Breast Implants RiskPlastic surgery has become an increasingly acceptable procedure that captures the
attention of a wide range of women. From suburban housewives to the most popular actresses on the silver screen,
one of the top image and body enhancements performed deals with obtaining breast implants. When it comes to
implants, there are two main types of filler to consider: saline and silicone gel. It is the latter that has gained
a wealth of controversy, as numerous health concerns have arisen from an array of supposed complications associated
with the silicone material.
Throughout the years and as early as the 1990s, an assortment of government agencies decided to examine the link
between silicone gel breast implants and the development of systemic diseases. Although a number of reviews have
concluded that there is no clear connection between systemic illness and the insertion of silicone breast implants,
thousands of women still believe that they have suffered sickness as a result of their implants, including
neurological and rheumatological health concerns.
When taking a look at silicone breast implants, you will find that a series of complications may arise once they
are inserted. Post-operative bleeding (also known as hematoma), fluid collections, skin infections, breast pain,
loss of feeling in the nipples, wrinkling, and the thinning of the breast tissue may occur. But, all of the above
possible results may take place regardless if the implant is made from saline or silicone.
Another concern is the fear of a ruptured implant. Since breast implants are not made to last a lifetime, the
threat of deflated or ruptured implants is a possibility. When saline breast implants break, they tend to rapidly
deflate and are easily removable. When silicone breast implants rupture, the contents leak outside of its capsule
and makes contact with the body. This is the primary concern of women, who have reacted to the leakage with
enlarged lymph glands in the armpit area. The clearly defined risks associated with a ruptured silicone gel implant
are still under a cloud of controversial. Some claim it is quite unhealthy, hard-to-remove, and dangerous, while
others contend there are no health effects.
Over the years, many studies and clinical trials have taken place in an effort to establish some sort of
precautionary guidelines to attach to silicone gel breast implants. To date, an important study by the National
Cancer Institute (NCI) has surfaced, which helped quell any fears regarding the material used in the implants. NCI
published results, which found no conclusive evidence linking silicone breast implants to connective tissue
disorders or more importantly, to the increased chances of developing breast cancer. Despite this promising news,
there still remain many, who are skeptical regarding the health aspects attached to this particular type of breast
enhancement.
Key Points to Consider for Undergoing Breast Augmentation, Reconstruction, or Revision
Key points to consider whether you are undergoing breast augmentation, reconstruction, or
revision[1]:
- Breast implants will not last a lifetime. Either because of rupture or other complications, you will likely
need to have the implants removed.
- You are likely to need additional doctor visits and reoperations because of one or more complications over
the course of your life.
- You are likely to have the implants removed, with or without replacement, because of one or more
complications over the course of your life.
- Many of the changes to your breast following implantation may be cosmetically undesirable, as well as
irreversible (cannot be undone).
- If you later choose to have your implants removed, you may experience unacceptable dimpling, puckering,
wrinkling, loss of breast tissue, or other undesirable cosmetic changes of the breast.
If you are concerned about your health, you may want to consider natural breast
enhancements instead. More and more women are becoming increasingly interested in finding new ways to improve
their appearance without surgery through the many different natural breast enhancement options. Some of the options
include breast enhancement pills, creams, lotions,
massage and even hypnosis. Needless to say, this is definitely a safer option than going through a surgery.
REFERENCES:
(1) FDA Breast Implant Consumer Handbook – 2004 - LOCAL COMPLICATIONS & REOPERATIONS
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