Written by: Ask the Expert Health & Wellness

Are Breast Implants Really Safe?

The world of breast augmentation Perth features more technology than ever before, not to mention more knowledge about breast implant creation. Thousands of women choose to get breast augmentation surgery every year which is why it is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery you can have (.) As medical knowledge increases, technology adapts to make implants safer than ever before, which is great news if you’re interested in having the surgery. If you are thinking of getting this surgery done, you may want to do some searching around to find the most reputable plastic surgeon to do this surgery for you. Perhaps some people would like to get in contact with a surgeon like Dr. Paul Fortes to perform the surgery, he is a well-known surgeon in the Houston area. However, if you’re not local to that area, be sure to keep searching until you find an experienced surgeon. Breast augmentation can really increase confidence and make women feel a lot better in themselves, so it’s worth getting this surgery done.

However, after gaining more insight into the safety standards of textured breast implants, news came out concerning some health risks associated with them that should be considered by people wanting these implants. After being banned in Europe and facing FDA inquiries, Allergan has announced a global recall on their textured Biocell breast implants. The recall is centered around an increased risk for a rare form of cancer known as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma. Globally, a total of 537 reported cancer cases are linked to the implants.

As these 2020 cosmetic surgery statistics suggest, it is very common that patients who received breast implants are urged to check with their plastic surgeons to find out the type of implants they received. If you were given Allergan Biocell implants, it’s crucial to discuss your options with your plastic surgeon and book an explant procedure.

Explanting 101

An explant procedure is the act of removing breast implants, and it’s typically followed by one of several procedures that ameliorate the look of implant removal. If your breast implants are recalled, then the first step to make is to have your implants removed.

Explanting is typically done under general anesthesia.

The type of explant procedure that needs to be performed is called an “en bloc capsulectomy.” This removes the entire implant, along with its casing, in a single swoop. By keeping the implant intact and removing the capsule alongside it, the risk of being exposed to the cancer-causing elements gets decreased and natural tissue pliability is maintained.

During the process, a small incision is made in the same area where implants were first placed in. Then, the doctor goes in through the incision to remove the implants. After the implants are removed, the incision is closed.

All Patients are then given a customized aftercare plan, and will see a full recovery in three to four weeks.

Option 1: Replacement

The most common option people choose is a replacement option for their implants. This involves choosing a new pair of implants that offer a similar (or better) result, and inserting them in the empty space left by the now-gone implants.

The replacement operation is done at the same time as explanting, and typically involves minimal extra recovery time. You and your surgeon will work together to choose the right implants or procedures for you.

Option 2: Mastopexy

At times, patients won’t want to replace their implants after an explant procedure. This leaves excess skin and space where the implants once rested. If left alone, this could cause sagging. To fix this issue, several plastic surgeons (click here to continue reading) tend to offer mastopexies.

Mastopexy procedures are done under general anesthesia, often right after explanting. The surgeon removes excess skin and tightens the skin around it. This gives breasts a lifted, smoother appearance.

Option 3: Auto-Augmentation Breast Lift

In a traditional mastopexy, excess tissue is removed in order to lift and tighten the base breast tissue. This inadvertently causes the patient to lose breast tissue, which isn’t something that is always desirable. One of the procedures that offer a natural, tighter appearance without loss of breast size is auto-augmentation mastopexy.

During auto-augmentation mastopexy, the surgeon begins by removing the excess tissue through incisions specific to the patient’s breast size. Then, he will use the excess tissue to reshape and augment the breasts. This preserves the breast size, while giving breasts a firmer, lifted shape.

Option 4: Mastopexy with Fat Grafts

At times, the excess tissue alone is not enough to give implant-free breasts a lifted and youthful look. When this is the case, surgeons will use liposuction to remove fat deposits from another part of the body, sanitize the fat, and the graft it onto the breast tissue. The surgeon will then tighten skin around the breast and close incisions.

Mastopexies performed with fat grafts are typically done concurrently with explants. At times, it is performed in conjunction with other surgeries like liposuction or arm lifts. This cuts surgery time and also makes it easier to recover from everything without excess resting periods.

One thing that patients should know is that regular fat grafts do lose a certain percentage of their volume after transfer. When you heal, it’s normal to see a slight reduction in volume. So, excess fat will be inserted in order to make up for the loss that will happen while breasts heal.

Option 5: Mastopexy with Alternative Fat Grafting Technique

One of the newest methods to offer implant-free, lifted breasts uses “Biocharged” fat grafts. These fat grafts undergo a special treatment to ensure they last longer and are more likely to stay at their full size. The procedure is almost identical to standard fat grafts, but includes a special treatment to improve the quality of fat. Learn Your Options

Allergan’s global recall on Biocell breast implants is a serious one, and can impact the health of recipients.


Dr. Barry Di Bernardo or Dr. Matthew Trovato. www.newjerseyplasticsurgery.com

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Tags: , , Last modified: March 16, 2023