So many choices, so much to consider. Breast augmentation offers women the possibility to increase their bust size, improve their appearance, and feel better about themselves. Potential benefits account for the popularity of the procedure in New York City, and explain why so many women are very happy with their results.
As with any surgical procedure, patients should be cognizant of both pros and cons of breast implants. If you’re interested in breast implants, factors that you should consider and risks and complications need to be discussed with your aesthetic plastic surgeon. Options to evaluate include:
- Size, volume and degree of projection
- Silicone gel or saline fill
- Highly cohesive (“gummy bear”) or traditional silicone gel
- Round or anatomical (“tear drop”) shape
- Subglandular (under the breast) or submuscular (under the pectoralis muscle) position
- Incision placement
Among the possible risks due to either surgery alone or the implants themselves, including scarring, infection, capsular contraction and implant rupture, a more serious although extremely rare problem called ALCL may be observed in patients who have undergone breast augmentation. ALCL – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma – has lately been investigated in conjunction with patients with breast implants. There are only 71 cases reported worldwide, which translates to a risk of 1 in 3 million patients. A recent study from Europe examines the relationship of this extremely rare lymphoma with breast implants, and notes its association with breast implant capsule and fluid surrounding silicone implants. (1) Unlike other forms of lymphoma, removing the capsule may be curative, suggesting an immune reaction to the implants as a possible source of the abnormality.
Being fully informed about breast augmentation is essential to ensure patients are happy with their decision to undergo cosmetic breast surgery. Make sure to discuss all options for breast implants with you plastic surgeon.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a board certified female plastic surgeon in New York City. She specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast and body. Her office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side boasts a fully AAAASF certified Operating Room for the safety, comfort and privacy of her patients. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hutchinson please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400.
1. Ye, Xuan, et al. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and breast implants: Breaking down the evidence. Mutation Research 23 August 2014 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S138357421400043X.
