Most women find it hard to absorb all of the information they receive when they go in for a consultation for breast surgery. To help you make informed decisions, we've developed the Q&A below to provide you with answers to some of the more common questions women have about breast surgery.
Make sure you take some time to review each question completely before deciding whether you are a good candidate for surgery.
Q. Is there a minimum age requirement for breast implant surgery?
A. The FDA approves breast implant surgery with saline-filled breast implants for young women who are 18 and older. Silicone breast implants at the time of writing are only available for women over age 22. Why the difference? Women that receive silicone implants will need to be monitored often to detect the presence of a breast implant rupture. This usually involves use of an MRI. Some people feel the health risks associated with a rupture are greater for women with silicone implants, and since so much controversy over these implants exists, the age requirement for receiving them is much higher.
Q. What is a silent rupture?
A. Women that receive silicone breast implants are more at risk for what doctors call a "silent rupture." This is a rupture or leaking of the breast implant that a doctor is not able to detect with the naked eye. If a saline implant leaks or ruptures, a woman and her doctor will know immediately, because the implant deflates. This is not the case however, when women experience a silent rupture.
Q. Are any other types of fillers available for breast implants?
A. Researchers are always looking for new and innovative methods for improving the look, feel and safety of breast implants. For some time studies in England involved the use of soy filled breast implants. Other studies include investigation of new forms of silicone-gel and saline breast implants. So far, none of these fillers are approved for use by the FDA.
Q. Are clinical studies available for women that want breast implants?
A. Yes, some women do get breast implants as part of a study, whereas other women can participate in studies for compensation after receiving implants. To find out if you may qualify for a study, visit the FDAs site on breast implants.
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants/addsources.html
Here you will find a list of various manufacturers conducting studies on breast implants and surgery. You may contact them direct or visit the many websites provided by the FDA.
Q. Why are silicone implants now available for women and who makes them?
A. Silicone-gel implants made by Allergan and Mentor are available for women over age 22. These implants were once the implant of choice because they provided a very natural look and feel. There were many concerns when breast implants first came about regarding their safety. Some studies suggested silicone breast implants may increase one's risk for autoimmune disorders or cancer. However recent studies conducted of silicone breast implants by Allergan and Mentor suggest use of these implants is safe in most women. The risks associated with them are similar to the risks associated with saline implants. The FDA reviewed three years of studies from Mentor and four from Allergan before making their decision. Adjunct studies also provided information about the efficacy and safety of long-term use of these implants.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for silicone implants?
A. Very often women requiring breast reconstruction surgery make excellent candidates for silicone implants. Other candidates include women over age 22 that can make an informed choice about the risks involved and their willingness to undergo routine MRI scans to screen them for silent rupture of the silicone-gel implant.