Yes, facial implants can move in certain circumstances. Facial implants are made of solid materials such as silicone, and so they can’t be flexed or adjusted. However, in cases where the implant is placed too close to the skin or the underlying tissues, it can shift or migrate over time.
Additionally, the natural growing process of the underlying tissues can cause the implant to move position. Additionally, facial implants are typically secured with sutures which can stretch, fray, or break allowing the implant to move.
It’s important to note that facial implants don’t usually move a significant amount. However, when they do, it can affect the look of the face and the patient’s overall results from the implant. As such, it is important for any patient considering facial implants to work with an experienced surgeon who understands the risks and the potential for implant movement.
Is it normal for implants to move?
Yes, it is normal for implants to move. This is particularly common in the early stages after any breast implant procedure. As the body begins to heal, the implant may shift to a different position or move inward when the chest muscles are tightened.
Usually movement is minimal, though more significant shifts are possible, and typically happen within the first 3-4 months after a breast augmentation.
Typically, if the implants do shift, they settle back into a more natural position as the healing process continues. However, in some cases the movement persists or worsens, in which case additional surgical interventions may be necessary to correct.
Depending on the nature of the movements, targeted fat transfers and scar release incisions may be used to help push the implants back into better positions.
It is important to keep regular follow-up appointments during the early stages of recovery, as your surgeon will be able to identify and treat any major movements promptly to reduce discomfort and ensure the desired cosmetic results.
What causes breast implants to move?
Breast implants can move within the breast tissue due to various factors. One major factor that causes breast implants to move is the implant pocket being too large, meaning the breast implant may move around within the pocket, resulting in rippling, shifting, or other changes in the shape of the breast.
Other factors that can contribute to breast implant movement include surgical technique, weight gain or loss, physical activity, and the type of implant material used (e. g. silicone or saline). Even if your breast implants are placed properly and securely, it is possible for them to move over time, particularly if you gain or lose significant amounts of weight.
It is important for anyone with breast implants to follow up regularly with their doctor to check for any shifts or changes.
What does it mean when your implant moves?
When an implant has moved, it means that it has shifted its position within the body. This can happen due to a number of factors, such as not following post-operative instructions, trauma to the area around the implant, excessive overloading of the implant (especially during physical activity) infections, excessive movement during sleep, and incorrect placement of the implant during the initial surgery.
Depending on the type of implant and where it is placed, this type of shifting can interfere with the functioning of the implant and the surrounding area and can lead to additional pain. It is important to notify your doctor if your implant moves so that they can determine the cause, rectify the problem, and make sure the implant is functioning correctly.
How do you know if your implant moves?
If your implant moves, it is important to contact your surgeon as soon as possible. Signs that your implant may be shifting in your body include noticing changes in your skin such as dimpling, puckering, redness or swelling, or changes in the breast’s shape, size or position.
In some cases, you may want to examine your implants for signs of shifting; lie down facing up and press gently down on the implant to see if it moves. Additionally, you may experience pain in the breast area, as movement of a breast implant can also cause discomfort.
The only way to truly know if your implant has shifted is to schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon. During the appointment, your surgeon may need to perform physical examinations and imaging studies to confirm if your implant has moved.
If it has shifted, the implant may need to be repositioned.
Why does one implant move more than the other?
Potential causes of implant malposition or motion include implant size and shape, submuscular pocket formation, quality of the pocket, history of prior breast surgery, amount of postoperative swelling, capsular contracture, and patient activity levels.
Implant size and shape is one potential factor: if two different sized implants are used, one implant may move more than the other. Furthermore, textured implants are less prone to lateral displacement and rotation and can therefore remain more stable than smooth implants, so if one implant is textured and one is smooth, there may be a difference between the two.
Submuscular pocket formation is also an important factor; the creation of an even and stable pocket is essential for keeping the implant in place and preventing excessive movement. If a pocket is created unevenly, this can lead to asymmetrical movement and displacement of the implant.
In addition, if the patient has a history of prior breast surgeries, this can increase their risk of implant motion. For example, if the patient has had a breast reduction or mastopexy, the pockets may be more prone to malpositioning or displacement regardless of the surgical technique used.
The amount of postoperative swelling after the surgery can also be a factor: more postoperative swelling at the area can make the pocket less stable, potentially resulting in more movement of the implant.
Capsular contracture, or the body’s response to a foreign object such as an implant, is another possible cause of implant motion. If a patient has a capsule surrounding the implant that is too tight due to the contracture, this can cause the implant to move or rotate more than the other one if the capsule is not constricting them evenly.
Finally, different levels of patient activity can be a factor in the amount of implant motion. If the implant pockets are too loose, the implants may move more when a patient is more active, such as when they go jogging or exercising.
Why is my dental implant moving in my pocket?
If your dental implant is moving in your pocket, it is likely due to poor osseointegration. This is a process in which the implant bonds to the surrounding bone and becomes a support structure for the implant.
Poor osseointegration can occur when the implant is placed in the wrong place, when the jawbone is not dense enough, or when proper aftercare is not followed. If you notice your implant moving in your pocket, you should seek care from your dentist immediately.
Your dentist will be able to diagnose the problem and provide a treatment plan that may include more frequent cleaning and maintenance of the implant, a minor surgery to reprint the implant in the jaw, or in some cases, removing the implant altogether.
Can a dentist fix a loose implant?
Yes, a dentist can typically fix a loose implant. The most common procedure for fixing a loose implant is a process called “re-torquing”. Here, the implant is subjected to a rotational force, or a tightening of a screw, to provide a secure fit back in place.
Depending on the kind of implant and the state of the implant, a more invase procedure may be required. This may include replacing the implant, conducting grafting surgery, or using a dental crown. In any case, it is best to consult a dentist right away.
With timely attention, the implant can be saved and there is little chance of any damage to the surrounding bone or teeth.
When should I be worried about my implant?
It is important to be aware of signs and symptoms that could indicate a problem with your implant. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your implant surgeon or primary care physician right away:
• Irritation, redness, swelling or discharge at the incision site
• Significant pain, or pain that persists or worsens
• Unexplained fever
• Unusual lumps, tenderness, or hardening at the incision site
• Any changes in the implant’s position or shape
• Lack of sensation in the area around the implant
• Unusual changes in your breasts such as dimpling, puckering, or symmetrical changes
• A visible ripple or bulge beneath or around your implants
• A persistent or increasing pain on one side, similar to a muscle strain or migraine
• Flu-like symptoms or feeling off
It is also important to keep up with your follow-up appointments with your surgeon and attend any recommended mammograms or MRI’s. This can help to detect any issues early and give you peace of mind.
Can a loose implant be tightened?
Yes, in some cases a loose implant can be tightened. Depending on the type of implant and the nature of the original surgery, the patient may be able to have an additional procedure done to secure the implant in place.
This may involve creating a new incision to access the implant and then manipulating the implant to secure it within the existing pocket or creating a new pocket. Tightening a loose implant may require the use of sutures, screws, or other medical devices.
The patient should consult their plastic surgeon to discuss their options and determine if the implant can be tightened.
How do cheek implants stay in place?
Cheek implants are designed to stay firmly in place once inserted in the face. They are usually made of firm and sturdy biomaterials, such as silicone or Gore-tex. During the procedure, the implants are placed behind the cheekbone, typically at the base of the eye and at the top of the cheekbone.
The implants are held in place by pocketing them underneath the underlying muscle and tissue.
The pocket is created by making strategic incisions beneath the cheekbone. The implant is then placed into the pocket and sutured in place. This anchors the implants and prevents them from moving. The scarring from the incision is hidden in natural grooves and creases in the face, lessening the chance of visibility.
Using this method ensures that the implants stay firmly in place, although the body may take some time to adjust to the presence of the foreign object. After the body becomes accustomed to the implant, it should remain in place without issue.
What are the problems with cheek implants?
Cheek implants, also known as malar augmentation, can be a great way to achieve more youthful, prominent facial features. However, like all cosmetic procedures, there are potential risks and complications associated with cheek implants that patients should be aware of before they undergo the procedure.
The main risks associated with cheek implants include an infection at the implant site, the implant moving, or shifting, and nerve damage. If bacteria manages to enter the surgical wound, it can increase the risk of infection and the implant being rejected.
If the implant shifts, it can give the patient an asymmetrical or disproportionate look. Lastly, nerve damage or sensory changes may lead to numbness or a loss of sensation in the implant area.
Additionally, there may be a risk of facial trauma if the implant is struck or pressed. This could cause the implant to break and create further injury. Furthermore, the natural shape of the face can be altered with the addition of a cheek implant impacting facial expressions and making them appear forced or unnatural.
Additionally, unfavorable results may still even occur with an experienced and skilled provider.
Overall, cheek implants can be successful and can give a person the look they desire; however, there are still potential risks associated with the procedure that patients should take into consideration.
It is important to discuss these risks with a competent aesthetic provider before undergoing a cheek implant procedure.
How long does it take for a chin implant to settle?
A chin implant typically takes about six weeks to settle in place. This is because the implant needs time to bond to the surrounding tissue, and for the underlying muscles to adapt to the new shape of the chin.
During this time, there may be some swelling and bruising which can make the chin look bigger or distorted. This is nothing to worry about and will resolve within a few weeks. Even after the swelling has gone down, it may take another few weeks for the chin implant to settle into the desired shape.
In some cases, you may need to have a second procedure to adjust the implant to the desired shape. In any case, you should discuss your recovery timeline with your surgeon and keep in mind that it can take up to six weeks for the implant to settle in place.
Does chin implant feel hard?
Chin implants can feel hard depending on the type of implant used and how it is inserted. Traditional silicone chin implants are known to feel a little harder than other materials. However, some newer implants made of more pliable, malleable materials, such as Natrelle® INSPIRA® Soft Touch Chin Implants, are designed to provide a more natural look and feel while still offering the desired chin enhancement.
As with any surgical implants, it is important to thoroughly discuss implant materials, placement and other factors with your surgeon to ensure you understand what to expect. Your surgeon should be able to provide details about the implant materials and types of chin implants before the procedure, as well as provide you with information about what to expect after surgery.
How durable is a chin implant?
Chin implants are generally a very durable option for reshaping the face. They are made with a medical grade silicone that is designed to last for many years. In most cases, they remain in good condition without any issues or complications.
The implant may shift slightly over time, but can be adjusted to retain a desired shape and fit.
Some people may experience mild infections, acute inflammatory reactions, or even pain and discomfort after the surgery, but these side effects typically resolve with management and proper post-surgical care.
In general, chin implants are highly durable and should remain in good condition for many years after the procedure. However, it is important to follow the post-operative instructions of your surgeon and maintain regular checkups to ensure the health and stability of the procedure.