How long does an implant last ?

There is no need to change an implant. The patient can keep the implant as long as she wishes unless there is wear and tear or if there are complications. Nevertheless, as a woman’s body changes with time (pregnancy, weight gain, menopause…), it may be necessary to re-operate after 10 to 15 years to firm up the skin and mammary gland.

Can women with implants breastfeed?

Positioning of the implant behind the mammary gland does not appear to restrict breastfeeding but it is advisable not to breastfeed for 6 months after the operation.

Is there a link between breast cancer and breast implants?

To date, no link has been found between breast cancer and implant insertion. It is therefore not more dangerous to have implants.

Silicone gel has been the subject of some controversy, what is the situation at present?

Similarly, to date it has not been shown that breast implants constitute a greater risk of auto-immune disease for women, and this is particularly true in the case of implants filled with silicone gel.

What are the risks of having an implant?

As the implant is never completely filled in order to remain supple, folds in the prosthesis envelope can sometimes be seen under the skin (this is not as obvious in the case of implants positioned behind the muscle).

The formation of a fibrous capsule around the implant is a natural occurrence. Nevertheless this can sometimes evolve abnormally and make the breast hard, and possibly even painful.

Another risk is rupture or collapse of the implant. For implants filled with saline solution, this originates from an impermeability problem in the filling valve. It should be noted that if this problem is related to an implant with silicone gel, the gel is usually contained in the prosthetic envelope.