Breast augmentation, boob job, bionic baps, having your honkers hoisted.. Honestly girls, when it comes to having your breasts enlarged I've heard every term under the sun. Most patients will undergo bust-boosting surgery and be happy and content with the results of the procedure, but for some there can be small problems- one of which is rupture.
I hear from women every week who are worried about the future of their breast implants, but there are so many myths surrounding boob jobs and implants I think it's important to understand what's what. Here's my basic advice for anyone worrying about their breast implants.
Fact from fiction
The original silicone myth was that 'deadly substances' could enter your bloodstream if your breast implants ruptured. It's important to note this is not the case with the majority of well-made, modern implants. These can be safe for ten years or even more and do not contain anything harmful to the body.
What is an implant rupture?
When an implant ruptures, scar tissue may form around the implant and can become painful and inflamed. It can also change the shape and even, in severe cases, the size of your breasts as excess scar tissue forms.
The government health organisations have stated that there are no serious, long-term health risks associated with ruptured implants which means there is no increased risk of breast cancer or tissue diseases, but many women decide they'd like them removed or replaced anyway.
There are often no symptoms but some women have reported:
- Pain and discomfort in the breasts
- A burning, tingling or numb sensation
- Unusual swelling
- Hard lumps around the implant or sometimes in the armpit
- Change in size or shape
- Unusual softening or hardening
- Redness
What do you do if you think your implants have ruptured?
Book an appointment with your GP or the health provider who fitted you with the implants. If required you will be offered a mammogram, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI of the breast to confirm whether an implant rupture has occurred.
If it has ruptured you will probably need to have the implant surgically removed and replaced, although if you no longer want bigger breasts, the implants can be removed altogether. If they were fitted privately you will need to pay for the removal and replacement, but NHS patients may get their treatment for free providing the circumstances permit this.
For more information on breast surgery or implants visit The Cosmetic Surgery Guide Online for free, honest advice. Alternatively you can contact specific health organisations like BAAPS.
Remember- do your research. You should only have cosmetic surgery (of any kind) once you have understood the risks you are undertaking. It's important to choose a practitioner you feel you can trust, who offers you impartial advice about the procedure you're interested in.
Be smart, be safe.