Introduction
Breast implants are done post-mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts), usually done due to breast cancer, to enhance small breasts or in cases of uneven breast size. In addition, they need implants in women that can improve the body's physic, which can boost their confidence and self-esteem by how they look. For some, it can be just a part of breast reconstruction post-mastectomy.
How Is Breast Implant Surgery Done?
The procedure of breast implant is done in the following ways:
For the surgery, a surgeon will cut either under the breast or in the underarm, or near the nipple region; after cutting, the breast tissue is elevated from the breast muscles and connective tissue, creating a pocket to insert the implant in the center just behind the nipple, after placing an implant the cut is stitched with absorbable suture and covered with dressing to avoid direct exposure to air that can lead to infection.
In the case of mastectomy, a tissue expander is inserted into the breast. It is required to do as there is no space left because a significant part of the breast, including the fat tissue, is removed during mastectomy; a tissue expander helps stretch a muscle to create space for the placement of the implant. When adequate space is completed, the implant is placed. One must remember that the cut made to place the implant will always be visible, and the breast may not have the same sensation as the original structure.
Post implant placement, one may notice some complications that can be temporary, like there can be bleeding, formation of blood clots, painful stretching sensation, bruising, swelling of the breast, scar tissue formation, rupturing or thinning of breast tissue, breast discomfort, nipple discharge implant deflation, and dropping out of the implant may require to repeat the surgery,
What Are the Types of Breast Implants?
There are many types of breast implants available in the market. Still, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only the implants with labels must be used as they are approved after various research to ensure safety and efficacy. The most commonly used implants are saline breast implants, structured saline implant implants, gummy bear breast implants, round breast implants, and smooth and textured implants.
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Saline breast implants are made of saline water; these are the safest implants as rupturing of these implants does not harm the body; the sterile salt water gets absorbed into the body without causing any damage. Structured saline is a modified version of saline breast implant giving an additional natural feeling to the breast. The Food and Drug Administration approves these implants as safe for females above 18 years of age.
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Silicone breast implants are made up of silicone gel; the rupturing of the implant causes the spreading of silicone into the breast pocket; a follow-up visit is a must with these implants as they may go unnoticed and cause health problems. According to the Food and Drug Administration, women older than 22 are only fit for the implant.
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Gummy bear implants are also silicone gel, but they are much thicker than the standard implant; this helps retain the shape and decrease the chances of rupturing. In addition, the round implants give a fuller look; the smooth implant gives a smooth and soft feeling to the breast.
What Factors Should Be Considered Before Breast Implant?
The following considerations must be taken into account before breast implant surgery:
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An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is essential to understand the physiology of breast musculature.
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Females of childbearing age need to make a point that breast implants can hamper breastfeeding, some women may be able to breastfeed, but some may find it challenging to breastfeed post-implant.
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The silicone breast implant may not be covered by insurance as this procedure is under cosmetics.
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Moreover, if one is doing breast implants to prevent breasts from sagging, that may not be helpful. To prevent sagging breasts, one may need to do another procedure known as a breast lift which can be done at the same time or later.
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One must note that with weight gain or loss, the size and shape of the implant may also change.
What Happens if Silicone Breast Implants Rupture?
Rupturing of a silicone implant may not come to notice for many women because silicone may remain confined within the fibrous tissue around the implant. If silicone breast implants rupture, the health care provider will surgically remove the silicone breast implant. A new silicone breast implant is usually inserted at the same time if there are no signs of inflammation; in case of inflammation, the procedure is postponed till the tissues are healthy again to accept the implant.
Suppose ruptured implant silicone gel goes unnoticed for months. It can cause severe health problems, like breast cancer, impact reproductive organs, and cause infertility, rheumatoid arthritis (chronic inflammatory disease affecting multiple joints), and scleroderma (skin becomes tight and hard). Moreover, a ruptured silicone breast implant can cause pain, numbness, swelling, and tingling in the breast. Sometimes, there can be discomfort in the chest and the underarm region for some time, so one should not ignore these signs and symptoms.
What Are the Complications of Breast Implants?
A study showed that silicone breast implants could cause autoimmune disease and hyperpigmentation of the skin; because of that, it was banned. According to research, women with breast implants showed Sjogren syndrome (an autoimmune disorder that causes dry eyes and mouth), scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and melanoma (a serious form of skin cancer);
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A study was conducted on 10,000 women; out of that, 8,000 women had no signs or symptoms and were satisfied; as per studies, it is noted that among these women, 87 % of women had implants for breast enlargement, and 13 % women had done for breast reconstruction, so it is considered that women who had done implant for breast cancer must be susceptible, so as per the recent studies no link was considered. Silicone breast implants were again approved for surgical treatment by the Food and Drug Administration; the survey done by it showed that women were satisfied with the silicone breast implants with no damage to connective tissues.
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Women need to monitor the implant and visit their health care providers every quarterly to prevent local implant complications like scarring, wrinkles, rupturing, or any signs of rejection; in such cases, there can be a need for re-implantation or maybe the removal of the implant to avoid any significant complication.
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MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can help diagnose the difficulty associated with the implant. In addition, Mammography (breast X-ray) is recommended for any symptom like breast pain or infection related to the breast or asymmetry of the breast.
Conclusion
Silicone breast implants can change the look and shape of the breast; considering the complication, one must keep up with regular follow-ups, mammography, and MRI to prevent harmful effects on the body and to prevent the chances of developing serious health problems associated with implant rupture.
