Silicone Breast Prosthesis Does Not Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Breast structure that completes the physique of the woman in body appearance has an important place in the measurements of shoulder width, chest circumference, waist and hip circumference. The small size of the breast and the breast structure of one breast being smaller than the other and asymmetrical due to different structural reasons, can be made aesthetically pleasing with silicone breast prostheses. Silicone applications do not prevent breastfeeding and do not create a basis for diseases such as cancer. Prof. Dr. Koray Coşkunfırat at Memorial Antalya Hospital Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Department provided information on breast prostheses.
The ideal size is found with trial prosthesis
Breast prostheses are balloon-like structures prepared in the shape of a breast. There are round and drop-shaped ones called anatomical. One of them is selected in accordance with the woman's breast. The balloon part is made of silicone, the surface of the prosthesis is produced as rough or flat. There may be a difference in the materials filling the balloon. Today, the most preferred breast prostheses are filled with silicone gel. These are produced in different sizes and volumes, and the prosthesis size suitable for the patient is determined after a detailed consultation with the doctor. In addition, the ideal size can be found by applying trial prostheses during the surgery and the original prosthesis can be placed according to this size determination.
Not a barrier to breastfeeding
Silicone surgery does not prevent breastfeeding and the risk of developing any disease, including breast cancer, does not increase compared to people who do not have silicone surgery. In breast augmentation surgery, there may be problems related to the prosthesis since the enlargement of the breast can be achieved with a foreign body for body. There may be hardening and narrowing due to the development of a membrane called a capsule around the prosthesis. The thin membrane does not cause any problems, in the case of a medium-thickness membrane, a slight hardness in the breast and a distinctiveness at the base of the breast can be noticed.
It is the same as normal breast tissue
Mammography and surgical examination to be performed later on the silicone applied breast do not pose a problem, the prosthesis is seen as a gap in mammography. The risk of developing cancer does not increase in a breast with a silicone breast prosthesis, it is the same as normal breast tissue. If breast cancer develops, surgery and other forms of treatment for breast cancer are applied in the breast with a prosthesis in line with the standards. Before deciding on breast augmentation surgery, the disturbing situation and the expectation from the surgery should be clearly explained to the doctor, the prosthesis to be selected, the incision to be applied to the prosthesis, the type of anesthesia, the early and late results of the surgery should be discussed in detail.
Surgical scars heal over time
An incision of 4-5 cm is made for the application of the prosthesis in the surgery. The placement of this scar can be from the inframammary fold, the edge of the nipple and the armpit. More important than the silicone insertion site is the shape and size to be achieved.
Wherever the entry is, a scar will remain. These are obvious at first but become less visible over time. The prosthesis can be placed behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle, depending on the patient's breast structure.
You can start work 4 days after the operation.
If the prosthesis is placed behind the chest muscle, there may be limitations in arm movements for a few days. A bra or dressing is applied to the breast after the surgery. If there are non-dissolving stitches, they can be removed after 10-12 days. There may be swelling in the early period, numbness in the nipple, and purplish discoloration on the skin. These disappear on their own in a short time. The patient can return to work within 4-5 days. After 3-4 weeks, the prosthesis settles into place and the breast regains its normal function. The patient is advised to stay away from heavy sports that require jumping and running for 2 months. Although the outer surface of silicone prostheses is very thin, they are highly resistant to external impacts. Normal and moderate level massages do not hurt. The person can lie face down 2-3 months after the operation. Tearing silicone is a rare condition, it can occur with being stuck in in-vehicle traffic accidents, falls from height and penetrating injuries.
Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.
