In recent years, breast augmentation has become a relatively common cosmetic procedure. Many women choose to enhance their breast size and shape through the use of breast implants. But a question that often arises in the context of end – of – life arrangements is: do they remove breast implants before cremation? To fully understand the answer, we need to first look at several aspects, including the types of breast implants, the cremation process itself, and the implications of leaving or removing implants during cremation.
Types of Breast Implants
There are mainly two types of breast implants that are commonly used: saline – filled implants and silicone – gel – filled implants.
Saline – Filled Implants
Saline – filled implants are made of a silicone shell that is filled with sterile salt water. They are often a popular choice because they tend to be more affordable. The shells are made from a type of medical – grade silicone, which is designed to be biocompatible, meaning it can exist in the body without causing significant harm. When the implant is inserted, the shell is first placed in the breast pocket, and then it is filled with saline solution through a valve. The amount of saline can be adjusted to achieve the desired breast size and shape.
Silicone – Gel – Filled Implants
Silicone – gel – filled implants, on the other hand, are filled with a thick, gel – like substance made of silicone. These implants are known for providing a more natural feel compared to saline implants. The silicone gel closely mimics the texture of natural breast tissue. The shells of silicone – gel implants are also made of medical – grade silicone. There are different grades of silicone gel, with some being more cohesive, which means they hold their shape better and are less likely to rupture and leak.
The Cremation Process
Cremation is a method of final disposition of a body. It involves reducing the body to its basic elements through intense heat. The process typically takes place in a cremation chamber, also known as a retort.
Preparation for Cremation
Before a body is cremated, it goes through a series of preparations. First, the body is identified, and all necessary paperwork is completed. In most cases, the body is then placed in a suitable container. This can range from a simple cardboard casket to a more elaborate, yet cremation – friendly, container. Jewelry and other non – essential items are usually removed from the body at this stage.
The Cremation Chamber
The cremation chamber is a large, industrial – strength furnace. The temperature inside the retort can reach extremely high levels, typically between 1400°F (760°C) and 1800°F (982°C). When the body is placed inside the chamber, the intense heat causes the soft tissues to decompose. The body’s organic materials, such as skin, muscle, and organs, are burned away. Bones, which are more resistant to heat, are also subjected to the high temperatures. Over time, the bones break down and turn into fragments.
Processing the Ashes
After the cremation process is complete, the remaining bone fragments are removed from the retort. These fragments are then processed, usually by grinding them into a fine powder. This powder is what is commonly known as cremated remains or ashes. The ashes are then placed in an urn or other container as per the family’s wishes.
Do They Remove Breast Implants Before Cremation
The answer to whether breast implants are removed before cremation is not a simple yes or no. There are several factors to consider.
Safety and Environmental Concerns
One of the main considerations is safety and environmental impact. When breast implants are exposed to the high temperatures of the cremation process, they can release certain substances. Silicone, for example, when burned, can produce silicone dioxide and other by – products. While small amounts of these substances are not likely to cause significant harm in a crematorium setting, in some cases, there may be concerns about the cumulative effect on air quality. However, modern crematoriums are equipped with advanced filtration systems to capture and minimize the release of potentially harmful particles into the environment.
In the case of saline – filled implants, the salt water inside the implant will simply evaporate during the cremation process. The silicone shell, like that of silicone – gel implants, will be burned. But again, the impact on the cremation process and the environment is generally considered minimal due to the small size of the implants and the effectiveness of crematorium filtration systems.
Crematorium Policies
Another factor that determines whether breast implants are removed before cremation is the policy of the individual crematorium. Some crematoriums may have a standard procedure of removing any foreign objects, including breast implants, before cremation. This could be due to concerns about potential damage to the cremation equipment or to ensure a more consistent cremation process. However, many crematoriums do not have a strict policy of removing breast implants. They understand that the implants are made of materials that can withstand the high temperatures of cremation without causing major problems.
Family Wishes
The wishes of the family also play a significant role. In some cases, the family may specifically request that the breast implants be removed before cremation. This could be for personal or religious reasons. For example, some religious beliefs may hold that the body should be returned to its “natural” state as much as possible before final disposition. On the other hand, many families may not have any strong feelings either way and are comfortable with the implants remaining in the body during cremation.
The Process of Removing Breast Implants Before Cremation
If the decision is made to remove breast implants before cremation, it is a medical procedure that requires the expertise of a surgeon. The process is similar to a breast implant removal surgery that is done for other reasons, such as implant rupture or a desire to change the implant type.
The surgeon first makes an incision in the breast, usually in the same location as the original implant – insertion incision. This could be under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit, depending on how the implant was initially placed. Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully dissects the tissue around the implant to expose it. The implant is then removed, and the cavity where the implant was located is cleaned. After the implant is removed, the incision is closed using sutures or surgical staples.
It’s important to note that this is a surgical procedure and, like any surgery, it comes with risks. These risks include bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding tissues. However, in the context of end – of – life care, these risks may be weighed differently, especially if the family has a strong desire for the implants to be removed.
What Happens to the Implants After Removal
If the breast implants are removed before cremation, the implants themselves need to be disposed of properly. In most cases, medical waste disposal companies are contracted to handle the disposal of these implants. Since they are considered medical waste, they cannot be disposed of in regular trash.
The disposal process for breast implants usually involves incineration in a specialized medical waste incinerator. These incinerators are designed to handle medical waste in a way that minimizes the release of harmful substances into the environment. The high temperatures in the medical waste incinerator ensure that the implants are completely destroyed.
Alternatives to Cremation and Breast Implants
For those who are concerned about the treatment of breast implants during cremation, there are alternative methods of final disposition.
Burial
Burial is a traditional method of laying the body to rest. When a body is buried, the breast implants remain in the body. Over time, the body will decompose naturally in the ground. The breast implants, being made of silicone, will break down much more slowly than the body’s natural tissues. However, they are still subject to the effects of the environment, such as moisture and the presence of microorganisms in the soil. Eventually, the silicone may degrade, but this process can take many years.
Alkaline Hydrolysis
Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as resomation, is an alternative to traditional cremation. In this process, the body is placed in a pressurized vessel and exposed to a combination of water and a strong alkaline solution, such as potassium hydroxide. The solution breaks down the body’s tissues, leaving behind the bones and any non – biodegradable materials, such as breast implants. After the process is complete, the bones are processed into a powder similar to cremated ashes. The breast implants, if present, are removed and disposed of as medical waste. This method is considered more environmentally friendly than traditional cremation as it uses less energy and produces fewer emissions.
Conclusion
The question of whether breast implants are removed before cremation depends on a variety of factors, including safety and environmental concerns, crematorium policies, and family wishes. Each situation is unique, and it’s important for families to have open discussions with their funeral directors and, if necessary, medical professionals to make the decision that is right for them. Whether the implants are removed or left in the body during cremation, the final goal is to ensure a respectful and appropriate final disposition of the body.
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Breast Lift vs. Breast Implants: What Is the Difference?
