Are Breast Implants Safe? — The Truth According to Experts

Should you get breast implants? Are these medical devices safe? Will they cause health concerns in the future? — These are some of the many questions women ask themselves before deciding to get a breast augmentation. In this article, Guerra Plastic Surgery Center, as well as experts in science and health, share factual information on the safety of breast implants.

Breast Implant Safety, According to the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged and approved implants for several aesthetic purposes. These include enhancing the breast size in women (augmentation), reconstruction after breast cancer surgery, and correcting developmental defects. The FDA likewise approved implants for altering and improving the result of previous breast enhancement surgery.

Today, two types of breast implants for sale in the United States are deemed safe by the FDA: silicone gel-filled and saline (salt water solution)-filled. Both possess a silicone outer shell and vary in size, shape, and shell thickness.

A federal agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA adds that a myriad of studies have reported that the overwhelming majority of breast augmentation and reconstruction patients are satisfied with the outcomes of their procedure.

Understand Health-Related Myths About Breast Implants

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons shared some pertinent information to help dispel misconceptions about the cosmetic surgery procedure. Here are three of the most persistent myths about breast implants:

• Do implants cause breast cancer? The short answer is no. Scientific evidence does not show an increased risk of cancer in women with breast implants.
• Are implants dangerous during breastfeeding? Because augmentation involves creating incisions and dissecting the breast tissue, there is a small risk of affecting nipple sensation and breastfeeding. However, here at Guerra Plastic Surgery Center, we may use other incision and implant placement techniques to reduce interference with nipple sensation and nursing.
• Am I at risk for BIA-ALCL? Recently, doctors identified a rare and highly treatable type of lymphoma called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which has a connection to breast implants. BIA-ALCL often manifests through fluid accumulation (late seroma) or a mass in the breast. Surgical removal of the implant and the enveloping capsule is often the most effective treatment for BIA-ALCL.

How to Increase Breast Implant Safety

Are you one of the thousands of women considering augmentation or reconstruction? Here are five tips to help you make breast implants safe, according to the FDA:

1. Recognize that breast implants are not lifetime devices.

Breast implants, in general, can last for 8–10 years without causing any problems. The longer you have them, the greater the chances of developing complications. At some point, everyone with breast implants will need additional surgeries to maintain the perky appearance of their breasts, and to eliminate potential health risks. And while a handful of women may retain their original implants for 20–30 years, know that it is not the typical experience.

2. Examine and understand product labeling.

The FDA recommends reviewing the Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data (SSED) for each breast implant to learn about their functions and characteristics. SSEDs have been created for all approved saline and silicone breast implants. These reports present relevant information on the indications for use, warnings, precautions, risks, and extensive studies associated with FDA approval of the medical device. They likewise provide erudition on how frequent complications occur. The SSEDs note that serious complications are those that lead to further operations, such as capsular contracture or ruptures.

The FDA encourages health care providers to provide their patients the complete product labeling for breast implants, including all the information from the manufacturer. Ask your plastic surgeon for the most current version of the labeling and read it thoroughly. If you have any questions about these documents, do not hesitate to ask your surgeon.

3. Educate yourself about long-term risks.

As mentioned, the FDA recently found a link between breast implants and the occurrence of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Women who have implants may have a heightened risk of developing ALCL in the scar tissue or fluid surrounding the implant. However, BIA-ALCL appears to emerge more commonly in patients with textured implants than in individuals with smooth-surfaced breast implants. Keep in mind that, like other lymphomas, ALCL is a disease of the immune system and not cancer of the breast tissue.

4. Have open communication with your surgeon.

Plastic surgeons have the responsibility of assessing the size, shape, surface texture, placement of implants, and the most suitable incision sites for each patient. Ask your surgeon questions regarding his or her experience in handling implants, performing breast augmentation surgery, the surgical procedure itself, and the ways implants might affect your life.

5. Continue monitoring your breast implants for changes.

Always follow your plastic surgeon and health care provider’s instructions on how to monitor your implants. If you come across any unusual signs or symptoms, report the changes promptly to your doctor. As an added precaution, schedule routine mammography screening for breast cancer. During your appointment, ensure to inform the mammography facility you have breast implants. Your healthcare team may also suggest the need for other tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect any abnormalities within the breast. The FDA recommends women with silicone implants undergo MRI scans to identify silent ruptures, which may occur three years after breast augmentation surgery and every two years after that.

Conclusion: Are Breast Implants Safe?

Breast implants are FDA approved and millions of women around the world are happy with their results. In a nutshell, yes, breast implants are safe. But remember, no medical device is without risks. Patients like you can rest assured no one is more committed to ensuring the safety of breast implants, that is our specialty. And together with various health organizations, we will continue collecting long-term data through painstaking surveillance efforts.

Do you have specific questions about breast implants? If you are interested in breast augmentation and have queries about how implants can change your life, please talk to us. Request a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Aldo Guerra by calling 480–970–2580 now. Completing our online form is another option for booking your appointment. Dr. Guerra and his staff look forward to helping you achieve your #bodygoals.