If you’re considering getting breast implants — whether it’s breast enlargement or reconstruction after a mastectomy — you may find that there is an overwhelming amount of information out there. Knowing your options and the facts about implants can help you through the process.
Plastic Surgeons Graham Schwarz, MD shares some facts and tips about breast implants that can help you sort through all the information.
7 facts about breast implants
Before diving into the facts about breast implants, it’s important to understand why women want to have breast revision surgery. It can be due to any of the following reasons:
- Desire to change their breast size.
- Pain from contraction of the capsule.
- Concern about rupture or migration of an existing implant.
- Changing from saline to silicone or a different implant style.
Your reasoning behind wanting breast implants may now be guided by the following facts:
1. Silicone and saline implants are both safe
Despite earlier concerns, extensive research has shown that silicone implants are just as safe as saline implants.
It is important to point out that although the safety of implants has been proven, the risk of developing lymphoma associated with breast implant (BIA-ALCL) exists and is very low and associated with textured implant surfaces. We recommend choosing smooth surface implants.
2. You can keep your implants for a long time
There is no expiration date on your breast implants, but they are not considered lifetime devices.
“There is no compelling medical reason to routinely replace an intact implant every 10 years,” says Dr. Schwarz. “More than 80% of women have no problem with the implant rupturing at this point.”
“If your implant is filled with silicone, it’s recommended that you get an MRI scan every few years to make sure it’s intact,” he says. “If there is rupture or leakage, then the implant should be removed or replaced.”
Because manufacturers design silicone gel to stay in place after the implant ruptures, chances are you might not notice if there’s a problem, Dr. Schwarz explains. The Food & Drug Administration recommends medical imaging to check the integrity of the implant starting at five years and every two years thereafter.
If yours breaks, a replacement is recommended. If your implant leaks saline, your breast size will decrease. So you can choose to replace it for cosmetic purposes.
3. You may need additional surgery
Over time, life changes could mean you need additional breast surgeries. As you grow older, your anatomy changes. If you have children, your size and shape could change and your implant could move.
Some women may develop thicker scar tissue that begins to wrap around the implants. In these cases, you may need surgery for replacement or revision.
4. You can breastfeed with implants
Having breast implants does not take away your ability to breastfeed. Women may or may not be able to breastfeed successfully depending on many factors, but there is no evidence that breastfeeding is unsafe for you or your baby. Women who have a mastectomy and breast implant reconstruction cannot breastfeed because the milk ducts in the breast tissue are removed.
5. Size options are sometimes limited
Your implants can’t always be as big as you want them to be. The size of your chest, as well as the thickness and elasticity of your skin, also play a role. The more loose your skin is, the greater your ability to stretch and accommodate larger implants without stretching.
Keep in mind, however, that larger implants often require revision surgeries in the future.
6. Working with a board certified surgeon is best
Although some cosmetic surgeons without formal plastic surgery training offer breast implant procedures, it is best to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
They have extensive, rigorous training and are peer-reviewed. They are experienced in all aspects of surgery, including breast implant removal. And, they are trained to handle any complications, however rare, that may arise.
A complication after surgery is what some women describe as having fatigue, brain fog, muscle and joint pain, and even a rash, referred to as “breast implant disease.” Your board-certified surgeon will evaluate your condition to determine if removal is the best course of action.
7. A picture can help you describe what you want
If you want to achieve a certain look with implants, it is helpful to bring a photo that illustrates your goal when you consult with your surgeon. You may not get the exact result you want, but it is a useful starting point in the process for the surgeon to see what you are hoping for.
Whatever your breast implant desires are, consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
