Breast implants are artificial structures that are used to enlarge or reconstruct breasts. They are also used to make both the breasts equal in size when they are not balanced in size or shape due to a disease or defect. Women who have lost their breasts due to breast cancer are frequently undergoing surgeries to build new breasts with the help of breast implant in Pakistan.
Types of breast implants
Two major categories of implants are:
Silicone implants: they were used in 60% of all breast augmentation surgeries performed in America in 2010. They are filled with thick silicone gel, mimic the feel of human fat and are placed pre-filled. Such implants give natural feel and appearance and usually are available for breast augmentation in women who are above 22.
Saline implants: they are filled with sterile saline solution or salt water. They are placed empty and are filled afterwards. Usually saline implants are trusted for breast augmentation in women who are above 18.
Risks associated with implants
- Hardening of implant due to scar tissue
- Shifting of implant from its actual place
- Rupture or leakage from the implant
- Temporary change in sensation in an area of the breast
- Infection
- Bleeding
Safety issues with breast implants
Silicone and saline implants are considered safe for breast enlargement and breast reconstruction. However, researchers are still working to come up with their continued safety and effectiveness.
Things to consider before deciding for the implants
Following are some important points that you will find helpful in making your decision regarding surgery.
- Breast implants do not prevent breasts form sagging.
- They do not stay life-long and chances of complications increase as they get old.
- They may create problem in mammogram and will require specialized views.
- They may break if inexperienced technicians perform mammogram.
- It is recommended that you must have routine MRI scan after every 2 years to monitor silicone breast implant. Routine MRI scans may lead (lead or avoid?) to unnecessary surgery.
- They may or may not create difficulty in breastfeeding.
- A leaking implant may harm your baby if you are breastfeeding.
If a breast implant ruptures!
- An MRI scan detects the rupture of an implant.
- If a silicone implant ruptures, its gel gets trapped in fibrous tissues. You may not notice its rupture perhaps for long. It is called a silent rupture. The rupture may cause pain and change in shape of the breast. However, the gel does not cause systematic or long term diseases. You can opt for a surgery for the removal of silicone shell and another implant can be placed at the same time if you wish.
- If a saline implant ruptures, it alters the shape and form of the area and deflate. The salt solution is not harmful for health and is absorbed by the body. However, you will need a surgery to remove the silicone shell. In case you want a new implant, it can be placed at the same time.
You must choose a breast augmentation or reconstruction only with the consultation of a board certified plastic surgeon. Ask the surgeon about anything that tickles your mind and weigh the benefits of the surgery against its risks. It is a matter of the quality of your life so make an informed decision. Feel free in dropping your queries through free online consultation for they are answered by a board certified plastic surgeon.