BREAST AUGMENTATION

Answering all your questions about breast augmentation is beyond the scope
of this site. At consultation we will go into extensive detail and be sure you are thoroughly familiar with the entire subject so you can make a well informed decision.

Saline implants are not new. They were also used from the early 1960’s, but were used less frequently than silicone gel implants. The implants have a very good long term safety record and were the only implants available from 1992-2002. In 2002, gel implants became more freely available in Canada, although each case must be approved by the Health Protection Branch in Ottawa. Thi8s situation is under review both here and in the USA, where the FDA continues to request more information regarding safety before they approve gel implants for general useEach implant has advantages and disadvantages. We will be happy to discuss all possible options with you at consultation, and to do what is best for you.

Although saline implants can leak, collapsing in the process, this is very uncommon. When leaks occur, deflation is quite rapid, and harmless. Removal of the implant and replacement is generally a simple procedure, so periodic replacement before leakage occurs does not seem to be worthwhile. The leak rate is about 4% over ten years per implant, so your chance of having intact saline filled implants at ten years is over 90%. The manufacturers guarantee the implants against failure, so I suggest replacement only if there are problems.

Gel filled implants can also leak, but leaks are not as obvious. Current implant models are tougher than those used in the mid-1970’s through mid 1980’s, when early leakage was very common.

Yes. There is no change in the pressure within the implant at altitude or underwater, so there is no increased risk of rupture.

To learn more please visit our breast augmentation information page.