breast implants are a great option for many women looking to increase the size and enhance the shape of their breasts. While patients are understandably more excited to pick out and receive their implants than to follow-up with them over time, this maintenance is important so that complications that require action can be detected and resolved quickly. When Dr. Traci Temmen performs breast augmentation with implants for a patient, she is committed not just to the immediate result but also to monitoring that patient over time and addressing any issues that arise in the years to follow. This is another reason it is especially important to select a plastic surgeon who is experienced, thorough, and capable of managing the care of you and your implants over time.

To view real examples of patient transformations following breast implantation, please navigate to the Gallery section of this website. If you would like to learn more about breast augmentation with implants or any other plastic surgery you are interested in, simply call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today.

gummy bear breast implants

What are gummy bear breast implants, and how do they compare to silicone?

gummy bear breast implants

Breast augmentation with implants is the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery in America, with over 300,000 procedures performed each year! With powerful modern technology that allows surgeons to create full, beautiful breasts while leaving minimal scars behind, it’s easy to see why so many women are choosing this life-changing procedure. In addition to providing safe and effective results, many women are also pleased that this procedure can be individually customized to make it the perfect fit for them. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen specializes in breast augmentation with implants, and is committed to working with her patients to provide them with a tailor-made result that exceeds their expectations. While being able to make decisions about implant material, size, shape, and scar placement is empowering for most patients, sometimes all of these choices can feel a little overwhelming! This post will break down some of the different options that are available, as well as address a common source of confusion for many women, which is “What are gummy bear breast implants, and how do they compare to silicone?”

Before diving into different implant materials, let’s first briefly outline some of the other choices patients will make with their plastic surgeon when planning their procedure. Implant size is one factor women spend a lot of time thinking about, as most try to find a happy medium between an increase in size that’s too small to be noticeable, and one that’s too big and looks awkward or unnatural. Most women ultimately choose a size that’s between 300 and 400 ccs (or milliliters), increasing their cup size by two letters (i.e. 32B to 32D). However, this varies widely depending on the patient’s body type and preferences, and really boils down to a decision made by the patient and surgeon working together after much discussion, body measurements, and “trying on” different sizes underneath clothing. Another decision patients will make with their surgeon is scar placement, of which there are three basic options. The first is to place the scar around the areola, or darker area outside the nipple. The second is to place the scar in the inframammary fold, or the natural crease between the bottom of the breast and the chest wall. The last option is the one most often preferred by patients, which is to place the scar in the natural crease in the armpit. This leaves the surface of the breasts flawless and scar-free, as well as making scars as discrete as possible – only visible when the patient raises their arms over their head. Once again, this decision should be made by the patient and provider together, depending on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Now that we have explored a few of the different options patients have for breast augmentation, let’s move on to this post’s main topic: gummy bear vs. silicone breast implants. Unlike saline implants, which are composed of a thin silicone shell filled with saline (a salt water solution) and filled up similarly to a water balloon, both silicone and gummy bear implants are solid throughout. Some of the key differences between them are that gummy bear implants are composed of a thicker gel than most silicone implants. This means that the implant retains its shape better over time, and is less likely to leak if it ruptures. This also means that the implant texture is firmer (like a gummy bear) than a silicone implant, which is a little bit softer and squishier. It is a good idea for every patient to hold the different types of implant in their hand in the office in order to feel the difference and decide which one they prefer. In addition to the texture difference, gummy bear and silicone implants also have different shapes. Gummy bear implants are generally a teardrop shape, whereas silicone implants are typically a rounder shape. Gummy bear implants were designed as a teardrop in order to more closely mimic the natural shape of the breast, which is fuller at the bottom than the top. Some patients like this more natural look, while others prefer to have more fullness in the upper portion of the breast. This is a matter of personal preference, and every patient should talk to their board-certified plastic surgeon to decide on the right implant for them. A final point to make about the difference in shape between these two implant types is because the gummy bear implant has a teardrop shape, it has a small potential to distort the shape of the breast if it rotates, while the silicone implants pose a smaller risk since they are more uniformly round. Overall, this risk is low as the implants are designed to stay in place.

As you can see from this post, deciding to undergo breast augmentation with implants entails making many decisions including implant type, size, scar placement, and many other factors. While this allows the patient to play a big role in the decision-making process, it also emphasizes the importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who respects your thoughts and concerns. Dr. Traci Temmen truly puts her patients’ safety, comfort, and privacy first, and enjoys using her surgical skills and expertise to create beautiful results unique to each patient. Patients appreciate her meticulous precision and perfectionistic nature, and are amazed by the beautiful results she is able to create while keeping scars small and easily concealed. Please explore this website to read real patient reviews and view the amazing patient transformations in the Before and After section. If you look at the photos and find yourself thinking, “Wow, I wish I could look like that!”, this is your opportunity! Call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today.

How long do implants last?

Saline vs Silicone Implants

How long do implants last?

For many women considering cosmetic surgery, the feature they are most interested in enhancing is their breasts. Full, round breasts are closely associated with notions of femininity, fertility, and desirability, which unfortunately leaves many women who weren’t lucky enough to inherit the perfect pair feeling less confident and attractive than they would like. Some women feel like their breasts are way too small for their frame, while others may be looking to add additional volume, or simply create a rounder shape. The unfortunate truth is there isn’t much patients can do in the realm of lifestyle changes to alter breast shape and size – you can’t really “work out” your breasts! However, with the power and precision of plastic surgery, you can finally have the appearance of your dreams! Breast augmentation with implants is a safe and easy option for adding beautiful shape and volume to the breasts, all while minimizing scars and recovery time. In this post, I will explore this topic in further detail, as well as compare the two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone.

For patients interested in a breast augmentation procedure, one of the first decisions they will make with their plastic surgeon is choosing between saline and silicone breast implants. Saline implants consist of a silicone-based outer shell that is filled with saline, while silicone implants are composed of solid silicone throughout. From a health and safety standpoint, both implant types are FDA approved and safe options for patients when inserted by an experienced and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen. The only exception is that currently, the only implant type that is FDA approved for patients ages 18-21 is saline. Both saline and silicone implants have similarly low rates of complication and rupture. One advantage of saline implants is that a ruptured implant will immediately become obvious to the patient because it will deflate quickly as the sterile saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body. The rupture of a silicone implant, on the other hand, is usually not picked up by the naked eye because the implant will still hold its shape, and so must be diagnosed with MRI imaging.

The next point of comparison that is very important to patients is the look and feel of the implants. As previously discussed, saline implants are filled with a saltwater solution and so have more of a “water balloon” feel to them. Patients who choose for their implant to be inserted underneath the pectoralis muscle, or who already have abundant overlying breast tissue, can achieve a natural look with this type of implant. However, patients who want their implant placed on top of the muscle closer to the surface and who have little overlying tissue may find that their saline implants show more wrinkling or rippling through the skin. In comparison, silicone implants are made of solid silicone, and so have more of a “gummy bear” feel to them that is designed to more closely mimic breast tissue. In particular, women who have little overlying breast tissue or who plan to have their implant inserted on top of their pectoralis muscle may find that this implant type creates a more natural look and feel. Dr. Temmen works closely with her patients to identify the implant type that best suits their body, lifestyle, and aesthetic desires.

When it comes to insertion, there are a few differences between saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are inserted deflated, and then filled with sterile saline solution once in place. This enables the line of incision to be a little bit smaller, and also allows tiny adjustments to be made to the final implant volume in the operating room to achieve that perfect look. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are solid and so cannot be inserted “deflated” like saline ones can. Thus, the line of incision may need to be slightly longer in order to accommodate the size of the implant. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is skilled and experienced at multiple methods of implant insertion to ensure that her patients have the least noticeable scars possible, usually only about 1.5 to 2 inches in length and well-concealed. These methods include making the incision around the areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple), in the axilla (the armpit), or in the inframammary fold (the crease underneath the breast). Many patients love the axillary approach to implant insertion because the scars are discretely located in the natural crease of the armpit, leaving absolutely no marks on the breasts. Dr. Temmen is an expert at breast augmentation using any of these techniques, and works one-on-one with each patient to ensure that they have a beautiful result with the most invisible scars possible.

Hopefully this post helped shed some light on the similarities and differences between the two main types of implants used in breast augmentation. If you still have questions, or are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for breast augmentation or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

 

Breast Implant Illness

The subject of Breast Implant Illness (BII) has gained recent attention among patients with breast implants and those considering breast augmentation with implants.  While little scientific research has been done on this controversial topic, a minority of patients with breast implants attribute certain systemic symptoms to their implants.  Some of these symptoms include mental confusion, joint pain, hair loss, dry eyes, chronic fatigue, and persistent flu-like symptoms.  Further confusing the issue is the fact that these symptoms are frequently encountered in women suffering from other common illnesses such as hypothyroidism, menopause, depression, anxiety, and general aging.  Additionally, certain patients do feel a subjective improvement in symptoms upon removal of their implants while many other patients continue to experience symptoms even years after removal of their implants.

The safety off all medical devices, including breast implants, are studied in depth by the use of high-quality medical studies and scientific research before they are approved for use.  All medical devices used in the United States must pass rigorous testing done by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are allowed to be used in humans.  Throughout years of research, there is no evidence or pathophysiological explantation as to how silicone or saline breast implants could be the sole cause of the symptoms experienced by women concerned about Breast Implant Illness.

As trained doctors and researchers, plastic surgeons base their medical decisions on scientific studies, FDA guidelines, and evidence-based medical practices.  However, these studies rely on statistics taken from studying large patient populations, not the individual patient experience.  With that said, there is a community of individual breast implant patients suffering with symptoms of breast implant illness.  These patients gain support and comfort from online resources, social media, and hopefully their treating plastic surgeon.

If you feel you are having symptoms of breast implant illness, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Traci Temmen in Tampa, Florida.  Dr. Temmen will provide honest and reliable answers to all of your questions and concerns regarding breast implants and the associated risks of placement or explantation.  For patients concerned about breast implant illness, there is a variety of treatment methods depending on individual needs, anatomy, and desires.  The implants can be simply removed, the implants and be removed as well as the capsule, or the implants can be removed while still inside of the capsule (called en bloc removal).  Additionally, if cosmetics is also a concern, the breasts can then be further refined with a fat transfer to the breast, a breast lift, or breast reduction.

In summary, there are a variety of treatment methods for women considering breast implant removal for breast implant illness.  Dr. Temmen in Tampa, Florida will listen to your concerns and help individualize a treatment plan to best fit your needs and lifestyle.  To schedule a consultation for implant removal with Dr. Traci Temmen, call 813-771-6393 today.

 

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

Many people considering breast augmentation in Tampa have heard that they have to get their breast implants replaced every ten years — but is this really true? Is there really an expiration date for breast implants? We check in with a doctor who is considered by many to be the best breast augmentation surgeon in Tampa: Dr. Traci Temmen.

Breast Implant Warranty:

Regardless of the manufacturer, most implant companies warranty their breast implants from mechanical failure for ten years. This means that if the breast implant ruptures or leaks, or has any other type of mechanical failure, within ten years of placement, the manufacturer will cover the replacement cost of the implant, and occasionally, help pay for other fees typically associated with the surgery such as the surgeon fee, facility, and anesthesia fees associated with replacement. Some newer breast implant manufacturers also warranty their breast implants from capsular contracture for a specific number of years, often two to three years, after placement. Capsular contracture is the formation of excessive, thick scar tissue around one or both breast implants that can lead to pain, implant malposition, and/or breast hardness.

Fortunately, it is easy to tell if a saline breast implant has ruptured. If a saline breast implant has ruptured, the breast will visibly decrease in size over a period of several days to weeks as the saline leaks out of the implant and is absorbed by the body. However, it is not so easy to tell if a silicone breast implant has ruptured. If a silicone breast implant ruptures, silicone does not leak from the implant and get absorbed by the body, as it does a saline implant. Rather, the silicone remains in the breast capsule and often remains inside the breast implant shell. The patient may not have any idea their silicone breast implant has ruptured or they may experience a change in breast shape or firmness. Thus, MRI imaging is necessary to diagnose a silicone breast implant rupture.

It is because of this ten-year warranty that many patients believe they must get their breast implants replaced after ten years. However, Dr. Traci Temmen of Temmen Plastic Surgery, tells her patients that if after ten years they are still happy and not experiencing any trouble with their breast implants to “leave well enough alone!” There is no medical, surgical, or health reason to replace breast implants ten years after a breast augmentation unless the patient has experienced a rupture, is unhappy with her appearance, or wishes to exchange her breast implants for a specific reason.

Breast Implant Rupture Rate:

Like anything, breast implants do “age” with time. After approximately ten years, the rupture rate for a breast implant is 1% per year. This means that if a breast implant is 15 years old, there is a 15% chance that it will rupture or leak during that year. If a breast implant is 25 years old, there is a 25% chance that it will rupture or leak during that year. Because of this additive risk of rupture, many patients considering a breast lift or other revisionary surgery, will choose to replace their breast implants (even if they are experiencing no trouble with the breast implant itself) at the same time if their breast implants are at least seven to eight years old. While it is not mandatory to replace breast implants during a revisionary surgery, it is recommended if the breast implants are several years old in order to avoid an additional revisionary surgery if the breast implant were to rupture in the future. Fortunately, there is no difference in the rupture rate between saline and silicone breast implants
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When Should You Replace Your Breast Implants?

Still, many patients wonder when they should replace their breast implants. Below are Dr. Temmen’s basic guidelines on when to replace breast implants after an initial breast augmentation surgery:

1. If you have a diagnosed breast implant rupture (and wish to maintain breast volume rather than simply remove the ruptured implant).

2. If you are considering a revisionary breast surgery, such as a breast lift or change in implant position, and your implants are seven or more years old.

3. If you are unhappy with your size and wish to have larger or smaller breast implants.

Other than the reasons above, there is no need to replace breast implants after a certain number of years. If a patient is happy with her breast implants and is experiencing no trouble, there is no need to replace them, regardless of the time from the initial breast augmentation surgery. There are plenty of women with twenty or even thirty-year old breast implants, that have never undergone a revision or replacement, and are perfectly happy with their appearance!

If you have additional questions about replacing your breast implants, or wish to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen, please call the office today at 813-771-6393.