Breast Implants: Types and Their Risks
Derived from Ichhori article (February 2023) • Expert‑enhanced summary
Types of Breast Implants
- Saline-filled: Filled with sterile saltwater; visible deflation if ruptured.
- Silicone gel-filled: Natural feel; silent rupture possible; “gummy bear” (highly cohesive) versions reduce leakage risk. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Structured: Combines saline and internal silicone structure—safer feel and smaller incision. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Composite fillers: Rare/discontinued options like soy oil or polypropylene strings. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Potential Risks & Complications
- Short‑term surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, anesthesia reactions, hematoma, seroma. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Implant-related complications: Rupture/deflation (saline) or silent rupture (silicone), asymmetry, pain, wrinkling. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Capsular contracture: Scar tissue hardens and squeezes implant, possibly causing deformity or pain; may require surgery. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Additional surgeries: Not lifetime devices—risk increases over time for removal, replacement, or correction. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- BIA‑ALCL (Lymphoma risk): Rare cancer linked especially to textured implants; often curable if diagnosed early. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- BIA‑SCC and other lymphomas: Even rarer cancers reported in implant capsule tissue. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Systemic symptoms (Breast Implant Illness): Some patients report fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, autoimmune symptoms. Causes not fully established. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Historical hazards: For example, PIP implants used industrial-grade silicone with high rupture and toxicity risk. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Granulomas: Leakage of silicone can provoke nodules or inflammatory reactions in breast tissue or lymph nodes. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Implant Types | Saline, silicone gel (incl. gummy bear), structured, composite (rare/discontinued) |
| Short‑term Risks | Surgical bleeding, infection, anesthesia risks |
| Long‑term Risks | Rupture, capsular contracture, reoperations |
| Cancer Risks | Very rare: BIA‑ALCL (textured), BIA‑SCC/lymphomas |
| Systemic Symptoms | Fatigue, joint pain, cognitive issues (Breast Implant Illness) |
| Past Safety Issues | PIP industrial‑silicone scandal, granulomas |
Takeaway
Each implant type comes with distinct pros and pitfalls. Silicone gels offer a natural feel but require monitoring for silent ruptures; saline implants show ruptures visibly. All carry surgery-related and long-term risks, including rare cancers—particularly with textured options. Systemic symptoms remain under investigation. Discuss all options thoroughly with a board-certified surgeon and review specific device checklists before deciding.