Statistics show that plastic surgeons perform more than 100,000 operations per year related to changing and correcting the size of the mammary glands.
What are implants?
These are endoprostheses made of high-quality biocompatible material that give the breast a larger size or change its shape.
Symptoms of “breast implant illness”
The body reacts to foreign objects in many different ways, so identifying BII is not easy. If you're lucky, the burning pain occurs directly in the chest, but implantation can also lead to various autoimmune consequences, which doctors can diagnose as Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, Raynaud's disease, scleroderma, Hashimoto's disease, leaky gut syndrome, mixed connective tissue disease ( CTD), rheumatoid arthritis and some others - BII causes similar symptoms.
But these are only official diagnoses that a doctor can make. Much more often, many after breast augmentation suffer from the following symptoms: fatigue, anxiety, night sweats, low immunity, increased sensitivity to food and light, migraines, blurred vision, muscle and/or joint pain, chest pain, hair loss, cystic acne and other rashes, candidiasis, dental problems, neuropathy, chronic digestive disorders, bladder problems.
And this is not all, but only symptoms that appear clearly and quickly. A number of abnormalities develop over time: infertility, premature menopause, deterioration of thyroid function, excess estrogen and an extreme decrease in testosterone (and, accordingly, libido, which is why implants are often inserted).
If you are passionate about fitness, your workouts may be interrupted for months as they worsen a number of symptoms.
Plus social and family consequences - due to the deterioration of your health, your loved ones also suffer.
Photo from the Facebook community Breast implant truth, illness and explanation.
How can implants cause so much trouble? There are currently 4 theories.
Advantages and disadvantages of thoracic endoprostheses
Modern implant models belong to the third generation. Made from high quality biocompatible materials. The main advantages of endoprostheses are:
- Ensuring a beautiful shape of silicone breasts . With a successful choice of prosthesis model and a competently performed operation, it is impossible to distinguish a bust from a real one.
- Biocompatibility of the material with body tissues. The outer shell prevents the formation of inflammation of the mammary gland and does not cause rejection; the filler does not harm the woman if the integrity of the endoprosthesis is violated.
- Low risk of rupture. Damage to the prosthesis occurs only when the mammary gland is seriously injured.
- Extensive model range. Manufacturers offer so many implants that choosing the perfect pair is easy for any woman.
The only inevitable disadvantage of mammoplasty is the surgical intervention and postoperative risks. Other negative aspects are associated with low qualifications of medical staff, non-compliance with the rules of the rehabilitation period and incorrectly selected endoprostheses for breast augmentation. In addition, it is worth highlighting the following possible negative consequences of mammoplasty:
- dissatisfaction with the shape and size of the bust;
- palpation of the contours of the endoprosthesis;
- clearly expressed artificial breasts after breast augmentation;
- proliferation of connective tissue around the implant – fibrocapsular contracture;
- displacement or deformation of the prosthesis.
They leak
And there was a study about this (1). Even if the implant has not been damaged, the silicone will leak out. Although many plastic surgeons assure that this will not happen, the Internet is full of videos where even a new, just removed implant “sticks” to everything.
They can also say that the capsule formed around the implant prevents the silicone from leaking into other parts of the body. However, this “capsule” consists of scar tissue and does not prevent the penetration of various substances, which then lead to health disorders.
How to choose an implant
When choosing, you need to navigate the market and know which breast implants are the best.
In addition, the anatomical features of the patient should be taken into account:
- natural breast size;
- skin condition and tissue elasticity;
- chest size (asthenic, normosthenic or hypersthenic);
- body proportions;
- breast density.
After analyzing all the data, the plastic surgeon advises the patient on the shape and volume of the implant, which will look as natural and beautiful as possible.
Even if the patient has a flat chest, enlargement will help to acquire beautiful shapes. Special measurements are taken to determine the exact size and volume of the prosthesis. To do this, not only the volume of the chest is determined, but also the thickness of the breast, the location of the nipples, and the distance between the mammary glands.
The nuances associated with the incision for the implant are also discussed. In modern clinics, you can simulate the result on a computer. Of course, the patient’s wishes are always taken into account, but the doctor has the final say.
Breast implant lifespan
Theoretically, the implant does not require replacement, except in unforeseen cases. Repeated surgery may be required only if the breast becomes deformed after pregnancy and breastfeeding, after a significant change in weight, and if a defect in the prosthesis is detected.
The manufacturer of endoprostheses gives a lifetime guarantee without harm to human health, and if the implant needs to be replaced, it will be done at the expense of the manufacturer!
They spoil the endocrine system
A number of substances that negatively affect the hormonal system are called “endocrine disruptors” - for example, food-grade plastic after exposure to temperature (this is why you should not heat food in a container or drink water from a bottle lying in the sun).
And even earlier it was believed that silicone was inert, but they thought the same about plastic until enough scientific data was collected.
Plus added components: post-implantation tests show high levels of heavy metals (lead, mercury, platinum (3)). We have no idea how these substances affect internal organs and hormone production. The strangest thing is that the effect of silicone itself on the endocrine system has not been fully studied. It is simply suggested to play silicone roulette.
Form
There are two types of endoprostheses based on their shape:
- Round. They are very popular due to their low price and ease of installation. Experience shows that this shape is excellent for sagging breasts. Round implants are recommended for women with large chests who want to significantly enlarge their breasts.
- Anatomical (or teardrop-shaped). According to the name, they repeat the anatomical shape of the mammary gland and look as natural as possible. As a rule, this type of prosthesis is used to enlarge small breasts, in thin women and in cases of narrow chest. They can have a low, medium and high profile.
They Reveal Hidden Autoimmune Disorders
People who deny BII usually argue that implants do not cause disease, but only open up what has already gone wrong in the body. But if this deviation remained hidden throughout life, we would not even know about it.
This argument does not justify implants in any way, but it does speak about the benefits of genetic tests (if you still intend to go under the knife).
Often, women with BII have a mutation in the MTHFR gene; If researchers find a link between these two factors, then a genetic test should become mandatory before breast augmentation surgery.
By the way, the MTHFR mutation, like BII, is not yet recognized by everyone in the medical community. These deviations are yet to be studied.
Estimated prices for implants for mammoplasty
The cost of endoprostheses depends on the materials used in production, the brand name, and the complexity of the process. For 1 implant you have to pay from 20,000 rubles to 100,000 rubles. Round endoprostheses with a smooth surface and liquid filling are the cheapest. This doesn't mean they are bad. Such implants have all quality certificates, and sometimes are the only possible options for indications.
When comparing implant prices, you need to study the manufacturer and market representative in your country. There is a well-known story about prostheses from the French company PIP, which were filled with a dangerous technical gel that tended to slowly leak through the shell. Patients who underwent mammoplasty underwent surgery to replace implants, but not all victims could be identified.
What do we know for sure
Due to silicone breasts, a certain form of cancer can develop - anaplastic large cell lymphoma caused by breast implants: BIA-ALCL - breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (4). This disease was discovered in 2021 and damages the immune system.
If implantation can lead to cancer, then ask yourself: how many other health problems, as yet undetected, does it provoke?
Why are implants still not banned?
A couple of facts:
• Implants were banned . The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned it in 1992 but lifted it in 2006 (5) before long-term studies had been conducted.
• 2 major implant manufacturers sponsored a large study that was not officially completed . During the study, they had to follow 40,000 participants for 10 years. (6).
• In their advertising brochures, manufacturers note that there is a risk of developing autoimmune diseases due to implants .
But most surgeons tell potential patients that the risk is minimal. And some don't say anything at all.
Breast augmentation in Russia
In Russia and Eastern Europe, patients ask for the volume to be reasonable, so that it looks quite natural, the breast size should fit the figure. And in this case, installation under the gland will not be suitable; it will be necessary to place it under the muscle so that the implant is not visualized and the breast has the most natural shape possible.
There is also the opinion of patients, and even doctors, that installing implants under the muscle does not give anything at all. Because by installing an implant under the muscle, the surgeon damages the muscle: when an incision is made into the pectoralis major muscle, for example, from below, the muscle goes upward, i.e. rises to a fairly large distance. Thus, muscle function is lost, or at least impaired.
What to do if you suspect you have BII
Although there are already professionals who recognize BII and support those affected, there are not many of them. The author of the article spoke with dozens of women whom the doctor simply ridiculed after listening to their concerns. Therefore, do not immediately talk about “breast implant disease”, but come from afar, for example: “I have these symptoms (list). I passed the following tests (list). I took the following steps to fix the problem (list)... but nothing helped. I heard about women with exactly the same problems, but after the removal of the implants everything went away. And I also want to get rid of them.”
In the future, when there is enough scientific evidence, medical professionals may recognize BII, but for now it is best to avoid the term to avoid ridicule.
Installation of an implant under the gland
When the implant is placed under the gland, it is placed in the space between the gland and the pectoralis major muscle.
In this case, the implant is covered only by skin, subcutaneous tissue and gland tissue. In this case, the muscle is not touched. The implant is installed under the gland, and only the gland tissue and subcutaneous fat cover it on top.
What are the advantages of this method? The next day, the patient calmly goes home, there is practically no pain, and the use of painkillers is not even required. Heals quite quickly, well.
What are the disadvantages? For thin patients, this method is unacceptable; the thickness of the soft tissue is very small and the implant can be felt in some places. If the patient is ready to take such a risk, then an implant can be placed under the gland; if she is not ready, then another method must be used.
Reasons for replacing an implant
There are situations when it becomes necessary to replace installed implants. When does this happen?
There are certain reasons for this. Here are the main ones:
- The integrity of the prosthesis has been compromised.
- The patient wanted a different size or decided to change the type of product, as new and improved models are appearing in the modern world.
- My weight changed dramatically. For example, after significant weight loss, the breasts may begin to sag, eventually requiring correction.
- The bust has become asymmetrical.
- Stretch marks or folds have formed.
FDA statistics show that 20% of women go to have their implants removed after 8-10 years. The reason for this may be the desire to change the size, style, or the emergence of new technologies. But there are cases when such an operation is decided due to complications.
Plastic surgeon Jed Horowitz
Endoprosthesis profiles
This indicator of implants, anatomical and round, is nothing more than the percentage ratio of the projection values of the graft to the size of its base.
Thus, a high-profile breast prosthesis has a larger projection and a smaller base.
In other words, the profile indicator indicates the plumpness (high profile) or flatness (low profile) of a particular implant.
At the same time, manufacturers do not agree on which endoprostheses are considered high- or low-profile. This is explained by the fact that manufacturers also use different types of fillings and shells in the implants they produce.
Using the example of McGhan implants, it is proposed to take into account the following profile indicators:
- within 32% - low profile;
- 32 - 38% - medium profile;
- more than 38% are high-profile.
Experience shows that a more beautiful breast shape is obtained with medium-profile implants.
After implantation, endoprostheses last a lifetime if there are no complications. However, implants can be removed at any time if the woman so desires. Implants cannot be replaced every 10-20 years. It is also important that implants do not interfere with breastfeeding. The gland tissue is not damaged during placement and does not have a toxic effect on the quality of milk.
Anatomical implants McGahn (USA)
What distinguishes Natrel McGan style 410 anatomical implants from other grafts?
- Their interior is filled with silicone gel.
- The implants have more perpendicular cross-links, which makes the gel stronger.
- Reduced rate of gel diffusion through the wafer with a specialized inner layer.
- The hardness of the filling and bringing the gel to drying is carried out using a special technology.
- The ability to shape the breasts so that they will not subsequently become distorted.
- Wider possibility of selecting this implant for a specific patient - style 410 is manufactured in 12 shapes for all possible volumes.
Natrel McGan in a teardrop shape gently blends into the surrounding tissue, giving the breast a natural appearance. This endoprosthesis is more suitable for recreating a lost breast, as well as for patients whose breasts have visible asymmetry or deformation. The hardness of the implants provides them with an elastic bust.
Among the main manufacturers of implants, including anatomical ones, there are also:
- Nagor (UK) specializes in the production of endoprostheses with a textured wafer and gel filler and offers patients a large selection of sizes and shapes of implants;
- Mentor (USA) – the company has anatomical and round implants filled with cohesin gel, which reduces the risk of developing capsular contracture;
- Polytech (Germany) – endoprostheses from this company are also filled with soft cohesin gel and have a “memory effect” that allows them to maintain their shape after manipulation;
- Eurosilicone (France) is a company that supplies consistently high-quality and safe transplants to Europe and other countries of the world.
Before mammoplasty, each patient should inquire about the features of delicate products produced by these and other manufacturers, and the availability of transplant quality certificates.
Breast surgery size 4 and larger
Curvy shapes are not suitable for everyone, and besides, the installation of large-volume implants may simply be contraindicated for health reasons.
In medical practice, there are many cases when a woman insists on the desired size of breast implants. Such situations often arise when talking with patients of short stature and thin build. Despite the surgeons' warnings about possible complications and a difficult rehabilitation period, the patient undergoes surgery. In 35% of cases, these are candidates for revision mammoplasty, during which the endoprosthesis is replaced with a smaller model.
Before mammoplasty, the plastic surgeon carries out a lot of preparatory work to ensure that the selected size of the endoprosthesis suits the patient. In many cases, doctors recommend that a woman not use sizers, but rice, measured in the desired volume in ml and poured into a nylon stocking. A thick sports bra is necessary in this case. It is also important to consider how much breast implants of a certain volume weigh. After all, the acquired beauty will cease to please you if your arms and back constantly hurt under the weight of endoprostheses.
Size
The volume of the prosthesis is calculated in milliliters. 150 ml of silicone gel or saline solution corresponds to one natural breast size.
For enlargement, prostheses with a volume of 200, 300 and 400 ml are most often used. The maximum implant size is 740 ml, the minimum is 90 ml.
The volume of the endoprosthesis can be adjustable or fixed. In the first case, the surgeon introduces a filler into the shell after its installation; in the second, the implant is a solid product, the volume of which is not adjusted.
Market leaders
The following leaders are identified:
- Mentor. They have a reputation for reliable prostheses with an acceptable risk of complications of only 1.1%. Inside the endoprosthesis there is Memory Gel, which recreates the most natural shape and is very similar in density to natural gland. Does not leak if the shell is damaged. The manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty on breast implants and offers a wide range of products.
- Allergan. A distinctive feature of these implants is their reliability and safety: the shell is made of seven layers, and the barrier layer is made using the unique INTRASHIEL technology. The manufacturer has taken care of a wide range of product sizes, which makes it possible to select a prosthesis even in non-standard situations. In addition, you can choose both the shape and the filler. The latter is represented by several types of gel.
- Motiva. Hi-Tech implants from Motiva Implant Matrix are a completely new level in the field of plastic surgery. The new ProgressiveGel Ultima filler and Q Inside Safety TechnologyTM production technology made it possible to achieve excellent aesthetic performance of the product, which has already been appreciated by top surgeons and demanding patients in 60 countries around the world where the company received official permission to sell implants.
Surface types
Breast implants have two types of outer shell surface: smooth and textured. These types are distinguished by their characteristics:
- Smooth. This surface reduces the likelihood of skin folds forming on the chest. The downside of the smoothness of the implant is the high risk of rupture. After installation, such a prosthesis is covered with connective tissue, but its uncontrolled growth is fraught with compaction and deformation of the glands.
- Rough or textured. This shell is thicker and more durable. The finely porous surface ensures good adhesion of the implant to soft tissues and reduces the risk of its displacement. The only disadvantage of a rough surface is that it can cause folds and wrinkles, which detracts from the appearance of the breasts.
Do not be afraid of the above consequences. The risk of encountering them is reduced to zero if the operation was performed by an experienced surgeon.
Implantation of chewing teeth - price in Moscow
The price for implantation of chewing teeth consists of the cost of the implant, dental crown and the doctor’s work. If you are diagnosed with a lack of bone tissue volume, the cost of the procedure will increase slightly. Estimated prices for implantation of chewing teeth in Moscow start from 30 thousand rubles per tooth and reach 60 thousand and above. In order to save significantly, you should pay attention to inexpensive implantation systems: MIS, Alpha Bio, Xive, Impro, Osstem and others.
Publisher: Expert magazine about dentistry Startsmile.ru
