When the FDA re-approved silicone gel breast implants for cosmetic breast enlargement in November 2006, it also added a new recommendation regarding MRI screening exams for women who have silicone breast implants. It recommends that women having silicone gel breast implants should receive a MRI exam three years after surgery, and then every two years thereafter. If a rupture is detected on MRI, the FDA further recommends that the implant be removed and replaced.
I was an investigator for the FDA approval study for silicone breast implants, and in my arm of the study there were no routine MRIs recommended. Interestingly, in one study, a patient (not my patient) had an MRI that suggested a silent rupture and the patient elected NOT to remove the implant, but to follow it.
My first reaction upon hearing the recommendation was that it is a bit extreme. Statistically a woman’s chance of having a silent rupture of a silicone breast implant at three years is roughly 1 in 200. Prior to this recommendation, I clinically would often treat a silent rupture with observation, not surgery.
Okay, so it’s a catch-22, right? The FDA recommends the MRIs, many surgeons are equivocal at best, so what’s a woman to do?
First, keep in mind that the MRI recommendation for silicone breast implants is exactly that, a recommendation and not a requirement. The new silicone gel implants are filled with a cohesive gel that effectively prevents it from leaking out into the body if the implant does rupture. As a result the silicone implants currently used for breast augmentation surgery are much safer then the silicone implants of the past.
Just as making the decision to get breast implants is a personal one, so is the decision to strictly follow the routine MRI recommendations. By conducting routine breast exams you will be able to more easily notice any changes in your breasts or the silicone implants. Though it is not always accurate, an MRI will be the most effective way to determine a leak if you feel a change in your breasts.
Lastly, have a conversation with your plastic surgeon to discuss how he or she feels about the MRI recommendation. You’ll feel much more comfortable if you both are on the same page.
If you are considering breast augmentation in Denver, please contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
November 24, 2010
Boob Job in a Bottle – the 411 on Natural Breast Enhancement Products
Increasing breast size is an issue that has been on women’s minds for centuries. From the early implant attempts in the 1800s to the modern breast implants today, breast augmentation has always been an invasive plastic surgery procedure that includes incisions, placing breast implants, healing and recovery time. So when we hear about a natural breast enhancement product that claims to increase the bust size without the commitment required for surgery, it’s easy to become intrigued.
Earlier this year Boob Job®, a topical cream produced by the British beauty product manufacturer Rodail, hit the European market as a breast augmentation in a bottle. The company claims that by rubbing the cream on the breast and decollete areas the breasts will increase up to a half cup size, tightening and firming the breast tissue. How? It claims to work with your fat cells, blocking them as they move throughout the body after eating to stay in the areas the cream has been applied, namely the breasts.
With reported celebrity clients like Victoria Beckham and Scarlett Johansson it’s easy to see why the product hit the market with a splash. But does it really work?
Non-surgical breast enhancement products have been on the market for years in the forms of creams and pills. However, despite the hundreds of different natural breast enhancement products on the market, both the FDA and the Better Business Bureau have yet to find evidence of these products actually producing results. In some instances these products claims have been found to be defrauding customers. In 2003, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against the makers and marketers of Bloussant for false and unsubstantial claim. The old adage, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is” still applies to these products today.
Despite the numerous natural breast enhancement products on the market, breast augmentation surgery is the only proven method for breast enlargement. If you are interested in a breast enhancement in the Denver, Colorado area, please contact our office to schedule a consultation with our experienced cosmetic surgeon. Consulting with Dr. Nick Slenkovich can help you make a fully informed decision on which breast enhancement option is best for you.
