Regardless of the reason for breast implants, consumers should make informed decisions, select their surgeon carefully, and engage in continuous monitoring after implantation to ensure the integrity of breast implants and safeguard their health.
Let us delve deeper into these tips on breast implants:
- Conduct thorough research.
- Find the right surgeon.
- Maintain ongoing evaluation and monitoring.
Conduct Thorough Research
Being knowledgeable about today’s breast implants can help you set realistic expectations, balance risks with benefits, and manage their life-cycle effectively. Key areas to consider include:
- Material and type.
- Size.
- Pocket placement.
- Costs – whether financing or using insurance.
- Pre-operative preparations and post-operative care.
- Complications and risks.
- Manufacturer warranties.
- Evaluate all pros and cons: Read consumer reviews and review pictures of outcomes, both positive and negative.
Learn more at Real Self and plasticsurgery.org
Find the Right Surgeon
As with any surgical procedure, selecting the right surgeon is crucial for a satisfactory outcome. Confirm if they are board certified in Plastic Surgery, possess ample surgical experience, and have positive patient feedback. Ensure the surgeon, procedure, and location are covered by your insurance plan, and check if medical necessity can be provided for pre-authorization or insurance coverage.
Maintain Ongoing Evaluation and Monitoring
Do not disregard your implants after insertion. Recognize that they are foreign objects within the body and individual reactions vary. Some women may experience minor side effects, while others may develop autoimmune conditions or systemic diseases. Refer to Breast Implant Illness. Learn about complications and be on the lookout for developing symptoms.
Breast implants generally last between 10 to 20 years; however, they are not designed to last a lifetime. Various factors can affect their longevity, necessitating replacement due to complications or personal preferences. Reasons for removal or replacement include implant rupture, capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), leakage, aesthetic issues, and health concerns. The older the implant, the higher the risk of rupture. Signs of rupture may include changes in breast size, shape, firmness, or swelling. Occasionally, ruptures may occur without visible symptoms.
The FDA recommends routine screening for breast implant integrity, especially for silicone gel-filled implants, using high-resolution ultrasound or MRI starting 5-6 years after surgery and every 2-3 years thereafter. Screening can evaluate rupture, deflation and capsular contraction, even if asymptomatic.
Understanding the specific terms and conditions of your implant’s warranty, including coverage, exclusions, and claim procedures, is essential. Currently, all four FDA-approved breast implant manufacturers in the U.S. provide a lifetime replacement warranty covering issues like rupture, deflation, and capsular contracture.
by Tirza Derflinger, CTT and Bleu Castaneda, RN, CTT