- - - Hilton Becker, MD, F.A.C.S, F.R.C.S -

BREAST IMPLANT COMPLICATIONS

Dr. Hilton Becker is a recognized expert on Breast Implants. He has developed several adjustable breast implants and published numerous articles and book chapters on breast implant complications and how to treat them.

Unfortunately due to the FDA moratorium on silicon breast implants, women seeking breast enlargements were only able to have saline implants. Although results with saline implants are generally good, the complications seen with saline implants may include:

Rippling and thinning of the tissues
Excessive sagging – if saline implants where placed above the muscle
Distortion and excessive muscle movement if they were placed beneath the muscle
Stretching of the areola

Fortunately, now that Silicone Gel Implants have been approved by the FDA, they offer a viable solution to many of the problems that were caused by saline implants.

“Our patients who have had problems with saline implants are delighted by the feel and shape of the new gel implants. By replacing gel implants above the muscle, abnormal movement is eliminated and a more natural shape and feel is restored.”

Treatment of Breast Implant Complications

Complications following saline breast implant surgery are often related to the physical characteristics of saline verses that of breast tissue. Saline is heavier than breast tissue, and when confined to a flexible silicone bag it has more of a tendency to ripple, compared to a silicone gel implant. Saline implants therefore have a greater tendency to become ptotic (sag), especially when placed above the muscle.

Capsular contraction is a result of the body’s reaction to the implant, this results in tightening of the tissues around the implant.

Dissatisfaction with size, symmetry and shape may only manifest several months after surgery.

The treatment of these complications is often difficult and complex.

The availability of the New Cohesive Gel (MemoryGel – Gummy bear) implants and the adjustable breast implants provide new options that are highly successful in treating these complications.


Patient with excessive sagging following saline implants placed above the muscle1		Result following subareolar mastopexy and silicone gel replacement


Before		Final


Saline implants under the muscle		Contracture caused distortion


Following replacement with silicone gel implants placed in the subfascial plane		Following replacement contracture is no longer visable






Before		After implant rem oval and mastopexy


Before


This patient had aprior mastopexy andsaline implants placed behind the muscle 1		Before revisional surgery2


Adjustable implant placed above the muscle to stretch the skin3		Expansion of the lower pole of the breast taking place4


Following replacement with silicone gel implants		Following replacement with silicone gel implants