Breast augmentation surgery has gained significant popularity over the years, allowing individuals to enhance their breast size and shape. However, it’s crucial to fully understand the potential risks and complications associated with this procedure. As awareness about the risk of Breast Implant Illness (BII) and other breast implant-related complications grows, it’s increasingly clear that breast augmentation with implants is far from a safe procedure.
Dr. Shaher Khan, a renowned specialist in Breast Implant Illness (BII) and breast implant removals at Executive Plastic Surgery advises patients to be well-informed and consider safer alternatives like breast fat grafting. In this article, we shed light on the potential dangers and provide some information you must have before considering breast augmentation.
Cannot Fix Sagging Breasts
Breast augmentation surgery is not a solution for sagging breasts. If you want to address sagging, a breast lift (mastopexy) might be more appropriate. A breast lift can remove excess skin and reshape the breast tissue to achieve a more youthful appearance. Breast augmentation has only one goal — increasing the size and volume of the breast.
Implants Need To Be Replaced At Some Point
Breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. The lifespan of breast implants can vary, but they typically need to be replaced after about 10-15 years. This is due to the natural wear and tear that occurs over time. Factors like implant type, size, and the individual’s body can influence the longevity of the implants. Being prepared for future surgeries to replace implants is an important consideration before undergoing breast augmentation.
You May Need Additional Breast Surgery
In addition to replacing implants, there’s a possibility that you might need additional breast surgeries for various reasons. Complications, changes in your body, or personal preferences might lead to the need for revision surgeries. These procedures can be costly and involve additional recovery time. Individuals who undergo breast augmentation often deal with the financial and emotional strain of needing additional surgeries for various reasons.
The Incisions Leave Prominent Scars
Breast augmentation surgery involves making incisions to insert the implants. These incisions are usually placed under the breasts, around the nipples, or on the armpits. This can result in scars that may be visible, particularly if you choose larger implants or experience complications during the healing process. While surgical techniques have improved, most patients will have a fairly prominent scar around their breasts for life.
The Risk Of Numerous Complications
Breast augmentation, like any surgical procedure, comes with risks like infection and bleeding. However, breast augmentation also includes the risk of some unique complications, such as an implant rupture, capsular contracture (scar tissue forming around the implant), and changes in breast sensation. Capsular contracture is particularly painful because the scar tissues place pressure on the breasts, leading to extremely firm and painful breasts.
Growing Reports Of Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term that encompasses a range of symptoms that women attribute to their breast implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, cognitive issues, brain fog, dry eyes, skin rashes, mood disturbances, anxiety, depression, insomnia, breathing problems, and many more symptoms still being researched.
The onset of BII symptoms varies, with some women reporting issues shortly after implantation while others experience symptoms years later. The exact cause of BII is still debated, and theories range from immune system responses to the presence of implants to reactions to specific components in the implants, such as silicone or other materials.
The FDA’s Changing Guidelines
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has periodically evaluated the safety of breast implants. Over time, they have issued safety communications regarding potential risks associated with breast implants, including the risk of BII and BIA-ALCL, a type of cancer caused by textured breast implants. As the FDA updates its guidelines and recognizes BII, it becomes increasingly clear that breast implants can have damaging effects on the body.
Before considering breast augmentation surgery, it’s essential to educate yourself about the potential risks, complications, and alternatives available. Dr. Khan, a specialist in Breast Implant Illness, advocates for patients’ informed decision-making. Remember that undergoing any surgical procedure should be a well-considered choice based on thorough research with experienced medical professionals. Your safety and health should always be equally as important as aesthetic considerations.
