Are Breast Implants Safe? What Women in South Africa Should Know

Breast augmentation, a procedure sought by women wanting to achieve larger, more symmetrical breasts, and to restore the volume lost following childbirth or significant weight loss, is a common cosmetic procedure. A primary question asked by many women before going under the knife is whether breast implants themselves are safe.

While modern breast implants have been utilized in cosmetic surgery for a prolonged period, breast augmentation, like any other surgical procedure, is not without potential risks. Understanding the process, the choices available, the expected recovery, and the potential complications is crucial for making an informed decision with the assistance of one's surgeon.

What Exactly Are Breast Implants?

Breast implants are devices used surgically to augment the breasts. They are placed within the body, either above or below the chest muscle, and are designed to increase the size and/or improve the contour of the breasts. Your Breasts states that breast implants contain either silicone or saline, and are fitted inside a specially constructed pocket in the breast tissue itself.

Before they are surgically inserted, silicone implants are already full of silicone gel. Saline implants, on the other hand, are inserted empty and are then filled with sterile salt water once they are in place. Ultimately, the type of implant used will be based on several factors such as the anatomical suitability of the patient, and the optimal choice indicated by one's surgeon.

Are Breast Implants Safe Overall?

Breast implants are believed to be safe for suitable candidates, provided the procedure is performed by an adequately trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon within a suitable medical environment. However, that is not to say there are no associated risks involved.

Ultimately, the surgery is known as augmentation and patients should be aware of the potential benefits and any potential complications before going ahead with an augmentation. A thorough consultation with your cosmetic surgeon will allow him to evaluate your tissue, go through your medical history, and determine the best implant choice for you in regards to breast type, size, placement and location.

What Are the Most Likely Risks of Breast Implant Surgery?

A number of short-term side effects may be experienced along with any operation:

Bruising and Swelling

It is expected that breasts will both bruise and swell for a number of days following surgery, usually subsiding once the breasts have begun to heal. 

Scarring

Breast augmentation requires a small incision under the breast, nipple or armpit to allow the surgeon to insert the implant. Scars will gradually reduce in appearance over time, but scar healing can be an individual process.

Infection and bleeding

As with any surgical procedure there is a risk of infection and bleeding. Close adherence to instructions will help you identify any problems at the earliest opportunity.

Implant Related Complications

Other risks associated with implants themselves may arise after surgery, for example the implant can move out of position, and leak. These will need to be checked on a regular basis by your surgeon.

Does Implant Location Make a Difference?

Choosing the location in which the implant is situated can affect the look of the breast. A breast augmentation can occur over the chest muscle or beneath the chest muscle. An adequate quantity of breast tissue will ensure that the implants are placed over the chest muscle, but the ideal place for the implant where there is less breast tissue will be underneath the chest muscle.

What should Women think About Before an Operation?

You should not consider surgery as being about cosmetic trends or expectations, it needs to be a personal decision. Factors such as your desired result, current health status and expected long term issues are all things that should be thought about before undergoing surgery. A consultation will play a crucial role in discussing the potential size and shape of the implant; placement and type of prosthesis, and any possible side effects you might face after undergoing surgery and your expected recuperation. Remember that each person will react differently depending on the skin elasticity and condition, body shape and how well your wounds heal.

What can I expect in the way of recovery?

During recovery it is expected that the patient's breasts will be sore and swollen, bruised and they may feel sensitive. Your Breasts states that a patient can usually get back to work after around 3-4 days, but can take 3-4 weeks before you can physically touch your breasts due to the fact you may hurt yourself and cause the scar to burst, and scars can fade for up to a year.

How can I ensure Breast Implant surgery is as safe as possible?

If you are undergoing a breast augmentation you must make an informed choice:

Look for an experienced surgeon

You must ensure that your cosmetic surgeon is appropriately qualified and experienced, and discuss with them how they will approach surgery.

Understanding your implant options

Various implants can be considered: choose between saline or silicone, and also discuss different sizes, shapes and placement options available to you.

Fully disclosing all relevant information to your cosmetic surgeon about your health

You should tell your cosmetic surgeon about your medical history, for instance if you have allergies or are on certain medications, to allow your surgery to be performed appropriately.

Following post-operative instructions strictly.

Post-operational care is one of the most vital parts to ensure a safe operation, ensure that you stick to any prescribed medications given and attend the clinic for routine follow-ups.

Is the operation the right choice for me?

This will depend on various factors as what you aim to achieve from breast augmentation differs from many women. Augmentation surgery is only appropriate for patients who want to increase their breast volume or size, or for those who wish to restore their lost breast volume after childbirth or weight loss. Only after receiving extensive information will this decision be made, which will involve meeting with the cosmetic surgeon to clarify you will achieve the appearance you desire.

Breast implants South Africa

When considering Breast implants in South Africa, it is essential to look for advice on all of the risks, and to ensure you obtain help from plastic surgeons who are highly qualified. When looking for cosmetic plastic surgeons in South Africa it is important to consider the method of surgical technique used, the placement location of your implants, and of course, how they will be cared for afterward.

It is vital that you go through each step carefully and are as well informed as possible before going through with this treatment. You will be able to make sure the augmentation will take place with as little health risk as possible.

Consider breast augmentation with Yourbreasts.

Your Breasts specialize in a wide range of breast augmentations, with each implant procedure performed at Alchimia Clinic. You can visit your surgeon to discuss implant size, placement, type, shape of the breast, surgical technique and any goals you may want your breast augmentation to fulfil. When making the decision for breast augmentation South Africa women should definitely take your breasts to see how they can assist you.