Surgery to increase breast size or change its shape and volume is one of the most popular in plastic surgery. However, the intervention must be carried out by an experienced surgeon who, together with the patient, will select the most optimal size and shape, as well as the type of breast implants.
But many patients, deciding on surgical intervention, do not know that breast plastic surgery with the placement of implants is carried out for a certain period of time, since over time there may be a need for repeated intervention, including replacement of implants.
Features of implantation
Dental prosthetics on implants, thanks to high-quality fixation, increases the functional properties of the prosthesis and also increases its service life.
But a lot also depends on the service life of the dental implants themselves. This period can range from 5 or even 30 years, but structural manufacturers often claim a lifetime warranty. When the next implantation will be necessary depends on many factors. Some models themselves have a certain period of functionality, others are highly dependent on operating conditions. Pathologies of the oral cavity or neighboring teeth also have an impact.
In order to be confident in the quality of implantation and the long service life of the implant, you should pay special attention to the choice of a specialist, the model of the product and compliance with all the doctor’s recommendations for the preparation and operation of the product.
Recovery after implant replacement surgery
First week
- During the first week, the patient will need to sleep with his head and back elevated to reduce swelling in the chest area. You can use wedge-shaped pillows, or sleep in a chair-bed.
- The plastic surgeon will probably allow showering one to three days after surgery, but will strictly prohibit bathing, spa treatments, or hot tubs for at least four weeks after surgery.
- Depending on the doctor's recommendations, the dressings will be removed within a few days after the operation.
- The patient will need to wear a compression bra during the early healing period to prevent fluid accumulation.
- If non-absorbable sutures were placed, they will be removed after about a week.
Two to six weeks
- Minor swelling and swelling should disappear within one month.
- You can return to work within seven to ten days, depending on the type of work you do. In some cases, this period may extend significantly.
- If a patient chooses to have larger implants than they had before surgery, the breast skin may feel slightly tight as the body needs time to adjust to the new size of the implants.
Sensations such as tingling and numbness around the incision may remain for quite a long time, but this is only a temporary phenomenon.
In general, it may take several weeks or months for the implants to “settle” into their final correct position. You can learn more about this operation from the “Breast Augmentation” section.
Types of implants
Modern dental clinics have a huge selection of implants based on material, shape and other criteria.
Products made from titanium alloy are considered the safest and most reliable; they can last more than 30 years. Metal-ceramic structures require replacement after 10–12 years, ceramic ones after 7 years, and metal-plastic ones after 3 years. Implants made of zirconium and aluminum are also durable, their service life is from 1 year. There is a significant difference in price. The latest generation designs are much more expensive, but they have a longer service life, high survival rates, minimal risk of complications and are more comfortable.
The type of product also influences the shelf life of the implant. There are two of them: non-separable and collapsible. Non-removable implants require replacement if the crown is damaged, while dismountable implants can only be partially replaced. For this reason, the non-removable structure can be replaced after 3 years and after 5 years. Removable implants last an average of 12 years.
The lifespan of an artificial root is affected by its design, which is developed taking into account the installation method. Plate-type implants that are implanted into the jaw bone are considered reliable. Root products tend to become loose and may require premature replacement.
In what cases should an implant be replaced?
The decision about the need to replace the titanium rod is made only by the doctor. If you notice any signs of a pathological situation, you must contact the clinic where the implant was installed as soon as possible. These signs include:
- implant mobility;
- pain at the site of its installation, inflammation, redness, swelling;
- implant loss.
It is also worth immediately undergoing an examination if there has been a maxillofacial injury.
Factors that reduce the service life of dental implants
Before implantation is carried out, you will need to decide on the implant model. In order to choose the right product that will last for many years, you should know what criteria you need to pay attention to.
Implant criteria affecting shelf life:
- material - the resistance of the crown to loads will depend on it;
- quality of workmanship and assembly;
- installation method.
Many patients focus solely on the cost of the product, but even the most expensive implants will not last long if they are not initially designed to withstand heavy loads. For example, the installation of non-metallic products on molars is not recommended.
Operating conditions also influence service life. If a patient neglects regular visits to the dentist for the prevention or treatment of dental diseases, eats non-recommended hard foods, or violates other recommendations of the dentist, then the implant may need to be replaced much earlier than the warranty period has expired.
What should you consider before surgery?
During the initial consultation, the first thing the surgeon will inquire about is the patient's specific motivations and will need to assess whether he is a good candidate for implant replacement or full implant revision.
The plastic surgeon will carefully examine, measure and photograph the breasts for medical history and will also need to be aware of the following points:
- Current breast size and shape;
- What type of implant is currently installed;
- What breast size and shape does the patient want to have;
- In what condition and, importantly, quantity are the breast tissue;
- What is the quality of the patient's skin;
- Is the patient satisfied with the placement of the nipples and areolas?
- If there is breast ptosis (sagging), the doctor may recommend a breast lift in combination with implant replacement.
During the consultation, the patient will need to prepare the following information:
- Information about the previous operation;
- Presence of allergic reactions;
- Is the patient undergoing treatment for any disease;
- Have you had any other breast surgery, including breast biopsy?
- What is your family history of breast cancer;
- Current mammogram results;
- If the patient plans to lose a significant amount of weight, the plastic surgeon must be informed about this. He may recommend stabilizing your weight before surgery.
Guarantees for implants
The warranty period that the dental clinic provides to the patient for implants and the work of a specialist does not correspond to the service life declared by the manufacturer.
This is explained by the fact that the manufacturer provides a guarantee for the product, subject to perfect compliance with all operating rules. In fact, this is almost impossible, so dentists give a real guarantee on the product, but also take into account the operating conditions of the implant.
There are three categories of implants based on pricing policies. Budget models usually have a service life of about 5 years. Mid-priced - up to 10 years. If premium class implants are installed, the warranty increases to 20 years. But with all this, dental clinics provide a guarantee of up to 3 years.
Do I need to change breast implants over time if I have ptosis?
Implantation is a way to restore seductive shapes, add volume, and possibly combine it with a lift. You should understand: gravity still acts on tissue, and natural aging processes continue in the body. An artificial bust, like a natural one, drops by 5 cm in 5 years, for each woman the process occurs at an individual speed, depending on muscle training, skin tone and density, volume, genetics, etc.
After a certain number of years, the patient may decide to undergo a breast lift, giving her a youthful appearance. The operation is not mandatory, it is performed for aesthetic purposes at will, in this case the implant can be replaced.
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Risks of rejection
No implant dentist can give the patient a 100% guarantee that after a while the implant will not be rejected and will not have to be replaced, or even abandon this method of prosthetics.
Rejection of an artificial root occurs due to:
- existing diseases in the patient, which are a contraindication to the procedure, but such a point should be provided for at the preparation stage;
- if the body reacts individually to a foreign body, in this case it is impossible to predict the result of implantation;
- if recommendations are not followed throughout the entire period of operation.
The dental guarantee includes replacement of the implant in the event that rejection occurred due to medical error or the product’s failure to meet the declared quality.
Do I need to change breast implants if complications arise?
Replacement is required in two cases.
The implant burst . Modern products from world leaders have a dense shell and a bonding silicone layer. Rupture can occur due to acute injuries, car accidents, serious bruises, falls, or during related surgical interventions. Silicone gel does not leak outside the capsule. Often, ruptures of silicone implants remain unrecognized for several years. Leaking saline implants are immediately noticeable as ripples or drooping of one breast, but saline solution is not harmful to the body.
A severe case of capsular contracture developed . The body regards the endoprosthesis as a foreign body and reacts sharply negatively - “isolating” it from other tissues with a hard, deforming capsule. The breast changes shape, becomes dense, and the appearance is disrupted. This is an individual intolerance; it is impossible to predict its occurrence.
Question 5: Are there any age restrictions?
There are practically no age restrictions for dental implantation. Implants are allowed to be placed in young patients after the final formation of the dental system (about 18 – 20 years), and in adults, teeth can be implanted at 70 and 90 years.
If a child under 18 years of age needs to place an artificial pin instead of a molar, the dentist may suggest using a temporary implant and after a while placing a permanent one.
The implant may rupture inside the body
This is one of the most popular horror stories regarding breast implants. Allegedly, it may break, which is why a woman is prohibited from:
- fly on airplanes;
- exercise.
Modern third-generation implants, which are used at the GALAXY Beauty Institute, are capable of withstanding enormous loads. They will not tear even if a car drives over them. Accordingly, neither heavy training nor airplane flights can cause the implant to rupture.
Even if, theoretically, the shell was destroyed (for example, by a knife strike or other injury), the contents will remain inside it. Unlike older models, the gel has enough density and memory to allow it to stay in place. Of course, if damaged, the prosthesis is replaced.
Artificial breasts are unnatural in appearance and feel
Some people believe that implants make the bust look like two balloons, others are sure that dentures are easy to identify by touch because they are dense and cold.
In fact, externally enlarged breasts often look much better than real ones, especially if anatomical implants that have a teardrop shape are used. Using computer modeling, doctors at the GALAXY Beauty Institute select the size of the implants so that the shape of the new bust is in perfect harmony with the woman’s physique.
As for the unnatural sensations during palpation, in fact, only a doctor or a person who has repeatedly encountered such busts can identify the implant. The prosthesis heats up from body heat and has the same temperature as it. It is possible to feel its boundaries only in very thin women if the implant is located directly under the mammary gland.
Question 4: Is it possible to install several implants at once?
Yes, you can. But quantity plays a role. For example, surgeons place one or two artificial roots at a time.
It is always worth remembering that implantation is a surgical intervention and stress for the body. In order not to overload your health, the surgeon draws up an implantation calendar, where he clearly states the dates of operations. This will distribute the load on the body.
Note! There is no need to rush to insert all the missing teeth at the same time. Let this process be systematic. By waiting a few months, you will receive guarantees that the roots will take root reliably and withstand all the load that will fall on them.
Vertical and inclined installation
Most structures are installed this way. If several pins are installed simultaneously, the doctor must observe the principle of parallelism. In some cases, the material is screwed into the bone tissue at an angle of 45 degrees. This is indicated when the base thickness is insufficient or its density is low due to atrophy and inflammation.
Inclined placement allows for large areas of solids to be brought into contact with the implant surface. In addition, this way you can bypass atrophied areas, anatomical structures, and prevent possible plastic surgeries. However, not all models are suitable for carrying out such manipulations.
What determines the lifespan of artificial roots?
How many years a dental implant actually lasts is mainly influenced by two factors. The first is the quality of workmanship provided by the manufacturer. Companies with a proven reputation do not let their consumers down and actually produce designs that last at least 15-20 years. Responsible clinics work with such brands.
The second, no less important factor is the patient’s attitude towards his health. Namely:
- Compliance with all medical prescriptions and recommendations immediately after implantation and in the subsequent period.
- Quitting bad habits, especially smoking and alcohol abuse.
- Compliance with the rules of oral hygiene, regular professional cleaning procedures.
- Preventative visits to the dentist every six months.
Unfortunately, Russian and European patients from developed countries have different attitudes towards their health. Our compatriots follow the dentist’s recommendations less scrupulously, they can self-medicate, overload the implants and forget that these are, after all, artificial and not living roots.
Question 3: Is it possible to place an implant immediately after tooth extraction?
Yes, you can. This procedure is called one-stage implantation, when a titanium root is implanted immediately after the extraction of its tooth. But there is one important condition here - the patient must have enough volume of hard bone for the pin to be successfully implanted and take root. If there is a lack of bone tissue, then most likely the surgeon will offer a classic scheme with preliminary bone augmentation.
The presence of inflammation also plays a role. If an inflammatory process is diagnosed in the area of the tooth being removed, the soft tissues are first treated, and only then preparations are made for the implantation of a new tooth.
It is important
! By saving a few months or “turning a blind eye” to inflammation, all the work to restore teeth may come to naught. It is much better to wait until the skeletal system and soft tissues are ready to accept the foreign body (and the implant is a foreign body) so that the process is completed with 100% success.
