Women have been interested in breast augmentation for many years. The more that the procedure has been refined, the greater interest we have seen. Today, breast augmentation is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide. Although this surgery is common, or perhaps because it is so common, there is a bit of misinformation to be found. It’s an important bit of misinformation though, because it may be standing in your way of getting the shape you would like.
If you have done any amount of internet research on silicone breast implants or talked with friends about your consideration of this procedure for yourself, you may have come across a statement that breast implants have to be replaced every 10 years. Yikes! If you are in your twenties, that is a lot of upkeep to manage over your lifetime!
As much as this sounds like a yes or no question, it’s not. The answer is, some women may need some breast implant revision after 10 years, and some will not. The idea that silicone implants, across the board, in every patient, need to be replaced routinely, is a gross exaggeration of outdated statistics. Let’s look at where this idea came from.
In 2011, a report was released from an FDA study of silicone breast implants. Of the women in the study, 1 out of 5 did need to have her silicone implants replaced after around 10 years, due to scarring, rupture, or another issue. 1 in 5 accounted for only 20% of patients in the study. That means 80% of women with silicone implants had no issues and no need for revision surgery. That is just one point.
Another point that should be mentioned is that we must take a look at the date on that study to fully discern its validity. A lot has changed in the world of breast augmentation since 2011. No form-stable implants such as “gummy bear” implants were included in that study because they didn’t exist at the time. Now they do, and they are becoming the new norm in breast augmentation surgery.
Get the straight facts about breast implants from an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Dr. Kimmel provides outstanding care to patients from Pottsville, Hazleton, and surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule your consultation.