The Truth About Replacing Breast Implants

P3R’s client and world-renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Randal Haworth is giving you the scoop. Santa Monica Daily Press covers Haworth’s thoughts on the topic in the article, “Check The Expiration Date on Implants.”

“As a plastic surgeon specializing in breast augmentation, I am frequently asked when breast implants should be ‘changed out’ or replaced for safety’s sake. Accompanying such queries are oft-paraphrased references from articles stating that implants should be changed every 10 years. Not only is this erroneous in my opinion but also bad medicine, since such articles carelessly promote unnecessary operations. We all know that unnecessary surgery can lead to avoidable complications, but it is little known that silicone breast implants are the most studied medical device in the whole history of medicine!

Then why is there a continuing controversy fueled by a minor, but vocal minority? To state that a political and not a scientific issue fuel this polemic is an understatement.

MRI recommendation after silicone gel breast augmentation:

1) The FDA has recommended an MRl of the breasts at three years post-op and every two years after. You are currently at one of these postoperative time frames.

2) Most silicone gel implant ruptures are silent. In other words, there are no symptoms.

3) MRI is not 100 percent accurate. Some intact implants will appear ruptured, and some ruptured implants will appear intact. This is not a fault of the radiologist or the MRl — this is the limitation of the technology.

4) Over many years of research, there is no indication that a ruptured implant will cause any disease.

5) If an MRI indicates a ruptured implant but at surgery it is found to be intact, for Allergan implants, the manufacturer’s full warranty still applies. For Mentor implants, the manufacturer will provide the implant replacement but no financial assistance.

6) You must understand that because of the limits of MRl technology, you may have surgery for an implant that is found to be intact, but you will still have undergone the possible risks and complications of surgery.

7) In most countries outside of the United States, the equivalent of the FDA does not recommend routine follow-up MRl.”

Check out the full article here: http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2011-12-09-73101.113116-Check-the-expiration-date-on-implants.html

Would you ever get your breasts augmented? And if so, would you get multiple MRI scans like the FDA recommends or follow the advice of a professional in the field?

Dr. Haworth is a recognized expert in the field of plastic surgery, specializing in facial surgery and breast augmentation. He is part of The Haworth Institute in Beverly Hills.

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