Understanding Breast Augmentations (Breast Enlargement)
Breast augmentations have been a source of some controversy in the past, namely regarding the risks of breast implants. Breast implants have a variety of risks associated with them, not the least of which is the risk of having one leak. Silicone-filled breast implants were removed from the market back in 1992 and were once again approved by the FDA in 2006. They were approved the second time because, after 15 years of research and scrutiny, findings proved that there was no clinical evidence that the leaking implants caused any long term health problems. They are thought to have a more realistic feel than saline implants, but in the case of a leaking implant, the silicone will still not be absorbed by the body, unlike the saline, which the body reabsorbs easily. In either case, if an implant becomes leaky, the casing of the implant would need to be removed and replaced.
Breast augmentations have their own risks, independent of the issues with the implants themselves. Surgery in the area comes with the risk of potentially damaging the sensory nerves in the area, changing the nipple or breast sensation. Infection, scarring, and pain are potential risks of any invasive surgery, as are anesthesia risks.
Both silicone and saline-filled breast implants pose risks. For the most part, the risks are very similar. These risks include breast pain, scar tissue that distorts the desired breast implant shape, implant leakage or rupture, which then results in need for additional breast surgery.
Silicone breast implants were taken off the market in 1992 because there was concern that rupture or leakage of the silicone material would cause health problems in women with breast augmentations. With more clinical studies and changes in the silicone breast implant technology, breast augmentations with silicone gel filled implants has been once again approved by the FDA, with certain restrictions.
Women who want simple breast augmentations, not reconstructions, must be at least 22 years of age to receive silicone implants. Patients who get these types of implants are recommended to get MRI scans of the area starting 3 years after their procedure, and every 5 years after that, so that rupture can be more easily detected. However, it is still widely thought that silicone breast implants have a better feel and general cosmetic result than saline filled implants, as saline implants may have wrinkling and similar problems.
Making decisions regarding breast augmentations and other types of breast cosmetic surgery can be confusing or even frightening. Dr. Emily Pollard of Pollard Plastic Surgery is happy to answer questions on this or other cosmetic surgery topics.
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