If you are considering enhancing your breasts with implants, but hesitate about the purported risks of breast augmentation, the results of a study published recently in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal may interest you. Here, Dr. Richard Lee reports on the findings and what they could mean for you.
What the Study Found
A research team (led by a consultant for Allergan, the manufacturer of the Natrelle 410 breast implants) looked at nearly 5,000 women that had silicone breast implants placed. The study subjects were evaluated prior to surgery and at four weeks post-operatively, six months post-operatively and annually up to 10 years post-operatively.
Most of the women (4,621) had their implants placed through inframammary incisions (in the crease of the breast) and 306 of them had their implants placed through perioareaolar incisions (around the edge of the areola). The researchers assessed incidences of lactation problems and lack of skin and nipple sensation in the subjects.
The data showed a very low rate of these complications. Among the women that had inframammary incisions, less than 1 percent experienced changes in nipple or skin sensation at the week-four, week-six and 10-year marks. Women that had periareolar incisions did not experience any nipple or skin changes. The incidence of lactation issues was similar to that witnessed in the general population (i.e., women that do not have implants and breastfeed). This information indicates that breast implants have little (if any) bearing on the ability to breastfeed.
Good News for Breast Augmentation Candidates
The results of the study should provide some peace of mind to women considering having breast implants placed. Although any surgical procedure carries some degree of risk, there is no reason not to believe that breast implants are safe and reliable devices. The chances of developing changes in skin or nipple sensation are very small. And the ability to breastfeed is not significantly altered by having implants — some women are unable to breastfeed, regardless of whether they have implants.
Learn More about Breast Augmentation
If you are interested in having your breasts augmented with implants, Dr. Lee would be happy to meet with you to evaluate you and explain your options. Please schedule a consultation with the doctor by calling 949-548-9312 or via email.
