Breast implants safety information

Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The longer a woman has implants, the more likely it is that she will need to have surgery to remove them.

The most frequent complications and adverse outcomes experienced by breast implant patients include capsular contracture, reoperation, and implant removal (with or without replacement). Other common complications include implant rupture with deflation, wrinkling, asymmetry, scarring, pain, and infection. In addition, women with breast implants may have a very low but increased likelihood of being diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

There is no apparent association between saline-filled breast implants and connective tissue disease, breast cancer, or reproductive problems. However, in order to rule out these and other rare complications, studies would need to be much larger and longer than those conducted so far.

Safety Studies

Each year, thousands of women undergo breast augmentation surgery and experience no major complications. However, one must fully understand the risks as well as the benefits of this procedure. A recent study with a follow-up of at least ten years showed that nearly 96 percent of women with saline-filled breast implants who were surveyed would make the same choice again. This study was performed at the University of Minnesota in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Of 450 patients, 93 percent reported they were satisfied or very satisfied with their breast implants, and 71 percent rated their breast implants as soft and natural.

After a comprehensive evaluation of the evidence for the Association of Silicon Breast Implants with human health conditions, the Institute of Medicine concluded in June that there is "no definitive evidence linking breast implants to cancer, neurological diseases, neurological problems or other systemic diseases."

Many of the changes to the breast following implantation should be considered irreversible. If it is necessary or one chooses to have the implants removed, there may be dimpling, puckering or wrinkling, or other changes to the breast. Breast implants may affect the ability to produce milk for breast feeding. Breast implants may not prevent your breasts from sagging after pregnancy.

Long-Term Effects

There are millions of women who have had this surgery done since the 1970s who continue to live in harmony with their implants.

Breast augmentation may not be a one-time surgery. It is possible that there will be a need for additional surgery and doctor visits over the course of your life.
Breast implants should not be considered lifetime devices. It is possible that a woman will undergo implant removal with or without replacement over the course of her life.

Sources:
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm071228.htm
http://www.breastaugmentation.com/safety.shtml

What is a breast implant?

Breast implants are medical devices that are implanted under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle to increase breast size (augmentation) or to rebuild breast tissue after mastectomy or other damage to the breast (reconstruction). They are also used in revision surgeries, which correct or improve the result of an original surgery.

There are two types of breast implants approved for sale in the United States: saline-filled and silicone gel-filled. Both types have a silicone outer shell. They vary in size, shell thickness, and shape (contour).

Saline-filled, silicone gel-filled, and alternative breast implants may be indicated for breast augmentation and/or breast reconstruction, which are defined as follows:

Breast augmentation. Breast augmentation includes primary breast augmentation to increase the breast size, as well as revision surgery to correct or improve the result of an original primary breast augmentation surgery (i.e., revision-augmentation).

Breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction includes primary reconstruction to replace breast tissue that has been removed due to cancer or trauma or that has failed to develop properly due to a severe breast abnormality. Breast reconstruction also includes revision surgery to correct or improve the result of an original primary breast reconstruction surgery (i.e., revision-reconstruction).

Sources: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/BreastImplants/default.htm
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm071228.htm

Breast Implants Size

Size. That is the reason for most of women to have breast augmentation, because women want to increase the size or have the breasts more proportionate to the rest of the body. For some women, deciding to have breast augmentation is the easiest part of the process. Otherwise, choosing the right size breast implant can be a little dificult. This can be very distressing, because women tend to obsess over getting the perfect size, which is completely understandable. Some women worry about going too big, while others worry about not going big enough.

Having realistic expectations regarding size is a must. You would not want to attempt to go too large, because doing so could lead to serious complications, which will result in more surgery, more recovery time, and last, but certainly not least, more money. A good doctor will not push the limits of your body by trying to force a too large breast implant into your body.

Although bra cups are sized A, B, C and up, breast implants are not. breast implant are measured in cubic centimeters (cc).

The thing you have to keep in mind is that your idea of a particular cup size and your surgeon's idea of a particular cup size may vary.  Additionally, going into a consult and saying you want "x" amount of cc's is also not wise.  If the surgeon agrees to give you the amount you request, you may wind up larger or smaller than you had intended.

Breast implant sizes for both saline and silicone range from 120cc to 850cc. To give you some basis on which to compare sizes, the difference in volume between a 300cc implant and a 360cc implant is just two ounces.

For any patient there is obviously a range of implant volumes that would be considered natural-appearing, and a volume at which the upper pole of the breast begins to look very unnatural. While one patient may seek an augmentation that is 'perfectly natural', another may be interested in a result that is more on 'the full side of natural', and many patients do ask that the largest implant volume be selected that does not produce an unnatural fullness in the upper pole.


Sources:
http://www.justbreastimplants.com/size
http://www.breastimplants4you.com/breast_implant_size.htm

Breast Implants Style and Size

What Size Breast Implant Should I get ? 

This is an incredibly important question. Some people are sure that they would like to be  a full C and a mid D or a Double D. Others are more concerned that someone will notice and only want to make a conservative change.

A very important concept is that you do not want to make this decision based on a fear that someone will notice. If you want to go "incognito" wear more conservative clothing for a while. The goal is to look great in a bathing suit and a dress. Many "conservative" people are disappointed later that they didn't go large enough.

Bra cup size varies between manufacturers, styles and how you wear your bra. Different style bras fit differently. Some people wear their bra so that they bulge out of the top, others wear it so loosely that you can't  find their breast inside!

Never look at someone else's choice of implant. It's what you start with--- plus what you add--- superimposed upon the shape of your own body. The same size implant may look completely different on another person.

The variation is so great that I have my patients come to the office with a flat panel sports bra and we put different size implants in the bra in front of a mirror. I encourage them to bring bathing suits, dresses, and any other clothing that they like to wear. This really gives you a good idea of what you will look like at each size.

Due to differences in clothing a "C" cup is not always a "C". Looking in the mirror and seeing what you look like 300cc bigger is simple physics! Your present chest plus 300cc has to look very similar to what you will look like with 300cc implants.

Most of the implants that are chosen by my patients are between 250cc and 675cc. Some are smaller and some larger. The largest implant available legally today is 1200cc.

Formulas, standards and comparisons may work in theory, but we all know that if you ask two women with exactly the same size breast what size they are, one may be absolutely certain she is a C while the other is sure she is a D. I don't think that "standards" work!  Breast size is often "in the eye of the beholder!"

Be highly aware of the width of the implants. If you place implants flat on a table, there is little difference in the height. It isn't that larger implants will stick out that much more. The reall difference is in how big the space will be between your breasts. If you have a wide rib cage and nipples placed out to the sides and you pick small implants, there will be a huge gap between your new breasts. This is usually not what you want. It isn't about your height and weight. Its about your rib cage width and where your nipples are!

What are the choices of implant positions? 

The easiest surgical placement of the implant is under the breast tissue (submammary).

A slightly more difficult surgical placement is under the chest muscle (submuscular or subpectoral) but this position is associated with a lower incidence of capsule contracture and slightly less occurrence of rippling. There is more pain postoperatively than with a submammary placement.

What are the options for implant size? 

The ultimate size of the breast is mainly a personal decision by the patient. Cup size is an inexact estimate of the final size since cup sizes vary with the bra manufacturer and how tight or loose the patient wears her bra as well as how much breast tissue is already present. Describing the preferred cup size does aid the surgeon, but it also helps to look at pictures or photos to show the physician the desired final look.

The most accurate method of estimating the implant size (in ounces) is to fill a plastic bag with measured amounts of water and place in a bra with the patient's estimated cup size. One can see with the bra on and covered by a sweater what the final result will approximate.

Patients most often comment that, "I wish I had gone larger," although there is a rare patient who feels she is too large.

A sports bra holds the implants against your chest like your natural tissue will. "Trying On" the implants in front of a mirror with several different outfits, in my opinion, is the best way to proceed.

Source:
http://www.webplastics.com/breast9.htm
http://www.breastimplantsusa.com/plastic-surgery-articles/breast-augmentation-faq-78.htm

4 Alternatives for Benelli Lift

Benelli Lift, or Doughnut Mastopexy, is one of the breast lift procedures available to women with breast ptosis or sagging breasts. It is characterized by the doughnut-shaped incision made on the border of the areola. A piece of tissue of similar shape is removed. The remaining tissue is then stitched back to the areola in a purse-string like sutures. Compared to other similar treatments, Benelli Lift is less invasive and results in less scarring. Patients perfect for the Benelli procedure are women with small breasts with a mild to medium sagging.

There are several other breast lift procedures available depending on an individual's need. During a breast lift procedure, excess skin is lifted and is separated from the underlying tissues. The remaining skin is tightened around the breast tissues underneath. As a result, the breasts achieve an improvement in appearance and shape and are more upright. Although these procedures can be done on almost any breast, a surgeon determines which breast lift procedure will benefit the patient more. The type of procedure used is dependent on the degree of breast ptosis or sagging, or the result expected by patients.

Periareolar Breast Lift
This is also known as the crescent lift or crescent mastopexy. A woman may be a candidate for a crescent lift if her nipples or areolas are slightly lower than where it should be due to sagging. In this breast lift technique, a crescent or half-moon shaped skin on top of the areola is removed. The areola is then pulled up and stitched on the remaining skin above. Like the Benelli Lift, it provides a small lift. It is minimally invasive and the scars are well-disguised. It is perfect for small breasted women with mild ptosis.

Vertical Breast Lift
An almost T-shaped incision is made on the breast wherein the cut extends to the skin on top of the areola, around it and below it in a vertical manner. This procedure is slightly more invasive than the Benelli and Periareolar breast lift, but the lift degree result is large. This procedure is usually recommended for women with large breasts with medium to severe degree ptosis. The scarring left after the procedure is more noticeable than the Benelli or crescent.

Anchor Breast Lift
In this procedure, the cut made is anchor-like. An almost 3/4 circle incision is made on top of the areola, ending on a lateral cut across the lower portion of the breast. The almost circle-like incision will mark the new location of the areola. It is the most invasive type of breast lift and produces the most lift. It is one of the most common lifts performed today. The procedure is perfect for patients with large breasts with severe ptosis.

Breast Lift with Augmentation
A breast lift procedure may be done together with breast augmentation for a bigger, fuller breast.
Any licensed physician can perform breast lift surgery. It is important to select a certified, well-trained, experienced surgeon to perform the operation, not only to achieve the desired results but to minimize the risk involved.


Source:
http://www.onlinesurgery.com/article/4-similar-treatments-and-alternatives-for-benelli-lift.html

Benelli Lift

Description
This procedure is designed to lift smaller breasts that possess less than severe ptosis, or sagging, through the removal of a doughnut-shaped piece of tissue around the areola. The Benelli Lift is less invasive than full mastopexy (breast lift) and is not intended for patients seeking more drastic enhancement, such as a breast augmentation with lift.

What is a Benelli Lift and how is it generally performed?
The Benelli lift was designed to lift smaller breasts in women with less obtrusive ptosis, better known as the loss of elasticity, through the removal of a doughnut-shaped piece of tissue around the areola.

Benelli mastopexy usually results in only a scar around the areola. In cases where the nipple must be moved a long distance, or when the skin has lost much of its elasticity, an additional vertical incision or crease incision will be made.  Over time the scars fade and flatten, causing no aesthetic issues for the patient.

This surgery is considered to be less invasive than other forms of breast lift alteration.  When the piece of tissue around the areola border is excised, the surrounding remaining tissue is carefully sutured to the areola. Those incisions are closed with purse string sutures and at times a little more tissue may be removed above the areola to allow for a lifting effect when it is sutured. This results in a flatter, rounder breast shape, with minimal scarring. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with sedation.

What is recovery like and what risks may be involved?
Patients are able to return to work within one week and have reported that it may take up to one year for the full effect to be seen.

With all breast alteration surgery, there is a small risk of decreased sensation, slow healing, and loss of nipple/areolar tissue.  With aging and weight fluctuations, results over time may vary.  It is important for each patient to have a thorough discussion with a cosmetic surgeon to gain a clear understanding of all risks involved.

Recovery after Procedure
It is recommended to take at least one week off from work or normal routine after having the Benelli Lift procedure. Common side effects include temporary bruising and swelling, numbness and breast discoloration. The patient should be able to return to her regular activities 1 week post surgery. However, strenuous physical activities should be avoided until 4 to 6 weeks after the procedure, to ensure that the wounds have already healed.

After the Benelli Lift surgery, patients need to wear the dressings and a light gauze bandage for several days. Patients can go home several hours after the surgery, and can take a shower the next day. The pain is usually minimal and can be controlled by medication, and the stitches can be removed on the 7th day.

Post Benelli Lift Living
Normal routines can be resumed in less than a month after getting a Benelli Lift. The result can give a beautiful and well-proportioned contour to the breasts, nipples and the areola. The effect will be noticeable after a few months to 1 year, and should last a lifetime. While surgical procedures and cosmetic treatments can claim long lasting effects, you have to maintain your new look to enjoy the maximum benefits of a Benelli Lift.

The most successful approach to retain the breasts' enhanced appearances is to maintain good health.
Doctors of post-operative patients advise them to follow a nutrition plan, regular exercise program and skincare management for a well-balanced lifestyle. Studies show that women recovering from breast lift surgery tend to gain more weight because of their inability to do strenuous activities in the weeks after the operation. Depression during recovery also tends to make women seek comfort from food. Awareness of this condition is the first step to help a patient overcome the post-operative trauma.

Living Healthy after Surgery
The only maintenance a patient needs to do after having a Benelli Lift is to stay healthy. It is important to jump back into normal physical routine once the healing is complete. Post-surgical patients should be aware of the need to incorporate exercise and healthy eating habits for the rest of their lives. There are multiple programs that can help in achieving a new lifestyle. It may take at least 6 months for patients to adjust to the new lifestyle and changes, but the effects can be enjoyed throughout their lifetime.

Sources:
http://www.plasticsurgery.com/benelli-lift/info.aspx
http://www.onlinesurgery.com/plasticsurgery/benelli-lift.asp
http://www.onlinesurgery.com/article/postbenelli-lift-lifestyle-maintenance.html

Breast Lift

Description
Breast lift cosmetic surgery (mastopexy) is a common, but complex breast enhancement procedure that raises and reshapes sagging breasts. Breast lift can be performed with or without the insertion of breast implants, depending upon the anatomical factors and needs of the patient.

A breast lift is fundamentally different from breast augmentation in that the procedure is intended to enhance, not the size, but the shape of the breasts. Breast lift surgery raises and reshapes sagging breasts, by removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissue and nipples to improve its appearance. A breast lift can also reduce the size of the areola – the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If a patient’s breasts are small or have lost volume (after pregnancy), getting breast implants in conjunction with a lift can increase their firmness and size.

How is a Breast Lift Performed?
The breast lift surgical procedure may be performed under local anesthesia (awake) or general anesthesia (asleep), in a hospital or in an office surgical suite. Your time in surgery is typically two to three-and-a-half hours.

The degree of lift needed generally will determine the number and length of the incisions. The more lift a patient needs, the more likely the patient will need a lift with more extensive incisions. In other words, someone who needs a significant lift likely will not be a candidate for a periareolar incision, but rather the "anchor incision"

Results
Variable. Results may enhance or last longer when breast implants are inserted as part of the procedure. The effects of gravity, pregnancy, aging, and weight fluctuation may take their toll again.

Complications and risks
As with any surgery, there is risk of complications related to infection or reaction to anesthesia. Excessive bleeding can occur. After healing, some permanent scarring will remain. When proper precautions are taken by the surgical team, complications are typically minimized or prevented.

Sources: http://www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com/breast-lift, http://www.plasticsurgery.com/breast-lift/info.aspx