Prostheses that have an expiration date, such as the oldest ones, should be changed between 10 and 25 years. Prosthetics that are made of cohesive gel usually do not need to be changed early, although a review every 10 years is needed. This review consists of performing only an MRI and blood tests to check for any infection.
In any case, the silicone prosthesis should be changed whenever it represents damages to the health of the individual, be they physical or emotional.
Why change silicone
Some silicone prostheses should be replaced because they are expired, broken or poorly positioned. Situations in which the prosthesis is producing wrinkles or folds in the skin can occur in prosthesis of great size, when they are placed in individuals with very thin skin and with little greasy tissue to give support to the skin.
The prosthesis will need to be replaced also if it suffers a rupture caused by automobile accidents, in case of perforation by "lost bullets" or accident in radical sport. In these situations even if it does not show visible damage, a magnetic resonance might show the problem.
Another situation in which the silicone prosthesis has to be changed is when the individual becomes fat or slims and the prosthesis is poorly located, due to the increase in sagging, in this case it may be necessary to perform a facelift associated with the placement of a new prosthesis .
What happens if I do not switch
If the silicone prosthesis is not changed within the recommended period, there may be a slight rupture and generate micro-leaks of the silicone which generates inflammations in neighboring tissues, it may be necessary to even scrape for removal of some of this tissue.
This infection when not properly treated can worsen and spread over a large area further compromising the health of the individual.
Where to exchange
The silicone prosthesis should be replaced in a hospital setting with a team of plastic surgeons. The doctor who first placed the prosthesis can perform the surgery, but it is not mandatory that you do so. Another knowledgeable plastic surgeon can remove the old prosthesis and put the new silicone prosthesis.
