The moment medical staff removed a piece of silicone from a woman’s breast
Silicone breast implants are typically removed or replaced for various reasons, depending on individual circumstances. Common reasons for removing silicone breast implants include:
- Implant Rupture or Leakage: Over time, silicone implants may rupture or leak, necessitating removal. While the silicone gel is designed to stay within the capsule surrounding the implant, leakage can sometimes cause pain or changes in breast shape.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around the implant tightens, causing discomfort, pain, or a distorted appearance. In severe cases, the implant may need to be removed or replaced.
- Cosmetic Reasons: Some people opt to remove or replace their implants due to dissatisfaction with their appearance (e.g., size, shape, sagging, or shifting over time).
- Health Concerns or Complications: Issues such as breast implant illness (a collection of symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, etc.), infection, or autoimmune responses may prompt removal.
- Aging of Implants: Silicone implants typically last 10 to 20 years, but they are not lifetime devices. Many people choose to remove or replace them after this period to avoid complications.
- Desire to Remove Foreign Material: Some people decide to remove their implants because they no longer wish to have a foreign object in their body.
