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  • breast-augmentation

    Breast implant rupture, whether it’s saline or silicone, is a potential risk following breast augmentation with implants. During your personal consultation with Dr. Mosser before the surgery, it is best to learn everything there is to know about breast implant rupture, particularly when it comes to detecting the early signs. After all, a well-informed decision is one of the key factors in achieving desired outcomes.

     

    When Saline Implants Rupture

    Rupture of saline (saltwater) implants are easy to detect because it deflates quickly, resulting to a sudden change in size or shape of the breasts. When this happens, the saline solution is absorbed into the body which is typically harmless unless there is bacteria or fungus that developed within the implant and potentially cause an infection.

     

    When Silicone Implants Rupture

    In contrast to the sudden deflation of saline implants, a silicone implant rupture is quite subtle. For this reason, cases of silicone implant rupture go unnoticed during the initial period. In some cases, the rupture is only detected once the silicone implant is removed.

     

    Two things can happen in silicone implant leaks: the silicone will stay within the capsule (intracapsular) or the silicone filling can leak out of the capsule and make their way via the lymphatic network to neighboring organs such as the lungs.

     

    Ways to Find Out Implant Rupture

    A saline implant rupture is recognizable for its sudden deflation and a succeeding abrupt change in the size and shape of the breasts.

     

    With silicone implant ruptures, there could be swelling, pain, tenderness, numbness, tingling or a burning sensation. An  MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is considered the most accurate test for detecting rupture in silicone implants.
     

    “Overall, MRI was 94 percent accurate in detecting ruptured implants, compared to 72 percent accuracy for ultrasound. Magnetic resonance imaging also had a lower “false-negative” rate: five percent, compared to nine percent with ultrasound. Thus MRI was less likely to miss a ruptured implant, compared to ultrasound.

    However, both tests performed well in correctly indicating when implants weren’t ruptured. The “negative predictive value” was 94 percent with MRI and 85 percent with ultrasound.”

    Conclusively, breast implant ruptures are rare. However, being vigilant of the signs of rupture is still important following surgery. For more information on possible risks and complications following breast augmentation, call 415.398.7778 to schedule an appointment today!

     

  • Mini Brow Lift After making the decision to have breast augmentation, you also need to make micro-decisions specific to the procedure. Choosing which breast implant type, size, and shape is one of these micro-decisions. An overview of the different implant choices below can help you figure out which ones will suit your aesthetic goals and preferences.

    Saline Implants

    These implants are made of saline with an outer silicone shell and are approved by the FDA for women who are over 18 years of age. They only require tiny incisions (which is actually an advantage due to less likelihood of obvious scarring) as the saline is only injected once the implant is put into place. An implant rupture from saline implants does not pose any health risk because the sterile saline solution will be naturally absorbed by the body.

    Other advantages of saline implants include the following:

    • generally expensive than silicone implants
    • typically has a firmer feel than their silicon counterparts
    • available in various projections to suit different breast shapes

    Silicone Implants

    Approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years of age, silicone implants are preferred by many because they have a more natural feel and look than their saline counterparts. These implants are pre-filled with silicone gel which requires larger incisions than saline implants.

    Silicone implants also have the added benefits:

    • breast implant rupture and rippling rarely happen in silicone implants
    • silicone implants give the upper breast a more normal sloped appearance which makes it look more natural
    • silicone implants typically last longer than saline implants

    Gummy Bear Implants

    These implants are also known as cohesive gel silicone implants and are approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years old and above. The silicone in these implants have a gummy bear-like consistency and are usually thicker than traditional silicone implants. The firm nature of gummy bear implants can either be perceived as a benefit or a drawback. It becomes a benefit because it provides for a more natural feel while it becomes a drawback because it requires larger incisions to be inserted.

    Teardrop vs. Round Implants

    Teardrop implants offer the most natural look and feel because they create a sloped appearance similar to that of natural breasts. However, they require the skills of a surgeon who have lots of experience in placing teardrop implants. If the pocket in which the implant is inserted is not correctly done, the implant will most likely flip resulting to a misshapen-looking breast.

    On the other hand, round implants are ideal for women who want to have soft, fuller, and well-proportioned breasts which can emphasize cleavage. However, they can look more artificial than teardrop implants.

    Talking To Your Breast Augmentation Surgeon

    If you live in San Francisco and neighboring areas and would like to learn more about your breast implant options, call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to your visit!