7 KEY THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS… FROM THE FDA
The FDA has approved breast implants for years now. But, they just came out with this video (linked below) on Aug 20, 2020, showing 7 key important facts you should know about your implants or if you are thinking about getting implants.
After having mine for about 10 years, I found this interesting and wish I had known half of this before getting mine!
1. NOT LIFETIME DEVICES
You should not expect to just have one surgery. You will have to have your implants replaced or even removed over time. The longer you have them the more complications you will have from the implants.
WHEN YOU GET BREAST IMPLANTS… Did You know, YOU DON’T JUST HAVE ONE SURGERY?
2. GET INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SURGEONS EXPERIENCE
Talk to your surgeon before, during, and after the surgery. This is important to know their experience and if they have seen complications from this specific surgery. And even more importantly… ask how implants will affect your health and life.
3. UNDERSTANDING THE GENERAL RISKS OF BREAST IMPLANTS
Risks include MORE surgery. Whether it’s complications during surgery or after.
Oh, and BTW… these extra surgeries aren’t covered by insurance.
Capsular contracture, breast pain, ruptures, and Breast Implant Illness (that last one isn’t included but I’m adding it in because it’s so important to know all the risks), are all complications that may come with having implants in your body.
4. REVIEW THE PRODUCT LABELING CAREFULLY
Ask your surgeon about the product you are putting in your body. You want to know about the warning signs and precautions.
Get the full information on the manufacturer of your implants, from your surgeon, take it home and do your research.
Did you know the manufacturer now has to put a warning label on the packaging of implants, identifying that their product may cause cancer and even death! Crazy, huh?
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR AFTER HAVING BREAST SURGERY… SO YOU DON’T EXPERIENCE WHAT Went through!
5. KNOW THE LONG TERM RISKS
Those who get implants are at risk for a certain type of cancer associated with breast implants. Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, BIA-ALCL for short.
Just to be clear this isn’t breast cancer. This cancer occurs in the fluid or scar tissue surrounding the implant then spreads throughout the body. This is treatable if caught early but can cause death.
Also, many women have reported issues from having long-term implants from fatigue, brain fog, muscle or joint pain, rash, and reproductive problems… Breast Implant Illness. And many women have reported that these symptoms have improved once they had their implants removed!
6. ASK YOUR SURGEON HOW TO CHECK AND MONITOR YOUR IMPLANTS
It’s important to recognize and be aware of any issues or problems after having breast implants. You want to look for problems like infection, pain, swelling, or any change in the shape and appearance of your breasts.
Those with Silicone implants will need regular checks to detect ruptures since they can’t be determined by physical exams. And just to remind you… this procedure isn’t covered by insurance either.
7. REPORT ANY UNUSUAL SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS TO YOUR SURGEON OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
The video didn’t cover much on this but from my experience the minute you know something is wrong with your implant… it affects your body in crazy ways.
Whether that’s cancer, BII, or even a rupture, you need to let your doctor know as soon as possible and take the next steps to regain your health back.
HERE’S THE VIDEO FROM THE FDA ON:
7 KEY THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BREAST IMPLANTS
