While breast augmentation procedures are relatively safe, like with all surgical procedures, there are some possible risks and complications that are possible. There are some variables that should be taken into consideration before getting breast implants. Let’s look at a quick breakdown of what exactly these variables are:
Are breast implants safe?
Yes, for the most part, breast implants are a commonly done procedure that is safe. However, if a person isn’t a good candidate for breast implants their surgeon will let them know during the initial consultation, ensuring the patient’s safety and best results possible.
Implant rupture considerations: Materials and Composition
Saline breast implants are made of a silicone outer shell that is filled with saline solution. Saline solution is sterile saltwater so if the implant were to rupture, the body would naturally absorb and dispose of the filler liquid.
Silicone breast implants are made of a silicone outer shell that is filled with silicone gel that feels more like natural breast tissue. If this implant were to rupture, the silicone gel could move out of the implant shell and into the body.
Form-stable implants, also commonly called “Gummy Bear” breast implants because they hold their shape even if ruptured like a gummy bear. These implants are similar to silicone implants but they are made to be thicker and firmer structured implants.
Both types of implants carry a risk of rupture. For silicone implants, leaks can go unnoticed (a “silent rupture”), so regular MRI or ultrasound monitoring may be recommended. Saline implants visibly deflate when ruptured, making it easier to detect.
Breast implants Surgery Risks and Possible Complications
Surgeons will complete many assessments and tests to assure that the patient is a good candidate for breast augmentation during the initial consultation and the days leading up to the procedure so it is unlikely that a surgeon will proceed with the procedure if there are any possibilities of risks or complications for the patient. This being said, there are circumstances where unforeseen risks and complications arise like changes in sensation in treated areas or ruptures. The FDA has a complete list of risks and complications that can arise from breast implants. If there are any complications (on this list or others) you feel that you might have a higher chance of occurring during or after a breast implant, talk to your surgeon before the procedure.
Key Concerns for Patients
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the complications patients could face after breast implant surgery. It is a condition where scar tissue forms around the implant and tightens, potentially causing discomfort, changes in shape, or requiring surgery to correct. The percentage of occurrence is low, and most women will not develop this condition after having breast implants. Although it is not very common, the risk exists, and it is essential to know about it.
Textured breast implants
Textured implants have been associated with a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Though the overall risk is very low, this condition is linked to specific textured implants only. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about BIA-ALCL and worked with manufacturers to recall certain textured implants, such as Allergan’s BIOCELL textured implants.
Our practice works with the best breast implant manufacturers on the market and operates under the highest safety standards. Our patients don’t need to worry about any complications of this kind after the procedure.
Pregnancy/ Children
Breast implants don’t have any effect on a woman’s fertility, the health of a baby, and doesn’t usually affect the ability to breastfeed. After various studies conducted over many years by multiple credible sources, it has been concluded that breast implants don’t have any impact on children nor pregnancies unless there are server underlying issues (which aren’t due to breast implant procedures). On the contrary, pregnancy and breastfeeding puts a strain on breast implants; possibly altering the results of a breast implant procedure.
Retouches and Breast Implant Exchange
Breast implants often have results that last 10-20 years but, only a few percentage of those who have breast implants have follow-up procedures to retouch their initial breast implant procedure results. Those that do usually have follow-up procedures to remove their implants because they simply don’t want them or have had a rupture in at least one implant. Retouches are a great way to keep breasts looking the way you want them to with factors like time, weight gain, and loss take a toll on the entire body.
Monitoring your breast implants
Breast implants aren’t meant to last forever and can deteriorate over time from constant activities/movement or just because it’s been a while since they were implanted. Regularly monitoring your implants and breasts overall is essential to having healthy breasts and ensuring your implants stay at their best. Contacting your surgeon if you notice any irregularities in the skin or breast tissue like bumps, tears, instant wrinkles/ ripples or any other unusual side effects is the best way to ensure your health and safety. Having regular mammograms, MRIs, and breast check-ups are healthy practices for those who have had breast implants and those who haven’t too.
Recovery
The full recovery process for a breast implant procedure can take a few weeks. Immediately after the procedure patients shouldn’t feel much pain but might experience some discomfort before they most likely go back to sleep to aid the recovery process, however, during the recovery process, patients usually feel a higher level of discomfort as their skin and tissues stretch to accommodate the new implant. A week of full rest is required, after which, patients are encouraged to be more active.
Eligibility
Most people are good candidates for breast implants as long and they’re in good health and have the financial and timely means to have the procedure. Those that aren’t good candidates for immediate breast implants are those who are breastfeeding (or plan to soon), have cancer, have an irregular mammogram(s), are sick, are recovering from another procedure or infection, or have heavily unrealistic/ unhealthy implant expectations.
Speak to A Surgeon Yourself
If you’d like to discuss any of these safety considerations or simply want to speak to a surgeon about what your breast implant procedure might look like, contact Avana Plastic Surgery to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly qualified and experienced surgeons!
