Breast implants FAQ: types, removal and side effects

Whether you’re considering getting breast implants, changing them or removing them, Mr Ahid Abood has answers to some frequently asked questions. After reading this article, you’ll know the fundamental facts regarding breast implant types, removal and side effects.

If you’ve had breast implants for a while, you may feel that the size, shape, texture, or even having an implant at all is no longer the right fit for you. Whatever your situation may be, Mr Ahid Abood is an expert in all aspects of breast implants and here he answers the following frequently asked questions.

How many different types of breast implants are there?

There are a number of different manufacturers of breast implants, and as a consequence, there’s a considerable variety amongst implants. Trying to select a specific type of implant to achieve the look you are after requires a lot of thought but to try and make the decision process a little easier, the different types can be generally separated into broad categories depending upon :

• their shape (round or ‘teardrop’)
• their texture (smooth or texturised)
• their ‘profile’ (how much the implants project from the chest wall)

Each of these characteristics will contribute to the overall appearance.

Can breast implants break or leak?

Yes, they can, however, the risk of this happening is small. Generally speaking, today’s silicone implants are made from a type of cross-linked or tightly bonded silicone that doesn’t leak and will remain in its solid form even if the shell of the implant ruptures.

What are gummy bear implants?

The term ‘gummy-bear’ relates to a type of teardrop-shaped implant. These are composed of silicone gel which is highly cohesive in nature. What this means is that the molecules of silicone that form the filling of the implant are all tightly held together and as a result, the implant is thicker or denser.

What if I want to get my breast implants removed?

It’s perfectly possible to have your implants removed and patients choose to do so for a variety of reasons. These reasons can range from wanting to change the size and/or shape of the implant to being in a different phase of life and no longer wanting to have implants altogether. If you’re thinking about having your implants removed then you should consult a GMC registered plastic surgeon who will be able to listen to your reasons and guide you through the process.

What’s being done to increase the safety of breast implants?

No surgical procedure is without any risk, however, across the spectrum of surgical procedures, breast augmentation is low risk.

There’s a great deal of good work going on in this area of safety in plastic surgery. This work involves collecting information or data from patients who have either had or are having breast implants. The information collected can help to improve patient safety and identify factors that could compromise the outcome of the surgery. The Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry (BCIR) is one example of this in the UK.

Mr Ahid Abood is a leading plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon in London and Cambridge. Click here to view his profile and to book your consultation.