Are Breast Implants Safe?

Are breast implants safe? Is the surgery safe? Are the saline bags safe? Are silicone implants safe? These are the most common questions we get from patients who have not undergone any kind of plastic surgery. And rightfully so!

It’s nerve-wracking to go into any surgery without having done your proper research. We love that our patients take the initiative to learn more about breast implant surgery because it means you are on the right track and you are mentally prepared!

We will answer all your questions here and hopefully help ease some of your concerns about the safety of breast implants.

Can Breast Implants Cause Health Issues?

Yes, it is possible that improperly-done breast implants or unsafe surgery can cause health issues.

The only way to ensure safe and quality results is to ensure you undergo breast enlargement surgery with a certified plastic surgeon. A skilled plastic surgeon has the experience and the technical knowledge to ensure that breast implant surgery is safe and that the implants used will not cause health issues.

That being said, there are still lots of questions about the safety of breast implants. Breast augmentation has come a long way in a very short time. Most of the stories of unsafe breast augmentation surgery are either from surgeries that took place decades ago or cheap surgeries that were poorly performed.

Though not always the case, for the most part a skilled surgeon in 2019 will perform safe surgery.

Do Breast Implants Increase Cancer Risk?

Simply put, no, breast implants do not increase the risk of cancer or cancer-related illnesses. At the moment there is no medical information that has linked any form of cancer to breast implants.

“Research has shown that neither saline nor silicone breast implants done for cosmetic reasons increase breast cancer risk” – Thomas Heck, MD, Surgical Director at the Breast Center of Miami Valley Hospital North.

Implants can make it difficult to flatten the breast during a mammogram so it’s important to tell your doctor about your implants when screening.

Can Leaking Breast Implants Make You Sick?

When patients ask, “are breast implants safe?” they are usually referring to the stories they hear of breast implants leaking. No product can ever be guaranteed 100% safe. Surgery always has its risks. The best way to manage that risk is to, again, ensure you find a doctor who has the skills, experience, and accreditation to perform these surgeries.

That being said, if you have an untreated leak for a prolonged period of time, you will suffer side effects which can make you sick. Breast implants that are filled with saline are less likely to cause serious injury compared to those filled with silicone gel. However, silicone implants are also safe.

Breast Implant Illness Symptoms

If there is a slight chance that you may be experiencing a leak in your breast implant, you will experience some of these symptoms.

• Mental confusion
• Joint pain
• Hair loss or stunted growth
• Dry eyes
• Chronic fatigue
• Persistent flu-like symptoms (caused by low immunity)
• Frequently getting sick
• Unexplained back pain
• Constant neck and shoulder pain

We encourage you to see a doctor if you are experience 2 or more of these symptoms. Though these may be unrelated, a grouping of some of these may require additional attention.

How long can breast implants last?

Breast implants should last at least 10 years. That is a number that has been determined by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Ten years is just an average, though. Some implants may not last as long and some may last longer. If you are reaching the 10-year mark, it may be time to consult with your plastic surgeon for more info.

The long-term side effects of breast augmentation may include some skin changes as well as the need for additional surgeries to maintain your desired look.

Did we answer the question: are breast implants safe? If you have any additional questions regarding the surgery, give us a call and we can walk you through the process: (954) 779-2777.

Faith

Dr. Zoran Potparic is a board certified plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, committed to performing surgery of the highest quality, safety, and artistry. He applies his years of global study and research, as well as more than 30 years of hands-on experience performing reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for patients coming from all over the United States.