What are my health risks with breast augmentation?
Some of the most common local complications include breast pain, capsular contracture and infection. When breast implants are placed into the body, the body’s immune system detects the silicone pouches as a foreign body– and rightfully so. The body was designed to protect all of its internal organs; therefore, it can start to form a capsule surrounding the implant as a self-defense mechanism. This is termed a capsular contracture which then can result in misshapen breast alignment, a hardening effect of the breast tissue, chronic pain or discomfort.
There is also the potential for rupture, micro-leakage, or silicone leakage into the lymphatic system. FDA reports state that breast implants are not long term devices. Studies have shown that breast implants can last anywhere between 7 -12 years; additional studies report microleakage leakage and silicone migration. Although further investigation is warranted on the specific effects of silicone leakage into the body systemically, there are still signs that silicone is most likely not as safe as we once had been made to believe.
Earlier this year the FDA released a letter to health care providers to increase awareness that, regardless of the type of breast implant, there is an increasing association between breast implants and Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Due to the exposure of breast implants increasing BIA-ACLC, there are also concerns that there may be other long term implications such as other cancers and auto-immune conditions. As the research continues to unfold and enlighten us, we do know that breast implants do interfere with ability for mammograms to accurately detect breast cancer, increasing a woman’s chance for late breast cancer detection.
Possible risk factors:
Do I have a safer option?
Yes, there is a natural option — the Vampire Breast Lift. The Vampire Breast Lift is a procedure that uses a combination of your own Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic Acid, a substance that can be found naturally in our skin, to help create a natural shape and lift of the breasts. PRP, when placed in high concentrations in a localized area, such as the breast, can help stimulate growth factors and collagen, helping to plump, moisturize, and soften skin lines. Post-treatment you can expect a temporary increase in volume up to a half cup size that can last 3- 6 months. In addition, the Vampire Breast Lift can also be used as a preventative treatment to help reduce breast sagging that can be a result of the natural aging process.
