When to do a prosthesis revision?

How long does a prosthesis last?

There are different studies that have analyzed the risk of breakage. These studies have followed groups of women with breast implants who underwent magnetic resonance imaging to identify breaks. Although there are multiple studies with different results, we can conclude that seven years after the first intervention, between 5 and 11% of women with implants have a prosthetic break. This percentage increases over the years.

When should I do the review?

The international benchmark in this matter is the FDA (Food and Drugs Administration), which recommends the first revision three years after implantation and the following every two years. Most scientific societies of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery recommend following the FDA protocol. Regardless of whether we have followed those recommendations, we should never let more than ten years go by without conducting a review.

What does the review consist of?

The review consists of:

1. A visit with the expert breast plastic surgeon who will assess your medical history and the risks and symptoms that may have occurred.

2. An MRI in a computer prepared for this type of examinations.

3. An evaluation of the Resonance test by a radiologist expert in breast imaging.

4. An interview to discuss the results with the plastic surgeon.

Why is an MRI performed?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a harmless imaging test because it does not use radiation. It is especially sensitive to liquids, making it ideal for identifying the expansion of the filling of the prosthesis outside the implant area. Resonance is the most sensitive test for the identification of breaks, since it manages to identify 95% of the breaks, while ultrasound only does so in 59% of cases and mammography in 23%. However, the resonance offers 2% false positives; This means that in 2% of the cases it identifies that there is a break when in fact it does not exist. Therefore, in case of diagnosing a rupture by means of resonance, another complementary test may be useful if the plastic surgeon and the radiologist consider it appropriate.

How long does the review take?

Ideally, the review process, as we do in our Institute, is planned so that it does not take more than two hours for the patient. An assessment is made prior to the consultation at the center with the data provided through the telephone or email that allows us to schedule the necessary tests. On the day he visits the institute, there is a first consultation with the plastic surgeon for the initial examination and evaluation, and immediately, and the same center performs the MRI examination in a team prepared for breast examinations. In 24-48 hours we will contact you to comment on the results and if necessary, schedule a consultation.

What is the cost of the review?

The cost of the review in our Institute includes the initial assessment through email, consultation with the plastic surgeon, MRI tests, radiological reporting, and consultation of delivery of results and recommendations.