Breast implants are a type of prosthesis that alters the shape, size and texture of the breast. Different kinds of breast implants include saline and silicone, and the process of placing the implants into the breast is called breast augmentation. Many dangers and complications are associated with breast augmentation, and many of these issues pertain to the use of silicone.
About Silicone
There are five generations of silicone used in breast augmentation. The first generation of the material was created in the early 1960s and was a thick viscous gel substance, stuffed into an envelope made of silicone rubber. Generations that came after the first, improved on methods and materials used in the procedure, such as preventing the implants from shifting out of place and the quality of materials used in the procedure. The third, fourth and fifth generations of silicone implants only made slight changes in material quality and texture of the silicone. In the 1970s the silicone gel within the implants became more liquid-like and natural feeling. Saline implants were invented around the same time as silicone, and many debates have existed about which material is safer.
Capsular Contracture
A capsular contracture is a complication in the scar tissue of the breast. All women who undergo breast augmentation have this internal scar tissue, and when it tightens around the implant it can become painful and will require surgery to repair it. This occurs with both silicone and saline implants. Symptoms of a capsular contracture include pain in the breasts and misshapen breasts, or they will feel hard and round. The condition doesn't heal on its own and more often than not it will occur again even after surgery to fix it.
Ruptures
Even in saline implants, the outer coating of the envelope is made of a silicone material, which can rupture if the breast experiences trauma. The trauma can be caused by an accidental cut during augmentation surgery, rough play during day-to-day life or wear and tear as the implant ages. This can cause the implant in either breast to deflate and cause the breast to sag or appear misshapen. If silicone leaks into your breast tissue, it can spread to other parts of your body where it can become impossible to retrieve. It can also cause you to have to undergo a mastectomy as the silicone damages breast tissue. The ruptured implant should be removed immediately as it can cause extreme pain, swelling, rash and infection.
Infection
With any surgery, infection can occur, but with breast augmentation the chances of infection are greater. Once the implants are put into the breast, they will lose their sterility and can eventually grow mold, fungus and other harmful bacteria. Symptoms of an infection can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, rash and a feeling of malaise. The site of the infection may also swell and appear to be red.
Interference
Silicone breast implants can interfere with mammogram examinations because the silicone within the implant creates a barrier which the X-ray cannot penetrate. This makes it difficult to diagnose any cancerous growths behind the implant and within the breast tissues. Implants can also rupture and burst from the pressure that is administered during the breast examination.
Little Known Statistics
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 35 percent of women who have gotten silicone implants have had to undergo a second surgery within three years. Of these women, 25 percent underwent the surgery to remove the silicone implants. The mortality rate associated with silicone breast augmentation is essentially 0 percent. However, an estimated 5 percent of women who have silicone implants experience morbid adverse effects from the surgery and anesthesia. Morbidity is when negative effects are experienced after augmentation such as deformities and other adverse reactions.
Tags: breast augmentation, silicone implants, associated with, breast tissue, capsular contracture