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Breast Implant Choices
Breast Implant Complications
Breast Implant Removal
breast implant removal reasons
Breast Implant Replacement
Breast Implant Resources
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Capsulectomy
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Silicone or Saline Breast Implants

Breast Implants

There are several reasons a doctor may need to remove breast implants by surgery. Certain women choose to have their implants removed or exchanged because they want smaller or larger implants. Another reason some women remove their breast implants is because of discomfort from tightening of the capsule around the implant.

Implant Failure

Though generally safe, breast implants are medical devices and they can fail. If detected early enough, replacing a ruptured breast implant, particularly saline-filled breast implants, is similar to replacing a battery in a battery compartment. If detected late, ruptured silicone implants can cause thickening of scar tissue around the implant, which can lead to breast deformity and pain. Delayed replacement or removal of ruptured breast implants can be more complicated.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue or capsule that normally forms around the implant tightens and squeezes the implant. Capsular contraction is more common following infection, hematomas or seromas (collection of watery portion of blood). There are four grades of capsular contracture The Baker Grades I through IV are: Grade I - the breast is normally soft and looks natural; Grade II - the breast is a little firm but looks normal; Grade III - the breast is firm and looks abnormal (visible distortion); Grade IV - the breast is hard, painful and looks abnormal (greater distortion).