Breast Implant: Myths vs. Truths

THE augmentation mammoplasty, better known as breast prosthesis surgery, was popularized by countless models and actresses, becoming the fashion surgery today. Since 2009 it has surpassed liposuction as the most performed aesthetic plastic surgery in Brazil.

However, despite the large increase in demand for this type of surgery, some myths persist. We will try to demystify some of them here.

Can silicone prosthesis cause cancer?

The biggest myth is that the fear of prosthetic silicone may lead to breast cancer formation. That is not true. Although raised several years ago, this issue has already been clarified through a large study in the United States and one in Canada. The latter evaluated 11,676 patients who used breast implants.

Both studies showed no relationship between breast cancer and the use of silicone prostheses. He points out that medicinal silicone used in breast implants is different from industrial silicone, being purer, with cohesive gel and many specifications of its own.

In case of pregnancy will there be problem regarding breastfeeding?

As the prosthesis is placed below the mammary gland or below the muscle, there is no interference with the gland or breastfeeding, which can be performed normally.

And after pregnancy, what happens to the breast?

The breast with prosthesis behaves like one without a prosthesis, that is, it increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding and regresses after it. Thus, like any breast that is stretched by swelling, there may be slight ptosis and sagging (breast drop) after breastfeeding, generated by excess of the solution. excess. It is important to note that this solution is the same for those who do not have breast implants.

Where is the scar?

There are three types of incisions for prosthesis placement. The submammary that is hidden in the mammary fold (fold below the breast). The periareolar that is around the areola (at the apex of the breast). And the armpit that is hidden in the armpit. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice should be made in a frank conversation between the doctor and the patient, taking into account the type of breast, because there are limitations imposed by the breast.

For example, the periareolar incision cannot be made in patients who have a very small areola, as it would not be possible to introduce the prosthesis through such an incision. The navel incision is used only for saline prosthesis, which has many disadvantages compared to silicone prosthesis, so it is almost never used.

What is the best age for breast implant placement?

Does not exist specific age to place the breast prosthesis, which may be before or after children. However, as a surgery that greatly improves body contouring, it increases self-esteem and knowing that nowadays most women have children closer to 30 than 20, I believe the best age is even around 20 .

Thus, women can better and longer enjoy their new contour and sensuality, at a time when sexuality is most poignant. It is worth remembering that the woman's body is already fully developed after 16 years, and so could already put the prosthesis. However, for this, it would need parental consent.

What is the best prosthesis for me?

Each patient has a breast type, a history and breastfeeding or not, a skin type, and a desire and expectation of a different shape and volume. There are also various types and shapes of prosthesis (round or anatomical, high, low or moderate profile, etc.). Therefore, each patient will have a different indication from the other if all variables are taken into account. Your friend's prosthesis is not always best for you.

Can the prosthesis burst?

For rupture the prosthesis trauma would be so great that the risk to life would be greater than breaking the prosthesis (car accident). This is due to the elasticity and compliance of silicone, which tends to deform and absorb impact rather than rupture. However, over time the prosthesis becomes more fragile. This is why it is recommended to change every ten years. Exchange surgery is usually even faster and simpler than placement surgery, and the same incision as the first surgery can be used, thus avoiding new scars.

Can there be rejection of the prosthesis?

Does not exist prosthetic rejection. Rejection occurs by the formation of antibodies in response to non-self tissue (such as transplantation). Because silicone does not lead to antibody formation, there is no rejection. What can occur is capsular contracture, popularly called as "rejection". The body always produces a scar called a capsule around the prosthesis to isolate it. This capsule can shrink in size by compressing the prosthesis, generating capsular contracture.

There are 4 degrees of contracture. The 4th degree occurs between 3 to 5% of cases, the breast hurts and deforms. The treatment is the replacement of the prosthesis and placement plan below the muscle. It is rare to occur and is more frequent if after surgery there are any complications such as infection, bruise, seroma or in very old prostheses that were not changed at the appropriate time.

Is there any change in breast sensitivity?

During the surgery a space is made for the placement of the prosthesis and thus damaged some small nerves. Similar to a cesarean section, there is a usually transient change in sensitivity, which usually regresses and returns within a few months. The larger the prosthesis, the greater the sensitivity change, as the space for the prosthesis is larger and the nerve damage is more extensive.

Finally, breast augmentation is a relatively simple, safe and high patient satisfaction surgery that has made it so popular today.

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