Your expectations
If you are considering having breast implants, the first step is to discuss it with your GP. They will be able to advise you based on your previous medical history.
If you have specific questions about breast implant surgery, your GP will be able to refer you to a surgeon with experience in this area. The surgeon will be able to answer your questions in more detail and provide you with all the information you need to make a final decision.
Before deciding to have breast implant surgery, you should discuss your expectations with your surgeon. You need to be realistic about what the surgery can achieve so that you are not disappointed with the results.
Important research
It is a good idea to find out about the treatment centre where you will be having your implants fitted. You can do this by contacting The Care Quality Commission (CQC), which is responsible for regulating independent healthcare providers. Their customer helpline number is 03000 616161 (8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday).
When discussing the procedure with your surgeon, find out about their level of experience. For example, you may want to find out:
- the number of successful breast implant operations they have carried out over the past two years
- how many breast implant operations they have performed where there have been complications
- whether or not they are a member of a recognised surgical association, such as the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)
Types of breast implant
Discuss the different types of breast implants (silicone and saline) with your surgeon. There are advantages and disadvantages of each type of implant. The most suitable implant for you will depend on your individual circumstances and your personal preference.
Both silicone and saline implants are surrounded by a firm, elastic shell that helps to prevent the implant from rupturing (bursting). The surface of the shell can either be smooth or textured.
Silone gel implants and saline (sterile salt water) implants are discussed in more detail below.
Silicone gel implants
Silicone gel implants are filled with a silicone substance that can vary in its firmness and consistency. They are pre-filled before they are inserted.
Advantages of silicone gel implants include:
- They have a long history of safe use.
- They are less likely to wrinkle than other types of implant.
- They are available in round or breast-shaped (anatomical) shapes.
- Silicone gel is a very soft and pliable (supple) implant filler, which means it allows for movement and gives you a natural feel.
- Some types of silicone gel have a textured surface, which may decrease the chances of causing problems, such as hardening.
Cohesive gel implants have a silicone shell made of several layers that make the implant strong and durable. The filler used for cohesive gel implants has a thick consistency, which means that if the implant were to rupture (split), the silicone would stay inside and the implant would retain its shape.
Like other types of silicone gel implants, cohesive gel implants have a soft, natural feel. They are also unlikely to wrinkle or fold due to their ability to retain their shape and integrity.
Saline implants
Saline implants have strong, silicone shell and are filled with a sterile salt water solution. They are either pre-filled or can be filled through a valve once they have been inserted into your breast.
Advantages of saline implants include:
- They have a long history of safe use.
- They have a soft texture and a natural feel.
- As the saline solution is similar to your body fluids, it can be safely absorbed or excreted (got rid of) by the body if the implant ruptures (splits).
Disadvantages of saline implants include:
- They may rupture or deflate at an earlier stage than other implants.
- They are more prone to wrinkling or folding.
- They are only available in round and not breast-shaped (anatomical) shapes.
Other types of implant
Some types of breast implant, such as soya bean oil-filled implants and hydrogel implants, are no longer in the UK.
In 2000, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recommended that women with soya bean implants should have them removed.
Although hydrogel implants are no longer available in the UK, women who have them have not been advised to have them removed because they are not thought to cause an immediate risk. However, the MHRA is continuing to monitor their safety. See the MHRA’s website for more information about hydrogel breast implants.
Safety
In 1991, polyurethane coated silicone implants were withdrawn from use in the UK following fears that they could increase the risk of cancer. However, research has shown that the risk is very low (less than one in a million) and in 2005 polyurethane-coated implants were re-introduced.
Implant life expectancy
Women who have breast implant surgery rarely keep the same implants for their entire lives. Most breast implants have a life expectancy of between 10 to 15 years, after which time they may need to be replaced.
However, breast implants can last for longer periods without any problems, and some manufacturers guarantee against certain types of implant rupturing for the lifetime of the patient.
