Since the PIP scandal it may feel like considering a breast augmentation is a no-go area. But the demand for bigger breasts is still there and if you’re interested in an operation then you have to ask ‘Are breast implants safe?’
Now more than ever, we should be talking about what makes breast augmentation safe and what implants you should be looking for.
After all – it will take more than the PIP scandal to stop women wanting to change their shape.
That’s why we’ve spoken to Cosmetic Surgery Expert Antonia Mariconda to answer the question; Are breast implants safe?
From explaining the PIP scandal, to choosing the right implants, to breast augmentation maintenance, Antonia covers it all.
The FDA decided that breast implants are “reasonably safe” for most women for the three years that were studied, but unfortunately saline implants were not studied for long-term safety.
“Reasonably safe” does not mean safe for everyone. The FDA found that most implant patients have at least one serious complication within three years after getting their silicone or saline implants.
Breast pain, breast hardness, and numbness in the nipple are common complications that may last for years, and may never go away.
Many breast augmentation patients need additional surgery within 5 years of getting breast implants. Within 10-12 years, most women will need at least one additional surgery.
It is unpredictable how long an implant will last. Some implants break within a few days, weeks, or months, while others last for many years.
Like most new products, most implants seem fine for the first few years. Think of implants as being as reliable as a car – problems can happen anytime, but the older they get, the more problems you are likely to have.
The FDA found that by the time a woman has implants for 10 years, at least one of them has broken. However, it is not always obvious.
All breast implants have the same basic design. Implants are made up of a silicone envelope, with a filling of some kind–usually either saline or silicone gel.
Because of this design, all breast implants can develop a tear or hole and leak their contents. Whether the hole or tear is large or small, it’s called a rupture.
Ruptures can happen simply as implants age, or because of a blow to the chest, such as in a car accident, or a bad fall.
Tears or holes can be caused by a defective envelope, by a nick from a needle during a biopsy, or even when the surgeon is closing the incision in your chest after putting the implants inside you.
If you decide to get breast implants put in or taken out, make sure you only use a specialist plastic surgeon.
If your doctor shows photographs of patients, ask if they were his or her own patients. Ask to see photographs of how they looked a few years later.
If your doctor tells you that breast implants are proven safe, ask for a copy of any report that studied women with implants for at least 10 years.
Ask your doctor for written information about the risks of breast implants and read that information at least one week before surgery, so you have time to ask questions or gather more information.
Any woman who considers silicone gel implants should ask for the informed consent form at least one week before surgery.
If your doctor says all of his or her patients are happy with their results, ask to speak to patients who have had implants for at least 7-10 years.
Plastic Surgeon Stephen Hamilton adds: “If patients, in light of the recent PIP scandal, are taking additional time in order to thoroughly research their surgery and choice of provider, familiarising themselves with the procedure, risks and aftercare before undergoing any treatment, this can only be a good thing.
“The decision to undergo aesthetic plastic surgery is never one that should be made lightly.”
“What occurred with PIP was fraud on a grand scale. “It is very unlikely a PIP scenario will happen again however one can never legislate for individuals; if you as a patient want reassurance about the breast implants your surgeon is using, ask him or her about their choice of breast implants”.
Nigel Mercer – Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon & Past President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons in 2008
“The evidence collected over many years from around the World is that breast implants are safe in terms of cancer risk and autoimmune problems, but any operation carries short, medium and long risks and any implant will weaken with time and will not necessarily last a lifetime.
“Ensure you ask the surgeon the right questions about why they use the implant they are recommending for you.”
Chris Brotherston- Regulatory Compliance Manager – Nagor
As far as Breast Implant manufacturers are concerned; I would advise that breast implant safety is assured by designing and manufacturing the implants in accordance with current international breast implants standards and regulations (including the use of appropriate materials) including post marketing surveillance systems.
“Through appropriate design, clinical assessment and post-market scrutiny there is an assurance that breast implants perform as intended.”
JJ Staiano – Consultant Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon
“Many of the problems seen with PIP implants, such as shell rupture and silicone leakage causing lumps in the breast and the armpit, are not seen with the high quality implants used by most plastic surgeons.
“However, breast augmentation is still an operative procedure and should not be undertaken lightly. It is important to have a full and frank discussion with a fully trained plastic surgeon to discuss all of the risks and the benefits so that you can come to an informed decision whether it is right for you.”
