Breast implants can be used to make a woman’s breasts larger and fuller. This type of plastic surgery can be undertaken for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons, including following a mastectomy. This article explains the two types of breast implants that are available, risks involved, and any potential consequences.
Types of Breast Implants
A silicone shell surrounds both saline and silicone breast implants. The difference is in their consistency and filler content. Each type of breast implant is described in detail below.
Saline Breast Implants
The sterile salt water is used to fill saline implants. They’re placed in the body unfilled, and then injected with salt water once they’re in. Women over the age of 18 are eligible for saline breast implants. However, for breast reconstruction, these implants can be for all adult women.
Silicone Breast Implants
Silicone implants contain silicone gel. The gel is a viscous, gooey fluid that strongly resembles human fat in texture. The majority of women think silicone breast implants resemble real breast tissue in appearance and feel. Women that are at least 22 years old can get silicone breast implants. Similar to saline breast implants, these breast implants can also be inserted in any woman, when breast reconstruction is needed.
What are the possible side effects of breast implants?
Breast implants made of saline or silicone have similar risks, such as:
- infection
- pain in the breast
- rupture or leakage of the breast implant
- temporary change in breast sensation
- temporary change in nipple
- shape of breast implant changes due to scar tissue
Any of these issues could necessitate additional surgeries, either to extract or substitute the implants. Furthermore, specific breast implants carry a modest risk of developing cancer.
The most dangerous implants appear to be those with rugged silicone along with polyurethane outer shells. Although it isn’t cancer of the breast, it arises in the breast tissue. Fortunately, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery can all be used to treat it.
Are Breast Implants Currently Monitored?
Breast augmentation surgery as well as reconstruction with both implants are deemed safe. Both kinds of implants are still being studied for their safety and efficacy.
What should I think about prior to getting breast implants?
If you’re considering breast augmentation, it’s critical that you are knowledgeable about what breast implants entail. You should also keep the following in mind:
- Breast implants will not make your breasts less saggy. A breast lift may be required along with a breast augmentation to treat sagging breasts. This operation can be completed simultaneously or at a later date.
- Breast implants do not have a lifetime guarantee. It’s possible that the implant will rupture. Within ten years, up to 20% of those who receive breast implants will more than likely need to have them removed.
- Your breasts will alter following augmentation. Some conditions, including change in weight, may cause your breasts to modify even more. Any of these problems could necessitate subsequent surgery.
- Mammograms may be much more difficult. Standard mammograms will necessitate specialist images, if you have breast implants. Inform the radiologist of your breast implants at the time of your mammograms.
- Breast implants may make it difficult to breastfeed. Some can breastfeed effectively following a breast implant, while others are unable to do so.
- Breast implants may not be covered by insurance. It is covered if it is medically essential. Be ready to cover any additional costs associated with breast augmentation, such as related procedures or subsequent imaging studies.
Following the removal of your breast implants, you may require additional surgery. If they are removed, you may require a breast lift or more surgery to improve the appearance of your breasts.