Breast implants have become a relatively common cosmetic procedure in recent years. Many women are drawn to the idea of enhancing their breast size and shape to boost their confidence. While plastic surgeons and the medical community do a good job of providing information about the basics of breast implant surgery, there are several important aspects that often get overlooked or aren’t fully disclosed. Here are four things they may not tell you about breast implants.
1. The Risk of Capsular Contracture
What is Capsular Contracture
Capsular contracture is one of the most common and potentially serious complications associated with breast implants. When a breast implant is inserted into the body, the body’s natural response is to form a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. In most cases, this capsule remains soft and flexible, allowing the implant to move naturally within the breast pocket. However, in some cases, the capsule can start to tighten and harden. This tightening process is called capsular contracture.
How Common is It
The exact incidence of capsular contracture can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of implant (silicone or saline), the placement of the implant (sub – glandular or sub – muscular), and the individual’s body’s response. Generally, estimates suggest that the risk of developing capsular contracture ranges from 10% to 20% over a 10 – year period. But it can be higher in some cases. For example, if the implant is placed in the sub – glandular position (on top of the chest muscle), the risk may be slightly higher compared to the sub – muscular position.
The Impact on the Breast
As the capsule tightens, it can cause the breast to feel hard and sometimes misshapen. In mild cases, the breast may just feel firmer than normal, but in more severe cases, the breast can become distorted, and the implant may shift or ride higher in the breast pocket. This can be not only cosmetically unappealing but also painful. Women with severe capsular contracture may experience significant discomfort, especially when the breasts are touched or during physical activity.
Treatment Options
The treatment for capsular contracture usually involves surgery. In mild cases, the surgeon may be able to break up the scar tissue through a procedure called a capsulotomy. This can be done either through a small incision or using a non – invasive technique called ultrasound – assisted liposuction in some cases. However, in more severe cases, the entire scar tissue capsule may need to be removed, which is called a capsulectomy. In some situations, the implant may also need to be replaced. This additional surgery not only adds to the cost but also comes with its own set of risks, such as infection and further scarring.
2. The Long – Term Maintenance and Costs
Regular Check – Ups
After getting breast implants, regular check – ups with a plastic surgeon are essential. These check – ups are not just about ensuring the implants look good; they are also crucial for detecting any potential problems early. The surgeon will typically want to see the patient at least once a year for the first few years and then less frequently if everything is stable. During these check – ups, the surgeon will examine the breasts for any signs of capsular contracture, implant rupture, or other issues. This means that there are ongoing costs associated with these follow – up appointments, which can add up over time.
Replacement Costs
Breast implants do not last a lifetime. On average, most implants are expected to last between 10 and 20 years. Eventually, they may need to be replaced. The reasons for replacement can vary. Implants can rupture, especially silicone – gel implants, which may not show obvious signs of rupture on the outside. The shell of the implant can also weaken over time, leading to a loss of shape or integrity. When it comes time for replacement, there are significant costs involved. The cost of the new implants, the surgical fees for the replacement procedure, and any associated hospital or anesthesia costs can be substantial. And this is not a one – time expense; depending on how long a woman has had her implants and when they need to be replaced, she may need to go through this process more than once in her lifetime.
Cost of Complications
As mentioned earlier, complications like capsular contracture may require additional surgeries. These surgeries can be costly. In addition to the direct medical costs, there may also be indirect costs. For example, if a woman has to take time off work for the additional surgery and recovery, she may lose income. There may also be costs associated with any additional medications or treatments required as a result of the complication. All these costs can add a significant financial burden that many women may not anticipate when they first decide to get breast implants.
3. The Impact on Breastfeeding
Reduced Lactation Ability
One aspect that is often not fully explored is the potential impact of breast implants on a woman’s ability to breastfeed. When breast implants are inserted, especially if they are placed in the sub – glandular position, there is a risk of damaging the milk ducts and the glandular tissue in the breast. This damage can interfere with the production and flow of breast milk. Some women may experience a significant reduction in their milk supply, making it difficult or even impossible to breastfeed their babies adequately. Even in cases where the implants are placed under the muscle (sub – muscular), there can still be some disruption to the normal breast anatomy that may affect lactation.
Difficulty in Latching
In addition to reduced milk production, breast implants can also make it more difficult for a baby to latch onto the breast. The shape and firmness of the breast may be altered by the implants, and this can make it challenging for the baby to get a proper seal around the nipple. This can lead to frustration for both the mother and the baby and may ultimately result in the mother giving up on breastfeeding earlier than she might have otherwise.
Information Gap
Unfortunately, many women are not given enough information about the potential impact on breastfeeding before they decide to get breast implants. This lack of information can be a significant issue, especially for women who plan to have children in the future. It’s important for women to be aware of these potential risks and to have a detailed discussion with their plastic surgeon about how the implants may affect their future breastfeeding plans.
4. The Psychological Impact Beyond the Initial Boost
Unrealistic Expectations
Many women get breast implants with the hope that it will significantly improve their self – esteem and overall quality of life. While in some cases, there can be a positive initial boost in confidence, for some women, the results may not meet their unrealistic expectations. They may have envisioned a very specific look, and when the implants do not achieve exactly that, it can lead to disappointment. This disappointment can sometimes spiral into feelings of depression or body dysmorphia. The media often portrays a very idealized version of breast augmentation results, which can set the bar too high for many women.
Social and Interpersonal Changes
Getting breast implants can also bring about unexpected social and interpersonal changes. Some women may find that their relationships with friends and family change. There may be comments or reactions from others that they did not anticipate. In some cases, these changes can be positive, but in others, they can be negative and cause stress. For example, some women may feel that they are being objectified more after getting implants, which can be uncomfortable. Additionally, the physical changes may also affect how a woman perceives herself sexually, and this can impact her intimate relationships. These psychological and social aspects are often not fully explored during the pre – surgery consultations.
Long – Term Body Image
The long – term impact on body image is another important factor. As a woman ages, her body naturally changes. The breasts may start to sag or lose volume, and the implants may not age in the same way. This can create a disconnect between how the woman sees herself and how she expected her body to look over time. Some women may become overly self – conscious about the appearance of their implants as they get older, which can have a negative impact on their body image and self – esteem.
Conclusion
While breast implants can offer many benefits in terms of enhancing a woman’s appearance and confidence, it’s important to be fully informed about all aspects of the procedure. The risks of capsular contracture, the long – term maintenance and costs, the potential impact on breastfeeding, and the psychological implications are all things that should be carefully considered before making the decision to get breast implants. By being aware of these often – overlooked factors, women can make a more informed and confident choice about whether breast implant surgery is right for them.
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