Thinking of getting breast implants for augmentation
or reconstruction?
They are regulated medical devices, require surgery,
and have benefits and risks.
No matter what kind of breast implants you're
considering - including those filled with saline
or silicone or those that have a smooth or textured
surface - here are seven key things you should
know.
Number 1.
Breast implants are not lifetime devices.
That means they may have to be removed or replaced
at some point.
The longer you have breast implants, the more likely
you are to have complications.
These complications may require implant
replacement or removal.
You should not expect to have just one surgery.
And it is difficult to predict when you could
need another surgery.
While some people do not require reoperation, this
can vary from patient to patient.
Number 2.
Get information about your surgeon's experience
before scheduling surgery.
Talk with your surgeon about what will happen
during and after the surgery, including how the
implants will be inserted - either under the breast
tissue or under the chest muscle; their size and
type; and any other medical devices that will
be used.
And before surgery, ask how implants may affect
your life.
Number 3.
Understand the general risks of breast implants.
Risks include: more surgeries, including to
correct problems, with or without the implant being
taken out or replaced.
Even if you have complications, the cost
may not be covered by insurance; capsular
contracture, which happens when the scar tissue that
forms around the breast implant squeezes the
implant.
This can result in a change in the shape of
your breast; breast pain; changes in nipple and
breast sensation, like a loss of feeling or change
in sensitivity; rupture, a tear or hole in the shell
of the breast implant.
With saline implants, the implants can collapse if
fluid leaks out.
With silicone gel-filled implants, rupture can
happen without symptoms called "silent ruptures."
However, occasionally patients may notice a
change in the appearance or sensitivity of the
breast.
Sometimes after a rupture, the gel may move to other
distant areas around the body.
It may be difficult to remove silicone gel after
a rupture.
Number 4.
Review the product labeling carefully so you
know what to expect.
Consider asking your surgeon to discuss the
product labeling with you, including warnings and
precautions.
In fact, the FDA advises that surgeons give
patients the full labeling which contains information
from manufacturers.
Take time to completely read and understand the
labeling before making a decision about breast
implants.
Number 5.
Know the long-term risks of breast implants.
People with breast implants have a risk of
developing a type of cancer called breast
implant-associated anaplastic large cell
lymphoma.
Called BIA-ALCL for short, this cancer is different
than breast cancer.
It occurs in the fluid or scar tissue surrounding
the implant but can spread throughout the body.
Although treatable, there is a risk of death for
patients diagnosed with this type of cancer.
BIA-ALCL appears to occur more frequently in people
with textured-surfaced implants than
smooth-surfaced implants.
But there are reports of patients who have
smooth-surfaced implants at the time of diagnosis.
However, many reports don't identify the kind of
surface at all.
Also, some people with implants reported health
issues like fatigue, brain fog, muscle or joint pain,
rash, trouble breastfeeding, or
reproductive problems.
Some patients use the term "breast implant illness"
to describe these issues, and others report their
symptoms have improved when implants are removed.
Please talk with your surgeon or health care
provider if you have questions or concerns.
Number 6.
Ask your surgeon how to check and monitor your
implants.
After having breast implant surgery, it's
important to ask how to look out for problems like
infection, pain, swelling, or any change in shape and
appearance.
People with silicone gel-filled implants will
need imaging tests like an MRI or an ultrasound to
regularly check to detect ruptures, as a rupture is
not easily detected by a physical examination in
silicone gel-filled implants.
These imaging tests may not be covered by
insurance.
Also, ask when to get routine mammography
screening for breast cancer, which is different
than screening for BIA-ALCL.
People with implants should still follow
mammography guidelines and be aware that mammography
with implants can require extra time and extra
steps.
Number 7.
Promptly report any unusual signs or symptoms
to your surgeon or health care provider.
This video covers a lot of information, but it
doesn't cover everything.
Click the link in the description box to learn
more and remember to ask questions and discuss any
concerns with your surgeon or health care provider.
Thanks for watching - and please share.