Should I have Breast Implants?
This is a personal choice and should be made after gathering all of the pros and cons of having breast implants.
If I choose to have breast implants where will the incision be?
The usual incision placement is under the fold of the breast so the scar is hidden.
What shape of Implant should I have?
This depends upon your body / breast shape and your requirements.
Round breast implants create a fuller more rounded look with upper pole fullness to the breast. Round can give the person more cleavage and can help lift the breast.
Tear drop implants are designed to mimic the natural shape of the breast and help fill out the lower pole more. Tear drop implants have an increased risk of rotation.
Most patients benefit more with round breast implants particularly if the main consideration is to augment the breast and give more of a lift.
Your surgeon will advise.
Textured or Smooth?
Textured implant have a non slipping surface. This helps the implant maintain its position more than smooth.
Smooth implants are more liable for mal-position and rotation.
If you choose shaped implants then textured are chosen to reduce the risk of rotation.
Smooth implants feel softer, textured have a thicker shell.
Textured implants reduce the risk of capsule contracture.
What is Capsule Contracture?
When breast implants are inserted, over time a fibrous scar called a capsule develops around the implant separating it from the rest of the breast. Capsule contracture is when this capsule contracts around an implant. This makes the implant feel hard and may distort the shape of the breast.
Capsule contracture can require further surgery to be undertaken which involves removing the implant and capsule and replacing with a new implant. This surgery costs more than the initial placement surgery and should be a consideration when you choose to have breast implants.
There is a 5-10% risk of capsule contracture developing with textured implant and a 20-30% risk with smooth implants.
Are there risks with Silicone Implants?
It has recently been discovered that textured implants are associated with Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL). This is not a cancer of the breast tissue. It is a cancer of the immune cells and is located between an implant and the fibrous capsule. This condition is very rare. It has a 1 in 24,000 risk. There is no clear consensus why ALCL develops around textured implants.
There is a condition known as Breast Implant Illness which some people experience. It is rare. This is a range of symptoms and can occur at any time after implant placement. It is not recognised as a formal medical diagnosis and there are no tests or criteria to define it. The cause of the symptoms and the degree to which they may be related to an implant is unclear.
Are they placed under or over the muscle?
Each have their own benefits and considerations.
Under the muscle – sub-muscular – the implant is placed behind or partly behind the chest wall muscle. This technique is used in people with thinner breast tissues as the sub-muscular placement makes the implant less visible.
Behind the breast, in front of the muscle – sub-glandular placement – the implant is placed behind the breast tissue. This is used if the person has adequate breast tissue to mask the breast implant. This position reduces the risk of an animation deformity in which sub-muscular placed implants are prone to. An active gym person may wish to avoid the sub-muscular implant placement.
Will I need an Uplift?
This depends upon the native breast tissue laxity and nipple position. Your Surgeon will advise after your examination.
When can I get back to activities?
Generally after 6 weeks. You will be advised to wear a sports bra until this time.
Start slowly with lower body exercises.
You should avoid strenuous exercises such as push ups / bench press etc. as this can increase the risk of implant movement, especially if the implant is located in a sub muscular position.
Will Breast Implants interfere with breast screening?
There is no increased risk of breast cancer detection for people with or without implants.
You should let the screening mammogram technologist know that you have implants placed and they will alter their technique to visualise your breast tissue.
To book an appointment with Mr Nick Williams, visit his profile here. Cobalt Hospital, part of Ramsay Health Care, offers a wide range of Cosmetic Surgery treatments, including breast surgery.