Breast implants are used for a variety of purposes, including increasing the size of the breasts, changing their form, and making them look more even.
The choice to get breast implants should not be taken lightly. It’s not only a costly procedure, but it’s also important to understand that the outcomes can be affected in some cases.
With breast implants, there is also the chance of risks and complications. We’ll look at some of the most common complications and symptoms linked with breast implants in this article.
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Common Things That Can Go Wrong With Breast Implants
1. Capsular Contracture
In short, the creation of a scar tissue “capsule” surrounding any kind of implant (medical or cosmetic) is an expected aspect of the healing process. The body instinctively responds to any foreign thing it finds inside it by forming a scar tissue barrier around it in an effort to isolate it.
This is typically a beneficial thing in the case of breast implants since the capsule keeps the implants in place and prevents slippage. However, in certain individuals, the scar tissue capsule becomes extremely rigid and begins to constrict around the implant. This may cause both cosmetic issues and, in the worst-case scenario, discomfort in the breasts.
According to research, around one out of every six breast augmentation patients will develop some kind of capsular contracture, albeit not all instances will manifest with evident symptoms, or require a capsulectomy.
2. Silent Rupture Of Silicone Implants
Every breast implant has the potential to rupture or be pierced. The saline would flow out of a saline implant if it were to rupture. Ruptures in saline implants are simple to see since the breasts will appear deflated in approximately a day after the incident. This rupture is inconvenient, but it is harmless since the body will absorb the safe saline fluid.
However, if a silicone implant tears, the thicker silicone gel frequently remains in the implant or the scar tissue around the implant, making it hard to see. This leaking silicone creates no symptoms in some women. Because it might go undiscovered for months or years, it’s commonly referred to as a “silent” rupture.
3. Deflation Of Saline Implants
Any leaking from saline implants will be absorbed by your body since they are loaded with salt water. Complete deflation might take a day or two if the implant shell has a huge tear or weeks to months with a smaller leak.
Reduced breast size, hardness of the breast (which may feel soft or “squishy”), and fullness of the upper breast are all signs of deflation. The majority of these results are gradual and progressive. So, if you’re not sure whether you have a deflation, wait a few days to a week before checking again. You don’t have a deflation if your breast looks and feels the same.
However, if it continues to lose fullness and firmness, you should see a plastic surgeon immediately to prevent any additional risks.
4. Breast Implant Illness
BII also known as breast implant illness is a colloquial term used by some women—and even some physicians—to describe a variety of inexplicable symptoms that might occur after cosmetic breast augmentation or reconstructive breast surgery with implants.
Researchers’ present knowledge of breast implant sickness is mostly dependent on women’s self-reported symptoms and anecdotal information shared with their cosmetic surgeons, and primary care physicians.
BII seems to be linked to a broad variety of possible health consequences. The following are some of the most often reported physical and mental symptoms:
- Fatigue and headaches on a regular basis
- Joint and muscular discomfort that doesn’t go away
- Respiratory problems that aren’t easily explained
- Hair loss and rashes on the skin
- Dry mouth and eyes on a regular basis
- Memory and attention problems
- Depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness.
Women may utilize breast implants to help them achieve a more cosmetically pleasing size, shape, or level for their breasts. It is vital, however, that women who choose to go forward have a clear grasp of the risks and challenges that may arise.
While the majority of breast implant procedures are successful, things may go wrong at any time during or after the surgery as long as the implants are there. A woman may make the best decision about whether or not to have breast implants by learning about the surgeon, the procedure, and any potential risks.
Knowing the risks will not only help you spot any possible issues, but it will also set your mind at ease knowing that you are aware of the risks and are prepared to deal with them appropriately.