Are Breast Implants Safe?

Thursday, 15 October 2020 08:15

Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center

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Breast augmentation has been a leading plastic surgery procedure for many years. Still, some questions need to be answered. One that continually comes up during consultation visits, and one that is often typed into Google search, is “are breast implants safe?” We’ll discuss that here, so that you may make the most informed decision about whether or not breast augmentation is right for you.

The Link Between Breast Implants and Cancer: Is it Real?

Researchers have spent years conducting thorough research on breast implants. One area of interest is whether or not breast implants can cause cancer in the ductal or lobular breast tissue. Case studies have provided concrete evidence to refute this. Breast implants do not cause breast cancer. However, women with breast implants can get cancer just like women without them can. If you choose to get breast implants, it is necessary to continue having normal mammograms or ultrasounds as recommended by your primary care physician.

Breast implants do not cause cancer. However, can they make it more difficult to spot breast cancer? There are differing opinions about this. Some say that, because breast tissue is spread out over implants, it is easier to feel small nodules. Some say that, if a nodule were to develop behind the implant or at its edge, it would be more difficult to feel. What is most important to this topic is survival rate, and that’s where we see definitive good news. Studies have shown that breast cancer survival rates are comparable across the board.

What about BIA-ALCL?

Breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It affects T-cells that are part of the body’s immune system. The risk of developing this disease is very low. It is estimated that BIA-ALCL occurs in 33 out of 1 million patients. This complication also seems to coincide with a seroma formation. A seroma is an accumulation of fluid around the breast implant. It is more commonly associated with textured breast implants. The majority of breast augmentations performed involve smooth implants that are much less likely to lead to fluid buildup.

Breast augmentation can be a beneficial procedure that helps you feel like your best self. To learn more, schedule a consultation in our Hazleton or Pottsville office.