Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe? A Clear Guide for Women

Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe? A Clear Guide for Women

Introduction

In recent years, many women have shown an interest in breast augmentation surgery. It is a personal decision for many of these women, some women wish to restore volume to their breasts that has been lost after pregnancy or dramatic weight loss, while others want to enhance their body proportions, and still others want to feel more confident about their looks. As the popularity of cosmetic surgery continues to grow and to be discussed more openly, many women are also becoming educated and making more informed decisions regarding their breast augmentation options.

As interest in breast augmentation grows, there are questions regarding silicone breast implants, especially in relation to safety concerns. Many women have expressed concerns relating to the long-term effects of silicone on their health, whether the implants will remain durable over time, and whether silicone implants will feel natural to them. Unfortunately, many of these stereotypical fears are based on misperceptions or outdated information.

Before deciding to undergo breast augmentation surgery, it is essential to know the facts regarding silicone breast implants and not rely on myths or misconceptions. This blog will discuss silicone breast implants, the safety of silicone breast implants, the benefits associated with silicone breast implants as well as the potential risks, and the reasons why working with an expert surgeon is critical.

Understanding Silicone Breast Implants

Implants that have been created with silicone provide a stabilizing outer shell made out of silicone filled with cohesive silicone gel. The gel inside an implant is designed so that it feels similar to the natural tissue of a woman's breast. Because of this, silicone breast implants are used frequently when performing breast augmentation surgery.

In addition, modern silicone breast implants are quite different from previous silicone breast implants. Medical technology has progressed over time to provide improvements for the strength of silicone breast implants, as well as improved shape retention and predictable results. Today, silicone breast implants are extremely soft and durable, as well as providing long-term shape retention.

Currently silicone breast implants are manufactured according to international safety and quality standards and are approved for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes in a number of countries. Additionally, the ability for silicone breast implants to be dependable and look natural has contributed to their popularity when a woman is considering breast augmentation surgery.

Are Silicone Breast Implants Safe?

The abundant amount of evidence gathered through extensive research and long-term clinical studies has established silicone breast implants as being used appropriately and thus, safe for women. The use of silicone breast implants for breast augmentation has been performed on millions of women around the world, with most women being satisfied with the outcome.

The safety of silicone breast implants depends on a number of factors, including:

• The proper selection of patients.
• The use of high-quality certified silicone breast implants.
• The use of quality surgical techniques by an experienced surgeon.

A plastic surgeon in Bangalore will conduct a thorough review of a patient's medical history, an evaluation of the patient's breast anatomy and a thorough discussion of the patient's expectations prior to recommending silicone breast implants. If an experienced surgeon performs the surgery and the patient receives continual follow-up care, then the number of complications remains relatively low.

Many of the concerns associated with the use of silicone breast implants are based on misinformation. An open-line of communication between a qualified plastic surgeon and the woman will allow the woman to understand the true risks and benefits of the procedure, allowing them to make informed and confident decisions.

Common Myths About Silicone Breast Implants

Many of the following misconceptions about silicone implants are false because they are based on outdated information and medical research, rather than current evidence-based medicine.

MYTH: Is it common for silicone implants to "leak" easily?
No. Today’s silicone implants utilize cohesive gel technology that produces a silicone gel that remains intact even if the outer shell becomes compromised.

MYTH: Do silicone implants cause serious systemic illness?
No. Despite ongoing concerns about a possible relationship between silicone implants and systemic diseases, no definitive studies to date have demonstrated that there is a direct causal relationship between the two when the implants are utilized in accordance with accepted medical protocols.

MYTH: Is it true that silicone implants look and feel unnatural?
No. Silicone implants typically resemble natural breast tissue more closely in terms of both physical appearance and feeling than any other type of implant.

The above misconceptions can be dispelled by educating patients through the use of evidence-based medical information and long-term clinical experience.

Benefits of Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone offers many helpful benefits when considering breast augmentation surgery and why silicone implants are the preferred type of breast implant used today.

• Silicone breast implants provide a more natural looking and feeling breast than saline breast implants.
• The risk of having visible rippling is lower with silicone than with saline.
• Silicone breast implants will hold their shape better and stay smooth longer than saline implants.
• Silicone breast implants are suitable for more than one body type.

When the silicone breast implants are properly placed, silicone breast implants can last longer than saline. All of these attributes create a greater chance of patient satisfaction and producing a more natural looking breast.

Potential Risks and Considerations

All surgeries have a risk associated with them but breast augmentation is no different than any other type of operation when it comes to risks. General surgical risks include infection and excessive bleeding which are mitigated by following good surgical techniques as well as post-operative procedures.

The risks associated with implants include:

• Capsular Contracture
• Implant Rupture
• Lifetime Device-Free Implants [Implants do not provide life-long use].

At some point in time, some women may find themselves needing to have their implants replaced; therefore, it is critical to schedule routine follow-up visits after the surgery and occasionally request imaging studies to determine the integrity of the implants. Establishing realistic expectations prior to the breast augmentation surgery will help the individual maintain Satisfaction with their results.

Choosing the Right Surgeon for Breast Augmentation

Selecting an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon is one of the most significant decisions for breast enhancement surgery because the selection of implants and surgical technique requires experience and creativity so that recommendations can be unique to each patient.

A reputable Plastic Surgeon Whitefield, such as Dr. Ashok B.C. offers:

• Clear conversations surrounding potential complications and results
• Customised strategy based on individual anatomy and expectations
• Provides care that is ethical, patient-focused, and centric

Through this approach, the patient can remain educated, at ease, and confident throughout the entire surgical process.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Process

Post-operative Instructions:

The process starts with an extensive consultation that includes determining implant type(s), size(s) and placement(s). The next step is an evaluation of your chest anatomy, tissue characteristics, and the finalization of the surgical plan by the surgeon.

Breast augmentation is generally performed under general anaesthetic and the average duration of the procedure is between 2 and 4 hours, so a short hospital stay may be recommend for observation purposes.

After surgery, recovery can take some time but you will receive specific guidelines to assist in your recovery from surgery and to promote the best possible results. As the healing process occurs, swelling will subside and the final aesthetic outcome will improve as your implants settle into their natural position.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Silicone Breast Implants?

Candidates for silicone breast implants include the following:

• Good physical health
• Psychological alignment with the procedure and its results
• Realistic expectations regarding their outcomes.

Age, lifestyle, and personal motivations are also very essential to consider before deciding whether or not to proceed with the procedure. Patients must also provide informed consent before having surgery to confirm their understanding of the procedure, its associated benefits, and any associated risks and complications.

Conclusion

The use of silicone breast implants under appropriate use and care by a highly qualified professional surgeon are considered a safe practice; therefore, careful planning to choose a high-quality silicone implant coupled with an experienced plastic surgeon is critical to achieving an aesthetically pleasing, natural, and confident appearance. By educating themselves on their questions and options, a woman can approach her decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery with confidence and knowledge about her body type and goals.

If you would like to discuss breast augmentation surgery with Dr. Ashok B.C. and get individualized professional guidance based on your body type and desired outcome, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ashok B.C., a recognized and highly regarded plastic surgeon in the area of Whitefield. Through his extensive experience with aesthetic breast surgery, Dr. Ashok B.C. takes a patient-centered approach and can provide you with the necessary information to help you understand the different types of breast implants available to you and whether silicone breast implants are appropriate for you.