Although there has been some research suggesting that breast implant illness (BII) is more commonly associated with silicone breast implants, it is generally believed that both saline and silicone implants can lead to BII.
Additionally, it is thought that the illness may not be caused by the implants themselves, but by other factors such as autoimmune reactions, bacterial infections, and other environmental factors.
Studies have found that certain women with silicone breast implants are more likely to experience symptoms of BII than their saline counterparts, especially when compared to women with no breast implants at all.
It appears that the risk is highest for women who have undergone multiple surgeries or had their implants replaced or removed due to complications. Other factors known to increase the risk of BII include individual genetic predisposition, previous exposure to foreign substances, and exposure to toxic substances.
Overall, both saline and silicone implants can be associated with BII. It is important for women considering breast implants to be aware of the potential risks, seeking medical advice and monitoring for any potential symptoms of BII.
Do saline breast implants cause health issues?
Most scientific studies have not found any long-term health issues associated with saline breast implants. There are, however, some potential risks associated with the procedure itself, such as infection, scarring, bleeding, asymmetry, and problems with sensation in the breast.
These risks can be minimized by choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and closely following any instructions and advice provided by the surgeon. There is also a risk of deflation of the implant, which can occur if the implant wasn’t inserted properly or a manufacturer defect is present.
Over time, the saline inside the implant can leak, which will cause the shape of the breast to change. In rare cases, the leaking saline can travel to other parts of the body and cause health issues.
If you’re considering saline breast implants, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor to ensure it’s the right decision for you.
Can you get BII from saline implants?
No, BII (Breast Implant Illness) cannot be caused by saline implants. While many women believe they are suffering from BII, most women with saline implants do not have any of the physical symptoms or health conditions associated with BII.
BII is becoming increasingly recognized as a legitimate medical condition and is being tied to the presence of silicone in breast implants, not saline. While saline implants can sometimes lead to post-surgical complications like infection, fever, and/or pain, these issues are separate from BII.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with BII after receiving silicone implants, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider about your concerns.
Which is safer saline or silicone?
Although both saline and silicone implants are generally considered safe, there are a few key differences between the two types that can affect safety. Saline implants are made of a medical-grade silicone shell that is filled with saline.
As a result, if the implant were to leak or rupture, the body would simply absorb and excrete the salt water. This makes the implant safer than silicone, which is filled with a cohesive gel that is not naturally absorbed by the body.
Additionally, saline implants tend to have a more natural look and feel than silicone implants, potentially reducing the risks associated with any implant placement. However, it’s important to note that there are still risks with both types of implants, including infection, capsular contracture (when scar tissue forms around the implant and becomes hard), shifting of the implant, rupture, and the potential for additional surgeries.
As with any medical procedure, patients should discuss the pros and cons of each type of implant with their doctor before making a decision.
What are the healthiest breast implants?
When considering healthiest breast implants, the two primary considerations are the type of implant and the implant material.
Saline implants, filled with sterile salt water, are often considered the healthiest type of implant because they are less likely than silicone implants to cause rupture or leak. Additionally, should a saline implant rupture, the sterile solution is safely absorbed by the body.
Silicone implants also have their benefits, as silicone is softer and generally more natural-feeling than saline. What’s more, all silicone implants are now considered cohesive and encapsulated, which means that in the event of a leak, the silicone gel stays within the implant’s wall.
This stability is also beneficial to the patient’s overall health.
When it comes to implant material, the most popular choice is high-strength banded silicone gel. These implants are made of a safe and durable, medically-approved gel. Additionally, high-strength banded silicone gel implants have an outer layer of a silicone elastic polymer or polyurethane foam, making them a safe, long-term option for patients.
Finally, there’s the option of fat transfer, where fat from another part of the body is injected into the breast area. This type of implant procedure is often considered the healthiest option as it typically results in fewer health risks and long-term complications than traditional implants.
To sum up, the healthiest breast implants for an individual patient can depend on several factors. Discussing the implants types, materials and options with a trusted, certified surgeon can help a potential patient determine the most appropriate option for their particular needs and goals.
How long can you have saline breast implants?
The lifespan of saline breast implants can vary, but typically they last between 10-20 years. It’s important to closely monitor your implants for any changes and to keep up with routine follow-up visits with your plastic surgeon.
Though there is no set time frame for implant replacement – such as every 10 years – if any issues arise, it is generally recommended to replace the implant. Issues such as deflation, shift in position, changes in breast size, implant rupture, and changes in the shape of your breasts can all be signs that it’s time to consider implant replacement.
Your surgeon can evaluate your breasts and talk to you about your options based on the type of implants and your preferences. Ultimately, you and your surgeon will decide when the right time is to replace your implants.
Can silicone implants cause illness?
No, silicone implants are generally considered safe and do not cause illness. Silicone implants are used in plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, and facial prosthetics.
They have been used for decades and have a successful track record of safety and efficacy.
The FDA approved silicone implants in 2006 after extensive research that showed that the materials used to make silicone implants posed no health risks to the recipient. Furthermore, numerous clinical studies conducted by independent researchers have also concluded that there is no direct link between silicone implants and any kind of illness.
However, there have been reports that some women with silicone implants may experience specific types of localized health related issues such as capsular contracture and hardening of the area around the implant.
In short, silicone implants are generally considered safe, and there is no evidence that they cause any kind of illness. However, like all medical procedures there are risks to be aware of and discuss with your plastic surgeon.
What are signs of breast implant illness?
Signs of breast implant illness can vary among individuals, but some of the more common symptoms include:
-Fatigue, including chronic fatigue that doesn’t respond to rest or sleep
-Joint pain, muscle pain, and nerve pain
-Neurological problems, such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, foggy thinking, and memory loss
-Gastrointestinal and digestive issues, such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, and nausea
-Skin problems, including rashes, hives, and acne
-Mood changes and depression
-Sensitivity to smells and chemicals
-Respiratory issues, such as shortness of breath, chest pains, and coughing
-Swollen lymph nodes
-Interstitial cystitis
-Insomnia
-Headaches
-Hair loss
-Weight loss or gain
-Ovarian cysts
-Autoimmune diseases and symptoms such as Sjogren’s syndrome and inflammation
How do you test for silicone poisoning?
Testing for silicone poisoning typically begins with an assessment of the history and physical examination of the patient. Doctors will take note of a variety of non-specific symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, rashes, and joint pain, that can be indicative of silicone poisoning.
Blood work, including tests for liver and kidney function, white blood cell count, and protein levels may be performed to identify levels of toxins in the body. Urine tests may be used to look for silicone particles or metabolites in the urine.
In some cases, doctors may recommend imaging tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI, to check for inflammation in the lungs and tissues in the surrounding area of silicone implants. In extreme cases, a tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for analysis.
Treatment for silicone poisoning varies based on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time a person has been exposed to silicone. Treatment typically involves detoxification, dietary changes, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?
When breast implants are removed and not replaced, the breasts may return to their original size, or they may be smaller or larger than their original size. In some cases, the breasts may be saggier due to loss of the supportive structure that the implants provided.
If the implants were placed over the muscle, rather than under the muscle, the breast may look different even after removal and not replacement due to loss of soft tissue coverage. Furthermore, if the implants were inserted above or in front of the chest muscle, a “diving board” or concave appearance may occur when the implants are removed and left out.
Patients may also experience any of the potential side effects associated with implant removal, such as pain, scarring, infection, changes in sensation, and numbness. It is important to discuss removal and expected outcomes with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to ensure safe and successful outcomes with minimal side effects.
When do breast implant illness symptoms start?
The onset of breast implant illness symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. For some, symptoms start immediately following implantation, while for others, it can take months or even years for signs of illness to develop.
Common early signs and symptoms of breast implant illness include pain and stiffness in the chest area, swelling, lumps or tenderness in the breast area, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and changes in taste or smell.
Other common signs and symptoms include joint pain, rashes, dizziness or vertigo, hair loss, cognitive issues, and mood changes. In severe cases, breast implant illness can cause irreversible damage to the immune system, lead to neurological issues, and potentially life-threatening diseases.
If you have experienced any of the above symptoms following breast implantation, it is important to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
How do I know if my body is rejecting my breast implants?
If you have recently received breast implants and are unsure if your body is rejecting them, there are a few signs to look out for. These include localized pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the implant area, as well as a fever and chills.
Other signs can include changes in the shape or size of your breast, the sensation of warmth or increased sensitivity in the implant area, and the appearance of fluid or pus draining from the implant area.
If you experience any of these symptoms or feel that something is not quite right, it’s important to make an appointment with your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Your surgeon can then do an examination to determine if your body is rejecting the implant.
If necessary, they will also do further tests and might need to surgically remove the implant. It’s important to be aware of any changes you feel or notice around your implants that could potentially indicate a problem.
Doing so will help ensure that you get the care you need to address any issues as soon as possible.
What are the early signs of capsular contracture?
The early signs of capsular contracture include a feeling of tightness or firmness around the breast implant or general breast area, a change in the shape of the implant, and some discomfort of the affected breast.
Other early signs may include a visible deformity in the breast wherein the breast may appear larger or misshapen. These symptoms can become more and more noticeable over time, and the condition can become more and more uncomfortable.
Some people may also experience sensations like tingling, pressure, or burning in the affected area. In some cases, the breast may become painful and red, or the nipple may become tender. A diagnostic mammography and ultrasound may be used to evaluate the condition and rule out other potential causes.
Are saline implants less toxic than silicone?
Generally speaking, saline implants are less toxic than silicone implants. Saline implants consist of a sterile saltwater solution and are generally considered safer than silicone implants. Saline implants are inserted into the body in a deflated state, and then injected with saline to the desired size while inside the body.
Silicone implants consist of a silicone rubber envelope filled with a firm, elastic gel. One of the benefits of saline implants is that if the implant ruptures, the body will absorb the saline solution without any toxic effects.
In contrast, a rupture of silicone implants may cause the silicone to leak into the body, which could potentially cause a systemic reaction and inflammation. Additionally, saline implants may have less chances of complications compared to silicone implants because the chances of bacteria growing on the surface of the implant is much lower.
Ultimately, the decision about which type of implant is best for you should be made between you and your doctor.
Should I get silicone or saline implants?
The choice between silicone and saline implants will depend upon the goals for your breast augmentation. The best way to determine which implants are most suitable for you is to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who can help assess your individual anatomy and desired results in order to recommend the most appropriate implants for your body type.
Silicone implants are often recommended for patients looking for a more natural feel and look to their breasts, while saline implants may be better suited for women desiring to correct mild asymmetry.
Silicone implants also come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well as give a more natural look. However, saline implants are more cost-effective and work well for women who may have uneven sized breasts.
Ultimately, it is important to consult with an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations in order to determine which implant option is the best fit for you. Your plastic surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of each implant type with you and provide their professional opinion.