Can you die from breast implants?

Amongst a lot of other information, the video below will help shed some light on the question, “can you die from breast implants.” In addition to that topic, the video from board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Kaplan will review the differences between various types of implants. Read a brief overview below and then watch the video for a more in depth discussion.

Saline vs Silicone vs Ideal Implant

Whether it’s saline vs silicone vs a newer type of implant called the Ideal Implant, all implants are made of a silicone shell. So if you’re nervous about silicone and risks like lupus, you can never truly get away from the silicone if you decide you want implants.

Many feel that saline is too much like a balloon. Not very natural feeling. Most would agree that silicone feels more natural. The Ideal Implant has many silicone shells inside the implant to make it feel more natural, and yet it contains saline.

Round vs Shaped

Round implants give a more buxom, fuller appearance. Shaped or tear drop implants give a more natural appearance without the fullness in the upper portion of the breast. Not everyone is a candidate for a shaped implant if they have too much breast tissue to begin with.

Round implants can be smooth whereas shaped implants have texture. The texture helps keep the implant in its proper position. More on texturing in the next section.

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and breast implant associated illness (BIAI)

A risk specific to texturing (most commonly found in shaped implants), is a type of lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma. ALCL isn’t really a cancer but if left without treatment, this type of lymphoma can result in death. But very, very rarely. The current belief is that ALCL arises from the scar tissue that naturally forms around all breast implants – even saline implants. That scar tissue can cause capsular contracture which is thick scar tissue that can cause pain or distort the appearance of the breast.

And in very rare cases, the scar tissue can develop into a lymphoma that will cause a sudden fluid collection around the implants. Your doctor can send the fluid to the lab to make a diagnosis. As long as the scar tissue is removed, the patient can expect to make a 100% recovery and death should not be the end result.

Lastly, in the video, there’s the discussion on breast implant associated illness. This is when patients who have implants have many specific or non-specific symptoms like malaise and lethargy. Unfortunately, there is not an easy way to diagnose this illness or what symptoms are part of BIAI. The FDA is still collecting information on this subject.

In the meantime, watch the video below.