Understanding Risks of Breast Implants

Breast implants are “medical devices” placed underneath muscles in the chest or breast tissue (Breast implants). Almost 3.5 million individuals in the United States have breast implants, increasing to 35 million around the world (Cleveland Clinic). The different reasons why someone may want to consider breast implants range from cosmetic purposes to medical purposes.

One major reason breast implants are used medically is following a mastectomy, which is a type of surgical procedure that removes all or part of the breast to either prevent or help treat breast cancer. This type of breast implant surgery is called breast reconstruction. In this surgery, the physician uses implants that are either made of silicone gel or salt water. Breast reconstruction can occur either right after the mastectomy is performed, or at a later date. Regardless of when it is done, it is a complex set of surgeries that requires 2 or more procedures and numerous follow-up appointments to get right (Mayo Clinic, 2020).

Knowing the risks of breast implants is extremely important in deciding whether to get them or not. Complications can include pain in the breast areas along with sensitivity in the chest area that may be uncomfortable. Another consideration should be the scar tissue that can form around the breast tissue. This unintended tissue can result in the implant’s space becoming smaller and thus squeezing it, causing discomfort. Individuals who decide to go through an implant procedure should also be aware that they might need to reduce physical exertion since increased physical stress can lead to implant rupture (Risks of Breast Implants).

Each major type of breast implant also has different risks. Salt water breast implants are just as the name says - filled with salt water. This type of implant, if ruptured, is considered safe since the salt water will absorb back into the body with no health risks. However, surgery will be needed to remove the silicone covering. On the other hand, if a silicone-filled implant ruptures, it might be hard to detect due to the fact the silicone will remain in the tissue around the implant. While it may remain asymptomatic, it can lead to breast pain or abnormal changes to the shape of the breast.

Breast implants are an important advancement in medical technology that has been shown to improve self-esteem and sex life, whilst also helping individuals who receive mastectomies out of medical necessity (DeNoon, 2007). When considering implants, especially for cosmetic reasons, it is important to remember the risks to make an informed decision.

References:

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (n.d.). Breast implants: FDA. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/implants-and-prosthetics/breast-implants

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. (n.d.). Risks of breast implants. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Breast implants: Types, surgery, Recovery & Risks. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21724-breast-implants

DeNoon, D. J. (2007, March 23). Breast implants lift sex, self-esteem. WebMD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/beauty/news/20070323/breast-implants-lift-sex-self-esteem

Mayo Clinic. (2020, December 29). Breast reconstruction with implants. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-reconstruction-implants/about/pac-20384934