How long do implants usually last?
More than likely, your implants will not last as long as you will. There’s a good chance that at some point in your life, one or both of your implants will require replacement due to deflation (saline) or rupture (silicone gel). The majority of implants typically have a lifespan of at least 10 – 15 years. Excluding any problems directly related to your implants, there shouldn’t be a need to “swap out” your implants (i.e. if it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it).
How dangerous are ruptured implants?
Since saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater, the saline is absorbed harmlessly into the body upon rupturing. Currently no known health risks related to deflated saline implants have been reported.
The FDA has concluded that undamaged silicone implants are harmless. However, a decision pertaining to the safety of silicone implants that have burst has not been reached yet by the FDA. Therefore, they currently advocate the immediate removal of any silicone implants that have ruptured.
Can implants cause breast cancer?
Numerous studies have been published that report absolutely no link between the development of breast cancer and breast implants.
Do implants cause problems with mammograms?
Implants can lessen the sensitivity of mammograms. This can be a bigger issue for implants inserted above the muscle as opposed to those placed under the muscle. For a more comprehensive view of the tissues in the breast, additional mammography views (such as the Eklund displacement view) are recommended. What also should be noted, is that implants might actually make breast lumps more detectable during a physical exam.
What’s meant by “overfilling” an implant?
Because of the ripple effect caused by saline implants, the majority of surgeons overfill implants (for example, fill a 400 cc implant to 430 cc) to decrease the amount of rippling. Please keep in mind that overfilling does not jeopardize the implant’s integrity. However, filling a 300 cc implant with 450 cc is not prudent, as the implant will take on a “hard” look and feel.