The Lifespan of Breast Implants

If you are thinking about having breast implants, you may be curious about the process and whether or not they are right for you. Breast implants are great if you want to increase the size of your breasts, alter the shape, or if you want to reconstruct damage after surgery. But what are the dangers of breast implants and how long do they last?

There is a lot of misconception about when breast implants need to be replaced. Most commonly, people believe that breast implants need to be replaced every 10 years. While this is partly true, you may be interested to learn that breast implants technically don’t have an expiration date, as long as they do not rupture or cause discomfort.

However, breast implants are never guaranteed for a lifetime. Most will last between 10 and 20 years; however, it's ultimately down to the way your body reacts to the implants that results in them needing to be changed.

How Do I Know If My Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced?

In most cases, surgeons will recommend that you have your breast implants replaced every decade, as new breast implant problems after 10 years tend to be the most common. However, there are some circumstances in which you will need to have them replaced sooner.

If you experience any of the following, this is a sign that you need a breast implant replacement and you should seek medical advice as soon as you can:

• Rupturing of the breast implant
• Capsular contracture
• Silicone rupture
• Saline rupture
• Deflation
• Leakage

There are many different reasons that a breast implant can rupture. It can sometimes be hard to tell, but you may experience the following symptoms. Please be aware that not all people will experience these:

• Change in sensation
• Numbness
• Burning
• Tingling
• Swelling
• Uneven appearance
• Tenderness
• Pain in the breasts
• Decreased size
• Hard knots
• Position change
• Hardening
• Rippling
• Palpability

Tips For Increasing the Lifespan of Your Breast Implants

Many people choose to have a breast augmentation if they’re unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts, while others may have breast augmentation following an injury or illness that has caused their breasts to change appearance or need to be removed.

Complications tend to occur as a result of normal ageing of the implant or can be due to errors in the surgery process. Errors in surgery are very unlikely, but can sometimes happen. However, there are some things you can do to help reduce the risks causing damage to your breast implants, for instance:

• Leave enough time for your recovery period and make sure you don’t do any strenuous activity until you are fully fit and well (e.g. exercise or heavy lifting)
• Follow the instructions given by your surgeon and ask questions where necessary
• Choose a reputable plastic surgeon with a lot of experience and positive results. You can find out more about choosing a trustworthy surgeon here.
• Book MRI scans regularly to check for silicone ruptures

The Dangers of Breast Implant Surgery

Like all surgeries, breast augmentation is not without its risks. Here are some dangers of breast implants you should be aware of before deciding to go ahead with the surgery:

• Additional surgeries needed down the line
• Implant complications such as breast pain and a change in nipple sensation
• Rupture and deflation
• Capsular contracture which is scar tissue that forms around the implant and squeezes it
• Systemic symptoms
• Effects on children
• Problems with breastfeeding
• Breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma which is a type of cancer of the immune system
• Connective tissue disease
• Breast cancer
• Reproductive problems

 If you have experienced a problem following your breast augmentation surgery click here.

Talk to Us

We know how distressing it can be to have cosmetic surgery go wrong. That’s why our team of expert solicitors is on hand to help assist you with any questions you may have and to make a claim to seek the compensation you deserve following a botched surgery. Learn more about making a breast implant compensation claim here.

Contact us by calling 0808 252 0175, or fill in our online form to request a call back from our friendly team.

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.