Saline breast implants side effects
Saline breast implants have been around for some time and have sparked many controversial debates over the past few years. Although silicone implants have been around much longer, saline implant surgeries are performed almost as much as silicone surgeries. Unlike silicone, saline implants use natural saline saltwater as a solution. This offers a much lighter weight and feel and provides a lower risk with regards to infections and other medical problems should a leak occur. Saline breast implants offer a much lower risk overall and an immediate detectability should a rupture occur. They cost less than silicone and create much less scarring after surgery because they are filled after they are inserted so there is a much smaller incision during the implantation process.
Of course with any surgeries there are always risks of complications and side effects. Saline implants have a much higher tendency to distort or completely collapse when they are laid in various positions and many feel that they simply do not last as long as silicone. One very common side effect of any breast implant surgery is when the scar begins to tighten. This can put too much pressure on the implant and causes the breast to feel hard. This can be treated, although sometimes the treatment includes completely removing the implant and replacing it with another. Other surgical side effects include infection around the implant, swelling and excessive bleeding.
Other saline breast implant side effects include under or oversensitive nipples and often the nipples may feel completely numb. The implants also have the potential to break or to leak. Ruptures have occurred although these are typically the result of injury. The good thing about saline implants is that if they do rupture, the saline solution will be very safely and harmlessly absorbed by the body and you will notice instantly that the implants have ruptured.
Nursing or breastfeeding may be possible with saline or silicone implants. Although there have been few studies done on any effects of saline implants on babies who are breastfed, it is always safer to check with your doctor if you are considering breastfeeding and you have saline implants. There has been no previous evidence to show implant solutions being present in breast milk or whether or not this solution is harmful to newborn babies if and when it is swallowed.
The most commonly reported problems with saline breast implants stem from the actual surgery although it is possible that you will need to have these implants replaced after just a few years. Breast implants, particularly those filled with saline are not designed to be lifetime placements. They may wear out much sooner than silicone and can often rupture quite easily. The risks for developing problems increase the longer you have the implants so after just eight to ten years, you may begin experiencing leaking or ruptures even without accidents or injuries. In order to detect leaks, ultrasound or mammogram tests will need to be conducted and even during these tests if a leak is small, it may not be detected.
The most commonly noted saline breast implant side effects include pain or soreness in and around the incision site, constant pain in the breast area, infection that requires intravenous antibiotics to heal and rupture. In order to determine whether saline implants are best for you, it is important that you fully understand all of the possible adverse side effects. Discuss with your doctor the potential for adverse effects and whether you feel saline is a safer alternative for you than the traditionally used silicone. Keep in mind that there are risks associated with any surgery. Be certain to discuss these risks with your doctor prior to having saline breast implants.
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