Breast Implant Myth Busters!
Tuesday, September 28th, 2010, 11:39 pmMyth: Breast implants are dangerous
Fact: Decades of extensive implant studies and research have lead breast implants to be the most studied medical device existing. In November of 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved silicone gel breast implants. The new silicone gel implants consist of a cohesive gelatin-like substance that acts more like a solid rather than a liquid. Evidence has confirmed that silicone and saline breast implants do not cause any disease or cancer. In addition, the new silicone gel implants have been recognized as being equally harmless when compared to saline implants.
Myth: Breast implants rupture easily
Fact: Breast implants are tested rigorously to ensure their standing of high integrity. Currently, manufacturers perform a pressure test for the implants that presses them between two metal plates at a rate of 200 compressions per minute. This amount of pressure is greater than anything you will experience in your daily life. While the likelihood of an implant to rupture sometime during its life span is true, it can depend on a range of factors. On average, implants have been known to last between 10 and 20 years before they naturally "wear out."
Myth: Breast implants need to be exchanged after 5-10 years
Fact: There is no precise measurement for predicting the longevity of breast implants. It is recommended by the FDA to have your implants exchanged if you have a rupture. If you are not experiencing any issues with your implants, it is not a medical requirement to undergo breast implant replacement surgery after a specific period of time. Some patients elect to undergo breast implant exchange surgery for various reasons, while some implants can remain intact and last a lifetime.
To learn more about breast implant exchange surgery, read our blog on Understanding Plastic Surgery: What is Implant Exchange.
Tags: Alexander MD, breast augmentation, breast implant exchange, breast implant removal and exchange, breast implant revision surgery, FDA and breast implants, implant exchange, Implant rupture, plastic surgery, prevention of breast cancer, saline implants, silicone implants, understanding plastic surgery
Category: Plastic Surgery Myths