Breast augmentation achieves it success because it uses an implanted device to do so. Similar to orthopedic joint replacements or cataract eye surgery, the implant is the key part of the operation. The surgeon may get a lot of the credit for the initial results of implant procedures but, in the end, the long-term success of the operation will depend on the longevity of the implant. What is unique about breast augmentation, contrary to many implant operations, is that they are largely placed in young patients who have long remaining lifetimes.
One of the very common misconceptions about breast augmentation, and is often not thought of before the surgery, is that the implant will not last forever. Many patients assume that a breast implant will last forever. Breast implants are man-made devices which means, by definition, that they will not last forever. They will come a time, which can not be accurately predicted, when the implant will fail and need to be replaced.
Implant failure is when the bag or shell that contains saline or silicone develops a hole or tear, allowing what is inside to leak out. With saline implants, this will be relatively immediate and the implant will go flat. In silicone implants, the breast doesn’t lose volume because the synthetic gel material can not be absorbed. But silicone implant ruptures may cause discomfort or some hardening of the breast as the body reacts to the material.
This is highlighted by a recent report from the FDA that states ‘women who get silicone breast implants are likely to need additional surgery within 10 years to address complications such as rupturing of the device’. “The key point is that breast implants are not lifetime devices,” said Jeff Shuren, director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The longer you have the implant, the more likely you are to have complications.” “Most women reported high levels of satisfaction with their body image and the shape, feel and size of their implants,” the FDA report further added.
This FDA report is not revolutionary or offers new information in regards to breast implants. It is what most plastic surgeons probably preach or highlight to every breast augmentation consult. I make it a point when talking to potential breast enlargement patients that this will not be their last breast surgery. Depending upon their age when they are implanted, even in the best scenario, that they will be having at least one and maybe two more breast implant surgeries in their lifetime. This is the reality of a fluid-filled medical implant. While many patients seem to be surprised by that insight, it has never seemed to deter a single patient from going forward with the breast implant surgery.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis Indiana