Are Breast Implants Safe?
Breast augmentation has been performed globally on millions of patients. Although it is a very common procedure, every prospective patient should ask themselves whether the procedure they are about to undergo is safe. When it comes to breast implants in the U.S. you have two choices between implant material, saline and silicone. Both implants have been under extensive scientific testing concluding that there is no evidence that saline or the cohesive silicone gel implants cause any significant medical issues. Saline and silicone implants are FDA approved and available on the market to be used for breast enhancement surgery.
Similar to all medical devices, breast implants may develop a weak spot susceptible to implant deflation or rupture. It is important to know how they affect your body or what precautions you need to take to minimize risks. It is easier to detect an implant deflation in a saline implant verses a silicone implant because patients tend to notice changes in breast volume. At the time of a saline deflation, the harmless salt water is transferred from the implant to your body and is absorbed making it easy to notice a size difference. As for the silicone implant, the cohesive consistency holds together maintaining the same size and shape even when there is a small tear in the outer implant shell. Patients are advised by the FDA to obtain MRI screenings every 2 years beginning 3 years after breast augmentation to detect if there is an implant rupture and minimize any possible safety risk of silicone breast implants.
Selecting breast implant material is only one of the many decisions you and your surgeon will discuss. There are risks with any surgery and specific techniques, incisions, placement, and size for you to understand prior to surgery. Seeking the advice of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is highly recommended as you will find their approach will be safety and patient focused.
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